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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Dacia has chosen Continental to supply original equipment tyres for its new Duster SUV, approving three specific models in 16- to 18-inch sizes. This selection highlights a focus on quality and performance, offering drivers the energy-efficient EcoContact 6 Q summer tyre, the versatile AllSeasonContact and the robust CrossContact RX.

The CrossContact RX is engineered for heavier vehicles, using an innovative sipe design to provide excellent comfort, traction and wet road performance. The EcoContact 6 Q features a low-rolling-resistance compound, making it an ideal choice for hybrid models by helping to extend their electric range without compromising on safety or tread wear.

For year-round reliability, the AllSeasonContact offers a balanced solution. Its optimised tread reduces fuel consumption across various temperatures and weather conditions by effectively combining a specialised compound with a versatile tread pattern.

All three tyres deliver the signature safety and performance characteristics expected from Continental. This includes short braking distances, stable cornering and dependable grip on both dry and wet road surfaces, ensuring a secure and efficient driving experience for Duster owners.

The tyres have been approved in the following sizes:

EcoContact 6 Q, 215/60 R18 98H
EcoContact 6 Q, 215/65 R17 99H
AllSeasonContact, 215/60 R18 98H
AllSeasonContact, 215/65 R17 99H
CrossContact RX, 215/60 R18 98H FR
CrossContact RX, 215/65 R17 99H FR
CrossContact RX, 215/70 R16 100H FR

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Hankook Tire has launched its new e-Vantra FlexClimate all-season tyre as original equipment for the popular Volkswagen Crafter van. Supplied in the size 205/75 R16C 113/111R, this development marks a significant expansion of the company's portfolio within the light commercial vehicle sector. While debuting on the Crafter with conventional drive technology, the tyre was engineered to address the specific demands of both electric and internal combustion engine vans. A release on the replacement market is also planned for the near future.

The tyre’s design prioritises core commercial vehicle requirements, including high load capacity, exceptional durability and resistance to wear. A key feature is its reinforced sidewall, which is constructed to reliably absorb high transverse forces and ensure stable and safe handling, even when the vehicle is fully loaded. This structural integrity is further enhanced by a multi-reinforced bead structure and an optimised bead filler height, providing outstanding stability across diverse driving conditions.

Performance is augmented by a tread compound with a high silica content, functionalised polymers and special resins. This combination is engineered to deliver excellent wet braking performance, high durability and reduced rolling resistance. The tread pattern itself incorporates advanced 3D sipe technology to improve block rigidity, promote a uniform wear pattern and ensure reliable traction. An innovative zigzag sipe pattern provides added grip on snow and mud. Consequently, the Hankook e-Vantra FlexClimate carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, confirming its suitability for use in severe winter conditions.

Jongho Park, President and COO, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “With our appointment as an original equipment manufacturer for the VW Crafter, we are underlining our commitment to continuing to expand our product portfolio in the van segment and to offering innovative solutions to meet the diverse requirements of our commercial customers. The Hankook e-Vantra FlexClimate combines numerous characteristics that make it ideal for demanding everyday use. This product focuses on state-of-the-art technologies that enhance efficiency and safety, ensuring it is well equipped to meet changes in the sector.”

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Bridgestone, a global leader in high-performance tyres and sustainable mobility solutions, has been selected as the sole tyre supplier for Lamborghini’s new Fenomeno supercar. This exclusive partnership reinforces Bridgestone’s role as Lamborghini’s Official Technical Partner, a collaboration spanning five years and covering the entire Lamborghini lineup, including the Huracán STO, Revuelto and now the ultra-exclusive Fenomeno.

Limited to just 29 units, the Fenomeno commemorates two decades of Lamborghini’s in-house design excellence. Powered by a record-breaking 1080 CV V12 engine, it accelerates from 0-100 kmph in 2.4 seconds and 0-200 kmph in 6.7 seconds, making it the fastest Lamborghini ever. To match this performance, Bridgestone developed custom Potenza Sport tyres, engineered for ultra-high-speed stability, precise handling and optimal grip. Available in 265/30 ZRF21 (front) and 355/25 ZRF22 (rear) sizes, these tyres also feature Run Flat Technology, allowing drivers to travel up to 80 km at 80 kmph even after a puncture.

For enthusiasts seeking track-level performance on public roads, Bridgestone offers a semi-slick variant, homologated for street use while delivering race-inspired grip. Both tyre options were developed using Bridgestone’s Virtual Tyre Development (VTD) technology, which enhances sustainability by reducing prototype waste, cutting testing time by 50 percent and lowering CO2 emissions by up to 60 percent during production.

Radoslaw Bolkowski, Vice President OE Sales at Bridgestone EMEA, said, “Our longstanding partnership with Lamborghini is rooted in a shared passion for innovation, excellence and top performance. With the Fenomeno, our team had the challenge of unleashing the full potential of Lamborghini’s most powerful V12 ever – and they’ve delivered. The custom-engineered Bridgestone Potenza tyres offer the control, grip and precision needed to enhance this car’s exceptional capabilities – on both the road and track.”

Christian Mastro, Lamborghini’s Marketing Director, said, “At Lamborghini, design and performance go hand in hand – and with Bridgestone, we have a partner who understands both. Tyres are a vital part of how a supercar performs: outside of technical updates, 70 percent of the improvements in these cars today come from advances in the tyres they sit on. Bridgestone’s bespoke Potenza line-up ensures that every drive in the Fenomeno can deliver against this vehicle’s stunning speed and power.”

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Bridgestone participated in the global launch of the Lamborghini Temerario in Estoril, Portugal, as the Official Technical Partner of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., reinforcing their exclusive collaboration. As the sole tyre supplier for the new model, Bridgestone developed a tailored tyre range to enhance the Temerario’s capabilities, featuring the Potenza Sport and Potenza Race for summer road and track performance, alongside the Blizzak LM005 winter variant.

During the event, approximately 400 attendees experienced firsthand the synergy between the Temerario and its custom Bridgestone tyres, testing their performance on the track. Guests also visited the Bridgestone Corner, where they interacted with the engineers behind the tyre development and gained insights into the technology powering these high-performance solutions. The occasion showcased the pinnacle of innovation and partnership, highlighting Bridgestone’s commitment to delivering excellence for Lamborghini’s latest supercar.

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