ERJ Tire Tracker: Nov-Dec

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.”