Last Updated on October 25, 2024
Nexen Tires for Different Driving Needs and Conditions
Although the Nexen name is relatively new in the car tire industry, its roots trace back to the early 1940s, when it began modestly as a small rubber factory in Yangsan, South Korea, and transformed into an innovative tire manufacturer.
Nexen quickly gained attention for producing high-performance tires at affordable prices, making its products highly sought-after in its segments. In this article, we’ll explore Nexen’s rich history, popular tire models, cutting-edge technology, and success in motorsport, highlighting what truly sets the brand apart from its competitors.
Nexen Tires Background
Nexen Tires’ story began in 1942 when it was founded as Heung-A Tire Company in Yangsan, South Korea. At that time, the company specialized in manufacturing tires for domestic vehicles. As the South Korean economy developed in the post-war era, Heung-A Tire Company expanded its operations and became a crucial player in the tire industry.
In 1956, the company became South Korea’s first manufacturer of radial tires, cementing its place as a pioneer in the nation’s automotive market. In 2000, the company rebranded as “Nexen,” a combination of “Next” and “Century,” signifying its forward-thinking approach. Nexen’s focus on innovation and quality has expanded into over 140 countries, making it one of the biggest tire companies, with an annual output of over 52 million tires.
Popular Nexen Tire Models
Nexen Tires offers a comprehensive lineup of tires for different driving needs, including all-season, performance, off-road, and winter tires. All Nexen products are recognized for their quality, dependability, and affordable prices.
Nexen N’Fera RU5
Category: All-Season SUV Tire
Designed for high-performance SUVs and crossovers, the N’Fera RU5 offers excellent handling, superior traction, and comfort in dry and wet conditions. The tire’s asymmetrical tread design enhances stability, while its silica compound improves fuel efficiency.
Nexen N’Fera SU1
Category: Ultra-High-Performance Summer Tire
Tailored for sport sedans and high-performance cars, the N’Fera SU1 provides exceptional grip and responsive handling on dry and wet roads. The tire is noted for its low road noise and durability, making it ideal for spirited driving.
Nexen Roadian MTX
Category: All-Terrain/Mud-Terrain Tire
Designed for off-road enthusiasts, the Roadian MTX (Mud Terrain Xtreme) is an aggressive tire that excels on rough terrain. It features a dual sidewall design for added versatility and ruggedness, making it suitable for trucks and SUVs navigating through mud, rocks, and snow.
Nexen N’Priz AH8
Category: All-Season Tire
This tire is a popular choice for drivers seeking reliable performance year-round. It delivers a smooth and quiet ride with enhanced traction in light snow, thanks to its four wide longitudinal grooves that improve water drainage.
Nexen Winguard Ice Plus
Category: Winter Tire
The Winguard Ice Plus is designed to perform in extreme winter conditions, offering excellent traction on snow and ice. Its multidirectional tread pattern enhances stability and braking performance in cold weather.
Nexen Roadian HP
Category: SUV/Light Truck Tire
The Roadian HP is specifically designed for high-performance SUVs and trucks. Its tread pattern offers excellent grip and handling in wet and dry conditions and focuses on delivering a comfortable ride.
Nexen Tire Technology and Features
Nexen Tires has earned a reputation for integrating cutting-edge technology into its tire development process.
1) 3D Nano Grip Technology
Nexen’s advanced 3D Nano Grip optimizes the tread compound to increase traction on wet and dry surfaces, improving the tire’s handling and overall performance. It’s especially beneficial for ultra-high-performance tires like the N’Fera SU1, which demands precise control at high speeds.
2) Dual Sidewall Design
Nexen’s Roadian MTX series offers off-road enthusiasts a unique dual sidewall design, allowing users to customize the tire’s aesthetic based on terrain. One side of the tire presents an aggressive, rugged look for intense off-roading, while the other features a more refined design suited for highway driving. This dual design adds versatility and durability, especially in rough conditions.
3) Noise Reduction Technology
Nexen’s proprietary noise reduction technology minimizes road noise for a quieter, more comfortable ride. By optimizing tread patterns and using high-quality rubber compounds, Nexen tires absorb road vibrations and deliver a smoother driving experience, perfect for everyday commutes or long trips.
4) Aramid Reinforcement
Nexen’s high-performance and off-road tires, such as the Roadian MTX, feature aramid fiber reinforcement. Aramid, the same strong synthetic fiber used in bulletproof vests, enhances tire durability and puncture resistance. It is the perfect companion for drivers navigating rugged off-road environments where sharp objects and debris pose a hazard.
5) Silica Compound
Nexen utilizes a high-silica tread compound in many tire models to improve fuel efficiency and wet-weather performance. Silica increases the tire’s flexibility, enabling it to maintain grip in cold temperatures and during heavy rain. This compound optimizes braking distances and fuel economy in performance and all-season tires.
Nexen’s Motorsport Success
Nexen Tires has also made significant strides in motorsports, using racing as a platform to test and develop new technologies. Every new feature Nexen introduces undergoes rigorous testing in competitive motorsport environments, ensuring the tires are built to withstand real-world challenges.
Nexen Tires has earned international recognition in the world of drifting, sponsoring teams and events in the Formula Drift Championship. Nexen’s N’Fera SUR4G tires, designed for ultra-high performance, have been popular among professional drift racers. These tires are known for their precise handling, quick response time, and exceptional grip, making them perfect for the controlled yet aggressive drifting style.
The brand also shines in rallycross, a form of racing that blends off-road and asphalt terrain. Rallycross demands tires can handle sharp turns, rapid acceleration, and rough landscapes while maintaining grip and stability. Nexen’s involvement in rallycross highlights the brand’s ability to deliver high-performance tires capable of performing in diverse racing conditions.
Conclusion
Nexen’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology like 3D Nano Grip, aramid reinforcement, and noise reduction features solidified its reputation for delivering top-notch performance, safety, and comfort.
From its humble beginnings in South Korea to becoming a recognized name in motorsports, Nexen’s commitment to innovation, performance, and customer satisfaction is evident. As the brand expands globally, its dedication to excellence makes it a trusted choice for drivers across all vehicle types and conditions.
