Hankook remains exclusive tire partner for W Series... Stellantis rolls on ‘double A rated’ Conti tires... First test win for the Continental SportContact 7... Michelin launches new Evobib farm tire... Hankook tires on 2022 Infiniti QX60

ERJ tracks latest announcements from global tire manufacturers about new OE  fitments, road testing results and advances in compound development and tread design

Hankook remains exclusive tire partner for W Series Hankook has been selected as the official tire partner for W Series for a third season. The all-female single-seater series will race with Hankook’s high-end Ventus Race tire at eight Formula 1 weekends in 2022. Hankook has been a W Series partner since the formula racing series debuted in 2019.

Stellantis rolls on ‘double A rated’ Conti tires

Continental has developed a tire, based on its EcoContact 6 (215/60 R17 96H) with “a significantly improved rolling resistance” for Peugeot, DS and Vauxhall vehicles with electric drives and combustion engines. All electric SUVs, the Peugeot e-2008, the Vauxhall Mokka-E and the all-electric DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, as well as the combustion engine versions of these models, will be factory-equipped with the 17-inch double A-rated tire, according to Conti.

Michelin launches new Evobib farm tire

Michelin is launching a new version of its Evobib farm tire, which received a SIMA gold medal for innovation in 2017 for the 2-in-1 concept. The tire is specifically designed to be used with central tire inflation systems (CTIS), which offers an adaptive design for both road and field use. Two sizes of Michelin Evobib: VF 710/70 R 42 and VF 600/70 R 30, will be available for farmers from 1 April.

First test win for the Continental SportContact 7 Continental SportContact 7 received first place in the Tyre Reviews 2022 ultra high-performance test, the tire’s first ever test win. According to Conti, the new model features many improvements over its predecessors, including a reduction in wet braking distances by 8% and 6% better in dry braking. According to Jonathan Benson of Tyre Reviews the tire “sets a new benchmark in the wet, finishing both tests with an impressive gap to the next best tire.”

Hankook tires on 2022 Infiniti QX60

Hankook’s all-season Dynapro HP2 has been selected as OE fitment on the new ‘luxury SUV’ Infiniti QX60. The tire, to be supplied in size 255/50R20, features low noise, good handling response and low rolling resistance. The tire has a high density polyester carcass that improves steering stability and handling response while a high loading silica compound lowers rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency.

Conti launches new tire for airport ground support operations Continental has launched a new all-season industrial tire for airport logistics, with high braking performance both in summer and winter. The tire, which features three-rib tread for improved braking, and angled pocket sipes for optimum traction, will spare fleet operators from changing the tires every season. The tire is produced in Continental’s production site for industrial material handling tires in Otrokovice, Czech Republic.

Sumitomo Rubber launching first replacement tires for EVs 

Sumitomo Rubber will be launching its first tires designed for EVs this April in China. The new tire, e. ZIEX, according to Sumitomo Rubber, offers “one of the best energy efficiency” of any tire developed by the Japanese group. In addition, Falken Tyre Europe is also planning to release the “e. ZIEX” in 2023 as its first replacement EV tire for Europe.

Full-electric Mercedes EQA equipped with Conti tires Mercedes has selected Continental to equip its new fully electric SUV EQA, which will come off the line on EcoContact 6 tires in sizes ranging from 18 to 20 inches. Continental has lowered the rolling resistance of the EcoContact 6 by 15% compared with its predecessor, using a special rubber compound. This reduces tire deformation caused by heavy loads and can increase the range by 3-4%. 

Pirelli P Zero on new Alfa Romeo Tonale

Specially developed Pirelli P Zero tires are fitted on the new Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Italian brand’s first mass production electric vehicle. In size 235/40R20 96V XL, the P Zero has been chosen as OE for the various versions of the Tonale: hybrid, plug-in hybrid Q4 and diesel. The two Milanese brands said they had been working on developing the tires for the vehicle since 2019.

