Bridgestone has been selected by Mercedes-Benz AG as the development partner for tyres for its technology programme, the Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX. The futuristic electric vehicle (EV) is the car manufacturer’s answer to making EVs more efficient and increasing electric range to a new level. Bridgestone said in a statement that its engineers collaborated with Mercedes-Benz to create custom-designed tyres that have contributed to increasing the vehicle’s efficiency and thus driving range to a real-world 1,000km – from Sindelfingen, Germany to Cassis, France – on a single charge. 

Bridgestone designed bespoke Turanza Eco tyres that combine its proprietary and lightweight ENLITEN Technology to reduce tyre rolling resistance and weight by up to 20 per cent, along with its ologic technology designed to enhance battery range by means of a large tyre diameter to reduce rolling resistance, and a narrow tyre width to reduce aerodynamic resistance. 

In collaboration with Mercedes-Benz’s aerodynamic department, the tyre also comes with optimised sidewalls and a bead area design that match the covers mounted on the 20-inch, forged-magnesium wheels, greatly improving the tyre’s aerodynamics.  

Emilio Tiberio, COO & CTO at Bridgestone EMIA, said: "As part of our commitment to help shape a sustainable future of mobility, Bridgestone is proud to have co-developed with its long-term partner the right tyres for a project as innovative as this. The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is a project that is totally aligned with our own EV ambitions and targets, especially as we are investing to make electric mobility more efficient and accessible through a fully integrated approach. This includes pioneering premium tyres and tyre technologies able to tackle the greatest EV challenges. This is especially true as we heavily invest in EV tyre development – currently allocated over 30 per cent of our R&D resources – and improve upon our technologies in 2022.” 

The tyres were developed using Bridgestone’s virtual tyre modelling and simulation capabilities, which enable a digital version of an in-development tyre to be created and tested. Using this technology means that development time was cut considerably. 

Bridgestone leveraged the virtual environment for a large part of the development process, enabling prediction of how the tyre would perform in different conditions before physically building it. The increased flexibility offered by virtual tyre development enables Bridgestone to test far more variants of a given tyre, thanks to the speed at which modifying a tyre’s digital twin and immediately testing it can take place. Additionally, this virtual tyre development delivers multiple environmental benefits, as both natural resource use and exhaust emissions are cut, thanks to a lower number of prototypes that need to be produced and tested, the release added. (TT)

Chinese automaker Zeekr has selected Continental's PremiumContact 6 tyres as original equipment (OE) for its Zeekr 001 electric sedan. The sedan will be fitted with 265/40 R22 106V XL FR size tyre, specially designed for dynamic and responsive handling while providing safety and comfort.

The tyres refined design guarantees control and strong cornering stability at higher speeds, while its superior grip performance guarantees efficient power transmission to the road. The tread's shape enables both precision steering and a fast reaction. Excellent safety and braking performance on both wet and dry roads are guaranteed by the unique silica rubber compound, which is made for safe driving in all weather situations. Additionally, the reduced rolling resistance contributes to longer battery life of the vehicle. Even on damp roads, the tyre provides excellent safety qualities, accurate handling and short stopping distances.

Continental's PremiumContact 6 tyre has been selected as original equipment (OE) by US car manufacturer Cadillac for its LYRIQ-V. The electric SUV will be factory-fitted with the premium tyre in size 22 inches.

At higher speeds, the PremiumContact 6's refined design offers control and strong cornering stability, and its superior grip performance guarantees that power is delivered to the road efficiently. Fast reaction and accurate steering are made possible by the circumferential groove design. The tyre's unique silica rubber formula ensures superior braking on both wet and dry roads, making it designed for safe driving in all weather situations. Furthermore, the reduced rolling resistance contributes to the vehicle’s longer battery life. The tyre also provides precise handling, low stopping distances and exceptional wet-weather qualities.

The main goals of Continental's tyre development are low rolling resistance, minimal rolling noise and high mileage. The tyre is safe, comfortable and made for dynamic, responsive driving. These characteristics are especially advantageous for electric vehicles like the LYRIQ-V. The tyres are made to handle the added weight of electric vehicles brought on by the battery because of their higher load index.

Global leading tyre company Hankook Tire & Technology (Hankook Tire) and renowned German luxury mobility brand BRABUS have unveiled a new brand film titled ‘Electrified, Hankook iON & BRABUS’. The video emphasises the two businesses' mutual love of cutting-edge technology and creative design principles for future transportation.

With this alliance, Hankook Tire and BRABUS are further solidifying their premium brand status. The two businesses are spearheading the electrification revolution in mobility with Hankook's world-first complete range of electric vehicle tyres, ‘iON’, and BRABUS's proficiency in customising high-performance electric vehicles. The iON evo SUV tyre consistently supports the fast, dynamic manoeuvrability of BRABUS cars by providing outstanding grip and accurate handling on both wet and dry track surfaces. Even in the busiest driving situations, it flawlessly muffles all road noise, greatly boosting the immersive feeling portrayed in the movie.

In the video, a BRABUS-customised Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 with Hankook Tire's iON evo SUV tyres exhibits exceptional driving capabilities on Germany's renowned Circuit Meppen circuit. Last year, in anticipation of its role as an Official BRABUS Technology Partner, Hankook Tire released a 10-second teaser video that garnered a lot of international attention before the full-length release. Hankook Tire's official worldwide YouTube and Instagram accounts now feature the whole brand film.

Nexen Tire has continuously increased its supply of original equipment (OE) tyres to international automakers over the years, and their most recent collaboration with luxury automaker BMW Group emphasises the company's rising industry awareness.

Thanks to a number of crucial design elements, N'Fera Sport tyres offer exceptional dry, wet and handling performance. N'Fera Sport has a block design for superior dry and wet handle performance at high speed and a larger longitudinal groove for better drainage performance in wet circumstances. Furthermore, the tyre uses the most recent tread composition to improve braking and grip, while sidewall reinforcements increase stability at high speeds, providing exceptional handling and stability when turning. Most notably, the tyre has an AI-optimised engineering technology-based optimal design that increases fuel efficiency and reduces road noise. The Nexen Tire Europe factory ensures exceptional quality and performance by producing these high-performance tyres with cutting-edge automation and competitive quality.

As of 2024, Nexen Tire distributes OE tyres to 118 models of international automakers, having begun delivering OE tyres to luxury manufacturers in 2016. This accomplishment is the result of Nexen Tire's ongoing R&D expenditures to create high-quality goods that highlight its state-of-the-art technology. By utilising virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the business also spearheads tyre development and intends to deepen its alliances with international automakers.

Travis Kang, Global CEO of Nexen Tire, said, “To supply original equipment tyres, tyre manufacturers must meet the high standards of safety and performance required by automakers. We will continue to expand our supply to premium brands, demonstrating our exceptional quality and technological prowess.”