Nexen

Korean innovation delivering premium performance at accessible prices

Est. 1942•South Korea

History & Overview

Heung-A Tire Company was founded in 1942 in Korea, making it one of the country's oldest tire manufacturers. The company survived the Korean War and spent the following decades building manufacturing capacity to serve the growing domestic market. Through the 1970s and 1980s, Korean automakers expanded rapidly, and the company grew alongside them as a domestic supplier, developing the production infrastructure that would eventually support international ambitions.

After being renamed Woosung Tire in 1994, the company rebranded again in 2000 as Nexen Tire, taking the name from "Next Century" to signal a broader push beyond Korean borders. The N'Fera performance line became Nexen's calling card in export markets, offering genuine summer performance at prices well below the Japanese and European competition. The N'Fera SU1 earned OEM approval from Porsche for the Macan and from Volkswagen for select models, which gave the brand credibility that might have taken decades to build through aftermarket sales alone.

Nexen backed up those OEM relationships with substantial infrastructure investment. A technology center opened in Ohio in 2019 (breaking ground in 2017), and a manufacturing facility came online in the Czech Republic in August 2019 to produce tires for European fitments locally. The Czech plant was a strategic move that let Nexen supply European automakers without the logistics overhead of shipping from Korea, and it signaled the brand's intent to compete in the same tier as established mid-tier players.

Today Nexen sits solidly in the mid-tier segment, a meaningful step above budget brands and competitive with Hankook and Kumho on both price and performance. The N'Fera Sport is the current flagship for enthusiast buyers, while the Roadian lineup covers trucks and SUVs with the same value-focused approach. For buyers who research rather than shop by brand recognition alone, Nexen regularly delivers more than its price suggests.

For official specifications, visit Nexen's official website.

Popular Tire Lines

N'Fera SU1

Ultra High Performance Summer

Nexen's OEM-grade performance tire for sport compacts and crossovers. Asymmetric tread pattern with a silica compound earns it OE approval from Porsche and Volkswagen. Good dry and wet balance for a tire in this price range. Best for street-driven sport cars and crossovers in warm to mild climates. Available in 17"-22".

N'Fera Sport

Ultra High Performance Summer

Nexen's flagship enthusiast tire for sport sedans and coupes looking for more grip than their OE rubber. Wide center rib improves straight-line stability at speed, and the curved lateral grooves move water out efficiently. A strong value option compared to Hankook or Kumho tires in the same class. Street use, warm climates. Available in 16"-20".

N'Fera AU7

Ultra High Performance All-Season

Year-round option for performance car owners in climates where winter is real but not severe. Silica compound stays flexible in cooler temperatures without sacrificing the dry grip that makes the N'Fera name worthwhile. A reasonable compromise for drivers who want one set of tires and live somewhere with mild winters. Available in 17"-20".

N'Priz AH8

Grand Touring All-Season

Everyday touring tire for passenger cars where comfort and longevity matter more than outright grip. Low rolling resistance helps fuel economy, and the 70,000-mile warranty backs up the tread life claim. A solid choice for family sedans, commuters, and anyone who just needs a reliable all-season without spending a lot. Available in 14"-18".

Roadian HTX RH5

Highway All-Season

Highway touring tire for trucks and SUVs that spend most of their time on pavement. Optimized pitch sequence reduces road noise, and the reinforced shoulder blocks help maintain stability under load. Good daily driver option for truck owners who don't go off-road. 65,000-mile warranty. Available in 15"-22".

Roadian AT Pro RA8

All-Terrain

All-terrain for light truck and SUV owners who want genuine off-road capability alongside reasonable highway manners. Stone ejector ribs keep debris out of the tread, and the 3PMSF certification means it handles genuine snow. Good value entry into the all-terrain segment for budget-conscious truck owners. Available in 15"-20".

Price Range

$300 - $800+PER SET

Brand Highlights

  • OEM supplier for Porsche, Volkswagen, Fiat, Chrysler - rare achievement for Korean brand
  • Major R&D investment with technology centers in USA, Korea, and Europe
  • Czech Republic factory (opened 2019) produces European-spec tires locally
  • N'Fera line offers performance characteristics competitive with premium brands at lower price point
  • Strong warranty coverage - up to 70,000 miles on touring products
  • Rapid growth trajectory with focus on quality and technology over pure price competition

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