Yokohama’s Advan Sport V107 on leading German car makers 

Yokohama Rubber has begun delivering Advan Sport V107 tires to BMW for OE use on the BMW X5 M performance sports activity vehicle (SAV) and BMW X6 M performance sports activity coupe (SAC). Yokohama had previously supplied Advan Sport V105 as OE  In addition, Yokohama is supplying the Advan Sport V107 tires to Mercedes-AMG for the group’s electric vehicle Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+. The new EV is being fitted with 275/35R22 104Y size front and rear tires.

Continental supplies farm tires to New Holland

Continental AG has started supplying TractorMaster and VF TractorMaster tires for the New Holland T5, T6 and T7 tractor series. The New Holland tractors series will be equipped with tires of various sizes to better meet customers’ needs. The tire portfolio ranges up to a tire width of 710mm and a rim diameter of 42’’ 

Pirelli unveils the new Diablo Rosso IV Corsa Pirelli has unveiled the new Diablo Rosso IV Corsa bike tires, which is claimed to be a ‘fiercer version’ of its predecessor Diablo Rosso IV. The limited edition “high-performance hypersport tire” offers higher grip in dry conditions, helped by a slicker tread design that offers a larger footprint area. 

Trelleborg displays “cutting-edge” tech for next generation farming  Trelleborg is exhibiting TM1000 ProgressiveTraction at the National Farm Machinery Show 2022, held in Lousiville, Kentucky in February. The tire is claimed to provide “superior flotation, less stress on the soil and unbeatable traction,” compared to other products on the market. The tire, Trelleborg said, is designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and assures “premium handling and comfort while extending tire life”.

Nokian unveils new light truck Hakkapeliitta winter tires  Nokian is launching a new range of winter tires for van and delivery vehicles this autumn. The Hakkapeliittas range includes Hakkapeliittas C4 studded tire to “master all the elements of winter” as well as Hakkapeliitta CR4 Nordic non-studded tires for urban streets and unploughed urban gravel roads. Nokian said it increased the durability of the tires using Aramid sidewall technology. Key markets for the tires are the Nordic countries and Russia.   

Michelin launching news Pilot Sport 5, Primacy 4+ tires

Michelin is launching its new summer tire, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, intended for sports car and high-performance sedan enthusiasts. The tire, Michelin claims, is “the best performing summer tire among its main competitors in terms of life span for the sports category.” Michelin is also launching its new Primacy 4+ summer tire, designed for sedans and SUVs, with high wear resistance. The tire features EverGrip technology, which combines two layers of rubber in order to offset the loss of tread depth and thus continues to better evacuate water when worn.   Falken set for spring launch of new Azenis FK520  Falken Tyre Europe is launching a new range of Falken Azenis FK520 ultra high-performance tires this spring. The sporty handling oriented UHP tires are reinforced with Aramid, to provide greater stability and more precise steering behaviour. The weight of the tire has also been reduced by 10% compared to its predecessor, helped by “the latest construction techniques.” The new range will initially come in 81 sizes, from 17 to 21 inches, for cars and powerful SUVs. All tires in the series are authorised for speed category Y (300 km/h).

Apollo Tyres deploys EVs for tire deliveries Apollo Tyres has taken the first step towards reducing its carbon footprint across its value chain. The company has kicked-off a pilot initiative by deploying electric vehicles for the delivery of tires from its regional distribution centre to multiple business partners in Bengaluru, in the southern part of India. 

Yokohama’s Geolandar X-CV factory-equipped on Toyota’s Lexus LX

Yokohama Rubber began supplying Geolandar X-CV highway terrain tires to Toyota Motor in January for use as original equipment tires on the new Lexus LX SUV. The Lexus LX is being fitted with 265/55R20 and 265/50R22 size tires.  Geolandar is Yokohama’s brand of tires for SUVs and pickup trucks, and the company is accelerating the expansion of the brand’s lineup.

