Apollo Tyres is set to launch the Vredestein Ultrac+, a premium summer tyre offering significant longevity improvements over its predecessor, the Ultrac.

Scheduled for release in January 2025, the Ultrac+ will be available in 70 sizes ranging from 15 to 20 inches, catering to a wide range of family and compact cars.

The Ultrac+ features a ‘square’ footprint and an advanced tread compound, enhancing durability. Internal tests indicate a 30 percent increase in projected mileage and a 30 percent reduction in abrasion loss compared to the Ultrac, ensuring longer lifespan and reduced environmental impact. Rolling resistance is also reduced by three percent, improving fuel efficiency and lowering overall costs.

Independent evaluations by IFV GmbH and Applus+ IDIADA tested the tyre’s longevity, performance in wet and dry conditions and comfort. These tests, conducted on the 225/45 R17 94Y XL size, benchmarked the Ultrac+ against premium competitors. The tyre’s reduced apex height and expanded sidewall ‘flex zone’ contribute to a quieter, more comfortable ride, while its optimised pitch sequence enhances noise reduction across different sizes.

Developed at Apollo’s Global R&D Centre in Enschede, Netherlands, the Ultrac+ incorporates a centre rib with parabolic lateral grooves for improved steering precision. Advanced tread technology, including high silica content, traction-enhancing resin, and a multi-functional polymer, ensures balanced wear and braking performance for a dynamic and safe driving experience.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President, Commercial, Europe at Apollo Tyres Ltd, commented: “Our product development process is guided by detailed analysis of customer feedback, as well as by evaluation of market-leading rival products. We found that the Ultrac was highly competitive across all key criteria apart from longevity, so that became a core focus for the team charged with designing and testing the new Ultrac+. Vredestein summer tyres have been produced since 1912, and it’s highly gratifying to have the capabilities of this latest Vredestein product in the category validated through independent testing. We’re proud to bring to market a product that delivers premium standards of performance at an accessible price point.”

Michelin unveiled a new tyre that lasts 18 percent longer than its predecessor, aiming to capture growing demand for more sustainable automotive products amid stricter environmental regulations.

The Primacy 5, designed for passenger cars and SUVs, can travel an additional 7,000 kilometres compared to the previous model while maintaining safety standards on wet roads, the Clermont-Ferrand, France-based company said in a statement. The tyre also reduces environmental impact by six percent over its lifecycle, addressing mounting pressure on manufacturers to decrease their carbon footprint.

The launch comes as automakers shift toward electric vehicles, creating new challenges for tyre makers to handle heavier vehicle weights while minimizing road noise. Michelin’s new product improves energy efficiency by five percent compared to its Primacy 4+ model, according to testing by TÜV SÜD, an independent certification company.

“Developing a new tyre means overcoming multiple challenges,” the company said. The Primacy 5 features deeper tread channels for improved water evacuation and meets the European ‘A’ rating for wet-surface safety standards.

Michelin plans to roll out 64 sizes initially in Europe this month, expanding to 88 sizes globally by year-end. The company will begin sales in Asian markets in March 2025 and target 127 sizes available worldwide by mid-2026.

The tyre maker assessed environmental impact across five stages: development, manufacturing, transport, usage and end-of-life disposal, part of its broader “All Sustainable” strategy. External testing showed the new model improved wet braking performance by four percent when new compared to its predecessor.

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has begun supplying its ADVAN Sport EV tyres as original equipment for Chinese premium electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer NIO’s ONVO L60 SUV. The SUV will be fitted with 245/50R19 101V size tyres.

Based on Yokohama Rubber's ADVAN Sport V107 tyre for high-performance automobiles, the ADVAN Sport EV is an exceptionally high-performance summer tyre created to satisfy the demands of owners of EVs and other electric vehicles. Yokohama Rubber has attained a level of low power consumption and wet performance suitable for high-end EVs by utilising a compound that has been shown to decrease tyre rolling resistance and a tread design that improves drainage. Yokohama Rubber's exclusive ‘E+’ symbol is shown on the sidewall of the ADVAN Sport EV to signify that it possesses unique properties appropriate for EVs.

The ONVO L60 is a family-oriented mid-size smart electric SUV that was introduced in China in September 2024. Six essential components were prioritised throughout development: battery life, driving performance, safety, comfort, smart cockpit and intelligent driving. On a single charge, the higher-end versions may go more than 1,000 km.

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has started supplying its ADVAN Sport EV tyres for use as original equipment (OE) on the new Stelato S9, an electric vehicle (EV) developed jointly by leading Chinese telecommunications equipment manufacturer Huawei and Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC Group). The EV will be equipped with 245/45R20 103V size tyres.

The ADVAN Sport EV tyre is developed for high-end EV users based on Yokohama Rubber's ADVAN Sport V107 tyre. Yokohama Rubber has attained a level of low power consumption and quietness suitable for luxury EVs by employing a compound that has been shown to minimise tyre rolling resistance and adding a unique polyurethane foam dubbed SILENTFOAM to the inside of the tyre to reduce noise. Yokohama Rubber's exclusive ‘E+’ symbol is shown on the sidewall of the ADVAN Sport EV to signify that it possesses unique properties appropriate for electric vehicles.

The Stelato S9 was launched in China in August 2024. Combining state-of-the-art features like a sophisticated driver assistance system with an opulent cabin with a sizable central control panel, the Stelato S9 provides a sophisticated and pleasurable driving experience. Furthermore, the car's sleek body shape offers its exteriors a chic, contemporary look.

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., will be supplying its GEOLANDAR X-CV tyres as original equipment (OE) to the seventh generation Nissan Patrol. The SUV will be fitted with 275/60R20 115H size tyres.

With its emphasis on high-speed performance and manoeuvrability, GEOLANDAR X-CV tyres set a new benchmark for highway terrain tyres. Excellent driving stability, decreased weight, enhanced snow performance and quietness are all provided by carefully calibrated tread patterns and construction.

Aiming to increase the sales ratios of high-value tyres, Yokohama Rubber's consumer tyre division is part of its Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026) medium-term management strategy, which runs from 2024 to 2026. Promoting the GEOLANDAR and ADVAN brands as original equipment for new SUVs and pickup trucks is one of the main projects under this approach.