ERJ Tire Tracker - News, developments, fitments

Continental will be supplying its SportContact 7 tires as OE fitment to Swedish EV Polestar. The tire maker will be supplying tires in 21-inch size for the Polestar 3 electric SUV model. SportContact 7, according to Conti, is a high-performance tire offering “enhanced driving stability and excellent grip”, high energy efficiency and quiet rolling noise.

Continental supplied tires to 18 of the world’s 20 highest-volume manufacturers of fully electric vehicles in 2024, the German group has claimed. These include manufacturers such as BYD, Geely, Volkswagen, NIO, Mercedes-Benz and Renault. The manufacturer maintains that it supplies tires as OE fitment to nine out of 10 of the highest-volume EV makers in key regions of EMEA, Americas and Asia-Pacific.

Hankook has been approved to provide Ventus evo summer tires for the sporty Cupra Terramar SUV. The vehicle will be fitted with Hankook tires from 18 to 20 inches, with 20-inch tires available on request. Hankook said the tires have been designed for the specific needs of the vehicle with ‘driving comfort’ as main priority.

Hankook iON evo has been voted test winner in the Auto Bild EV summer tire test, according to the Korean tire maker. The tire performed strongly across all test criteria and received an overall “exemplary” rating. The test was carried out on eight tires in the size 215/55 R 18 and examined safety and range of the tires for electric vehicles.

Chinese automaker Zeekr has selected 22-inch PremiumContact 6 tires from Continental as OE for its Zeekr 001 electric sedan. The tire is specially designed for dynamic and responsive handling while providing safety and comfort, Continental said 28 March. It is said to ensure high cornering stability at higher speeds and enhanced grip to ensure effective power transfer to the asphalt. A special silica rubber compound “is designed for safe driving in all weather conditions, ensuring excellent safety and braking performance on both wet and dry roads.”

Kumho Tire said 24 March that it is supplying original OE tires for new VW Tiguan and Cupra Terramar semi-midsize SUVs. The Ecsta PS71 SUV tire for the Tiguan and Terramar is described as a “premium sports tire specialised for high-speed driving.” It is being supplied in two sizes, 215/65 R17 and 235/55 R18, for the Tiguan, and 235/55 R18 for the Terramar. Features include structural reinforcement optimised for SUVs, enhanced braking and a mileage performance enhanced by increasising the contact area.

Bridgestone Americas has recalled over 1,000 Ecopia commercial trailer tires due to ‘misapplied components.’ The recall covers a total of 1,185 R123 Ecopia tires and is intended to recover 24 tires that were manufactured incorrectly. According to NHTSA, during manufacturing, one of the three stabiliser ply belts may have been applied in the wrong orientation on 24 of the tires being recalled. This could cause tires to fail and result in crash.

Kumho Tire has signed a business agreement with the Korea Automobile Tuning Industry Association for the supply of high-performance tires to auto-tuning shops in Korea. “Through this agreement, we have entered into a new sales service and channel in line with market changes due to the development of AI technology,” said Song Dae-gyu, executive director of Kumho Tire’s Korean sales division. The group said it would strive to expand “the complete vehicle aftermarket market and increase sales through the mutual growth.”

Continental has unveiled its “most aggressive off-road capable gravel tires” for bicycles. Terra Adventure is claimed to deliver “unparalleled performance across diverse terrains.” The low rolling resistance, high grip tire features fast-rolling open tread pattern which enables rides from soft ground to hardpack.

US car maker Cadillac has tapped Continental to supply OE tires of its LYRIQ-V electric SUV worldwide. For the size 22”, the electric car runs from the factory on PremiumContact 6 summer tires, designed for “dynamic and responsive driving.” The tire is “engineered for safe driving in all weather conditions with its special silica rubber compound ensuring excellent braking on both wet and dry roads. Other features include low rolling resistance, short braking distances, precision handling, and good wet-weather properties, added Continental.

London-based start-up Enso has become an officially approved tire supplier for LEVC: providing its TX1B tire as a replacement option for electrified taxi fleets and individual taxi drivers in the UK. Designed specifically for the LEVC London taxi, the tire is “the first range-extending, double ‘A’-rated replacement tire for electrified taxis,” claims Enso. Already fitted to over 1,000 London taxis, it is said to deliver enhanced levels of “durability, safety, and performance while helping drivers reduce emissions and lower their total cost of ownership.”

Bridgestone Americas has unveiled the R273 Ecopia truck tire for steer axle position and all-position Duravis M705 for mixed fleet vehicles in pick-up and delivery (P&D). The R273 Ecopia, Bridgestone said, features enhanced tread compound and a design to help reduce shoulder wear and improve removal mileage. A new casing with low rolling resistance compounds and an improved four-rib pattern delivers an improvement in fuel economy over its previous generation. 