Conti’s crossover tires on Land Rover Defender, Kia EV6  All Land Rover Defender models, including the plug-in hybrid, are now equipped ex-works with Continental’s 19 and 22-inch CrossContact RX crossover tires. The line of tires was developed for crossover and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and features a performance profile that is both sporty and suitable for off-road use. In addition, Conti is supplying its PremiumContact 6 and CrossContact RX tires, equipped with ContiSilent technology, to the all-electric Kia EV6 sporty crossover car in the UK. 

ZC Rubber OE on Hyundai trucks in China

ZC Rubber is supplying new patterns and sizes of truck tire ranges for various Hyundai long-haul truck models in China. These include Hyundai Hongtu EV model, a pure electric light truck, which is equipped with ZC Rubber’s high-performance tires. ZC Rubber will also be an OE tire supplier for the premium truck Hyundai Xcient for improved fuel economy. 

‘Top marks’ for Falken summer tires in 2022 ADAC wear test 

​ The Falken Azenis FK510 summer tire has been awarded “top marks” in the 2022 ADAC tire wear test, which examined the tire abrasion particles produced by three summer and three winter tires from 15 tire manufacturers. The Falken Azenis FK510 came first in the 225/40 R18 fitment category, while the Falken Ziex ZE310 Ecorun came third in fitment 185/65 R15, contributing to Falken placing fourth overall.

Conti launching new UltraContact for summer tires 

​ Continental is set to launch the new UltraContact passenger car summer tires, with ‘redesigned compound and tread’ to offer more mileage potential, safe handling, short breaking distance and low rolling resistance. Scheduled for spring launch, the tire tread features ‘YellowChili’ durable compound which reduces wear. 

Conti’s PremiumContact 6 on new electric Jaguar, Polestar 2 Continental has announced a series of new OE supply contracts, including with Jaguar Land Rover for the new all-electric I-Pace SUV. Conti will be supplying 22-inch PremiumContact 6 summer tires, featuring an extra load rating and ContiSeal puncture protection, as original equipment for the latest iteration of the car.  Similarly, the all-electric Polstar 2 is equipped with PremiumContact 6 and SportContact 6 tires as OE fitment. Conti will supply the tires in size 245/40 R20, with featuring ContiSilent technology for quiet driving experience. 

Hankook unveils futuristic airless i-Flex concept tire 

​ Hankook unveiled the latest version of its airless i-Flex concept tire at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held in Las Vegas early January. The non-pneumatic tire, mounted on Hyundai’s Plug & Drive (PnD) module, has a “biomimetic design” which enables “excellent shock absorption and load-bearing capacity”. To achieve the properties, Hankook said it adopted a “multi-layer interlocking spoke inspired by the cellular structure of living organisms.”

Dunlop sport on new Subaru WRX S4 Dunlop ‘SP Sport Maxx GT600A’ tires, by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, have been selected as factory standard tires for the latest Subaru WRX S4, which was unveiled last November. The tire incorporates “an innovative new rubber compound” that provides balanced high performance in terms of both rolling resistance and grip. It also incorporates a tread pattern to harness maximal cornering force. 

Yokohama’s Advan Sport V107 pm Brabus ‘off-roader’

Yokohama Rubber’s flagship brand tire Advan Sport V107 has been approved by Germany-based Brabus for the Brabus 700/800/900 off roader based on the Mercedes-AMG G 63. The tires will be supplied in size 305/35R23 111Y XL.

Yokohama Geolandar factory-equipped on Mitsubishi Outlander

Yokohama Rubber is supplying Geolandar X-CV as OE for Mitsubishi Motors’ new Outlander SUVs. The tires have been used on Outlander petrol models sold overseas since July 2021. Shipments of the tires for PHEV models to be introduced in Japan, Australia and other countries began in November this year. The SUVs are being fitted with 235/60R18 103H size tires.

