Damian Cole and Craig Drew took their Kumho-shod Ford Focus WRC to a well-deserved 13.3 second victory in the Jim Clark National Rally of May 28/29.

Matters could have been very different though, as the pair were lying in last place at the end of the first stage due to gear selection problems. Unable to change down with the Focus' wheel-mounted paddleshift, Cole was initially forced to negotiate even the tightest of chicanes in sixth gear. Happily, a close inspection of the system revealed that he could make the changes with the car's sequential lever instead. However, that meant using the clutch, which in turn required him to brake with his right foot - something he had never before done with the Focus. Said Cole, "I basically had to work out a whole new way of driving."

He managed it though, and by the end of the first leg he had worked his way up to 12th place - be it 55.9 seconds behind the then leaders, Andy Fenwick and Lee Tindall in a Subaru Impreza WRC. By the following morning, Cole's gearchange appeared to be fully operational and he took a full 4.2 seconds out of Fenwick on the first stage. Despite the gremlins then returning, Cole managed to maintain his relentless climb back up the field, taking the lead soon after the Subaru crew retired with brake problems. Commenting on the finale, Cole said, "It was very slippery on the last two stages. I just had to push as hard as I could."

Said Kumho's European Motorsport Manager Steve Thompson, "We were impressed with the way Damian worked around his rally-long gear problems to secure this excellent victory, which furthers our impressive record on this great event - last year Kumho-shod cars won both the National and International categories."

More than a third of drivers in the UK are needlessly increasing their fuel bills and taking extra safety risks by failing to keep their tyres properly inflated. The advice has been issued by TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation, in the month that average petrol prices reached a new all time high of 119.9p a litre. TyreSafe estimates that £0.7 billion of fuel is being wasted each year as a result of under-inflation. By keeping tyres inflated to their correct pressure, motorists benefit from lower fuel bills, longer tyre life, increased safety and reduced CO2 emissions.

"The recent rises in petrol prices are hitting drivers hard, yet many are failing to make one very simple check and adjustment that could save them hundreds of pounds over the year," comments Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. "By taking just a few minutes once a month to ensure that their tyres are inflated to the recommended levels, many drivers will notice a reduction in their fuel bills, helping to make their motoring safer and more affordable again."

In an extensive survey carried out by one TyreSafe member last year, more than 4,500 cars had their tyre pressures checked during a three-month period. An alarming 36 percent were found to be driving with tyres considered to be dangerous as they were under-inflated by more than 8psi.

When tyres run under-inflated their rolling resistance, or the force needed to make them turn, increases. This means that the engine has to work harder and more fuel is used, making the car less economical. Calculations from another TyreSafe member show that when tyres are under-inflated by just 20 percent or around 6psi, 3 percent more fuel is used.

In addition to the extra running costs caused by under-inflation, vehicle safety is also significantly compromised. Tyres run in this state are much more likely to suffer from a blowout, typically on motorways at high speeds, as excessive heat builds up within the tyre. Handling and grip are also affected, potentially causing irregular or unpredictable vehicle behaviour.

How to check your tyre pressures correctly:

1. Check your tyre pressures at least once a month.

2. Tyre pressures should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level which can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler cap or on the driver’s door sill.

3. Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles).

4. If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

5. Ensure a reliable and accurate gauge is used.

6. Check the pressure in all four tyres not forgetting the spare as well.

7. When checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stone or other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.

8. If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to a qualified specialist.

Manchester United's legendary ground turned into a 'Theatre of Road Safety' ahead of the game versus Tottenham on Saturday April 24, with some very special guests in attendance to help launch 'Play Safer'.

Developed by Kumho Tyres and the MU Foundation, in conjunction with Greater Manchester Police, 'Play Safer' is a new football skills and road safety training programme for children aged five to 11 years. 'Play Safer' is the only programme of its kind in the world as it uses the skills of professional footballers - such as vision, awareness, anticipation and control - to teach kids about road safety, which makes it a fun, effective way to save lives. There are 10 road safety skill cards to collect in total, featuring tips such as 'Control it like Berbatov' and 'Play it safe like Van der Sar'.

On the Saturday, children were able to enjoy free 'Play Safer' sessions coached by MU Foundation staff, with club mascot Fred the Red and some of the Manchester United Legends such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Irwin and Andy Cole joining in the fun.

Sir Bobby Charlton said, "I've always believed a football club, especially one as big as Manchester United, has a responsibility to contribute to the local community. I'm convinced that by using the power of football and some of our iconic players, this fantastic programme by Kumho Tyres and our own Foundation will help to keep our children safe on the roads."

This opinion is shared by all players from the current Manchester United team. South Korean winger Ji-Sung Park believes that 'Play Safer' is a great way to make children aware of the dangers of crossing roads and riding bikes', while the Red Devils left back, Frenchman Patrice Evra, reckons that 'It's great to transfer skills such as awareness and vision into helping kids with their crossing'.

