Kumho Joins The Dragons In Icon Partnership Agreement

SYDNEY – April 19, 2010: Kumho Tyre Australia has announced it has signed as an 'Icon Partner' with one of the most successful Rugby League clubs in history, the St George Illawarra Dragons.

The Dragons one year deal was announced this week with the Dragons on top of the competition ladder after six weeks of the 2010 NRL season and the club aiming to improve on its 2009 minor premiership.

Kumho has a philosophy of involvement with prestige sporting organizations around the world including its partnership with the Manchester United Football Club in the English Premier League as an official club sponsor.

According to Kumho Tyres national marketing manager David Basha the involvement with the Dragons is logical and fits well with Kumho as it continues to build its brand recognition and values in Australia and across global markets.

"The Dragons is an iconic sporting brand in the Australian market just as Man U is in the UK and across the world," said David Basha.

"The club has a lot of marketing synergies for Kumho, not the least being the club's Red V which fits well with Kumho's red wave form logo," he said.

"Just like a good NRL team, tyres are all about performance, control and a safe approach in challenging conditions and the Dragons, particularly under coach Wayne Bennett, have demonstrated just that," he added.

"We will have prominent LED signage placement at Dragons home games however it will also provide us important access and involvement for our key tyre dealers," said David.

Dragons' CEO Peter Doust said he was proud to welcome Kumho on board as an icon sponsor of the team for 2010.

"It is great to have Kumho on board, it is clearly a rising brand in the global tyre market and here in Australia," said Doust. "We look forward to working with Kumho to develop our brands together throughout the year."

Since it's inception in 1960, Kumho Tyres has been a model of steady growth amid dramatic changes of business landscape. Driven by innovation in management and technical development Kumho has become the leading tyre company in Korea.

Over the past half-century Kumho Tyres has built the foundation for a sustainable company, which has thrived through a full range of business environments and has grown to be one of the world's top 10 tyre companies.

Kumho has succeeded in the development of superior tyres for all vehicles including high performance, passenger, sports utility and recreational vehicles, as well as light trucks, heavy truck and buses, industrial, agricultural, mining and Construction vehicles as well as aircraft.

Kumho produces more than 36 million tyres annually with a massive research and development program which comprises more than 600 research personnel and 300 testing machines at proving grounds in South Korea, Japan, Europe and South America, Kumho leads the world with the latest in tyre technology, safety and performance.

In Australia Kumho markets an extensive range of tyres for cars, 4WDs, light commercials, trucks and buses with a network centred around five state locations with the ability to distribute tyres to retailers across all areas of Australia.