Goodyear launches Urbanmax tires for electric bus fleets Goodyear has launched Urbanmax MC HL+, an electric tire designed to maximise the efficiency of city bus fleets. Based on the company’s Urbanmax MCA design, the new tire is adapted to support additional battery loads while enhancing lower energy consumption. The technology in the tire, which includes a new tread compound, design and construction, supports the need for operators to reduce CO2 and noise emissions, particularly in densely populated areas.

Cupra Born, Audi Q4 e-torn rolling on Bridgestone tires

​ Bridgestone has been selected as tire partner for the first all-electric vehicle from Cupra, the Cupra Born. Custom-engineered Bridgestone Turanza ECO tires, equipped with lightweight Enliten Technology help the vehicle to reach a range of up to 548km between charges. Furthermore, Bridgestone will be supplying Turanza ECO summer and Blizzak LM005 winter tires for the Audi Q4 e-tron – Audi’s first compact, fully-electric SUV. 

Michelin launches “Connected Fleet”

​ Michelin has launched a new umbrella brand for fleets. Connected Fleet combines all of the frnch group's fleet management services and solutions under the same banner, including Masternaut in Europe, NexTraq in North America, and Sascar in South America. The new unit encompasses support currently provided to 70,000 customers worldwide, representing a fleet of 600,000 vehicles in 48 countries. 

Hankook introduces new OTR tire for Europe 

​ Hankook is expanding its off-road SUV range in Europe with the launch of Dynapro MT2, a tire designed for “difficult terrain”. A successor to the Dynapro MT, it is available in over 19 dimensions from 15 to 20 inches. Features include “split mould technology”, which is claimed to make the tire more robust than its predecessor. The product appears as if it has been seamlessly cast from a single mould. 

Pirelli zeros in on UHP tire of the year title  The Pirelli P Zero has been delared as the ‘best ultra high performance’ tire of the year by evo magazine for a second time, according to the Italian tire maker. Pitted against eight other “well-known” competitors, the tire topped the evo test and was described as “a tire that proves you can have (almost) everything.” 

Auto Bild names Hankook ‘best manufacturer of 2021’ Hankook has been named best manufacturer for its all-season line of tires by Auto Bild magazine. The Hankook Kinergy 4S 2 all-season model range “made it to the podium” in each of the relevant product tests conducted by the magazine. A key factor was “the very high safety margins across all weather conditions in the tests.”

Maserati Opts for new Continental SportContact 7

​ Maserati has opted to use Continental’s latest ‘premium offering’ the SportContact 7 as OE on its Levante and Quattroporte vehicles. The tire, which succeeds SportContact 6, features “an adaptive tread” capable of ideally responding to both wet and dry road conditions. Furthermore, Conti has used its “BlackChili rubber compound” to fine-tune the product “for optimal traction.”

Pirelli unveils new Diablo Ross bike tires Pirelli has announced the arrival of the new Diablo Rosso IV Corsa, a high-performance “hypersport tire” that is claimed to offer sporty performance in supersport, naked or hypernaked bikes. The tire offers ‘higher grip in dry conditions”, “enhanced hard handling” and “performance consistency” compared to its predecessor Diabolo Rosso IV. 

Audi A3 factory-fitted with Falken tires 

​ The Falken Ziex ZE310 Ecorun tire has been selected by Audi to be factory-fitted onto the Audi A3. Falken is supplying the tires to the Audi plant in Ingolstadt, Germany, where the dynamic compact class is manufactured. The tires are claimed to offer “excellent traction and grip on both wet and dry driving surfaces, supported by enhanced wear performance.”

Continental launches new loader tire  Continental has launched the CompactMaster EM, a new telehandler and compact loader tire. The tire has been “specifically designed” to help operators handle demanding rough conditions and features “Turtle Shield” tread technology and a twisted steel cord. The hard shell, and more flexible steel wire construction, helps to prevent cuts and damages whilst offering greater stability.”

