Leading rally tyre maker Kumho will remain as the exclusive tyre supplier to the Australian Rally Championship for a further three years with the announcement of increased commitment to the series.

The new agreement will see greater investment by Kumho with continued support to assist in revitalising and further building the sport.

Kumho began its association with the ARC in 2010 championship and has used the series as real world research and development of its tyre range.

According to Kumho Tyre Australia national marketing and training manager, David Basha, the Australian Rally Championship is a key partnership for the brand.

"Kumho is proud to continue as the official tyre supplier to the Australian Rally Championship," said David Basha.

"We've been a significant contributor to the sport over the past three years and we were keen to continue our relationship."

"We're looking forward to increasing our support because we see it as an opportunity to showcase Kumho's motor sport capabilities.

"The Australian Rally Championship covers some of the toughest roads in Australia the knowledge we gain through rally directly influences the development of our normal road tyres for the Australian market."

Competitors have praised the rally spec tyres for their durability, predictability and high grip levels over the past three years.

"Kumho has proven to be incredibly reliable for competitors in the ARC and we're confident continuity over the next three years will not only be welcomed but will help further improve the breed," David Basha said.

"We look forward to continuing to foster our relationship with the series and its competitors in the next three years," David said.

The 2014 Australian Rally Championship kicks off in Canberra on 1st March with the National Capital Rally followed by another five rounds across Australia culminating with the final round in Victoria in November.

Since its 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 one of the top ten tyre companies in the world.

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.

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 68 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, China, Europe and North 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, 4WD's, 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.

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