Bridgestone launched a new flagship summer touring tyre – the Bridgestone Turanza 6 – targeting  safety, mileage and sustainability. 

Developed and manufactured in Europe, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 will be available across the region from January 2023 in a comprehensive coverage – 136 sizes from 16” to 22” in the replacement summer line-up – for both passenger cars and on-road SUVs. This increases coverage in demand with 34 new sizes, focusing on the high-rim diameter segment.

Citing the tests carried out by independent TÜV SÜD, Bridgestone claims the new tyre outperforms its competitors in the segment with best-in-class wet performance. This includes being the best in cornering manoeuvres and outstanding straight-line performance. The Bridgestone Turanza 6 also achieves best-in-class EU label A-grade in the wet grip for the full line-up.

The Bridgestone Turanza 6 delivers superior mileage, with a 22 percent improvement and reduction of four percent in rolling resistance compared to its predecessor, the Turanza T005, which remains a test-winning product. The newly launched tyre comes with various ground-breaking innovations in the tread pattern, compound and construction that amplify its performance capabilities. These include the cutting-edge and sustainable TECHSYN and ENLITEN - a set of technologies providing best-in-class tyre performance with a step change towards sustainability compared with previous generations, which are featured for the first time on a Bridgestone replacement tyre.

On the sustainability front, the new Bridgestone Turanza 6 was developed using Bridgestone’s ground-breaking Virtual Tyre Development technology. This enables a digital version of an in-development tyre to be created and tested, helping Bridgestone to predict how a tyre will perform in different conditions before physically building prototypes. In the development phase, this sustainable approach saves 21 percent of raw materials and CO2 emissions while cutting 60,000 kilometres and 7.7 tonnes of CO2 from outdoor testing.

The new Bridgestone Turanza 6 is also perfectly suited to hybrid and electric vehicles, helping to optimise their performance. This includes low rolling resistance to save battery life and address range anxiety concerns, excellent control to address EV-specific driving-related issues, higher wear tolerance to combat tyre wear due to the increased weight and higher torque, and decreased noise for driver comfort to the near non-existent engine noise of EVs. The Bridgestone Turanza 6 reduces 2db in pass-by noise compared to its predecessor.

Emilio Tiberio, COO & CTO of Bridgestone EMIA, said, “We’re delighted to introduce our latest class-leading tyre, the Bridgestone Turanza 6, which was developed using ground-breaking technologies to provide our customers with a safe, sustainable and efficient tyre that performs when they need it most. We’re particularly proud of the Bridgestone Turanza 6’s wet-weather performance, giving drivers control and confidence in the most demanding conditions, even on the rainiest days.”

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Toyota Motor Corporation has selected Yokohama Rubber's GEOLANDAR A/T G31 and GEOLANDAR X-CV tyres as original equipment for its new 2025 4Runner SUV. The A/T G31 tyres (245/70R18 110H) will be equipped on Latin American models, while the X-CV tyres (245/70R17 110T and 265/55R20 113V) will be fitted for North America.

The GEOLANDAR A/T G31 combines all-terrain capability with on-road handling, offering enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced noise. Its optimised tread pattern, profile and structure ensure both comfort and steering stability. The GEOLANDAR X-CV, designed for highway performance, delivers improved high-speed manoeuvrability with lower rolling resistance while maintaining stability, comfort and durability in demanding conditions.

These tyres were developed using Yokohama’s HAICoLab, an AI-driven framework that blends human creativity with advanced data processing. Evolutionary computation – a key HAICoLab technology – helped refine the tread design. The development process leveraged real-world and simulated data, with AI aiding prediction, analysis and optimisation to achieve innovative performance breakthroughs.

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The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R K1 tyre showcases Michelin’s engineering excellence, delivering unmatched dry-surface performance for the Ferrari F80. Developed in just 15 months, this tyre benefited from advanced virtual simulation and Michelin’s proprietary C3M manufacturing process, reducing physical prototypes by 20-30 percent and accelerating production while minimising environmental impact.