Goodyear fitted on Cupra’s first electric model

​ Seat’s motorsport subsidiary Cupra has selected a range of Goodyear summer tires as OE fitment for its first electric model Cupra Born.  The new OE fitment builds on prior partnership between the two manufacturers. Cupra, said Goodyear, has selected EfficientGrip Performance range in sizes from 18 to 20 inches.  

Falken selected as OE tires for Seat Leon Sumitomo Rubber’s Falken Tyre Europe has begun supplying Falken Ziex ZE310A Ecorun tires to Seat Leon. The tire is “one of the best-selling Falken tires” and most recently achieved a ‘good’ rating in the 2021 summer tire test by auto motor sport magazine.

Continental ‘preferred after-sales partner’ for Mercedes in APAC   German tire manufacturer Continental Tires has announced that it has been named as the “preferred partner in APAC markets” for the Mercedes-Benz global after-sales tires programme. The partnership covers Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Republic of China and India until August 2022 and Indonesia until August 2023. 

Dunlop runflat sport tires factory standard on Nissan GT-R

​ Sumitomo Rubber Industries has begun supplying high-performance Dunlop “SP Sport Maxx GT600 DSST” runflat tires to Nissan for use as factory standard tires on the 2022 Model “Nissan GT-R” and “Nissan GT-R Nismo.” The two models went on sale in Oct. 

Continental gains more fitments with BMW 4 series Continental has been selected by BMW for the supply of tires for it new 4 Series worldwide. EcoContact 6 summer tires in 17 and 18-inches sizes and the WinterContact TS 860 S winter tires in 18 and 19-inches sizes have been approved for OE fitment on the new models. The summer tire has been specially developed for low fuel consumption and high mileage. The runflat winter tire, according to Conti, combines “snow performance and high safety reserves with steering precision.”

General Tire launches C-type all-terrain tires General Tire, part of Continental, has introduced what it describes as “the first all-terrain tire with a c-identification for campers and vans.”  The Grabber AT3, said the tire maker, is suitable for all SUVs, vans, pick-up trucks as well as campers and vans without all-wheel drive. 

Pirelli debuts new technologies with Cinturato Winter 2 ​

Pirelli has introduced the new Cinturato Winter 2 - a winter tire for medium-sized cars and CUVs. New technologies include sipes on the tread pattern that become longer throughout the life of the tire, for extra control in snowy and wet conditions. In total, there are around 43 metres of sipes to improve grip on snowy surfaces, with a 30% improvement in roadholding on snow compared to the Sottozero 3.

Conti OE fitted on new Merc  Continental’s 20-inch SportContact 6 with extra load rating has been approved as OE for the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. The summer tire will be manufactured at the company’s plant in Korbach, Germany. The tire features “force vectoring technology” for steering precision and “black chili” compound for: enhanced road contact, shorter braking and faster acceleration in both wet and dry weather. 

Bridgestone develops custom-engineered Potenza Ferrari Roma ​

Bridgestone to supply tires for Ferrari's new Roma GT. The custom-designed Potenza Sport has a dedicated top tread compound and rear tire pattern geometry-void distribution to retain "outstanding" wet weather performance. The tire will be produced at Bridgestone's Rome, which typically manufactures prototypes.

Apollo launches all-wheel TBR  Gurugram, India — Apollo Tyres Ltd has launched a new all-wheel fitment radial tire for commercial vehicles in response to increasing radialisation trends. EnduRace RA, said Apollo 12 Oct, is produced at the company’s Chennai factory and has tested extensively, both inhouse and in real world applications. The tire 

Goodyear off-the-road expands retread lineup  Akron, Ohio – Goodyear has launched the RT-3B bead-to-bead retread for loaders and graders, complementing its existing lineup of off-the-road (OTR) retread tires. The retread tires, said Goodyear 15 Oc, can deliver “like-new performance” for tough OTR applications and can provide a savings of up to 60% versus a new tire.

