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)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!