Toyota has selected ZC Rubber’s Chaoyang tire as OE for its bZ3X vehicle in the Chinese market – the "first time" the automaker has partnered with a tire brand from mainland China. The Chaoyang RP76+ tire, said ZC, employs its proprietary Tianji system, said to deliver optimised noise reduction, enhanced grip, extended durability, improved safety, and greater energy efficiency. A rolling resistance coefficient of 5.8 "surpasses EU Tyre Label A standards," while the reinforced “dual-layer high-strength steel framework increasing both durability and safety."

In a test of 52 summer tire models from European, Asian and American manufacturers, German magazine Auto Bild rated Continental's PremiumContact 7 as ‘exemplary’ based on trials using a BMW 1 Series vehicle on wet and dry roads. The Conti tire showed: "Very good aquaplaning reserves, short braking distances, dynamic handling, impressive mileage, very good performance in the cost section."

Mercedes-AMG has ‘recommended’ the Grabber AT3 from General Tire for its G63 SUV, the sports version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The all-terrain tire is said to offer “maximum safety when driving off-road and performs equally well on gravel as it does on mud and sand.” Marked with the snowflake symbol, the all-season tire features “solid blocks from shoulder to sidewall and stacked deflection ribs to protect against lateral damage from stones, rocks and other foreign bodies, as well as a durable tread compound that “reduces wear and offers high mileage and a long service life.” It is approved for speeds of up to 130mph.

Nexen Tire’s NBlue 4S Van was awarded the ‘best light commercial tire’ title at the ‘tire of the year’ awards, organised by Neumáticos & Mecánica Rápida on 30 Jan in Madrid. The event recognises the best tires of 2024 in various categories, including passenger car, SUV, truck, and agricultural tires. The winning tire offers “advanced performance, safety, and fuel efficiency for commercial fleets and drivers, said Nexen, noting that the recognition comes as it continues to grow its presence in Europe and globally.

Continental’s EcoContact 7 S has gained worldwide OEM approval for use on VW's all-electric ID.7 for 21" tire sizes 235/40 R21 98H XL and 265/35 R21 101H XL. The tire is said to provide 'maximum energy efficiency, low rolling noise, high mileage and powerful steering precision, with new materials in the tire carcass, inner layer and wall.' Golfball-inspired 'aerodimple' recesses in the sidewall reduce air turbulence so the tire expends less energy. A 'silent pattern' profile lower rolling noise, while the tread compound enhances traction and handling.

Hankook is launching its new Optimo sub-brand in Europe as a strategic move to increase its market share in the region. Optimo complements Hankook's existing “premium and associate brands” focused on passenger car tires. The line-up, according to Hankook, will help secure market share as competition intensifies, offering “new opportunities in territories and channels with untapped potential.” The brand will feature a range of summer, all-season and winter tires, with emphasis on "performance and reliability."

Continental’s EcoContact 7 S has gained worldwide OEM approval for use on VW's all-electric ID.7 for 21" tire sizes 235/40 R21 98H XL and 265/35 R21 101H XL. The tire is said to provide 'maximum energy efficiency, low rolling noise, high mileage and powerful steering precision, with new materials in the tire carcass, inner layer and wall.' Golfball-inspired 'aerodimple' recesses in the sidewall reduce air turbulence so the tire expends less energy. A 'silent pattern' profile lower rolling noise, while the tread compound enhances traction and handling.

Apollo Tyres has launched 54 new options for sizes for the Vredestein Ultrac Pro ultra-ultra-high-performance (UUHP) summer tire line, suitable for 18 to 22 wheel rims. Launched in spring 2024, the Ultrac Pro is designed currently for rims of up to 24 inches, with asymmetrical sidewalls created by Italdesign. Its tire tread incorporates an advanced new-generation compound produced by a smart mixing process using “state-of-the-art” polymers, fillers and performance resins for wet and dry grip in a wide range of temperatures.

Tire technology will be a decisive factor in tackling the growing global food challenge, said K&M Tire’s national AG sales manager Loudan Hammersmith. Speaking at the tire distributor's recent dealer conference and trade show in the Ohio state capital, he said recent advances contributed to potentially greater efficiency. Improved flexion (IF), very high flexion (VF) and cyclical field operation (CFO) tires provided a dual benefit in terms of load capacity and soil health...  Read more

Nexen Tire is supplying its ‘N’FERA Supreme S,’ tires as OE fitment for the latest model of Hyundai’s flagship SUV, the Palisade. The all-season tire is designed for high-performance and premium vehicles and features a “4D compound” to optimise performance and load bearing.

