Kumho is usually associated with car tyres rather than concept cars, but that has not stopped it from designing a futuristic, environmentally-friendly SUV called the Fortis.

The Fortis is the work of a British designer working in Kumho's European Technical centre in Birmingham. To address criticisms that off-road vehicles are not the most environmentally friendly machines the Fortis has a strong 'eco' emphasis. It is powered by a lithium ion battery pack, which supplies charge to four, 100bhp electric motors - one for each wheel. The individual motors allow easy switching between front-, rear- and four-wheel drive. The batteries can either be charged as normal or, when there isn't time for a full charge, the battery pack can be swapped for a fresh one.

Other design touches include light clusters apparently inspired by Korean glass sculpture and body panels made from recycled tyre rubber. The chassis is described as a modular design that 'will be developed through subsequent designs' with four vehicles planned in total.

As you might expect from a tyre company the rubber is something special. Rather than needing different covers for on- and off-road driving, the Fortis has tread that can be adjusted by altering the tyre pressures. Metal 'biters' inside the tread provide the necessary off-road performance, but for road driving the tyre is fully inflated so that the rubber covers the biters.

The Fortis certainly looks the part of the 21st century sport utility vehicle and electric cars are currently in vogue. However, don't expect Kumho to start building cars.

John Lambert - 31 Jul 2009