The launch was also attended by John Thrupp, Kumho Tyres; John Shiels, Chief Executive of the MU Foundation; and Alec McMurchy, Chief Inspector of Greater Manchester Police.

John Thrupp commented, "At Kumho we take our corporate responsibility very seriously and are committed to helping children stay safe on the roads through initiatives such as 'Play Safer'. As official sponsor of Manchester United Football Club, our affiliation with it and our partnership with Greater Manchester Police for this event provided an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of road safety in a fun and engaging way that children both enjoyed and learned from."

John Shiels said, "Children's safety is very important to us at the Foundation and so it was a privilege to work alongside our sponsor in launching the 'Play Safer' campaign. The event was great fun and highly educational at the same time and we were delighted at the opportunity to show children how they can use football skills to keep safe on the road."

Alec McMurchy concluded, "Public safety is a top priority for Greater Manchester police. 'Play Safer' provides an ideal opportunity for children to learn about the risks and dangers associated with our roads. Using football skills and expertise from Manchester United offers an interesting way to equip children with the right knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe."

Research conducted between December 2009 and February 2010 shows Kumho car tyres to have been the first brand recommendation of Britain's local independent tyre specialists. In fact, at an average of 5.6 per cent, Kumho products were recommended first more than twice as often as those of some traditional household-name brands.

Kumho's 4x4 tyres also faired well in the survey, being the third most likely brand to be recommended first by independents, behind Bridgestone and Pirelli.

The data is based on an ongoing and large scale marketing survey conducted by market analysts Encircle Marketing. Sampling across all of the UK's tyre distribution channels, the data focuses on recommendations and pricing data.

It is widely accepted that dealer recommendation has considerable bearing on customer choice, as tyres are a highly technical product and customers generally rely on dealer advice regarding the relative performance, safety, wear and environmental credentials of the multitude of brands now available on the UK market.

Said a Kumho Tyres' spokesperson: "These results are extremely rewarding for us. Dealers' reputations are all important to them and they don't recommend products unless they really believe in them. Moreover this news comes on the heels of a string of positive press tests and industry awards for our tyres. These accolades show we continue to gain ground against the more established brands and are providing products that the market wants."

The number of tyre related deaths and accidents on the UK’s roads could be set to rise after new research from TyreSafe revealed that more than one in ten drivers is more likely to buy part worn tyres compared with 12 months ago. Many regulations govern the sale of part worn tyres however these do not take into account the integrity of the internal structure of the tyre which may have become damaged by hitting potholes, kerbs or running at too low pressures, making them dangerous to use.

The German magazine Auto Bild is one of the world's most successful automotive titles (2.8 million readers in Germany alone) - as such, the results of its tyre tests are regarded as highly credible and extremely influential. The latest one ranked the Kumho ECSTA HM KH31 third overall out of 14 summer products from 13 tyre manufacturers - including Michelin, Continental, Pirelli and Goodyear - and 'exemplary' overall.

Tyres in the popular size of 185/60R15 were assessed for handling, braking, driving comfort and fuel efficiency. The resulting report concluded that 'the KH31 demonstrated a high degree of balanced performance on both wet and dry surfaces, good aquaplaning resistance and low pass-by noise levels'. The summary recorded that the KH31 was one of three tyres to offer 'reassuringly high reserves of safety'.

Last year the KH31 tied for second place in a tyre test conducted by another well regarded German publication - Autozeitung. With its upgraded ultra high-performance tread compound technology, the KH31 boasts enhanced driving ability and extended product life. Europe is a key market for Kumho and accounts for some 30 per cent of the Korean company's overseas sales. Such good test ratings will do much to raise the level still higher.

Roger Jenkins, managing director of Kumho Europe Technical Centre, said, "The recent test results endorse our growing technological prowess and product quality. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we will optimise our accumulated R&D assets with the aim of further increasing our impact on the global market."

The last few months have been especially successful for Kumho. In addition to the test results already mentioned, the company recently won the 'Tire Manufacturing And Design Innovation Of The Year' Award for its laser etching process. It received the accolade at the Tire Technology Expoin Cologne - the largest event of its type in the world. Late last year it collected one of the coveted German iF Product Design Awards for the same milestone technology.

Kumho has announced the expansion of its already fruitful partnership with Daimler AG by supplying tyres for original equipment (OE) fit to the Sprinter range of Mercedes-Benz vans. The contract relates to vehicles sold in Europe, North America and Asia, and comes into force this month.

Kumho will supply its Radial 857 commercial van tyre in size 235/65R16C 115/113R for Sprinter models up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight manufactured at Daimler's Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde plants in Germany. The 857 is known for its excellent handling characteristics, durable casing and good wear performance.

The Korean tyre company began supplying tyres to Daimler in 2007 with the A-Class range. This was followed by the Viano X-CLUSIVE in 2008 and, more recently, the Actros range of rigid trucks and tractor units for the Korean market. Kumho is also a supplier to Smart.