Yokohama Rubber is supplying its ADVAN Sport EV tires as OE to Lynk & Co, the JV formed by Geely Auto Group and Volvo Car Group. The product is designed for low electricity consumption and wet performance “appropriate for premium EVs”. It uses a compound that Yokohama Rubber states is proven to reduce rolling resistance, combined with a tread pattern that enhances drainage.

In the US, Pirelli Tire LLC is recalling over 2,000 P7 Cinturato tires for incorrect maximum inflation pressure marking. The tires, used both as OE and replacement, were produced at Pirelli’s manufacturing plant in Slatina, Romania, said a report by National Highway Safety Traffic Administration.  Read more

US vehicle maker Ford has selected Continental to exclusively supply factory-fitted tires for its new Explorer and Capri electric SUVs. The EcoContact 6 Q summer tires in 19”, 20” and 21” sizes were approved for both vehicle models. For use in all seasons, Ford has also issued an OE approval for the AllSeasonContact all-season tire in 19” size. Features of the selected tires include a specially developed rubber compound that lessens energy absorption while the vehicle is in motion and reduces friction in the material as well as rolling resistance, said Continental.

Nexen Tire has unveiled a 'next-generation' concept tire for vehicles of the future, featuring 360-degree omni-wheels. Designed in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Design Promotion, the tire introduces “a form of modular public transportation. The concept is said to enable “seamless boarding, transferring, and reconfiguration of vehicles using detachable wheels.”  Read more

Continental has launched a new commercial tire which employs an innovative silica compound, said to improve fuel- and energy-efficiency in truck tires. The Conti EfficientPro 5 tire features an optimised version of 'silica compound vec2Sil' that, said the German tire maker, offers significant benefits to long-distance haulage operators.  Read more

Bridgestone has developed a new tire for trucks and buses equipped with its Enliten technology. The M899 is designed for paved roads and high-speed driving and is set for launch in March. Providing durability with the casing that allows retreading, the tire uses a "low thermal case" that suppresses thermal deterioration of the case. A "tough long compound" equalises the dispersion of carbon black and optimises the bond between carbon black and polymer to improve wear. 

Yokohama Rubber has begun supplying its Advan Sport EV tires as OE for the new Onvo L60 SUV launched by Chinese premium electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer NIO Inc. The tire is an ultra-high performance summer tire for premium EVs, using a special compound to reduce tire rolling resistance and a tread pattern to enhance drainage.

Michelin has unveiled the Michelin Primacy5, designed specifically for sedans and SUVs. The tire has an improved lifespan of 18% compared to its predecessor, allowing for nearly 7,000 km of additional driving, according to Michelin. Rated A according to European standards, the tire offers a 4% "increase in safety" on wet surfaces and 6% improvement in environmental impact compared to its predecessor.

Apollo Tyres claims its new Vredestein Ultrac+ premium summer tire can deliver “dramatic improvements in longevity” compared to the predecessor Ultrac. Employing a “cutting-edge” tread compound, the ‘projected mileage’ of the Ultrac+ has been improved by up to 30%, with ‘abrasion loss’ reduced by up to 30% and rolling resistance cut by 3%. The tire compound includes a high level of silica, traction-enhancing resin and a multi-functional polymer and was developed by the Apollo Tyres global R&D centre Europe, in Enschede, The Netherlands.

Bridgestone is to supply its Alenza 001 tires as OE for the new Mitsubishi Outlander crossover SUV. A plug-in hybrid EV, the Outlander is claimed to combine the best of electrification and four-wheel control technologies to improve range, power performance, and comfort. The Alenza 001 tires employ Enliten light-weighting technology as well as a technology for blending silica into the tread rubber via proprietary ‘molecular structure manipulation’. The material is said to reduce rolling resistance while ensuring wear resistance, said Bridgestone’s 26 Dec 2024 release.

Hankook is supplying its new Ventus evo SUV tires as OE fitment for the Volkswagen Tiguan, in different sizes from 18-20 inches. The tires, recently unveiled after two years of development, are claimed to increase driving comfort and reduce noise level to less than 66 decibels. Read more

The European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) has recognised Continental's UltraContact NXT sustainable tire with the CLEPA Innovation Award in the "green" category. Depending on the tire size, the tire has a share of up to 65% renewable, recycled and ISCC+ mass balance certified materials. The proportion of renewable materials is up to 32%; recycled materials 5% and ISCC+ materials 28%, according to Continental. The tire also has the top rating of the EU tire label A in of rolling resistance, wet braking and exterior noise.