Continental WinterContact tires recognised in tire reviews  ​

Continental's WinterContact TS 870 came second in the Auto Express winter tire test, while its WinterContact TS 870 P came joint first in the Tyre Reviews 2021 winter tire test. The new TS 870, said Conti, has some notable improvements against its TS 860 predecessor. It features a new tread pattern design, construction, and compound for enhanced winter and wet-weather properties.

Pirelli and Lamborghini Countach celebrate 50 years together Pirelli has marked 50 years of collaboration with Lamborghini Countach. In the latest development, Pirelli equipped the 202 Countach hybrid with P Zero tires. The UHP tire structure and compound have been optimised to reach the best possible roadholding in all driving situations, in addition to “high levels of traction and braking in the wet as well as the dry.”

New tire for classic Mini collectors ​

Pirelli has developed a new Pirelli Collezione for owners of the classic Mini. The family of tires, designed for iconic cars built between 1950 and 1980, combine vintage looks and modern technology, Pirelli said in a 27 Sept statement. Pirelli said it recreated the Cinturato for all the different versions of the classic Mini. The radial tire has a tread pattern design and sidewall that is similar to the original but includes new compound technologies for increased grip and improved road holding on wet surfaces.

Hankook OE on new Porsche Panamera      Hankook is now supplying Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z tires for the new Porsche Panamera. The tire treads feature an “aramide composite material in a double-layer carcass.” This, Hankook said, allows deformations to be prevented that would otherwise lead to an undesired increase in the rolling circumference. The tires also have high-strength steel in the belt and bead areas for stability. 

Conti launches SportContact for “every vehicle class” ​

Continental has debuted the new flagship passenger car tie SportContact 7 which it says has significantly improved handling on both wet and dry roads compared to its predecessor. The tire has an “adaptive tread design” adjusting to dry and wet roads. In addition, it has the “BlackChili” soft rubber compound which matches the very rigid, low-profiled tire to improve handling and increase mileage.   Kia selects Kumho tires for EV6 The EV6, Kia’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), is to be supplied with low noise Kumho all-season tire Crugen HP71 and high-performance tire ECSTA PS71. Both patterns, Kumho said 9 Sept, exhibit “significantly less resonance noise” than standard products, helped by the company’s patented sound absorbing technology, K-Silent.

Pirelli equips one in three electric cars at IAA ​

Pirelli tires were fitted on one in three electric vehicles featured at the IAA Mobility Show, held in Munich in September. The tires included Pirelli’s P Zero or Scorpion tires, containing ‘Elect’ technology for zero or low-emission cars. Furthermore, Pirelli’s Cinturato P7 tires were also at the show on the BMW 320e hybrid and 3 Series models. Pirelli said its Elect tires offer “low rolling resistance to increase range, decreased road noise to improve comfort, immediate grip to deal with instant torque, and the right structure to support the weight of a battery-powered vehicle.”

Camso Japan receives Toyota president’s award ​

Camso Japan, part of Groupe Michelin, has received the “president’s award” from Toyota Industries Corp. in recognition of its excellence as a supplier. The award, said Michelin 10 Sept, follows a recent supplier award from Toyota L&F Co., the materials handling equipment division of Toyota Industries.

Michelin unveils new-generation all-season tire Michelin has unveiled the new generation all-season Michelin CrossClimate 2, which it says is capable of tackling the majority of weather conditions. The tire range, Michelin said, is manufactured exclusively in seven European factories, notably in France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Hankook taps material, tread technologies for TBR products ​

Hankook Tire Europe is debuting several new technologies, including materials, design and tread knowhow within its truck & bus SmartFlex series, which it says increases the performance of the tires significantly. SmartFlex AH51 for the steering axle and SmartFlex DH51 for the driving axle now feature “self-regenerating treads” and “SmartLife” technologies, helping them to respectively provide 15% and 20% better mileage compared to their predecessors. 