The Sprinter is one of the best selling vans in Europe, and Kumho hopes the new OE contract will help grow awareness for its extensive product range and thereby also increase sales in the replacement tyre market. The company has an aggressive strategy to further increase its OE business - especially with the world's premier brand manufacturers.

Driving over potholes can alter the vehicle's steering and suspension geometries or damage critical components which can reduce vehicle safety or generate extra running costs. By ensuring wheels are correctly aligned, drivers can minimise the effects of any pothole damage and ensure they remain as safe as possible.

"The recent bad weather will inevitably increase the number of potholes we see on our roads which can cause a number of serious safety issues for drivers," explains Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. "If a car's wheels are not correctly aligned it may pull to one side or cause vibrations in the steering wheel which can be distracting and make the vehicle difficult to control. By visiting your local garage or tyre dealer they will be able to perform some simple checks to make sure the wheels are correctly aligned, helping you to stay safe."

According to the AA, last February's heavy snow increased insurance claims for pothole damage by more than 250 percent. With the current prolonged spell of snow and freezing conditions, road damage is expected to be even worse this year.

As well as the safety benefits offered by correct wheel alignment, motorists can also reduce their running costs. When a vehicle's wheels are properly aligned, it is less likely to suffer from premature tyre wear as the tyres point in the correct direction, reducing any ‘scrubbing' action on the road surface. This also helps to reduce the rolling resistance of the tyres meaning that fuel costs are also reduced.

"When a driver has their wheel alignment checked, the garage will also be able to give the tyres a proper inspection to ensure they have not suffered any damage from the pothole," continues Jackson. "Cuts or bulges in a tyre mean that it is likely to have suffered some serious internal damage making it unsafe and illegal. The garage will also be able to check that the tyres have adequate tread depth and the correct pressure, both essential for safe driving."

For further information about tyre safety visit www.tyresafe.org

Kumho's laser etching technology was lauded at the recent (February 10) Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence 2010. The milestone process won the award for 'Tire Manufacturing and Design Innovation of the Year'. It was one of five prestigious prizes presented at a gala dinner on the second night of the three day Tire Technology Expo at the Cologne Messe. The Expo is Europe's leading international tyre design and exhibition and conference that, like the dinner, is organized by UKIP Media & Events Ltd.

Kumho's laser etching system was launched at last Autumn's Frankfurt motor show and embodies technology that is set to transform the way the company designs its tread patterns. The award was collected by Roger Jenkins, managing director of Kumho's Birmingham-based European Technical Centre (KETC), who said, "We are delighted to have been selected for this accolade - it means a great deal to us that such a prestigious panel of judges has recognized the pioneering nature of our work. It is a milestone for Kumho and falls on the 50th anniversary of the company's inauguration.

"Of course it represents the work of many people, in particular the engineers at KETC and our R&D operation in Korea, who are always open-minded about our ambitions. Thanks too to for the patience and expertise of our development partners in the UK."

The influential 17-strong judging panel comprised: Manfred Haider, Arsenal Research; Victor Underburg, Audi; Marco Pesce, Centro Ricerche Fiat; Oliver Scholz, Fraunhofer Institut; Dr John Bullas, Atkins Highways and Transportation; Damian Harty, Prodrive; Guy Edington, Standard Testing Laboratories; Oluremi Olatunbosun, University of Birmingham; Gaetano 'Guy' Mannino, Verdek; Walter Reithmaier, TUV SUD; Roger Williams, consultant; Joe Walter, University of Akron College of Engineering; Ulf Sandberg, Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI); Adam Gavine, Tire Technology International; Sean Kane, Safety Research & Strategies; Paul Haney, InfoTyre and Dr Ali Ansarifar, Loughborough University.

This is the second major prize Kumho has received for its laser etching process, the first being an iF Product Design Award.

Kumho has won an iF Product Design Award for the innovative laser etching technology it launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. A total of 2486 entries were submitted by 1061 companies from 39 nations for the contest, from which Kumho was declared victorious in the Advanced Studies category.

Introduced in 1954, the German iF accolade is considered to be one of only four design awards of world renown. The criteria for selection comprise: design, technology, degree of innovation and brand value potential. The award process, which is recognised for its rigorous and fair judgement, is conducted by experts from around the world, including some famous designers.

The laser etched tyre shown at Frankfurt, which incorporated the company's logo, embodies technology that is set to transform the way Kumho designs its tread patterns. It was this concept tyre, together with a typical application of Kumho's products of the future, that the company entered for the award.

Said Roger Jenkins, managing director of Kumho's Birmingham-based European Technical Centre, "Consumers take into account the design of a tyre as well as its performance when making a purchase. Kumho was one of the first companies to recognise this and continually invests in the development of both aspects. It is therefore all the more rewarding to have our work recognised with such a prestigious award."

There are many facets to the award, including a six month display of the winning entries at the Hanover Exhibition Centre, which will be visited by 250,000 people from March 2 onwards, and an online exhibition on the iF website for an indefinite period from March.