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.”

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Toyo Tires has reinforced its position as a preferred original equipment manufacturer partner for major automotive brands by securing a new agreement to supply tyres for the all-new Toyota Yaris Cross in Malaysia. The 1.5 litre variant of the compact sport utility vehicle will be fitted with the Proxes R61 tyre in size 215/55R18 95V.

The Japanese tyre maker was recently named the sole original equipment tyre supplier for another Toyota model, the all-new Vios Hybrid Electric Vehicle launched in the Malaysian market. That vehicle utilises the Proxes CR1 tyre, continuing a partnership that spans decades of original equipment experience and underscores the confidence automakers place in the brand’s quality, performance and reliability across diverse vehicle segments.

Every original equipment tyre from Toyo Tires is specifically engineered to match the unique characteristics of the vehicle it serves, aiming to optimise comfort and enhance overall driving performance. Whether for daily commutes or longer journeys, each tyre is designed to deliver a refined and confident driving experience.

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NEXEN TIRE has confirmed its original equipment supply of the ROADIAN CTX tyre for Hyundai Motor Company’s new STARIA Electric and STARIA Limousine models. The STARIA Electric, a practical multi-purpose vehicle, features an electric powertrain producing high instant torque, while its increased weight demands superior tire durability and ride quality. The premium STARIA Limousine similarly requires enhanced comfort and stability.

Engineered to meet these challenges, the ROADIAN CTX was developed using NEXEN TIRE’s artificial intelligence-based performance prediction system to optimise ride quality across diverse driving conditions. The tyre provides all-season reliability, blending ride comfort with greater durability and maintains handling and structural strength under high-load, high-torque scenarios. It will be fitted to domestic versions and export vehicles for Europe, Oceania, Latin America, Middle East and Africa.

NEXEN TIRE follows a one-tyre strategy to deliver optimised performance across electric, hybrid and internal combustion powertrains. The company already supplies original equipment for key Hyundai models such as the Palisade, NEXO and IONIQ 6, along with vehicles from other premium global brands. With the Hyundai STARIA addition, NEXEN TIRE has expanded its purpose-built vehicle lineup beyond the Kia PV5.

"With this OE supply, we have demonstrated that our one-tyre strategy for both electric and internal combustion vehicles works in the real market. We will continue working closely with automakers to deliver tyres optimised for every powertrain," said a NEXEN TIRE official.

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Pirelli has outfitted the new BMW iX3 with two unique tyre specifications, each targeting a different driving priority for the electric vehicle. One fitment focuses on sharp, responsive handling, while the other enhances the inherent strengths of an electric drivetrain. Both options fall under the brand’s high-performance P Zero family, which is defined by continuous material innovation.

Engineered for BMW’s inaugural Neue Klasse model, an all-new EV platform, both tyres feature Pirelli Elect technology. This system extends driving range, increases comfort and improves durability through low rolling resistance and bespoke design solutions. The technology directly addresses the specific mechanical demands of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The P Zero E variant has achieved a triple A rating on the European tyre label and contains over 55 percent sustainable and reclaimed materials. These attributes helped it win the ADI Compasso d’Oro International Award at Expo 2025 in Osaka, a first for any tyre in history. Beyond the award, its construction lowers rolling resistance for better energy use, while reduced cabin noise elevates the quiet ride expected from a zero-emission model.

Meanwhile, the specialised fifth-generation P Zero is built to manage the instant torque delivery of powerful electric motors, preserving stability and precision at higher speeds. An artificial intelligence-developed compound enables shorter braking distances and track-proven cornering grip. This model prioritises raw performance and safety, complementing the P Zero E’s focus on environmental life-cycle management and chassis responsiveness.

Pirelli supplies the P Zero in 20-inch uniform and 21-inch staggered sizes, with the P Zero E offered exclusively in a 22-inch staggered setup. Virtual simulation work at Pirelli’s German development centre and BMW’s Munich driving simulator cut physical prototyping by roughly one third and reduced development time by 30 percent. Both tyres carry BMW’s sidewall star marking, the result of close collaboration with the Munich automaker to maximise the iX3’s overall capability.

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Bridgestone has been named the exclusive tyre partner for Maserati’s new MCPURA, the successor to the MC20 and the Trident brand’s first super sports car. The vehicle is powered by a 3.0‑litre, 630 CV twin‑turbo V6 engine, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in under 2.9 seconds.

To harness this performance, Bridgestone developed tailor‑made Potenza Sport tyres, combining decades of motorsport expertise with advanced tread and compound technology. These bespoke tyres are engineered to enhance handling, control and driving dynamics, maximising the super sports car’s overall capability. An advanced asymmetric tread pattern provides precise steering feedback and high cornering stability, while the custom compound and carcass construction optimise contact patch distribution and thermal stability.

The development process relied on Bridgestone’s Virtual Tyre Development and predictive simulation tools, enabling early design optimisation and faster final specification alignment. Joint on‑track validation confirmed exceptional dynamic performance under high lateral loads and stable behaviour at elevated speeds, resulting in an ultra‑high‑performance tyre that balances precision, speed and stability.

The MCPURA project continues a longstanding collaboration between Bridgestone and Maserati, following custom tyres for the MC20, Grecale and Grecale Folgore. Manufactured in Europe, the fitment includes front 245/35 ZR20 95Y and rear 305/30 ZR20 103Y sizes, both featuring the distinctive MGT marking on the sidewall to denote exclusive Maserati development.

Adrien Thormann, Director – OE Sales Europe, Bridgestone EMEA, said, “Custom-engineered fitments like these are a brilliant example of our innovation and R&D capabilities. We’re happy to bring our extensive experience to Maserati drivers as well as to all our customers as the knowledge gained in developing this kind of bespoke ultra-high-performance tyre directly feeds into our award-winning replacement portfolio.”

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