Audi delivers “record performance” with Pirelli tires Milan, Italy – The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R has set a fresh record with the new Audi RS 3 at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany.The Audi set a new record of 7m40.748s on the 20.8-kilometre circuit, beating the previous record for compact cars by 4.64 seconds, which was established in 2019, Pirelli announced.

Michelin’s secures new Effitires contract with Abellio Bus ​

Abellio Bus, a London bus operator, has signed a new five-year Effitires contract with the Michelin.  The new contract will see Michelin supply, fit and manage the tires across the company’s 800-strong bus fleet. The service is estimated to help reduce the operator’s CO2 emissions by more than 900,000kg, and raw material usage by 100,000kg, every year, Michelin said.

Bridgestone launches UHP Potenza Sport  ​

Bridgestone Americas has expanded its bestselling Potenza ultra-high performance tire line with two new releases: the Bridgestone Potenza Sport and Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS. Featuring “next-generation compound, construction and tread technologies,” the new Bridgestone Potenza tires offer ‘enhanced ride comfort, improved snow performance and better treadwear,’ said Bridgestone.      Pirelli tires on Acura supercar New York — Pirelli’s P Zero tires have been selected as OE fitment by Honda Motor for the 2022 Acura NSX Type S, launched only for the US market 12 Aug. Pirelli said it drew on its F1 experience in developing the tires for the limited-edition supercar. 

Slick Pirelli P Zero on Stradale EXP ​

Pirelli P Zero Slick tires have been selected by Dallara to equip the exclusive Stradale EXP, a version of the road-going Stradale designed for track use, with 500 hp, 720 Nm of torque and weighing only 890 kg. Pirelli said its engineers faced a difficult challenge in the developing the dedicated slick tires, which are required to withstand impressive loads. The tires developed especially for the Stradale EXP have allowed Dallara to achieve its goal of lapping the Mugello circuit in less than one minute and 46 seconds.

Nexen Tires on Kia’s EV6 Seoul – Nexen Tire has been selected to supply original equipment for Kia’s first electric car, the EV6, the Korean tire maker announced 10 Aug. Nexen said its Roadian GTX EV and N'FERA Sport EVs, which will be fitted to the EV6, were designed and tailored to provide higher abrasion resistance and can minimise tire road noise by about 5dB compared to existing products.

Bridgestone tires on EV, AV trucks in US ​

Bridgestone Americas will be the exclusive tire supplier for Einride electrified and autonomous trucks in the US market. The two companies have announced a partnership aimed at co-creating “innovative and sustainable mobility solutions” for electrified and autonomous Class 8 vehicles. As part of the deal, Bridgestone will provide “smart-sensing tires” for the trucks, while integrating its advanced mobility technologies into Einride's onboard vehicle platforms. 

Bridgestone on “groundbreaking” Fisker Ocean EV   Bridgestone Corp. has entered a partnership with Los Angeles-based electric car manufacture Fisker to supply tires for the company’s environmentally friendly Fisker Ocean all-electric SUV. The custom-engineered Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires will employ the Enliten technology, which reduces the rolling resistance of a tire by up to 30% and its weight by up to 20%, Bridgestone announced 4 Aug.

GRI launches material handling solid snow tire ​

Global Rubber Industries (GRI) has introduced a new material handling solid tire, the Peakmaster Snow, which can operate indoors and outdoors in snowy terrain. GRI said it developed samples with special compounds that function in   sub-zero temperatures and tested the tires in specific regions over a complete winter season ahead of introducing the tire. 

Bridgestone tires on Lamborghini Huracán STO supercar Brussels — Bridgestone has been selected as the exclusive tire supplier for the new Lamborghini Huracán STO. Bridgestone said it will be supplying custom-developed Potenza Sport tires as well as Potenza Race semi-slick tires for the luxury Italian manufacturer’s road-homologated super sports car. 

