Bridgestone applied its groundbreaking lightweight tyre technology, ENLITEN, on its Turanza Eco tyres, which are now being mounted on Volkswagen new all-electric ID.3 vehicle.

Bridgestone said with the ENLITEN technology enable tyres have a ‘super low rolling resistance’ while requiring less materials to be created.

The Turanza Eco tyres with ENLITEN Technology are available on Volkswagen’s ID.3 in 18, 19, and 20-inch variants. The 19 and 20-inch tyres are equipped with Bridgestone’s B-Seal technology, which ensures temporary air retention in case of a puncture in the tread area, allowing the vehicle to keep going.

During the development of the ID.3, which was Volkswagen’s first all-electric vehicle launched to the market, sought for a tyre fitment that would offer high performance on all surfaces with lower resistance.  Bridgestone responded to all these requirements with a custom developed Turanza tyre with ENLITEN Technology.

With the ENLITEN technology, tyres can have a 30 percent lower rolling resistance and 20 percent, or 2 kg, less materials compared to standard premium summer tyres.

On top of that are ENLITEN Technology’s performance benefits. The synergy between the unique materials used to create ENLITEN Technology and a new mixing process has enhanced the technology’s compound wear performance, without compromising on grip. This, combined with a cavity and full 3D pattern design that maximises wet and wear performance, means that ENLITEN Technology improves the vehicle’s handling to help increase driving pleasure and, in the case of the ID.3, meet all of Volkswagen’s performance targets.

Karsten Schebsdat, Head of Chassis Development, Volkswagen, said,  “The ID.3 is our biggest launch since the Golf. We knew that the tyres had to be perfect if drivers were going to realise all of the vehicle’s performance and environmental benefits. So we selected Bridgestone and its ENLITEN Technology for the ID.3. The significant reduction of rolling resistance allowed by ENLITEN Technology has a huge impact on the ID.3’s battery conservation, which is very important, especially with there being many questions around electric vehicle range today. ENLITEN Technology can go a long way in helping to change perceptions on the viability of e-mobility. It’s a ground-breaking technology for sure.”

 Mark Tejedor, VP Original Equipment at Bridgestone EMIA, also commented: “The recent projects in the all-electric ID family have proved what e-mobility is capable of; in the ID.3 we truly have an electric vehicle that’s designed for everyone. We are very proud at Bridgestone to have helped bring the performance and environmental benefits of ENLITEN Technology to the roads for the first time on Volkswagen’s new all-electric ID.3 vehicle. As a business, we’re committed to providing customisable solutions to Original Equipment Manufacturers, who are our key partners in contributing to the future of mobility, and working with them to create new value for society. The work that we’re doing alongside Volkswagen in this space is exactly that.”

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The Yokohama Rubber Company has commenced the supply of its BluEarth-XT AE61 tyres as original equipment for the newly launched GAC Trumpchi M8 plug-in hybrid minivan, which entered the Chinese market in November 2025. These tyres, sized at 225/60R18 104V, are designed to deliver a harmonious blend of performance, comfort and environmental consideration. Drawing on the core design and material innovations of Yokohama’s BluEarth brand, the tyre incorporates an asymmetrical tread pattern and a high-rigidity profile. This construction is engineered to mitigate sway and uneven tread wear, issues commonly associated with vehicles that have a raised centre of gravity, thereby ensuring stability and durability.

The GAC Trumpchi M8 represents a premium entry in the minivan segment, distinguished by its advanced plug-in hybrid system that provides an electric-only range of up to 106 kilometres according to WLTC standards. Its features extend to autonomous driving capabilities and a luxuriously appointed interior, aligning with modern expectations for high-end mobility.

Yokohama Rubber continues to advance its BluEarth tyre series, which is designed with a focus on environmental harmony and user-centric performance. These tyres are increasingly selected as original equipment for a diverse range of new vehicles, encompassing traditional petrol models, hybrids and fully electric cars across various categories, including sedans, SUVs, sports cars and compact vehicles. This ongoing adoption underscores the company’s commitment to providing tyre solutions that meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry.

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NEXEN TIRE has secured a new partnership with BMW, supplying its high-performance N’FERA Sport tyre as original equipment for the all-electric BMW iX3. The N’FERA Sport model is engineered to deliver superior grip and responsiveness. Key design elements include a specifically engineered tread pattern and block design that work together to enhance handling and stability at high speeds, as well as an optimised longitudinal groove configuration that significantly improves water drainage for reliable wet traction. Furthermore, a specialised tread compound boosts both grip and braking power, while reinforced sidewalls bolster cornering stability and overall control at higher velocities.

This agreement with a prominent premium manufacturer underscores NEXEN TIRE’s expanding footprint in the original equipment market. Since it first began supplying global carmakers in 2012, the company has rapidly diversified its client portfolio and now counts the BMW Group among its key partners. This consistent growth is underpinned by a strong commitment to research and development. Demonstrating this focus, the company recently became the first in its domestic industry to implement a high-tech dynamic driving simulator, a move that accelerates the creation of next-generation virtual tyre technology.

Alongside advancements in product engineering, NEXEN TIRE is bolstering its manufacturing precision through an artificial intelligence-powered automated inspection system. By integrating AI and virtual reality tools across both development and production, the company aims to elevate quality control and further solidify its collaborative relationships with automotive partners worldwide.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “By strengthening our R&D efforts and enhancing collaboration with global automakers, we will continue to deliver premium products to customers worldwide.”

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Toyo Tires has announced that its Proxes CR1 tyre has been selected as the official Original Equipment fitment for the all-new Perodua Traz. This partnership begins with the vehicle's 1.5 (X/H) variant, which rolls off the line equipped with 215/60R17 Proxes CR1 tyres in Malaysia, engineered to perfectly match the vehicle's comfort-driven character.

Through the application of Toyo Tires’ advanced T-Mode and Nano Balance Technology, the Proxes CR1 delivers on its promise of refined comfort and confident performance from the first drive. The optimised tread design ensures smooth responsiveness and reassuring stability while actively reducing road noise. Drivers benefit from reliable grip and stable handling across both wet and dry conditions, contributing to an efficient and secure journey.

As a leader in the market, Toyo Tires offers the Proxes CR1 and CR1 SUV as its most comprehensive range in Malaysia, catering to a wide variety of passenger cars and SUVs with sizes available from 14 to 20 inches.

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Dunlop (company name: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.) has commenced supply of its Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX 060 and e. SPORT MAXX tyres as original equipment for Toyota Motor Corporation’s new C-HR+, an all-electric vehicle launched in Europe in December 2025. This BEV model combines a stylish design with an expansive cabin and achieves a greater driving range than previous versions through enhancements including modified battery cells.

The supplied tyres contribute directly to this improved range by utilising a new tread rubber compound that lowers rolling resistance. They also provide a quieter ride, a benefit of their optimised tread pattern design. In addition to delivering strong steering stability and wet grip performance, the tyres feature the proprietary Nano Black technology. This technique produces a deeper, richer black on the sidewalls, enhancing the visibility of the Dunlop branding and lending a more premium aesthetic to the vehicle.

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