Trelleborg Tires has expanded its TM1000 ProgressiveTraction farm tire range: offering over 15 new sizes that incorporate pressure field operations (PFO) technology. PFO is said increase load capacity at very low working speeds of 5-15 km/h, enabling tires to “perform exceptionally under high torque and heavy load conditions while maintaining optimal efficiency.” It also allows “a substantial reduction in tire pressure while carrying the same load, significantly minimising soil compaction.”

Bridgestone EMEA has introduced the new M-Steer 002 and M-Drive 002 tires for fleets operating in both on-road and off-road environments. Addressing demands of trucks “operating in the mild on/off segment” both tires employ a new compound technology said to offer advanced durability and performance. Features are stated to include: 20% improved wear performance and 10% lower rolling resistance versus the previous generation products.

Hankook Tire has released the fourth generation of the ultra-high-performance sporty summer tire Ventus evo. The tire is claimed to offer “exceptional balance” and “outstanding wet grip” in addition to high rolling resistance and mileage. Hankook said it employed AI in the development of the tire and used a “highly complex mixing process” to perfectly distribute the silica content in the tire compound for enhanced wet grip.  Read more

Bridgestone is to supply its Battlax Hypersport S23 tires as OE for the new sport tourer, Ninja 1100SX released by Kawasaki Motors. The 'next-generation sports tires' feature a new pattern design said to balance optimal changes in contact patch stiffness. The tires also provide “excellent” water drainage properties for riding on wet surfaces. The features support the new riding experience delivered by the Ninja 1100SX through enhanced grip and handling stability.

The UK’s Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has launched a new ‘fake always breaks’ awareness campaign warning of the dangers of buying counterfeit vehicle parts. In a recent survey, IPO found that one in six motorists purchased a fake part in the past 12 months, with 23% of respondents having bought fake tires/wheels and 19% fake windscreen wipers.  Read more

Nexen Tire has launched its latest summer tire, Nexen N´ blue S, which it says will deliver “advanced safety, energy efficiency, and superior driving stability.” The tire has upgraded wet grip and braking distance having been “significantly reinforced by the inclusion of highly dispersed silica.” Compared to its predecessor, the tire achieves an 11% improvement in wet braking distance.

Yokohama Rubber has launched a new ultra high-performance winter tire, the Advan Winter V907, as an afterparts tire for the Mercedes-AMG E-Class luxury sedan. Sales initially are mainly through Mercedes-AMG dealerships in Europe. With plans to develop the tire for the replacement market in Europe in 2025. The tire features the technologies used in Yokohama Rubber’s Advan Sport series as well as the ones used in the production of winter tires. As a result, the tire achieves “an unusual combination of high performance on snow as well as in dry conditions.”

Firestone has launched Firestone Vanhawk 3, a new summer, EV-ready tire for light commercial vehicles. Compared to its predecessor Vanhawk 2, the tire delivers 13% longer mileage, a 10% rolling resistance reduction and a 13% improvement in wet braking. The tire employ’s Bridgestone’s Enliten Technology, which delivers improved wear efficiency through an increased tread depth, with its compound providing optimised abradability.

Yokohama Rubber is supplying its Advan V61 tires as OE to Mazda Motor for use on the new crossover SUV, the Mazda CX-80. The tire provides “superior handling performance” while being “highly wear resistant.” The tire is also claimed to display “exceptional hydroplaning resistance”, providing a “superior wet grip performance.”

Volkswagen Group has announced it has chosen Kumho Tyres to be the OE tire supplier for the latest generation Volkswagen Passat and Skoda Superb. Kumho will supply its ECSTA HS52 tires as the OE tire for the group’s two new models. The tire, according to Kumho, has a “robust tread block pattern” allowing it to maintain consistent grip while reducing shock and noise.

Continental Tires will be supplying PremiumContact C for factory fitment on the electric SUV BYD Seal U, the tire maker has announced. The tire offers features a special silica in the rubber compound that reduces energy absorption through the tire while the vehicle is in motion and, in turn, reduces friction and rolling resistance. This leads to high energy efficiency and a long tread life. Earlier last month, Continental said it was supplying its EcoContact 6 Q tires as OE for the BYD Seal.

Sumitomo Rubber USA is recalling certain Falken WildPeak AT4W size 275/60R20 115T tires. The tires may have been produced using the incorrect cord material for one of the plies, according to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The sidewall label incorrectly identifies the generic name of the cord material. As such, the affected tires do not meet the labelling requirements of “New pneumatic radial tires for light vehicles.”