The Nfera Sport (left) and N'Blue S. [Nexen Tire]
The Nfera Sport (left) and N'Blue S. [Nexen Tire]

Nexen Tire is offering tire rental benefits to customers who donate blood, aiming to encourage donations during the summer season when demand for tire replacements rises.

Nexen Tire announced Monday that it is running a promotional campaign tied to its tire rental service, NEXT LEVEL, for blood donors at Hanmaeum Blood Center.

The promotion runs through Aug. 31. Customers who donate blood at Hanmaeum Blood Center and complete a NEXT LEVEL rental contract and tire installation within the same period are eligible.

Benefits vary by the number of tires installed. Customers who install two tires receive a 30,000 won ($20) gift voucher, while those who install four tires receive a voucher worth 60,000 won. The vouchers are multipurpose and can be used at gas stations, hypermarkets and other retailers.

Nexen Tire described the promotion as a participatory corporate social responsibility initiative that balances spreading blood donation culture with consumer benefits. Summer is a period when donations tend to decline due to vacations and extreme heat, making stable blood supply management especially important. At the same time, the rainy season and sweltering temperatures heighten driver concern about tire wear and damage.

The campaign was organized to mark Nexen Tire's receipt of a commendation from the Ministry of Health and Welfare minister. The company received the award on June 14, World Blood Donor Day, in recognition of its contributions to promoting blood donation culture and stabilizing the blood supply. Nexen Tire was the only tire company among the 11 organizations honored this year.

The NEXT LEVEL service linked to the promotion is a tire rental offering Nexen Tire launched in South Korea. Rather than paying the full cost of tire replacement upfront, customers can spread payments on a monthly basis. The service also includes after-sales care such as damage warranties and regular inspections.

Nexen Tire is applying to its rental service the quality it has built through supplying tires to automakers for new vehicles. The company aims to broaden its reach among general consumers, drawing on its experience supplying tires to global automotive brands including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.

"We prepared this as a way to give back to those who participated in the act of sharing through blood donation, offering practical benefits that help with safe driving in summer," a Nexen Tire official said. "We hope this promotion serves as an opportunity to increase blood donation participation."


kwater@heraldcorp.com