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)

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NEXEN TIRE has been selected to supply original equipment tyres for the Renault FILANTE, a crossover model from Renault Korea that merges sedan comfort with SUV practicality. The chosen tyre is the ROADIAN GTX, an all-season model engineered for SUVs and crossover utility vehicles, fitted in a 19-inch specification. Its zigzag tread pattern across a wide contact patch promotes even pressure distribution for stable handling, while a precision load distribution structure boosts road grip. Additionally, a low noise optimised block arrangement delivers the quiet ride that electrified vehicles require.

Hybrid vehicles like the FILANTE, which features Renault Korea’s latest hybrid powertrain, place high technical demands on tyres due to the combined use of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. NEXEN TIRE’s selection proves its ability to provide solutions for various powertrain types. The supply covers not only domestic Korean sales but also export models heading to Latin America and the Middle East.

This collaboration builds on a growing partnership with Renault Korea, following OE fitment for the Grand Koleos midsize SUV launched in 2024. Since entering the overseas OE market in 2012, NEXEN TIRE has become a key supplier to global automakers. From 2016 onward, the company has continued to demonstrate its technological strengths by partnering with numerous premium global brands across Europe and beyond.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, "We are continuously advancing our tyre technology to keep pace with the next generation of mobility, where electrification and artificial intelligence are converging. We will further strengthen our strategic partnerships with global automakers to solidify our presence in international markets and enhance the company's overall value."

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Yokohama Rubber  has begun supplying its Geolandar X-CV tyres as original equipment for Toyota Motor Corporation’s new battery electric C-HR SUV, launched in North America this month.

The vehicle is being fitted with 235/50R20 100V size tyres. Part of a new generation of highway terrain equipment, the Geolandar X-CV is designed to balance high-speed performance and drivability with safety, comfort and fuel efficiency.

The tyres supplied for the C-HR feature Yokohama’s "E+" mark, indicating technology tailored to the specific requirements of electrified vehicles, such as increased durability and reduced road noise.

Development was conducted through HAICoLab, the company’s proprietary artificial intelligence framework. The system aims to merge human creativity with data processing to accelerate digital innovation in tire design.

The Geolandar X-CV is already used across several models in Toyota’s electric lineup, including the Lexus RZ and the bZ in North America.

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Yokohama Rubber has commenced the supply of its ADVAN V61 tyres as original equipment for the new WILDLANDER SUV launched by GAC Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. in China in November 2025. The tyres, sized 235/60R18 103H, are fitted to both gasoline and hybrid versions of the model.

This tyre model represents a premium summer option within Yokohama’s flagship ADVAN family and is specifically designed to meet the demands of larger SUVs. It aims to deliver the refined driving experience associated with the brand while ensuring a strong equilibrium between energy consumption, responsive handling and a quiet cabin environment. The design supports both everyday city commuting and extended highway journeys. A distinct ‘E+’ marking on the tyre’s sidewall signifies the integration of technology tailored for electrified vehicles, such as the hybrid version of the WILDLANDER. Beyond its role as factory equipment, this particular size has been part of a wider replacement market availability since 2025, building on the model's established presence as original equipment on numerous premium SUVs.

The engineering behind the ADVAN V61 was supported by Yokohama’s HAICoLab (Humans and AI ColLaborate), a development concept that merges human creativity with the extensive analytical power of artificial intelligence (AI). This framework facilitates innovation by combining human intuition with rapid data processing to refine product characteristics.

The latest WILDLANDER itself has been positioned as an innovative smart SUV, undergoing significant updates to its powertrain, interior technology and styling. It features an efficient smart hybrid engine and a next-generation smart cockpit designed specifically for Chinese consumers, all wrapped in a more pronounced exterior design. The selection of the ADVAN V61 tyres aligns with these advancements, contributing to the vehicle's overall performance profile.

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Yokohama Rubber has commenced the supply of its ADVAN Sport V107 tyres as original equipment for the newly launched Lexus RZ 600e ‘F SPORT Performance’ edition. This special model, an SUV-type battery electric vehicle featuring enhanced motor output, became available for sale in March 2026 across various international markets including Japan, Australia, nations in Asia, Latin America and Africa. The vehicle is fitted with a staggered tyre setup, utilising size 255/40ZR21 (102Y) for the front axle and 295/35ZR21 (107Y) at the rear.

The ADVAN Sport V107 is positioned as an ultra-high-performance product within Yokohama’s flagship ADVAN brand, specifically engineered for the premium automotive segment. These tyres are the result of collaborative development with leading car manufacturers and undergo exhaustive evaluation at Yokohama’s own test centre located at the Nürburgring, a circuit renowned for its extreme demands. The tyre is engineered to deliver a balanced integration of driving dynamics, comfort and safety while also excelling in both dry and wet conditions with precise steering stability.

Yokohama’s ADVAN series has an established relationship with Lexus, with other models like the ADVAN V61 – designed for premium SUVs – already serving as standard equipment on the Lexus RX, RZ, and LBX.

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