NEWS

• First in the Korean tyre industry to adopt a High Dynamic Driving Simulator, enabling virtual driving environments
• Enhanced precision in tyre development using VR and AI technologies to support electrification and high-performance vehicles

NEXEN TYRE, a leading global tyre manufacturer, today announced the launch of a state-of-the-art High Dynamic Driving Simulator at its central research institute, THE NEXEN UniverCity, in Magok, Seoul, with an official opening ceremony. This marks the first introduction of a High Dynamic Driving Simulator in the Korean tyre industry, representing a significant advancement in tyre research and development through VR and AI technologies.

The High Dynamic Driving Simulator replicates real-world driving conditions in a virtual environment. By applying vehicle specifications and parameters as if operating on actual roads, the system allows engineers to test acceleration, steering response, braking, and other performance metrics under a wide range of driving scenarios.

With this simulator, NEXEN TIRE expects to reduce unnecessary trial-and-error, lower prototype production and real-vehicle testing, accelerate innovation, and cut costs. By substituting expensive and time-consuming physical road tests with virtual evaluations, engineers can achieve more precise tyre development within limited space and across various conditions.

The simulator will also enable NEXEN TIRE to more efficiently meet original equipment (OE) performance requirements from global automakers, particularly in developing tyres for new-concept and high-performance vehicles. Reduced reliance on physical prototypes will also help lower fossil fuel consumption, supporting the company’s ESG initiatives.

Global automakers are increasingly adopting virtual development processes to shorten product cycles and improve cost efficiency. Leading European premium brands already utilise driving simulators in their virtual test and development (VTD) processes, while Korean automakers are advancing virtual vehicle development capabilities. Industry experts anticipate that most leading automakers will soon formalise virtual development processes, significantly reducing physical testing requirements.

Building on this milestone, NEXEN TIRE plans to gradually establish a Full Virtual Development Process integrating finite element method (FEM) analysis and AI technologies, with the long-term goal of replacing all tests with simulation-based validation.

“Ahead of the industry trend towards virtual vehicle and tyre development, our High Dynamic Driving Simulator represents a strategic investment to lead the future mobility sector,” said John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO of NEXEN TIRE. “By combining VR and AI technologies, we will enhance both the efficiency and precision of our R&D, contribute to ESG management, and strengthen our global competitiveness.”