Nexen Tire integrates driving simulator to accelerate tyre development

Nexen Tire has integrated a new “high dynamic driving simulator” at its central research institute in Seoul, which will be used to simulates real-world conditions in a virtual environment.

By applying vehicle specifications and parameters as if operating on actual roads, the system enables testing of acceleration, steering response, braking, and other performance metrics in a variety of driving conditions.

Nexen Tire said the driving simulator is the first to be introduced in the Korean tyre industry and represents a key turning point in advancing tyre research and development with VR and AI technologies.

With the adoption of this simulator, Nexen Tire expects to minimise unnecessary trial-and-error, reduce prototype production and real vehicle testing, and accelerate innovation while cutting costs.

By replacing costly and time-intensive physical road tests with virtual evaluations, engineers can conduct more precise tyre development within limited space and in various conditions.

The simulator will also allow Nexen Tire to more swiftly and accurately meet original equipment (OE) performance requirements from global automakers.

In particular, it is expected to strengthen collaboration in developing tyres for new concept and high-performance vehicles.

Furthermore, Nexen Tire said reduced reliance on prototypes and physical testing will contribute to lowering fossil fuel use and support the company’s ESG commitments.