According to a recent press release, global tire manufacturer NEXEN TIRE announced the opening of a dedicated winter testing centre in Ivalo, Finland, within the UTAC Group's facilities. This new strategic infrastructure marks a key milestone in enhancing the company’s research and development capabilities while reinforcing its position in the global winter tire market.

Located over 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, the centre offers ideal climatic conditions to test tire performance on snow and ice. It features R&D offices, specialized workshops, and snow and ice test tracks stretching nearly 2,000 metres, equivalent to 20 football fields. The official opening is scheduled for December 2025, with construction and operations managed by UTAC, a European leader in automotive testing.

In response to growing demand for winter testing, NEXEN TIRE sought to secure permanent access to testing facilities, extending its test season from one to four months. This new space will support the development of high-performance winter tires that meet increasing market demands for safety, efficiency, and durability.

Winter tires must maintain excellent grip despite rubber hardening at low temperatures. This requires specific compounds and tread patterns, developed through rigorous testing in extreme conditions. The centre will also test products aiming for the European Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, essential for selling winter tires on the continent.

This new centre adds to NEXEN’s existing winter testing sites in Taebaek (South Korea) and Wanaka (New Zealand). This multi-continental presence enables the brand to conduct continuous winter testing year-round.

NEXEN TIRE is also investing in digital technologies. In 2024, the company launched a high-precision dynamic driving simulator—an industry first in Korea. This tool allows for virtual modelling of tire behaviour to optimize materials and tread patterns before physical testing.

“This centre is a key lever to reinforce our technological leadership in a context where winter performance standards are evolving rapidly,” said Travis Kang, Global CEO of NEXEN TIRE. “It will shorten our development cycles, improve product quality, and support our growth in strategic markets.”

Connor McCormack, CEO of UTAC, added: “We are pleased to welcome NEXEN TIRE to Ivalo. This long-term partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing safety and innovation in mobility.”