Hankook to on Volkswagen's ID.4 all-electric SUV  ​

Hankook Tire is expanding its original equipment business for the supply of tires for electric vehicles to include the ID.4, Volkswagen's first e-SUV. To meet the requirements of this drive technology, the ID.4 will be equipped with the Ventus S1 evo 3 ev tire developed specifically for electric cars, Hankook announced. 

Irish distributor signs multi-year wholesale agreement with BFGoodrich Kevin Burke Tyres (KBT) has formalised its distribution partnership with BFGoodrich, signing an initial three-year agreement which will see it supply BFGoodrich tires across Ireland until at least mid-2024. The contract has the option to extend the partnership for a further two years, Michelin announced.

Pirelli launches 'high-load' tire for EVs ​

Pirelli has launched its first high load index tire, dedicated primarily to electric or hybrid cars and SUVs. Made to support the weight of new vehicles equipped with batteries, the tire is able to support 20% more weight compared to a standard tire and 6-9% more weight than an extra load XL tire of the same size. 

BMW X3 M and X4 M fitted with Hankook tires  Neu-Isenburg, Germany – Hankook has been selected to supply its Ventus S1 evo Z tires for the BMW X3 M and X4 M. The “brand new” tire was specially developed for the UUHP (ultra-ultra-high-performance) segment for use on particularly sporty high-performance vehicles, Hankook said. The tire offers “a high level of grip and very precise lateral guidance for optimum handling behaviour, even under very sporty conditions.”

Factory fit for Falken on the Audi A3 plug-in-hybrid  ​

Falken Tyre Europe is supplying Ziex ZE310A Ecorun AO tires as original equipment fitment for the Audi A3 TFSI e hybrid. The tire maker has used “extensive” level of technology in the developing the summer tire, which was launched in 2019. For instance, the tire is equipped with “adaptive constant pressure” (ACP) technology, ensuring an even distribution of pressure across the contact patch.  

Apollo Tyres’ CV Zones attain TUV–IRF certification Apollo Tyres’ 50 commercial vehicle (CV) service zones have received the TUV – IRF certification, for quality, safety and sustainability. This certification will ensure standardised service delivery across all the 50 Apollo CV Zones in India.  

Bridgestone wins GM supplier of the year award Bridgestone Corp. has been named a 2020 General Motors supplier of the year, marking the sixth consecutive and 19th overall recognition for the brand. The annual awards, which celebrate suppliers that delivered GM customers with high-quality components and innovative technologies in the previous year, were announced during the GM supplier business meeting on 22 June 22.    

BKT launches new agro truck tires  Indian off-road tire maker Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has launched the Multimax MP 569 tire for the agriculture industry. Part of the Multimax line, the tire is ideal specifically for a range of applications for agro trucks, mixed-use vehicles which are deployed when road movements are also necessary. 

Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 launches 44 new sizes Michelin has introduce 44 additional sizes for its Pilot Sport All-Season 4 tire, which was launched last year. The tire bridges the gap between ultra-high-performance summer and all-season tires – providing year-round performance with 4% better dry braking, 5% better wet braking and 10% more snow traction.

New Michelin truck tires for extreme winter conditions Michelin has launched its new range of winter tires for trucks: Michelin X Multi Grip. Available since 1 July, the tires deliver “even better performance than their predecessors” in extreme winter conditions, Michelin said 30 June. Marked with 3PMSF, the tires have “outstanding grip” on snow- and slush-covered roads.      Tour de France begins with Conti tires  The world’s biggest bicycle race will start on 26 June in the French city of Brest, with Continental playing as “the main partner” of the event. A total of six teams will compete on Continental’s Competition Pro LTD tires in this year’s race, said Continental in an announcement 23 June. This high-tech racing tire, weighing under 250g, has been developed at the Continental plant in Korbach, Germany, and is manufactured by hand. 

Michelin develops tire for AGVs in ports