Michelin and Ferrari leveraged cutting-edge simulation tools – typically reserved for motorsport – to optimise the tyre’s design before physical testing. Five virtual trials, including dynamic simulations at Ferrari’s Maranello facility, ensured perfect alignment with the F80’s extreme performance demands.

To withstand the car’s immense power, torque and aerodynamic forces, Michelin engineered a breakthrough rubber compound using a motorsport-derived mixing process, now adapted for road use. The tyre also features a reinforced twin-layer radial casing and innovative shoulder belt reinforcement, enhancing grip and stability while reducing centrifugal effects. These advancements make it the first road tyre to combine such high-performance technologies in a single design. Available in unique sizes (285/30R20 front, 345/30R21 rear), the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R K1 is exclusively tailored for the Ferrari F80.

Precision manufacturing is achieved through Michelin’s C3M process, which ensures consistent, high-accuracy production akin to 3D printing. Additionally, Michelin’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the tyre’s development, which prioritised reduced carbon emissions. It is developed at the carbon-neutral Gravanches facility in Clermont-Ferrand, a site recognised for its low water consumption.

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Hyundai Motor Company has selected NEXEN TIRE’s premium comfort tyre N’FERA Supreme S as original equipment (OE) for the all-new NEXO, a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

The all-new NEXO represents its first complete redesign in seven years, featuring groundbreaking hydrogen technology that delivers an impressive 700+ km range while maintaining whisper-quiet operation. This next-generation SUV showcases a sustainability-focused design inside and out. To match these advanced capabilities, Hyundai selected the innovative N'FERA Supreme S tyres, specifically engineered for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

These high-performance tyres feature an AI-optimised structure that ensures exceptional durability and handling stability, crucial for supporting the NEXO's weight. Their advanced Level Keeping Technology maintains consistent performance throughout the tyre's lifespan, while the aerodynamic tread design enhances efficiency without compromising braking or control.

Perfectly complementing the NEXO's silent hydrogen powertrain, the tyres incorporate multiple noise-reduction technologies. These include built-in sound-absorbing materials and an AI-developed tread pattern that minimises road noise in all driving conditions. Together, these features create a harmonious blend of eco-friendly innovation and driving performance, making the new NEXO a true leader in sustainable mobility.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO of NEXEN TIRE, said, “This latest supply agreement highlights NEXEN TIRE’s technological leadership in the next generation of eco-friendly mobility. We will continue to broaden our global OE partnerships by delivering optimised tyre solutions for all powertrains – hydrogen fuel cell, electric, hybrid and internal combustion alike.”

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Giti Tire has teamed up with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) to support Challenge4’s ambitious Guinness World Record attempt – visiting the most countries in a zero-emission vehicle using the fully electric VW ID. Buzz.

Spearheading the challenge is Rainer Zietlow, founder of Challenge4 GmbH and an eight-time Guinness World Record holder, known for his focus on endurance, efficiency and sustainable mobility. The journey kicks off on 1 July at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ headquarters in Hannover, Germany, with the first leg covering major European cities. Throughout the expedition, the team will engage with the VW community, media, fans and Giti’s global distributor network. The epic journey will span over 80,000 kilometres across approximately 75 countries in Europe, Central Asia, Oceania, Asia and the Americas, lasting more than eight months.

The ID. Buzz will be equipped with GitiSynergyH2 tyres (235/60 R18 front, 255/55 R18 rear), following Giti’s Original Equipment (OE) agreement with VWCV that began in September 2023. This marks Giti’s first EV tyre nomination in Europe, and the record attempt will serve as a real-world showcase of the company’s advanced EV tyre technology, emphasising durability, safety and sustainability. The AAA-rated GitiSynergyH2 tyres feature an innovative tread compound designed to minimise rolling resistance without sacrificing wear performance or critical safety attributes like wet and dry braking.

Zietlow said, “This is going to be a great adventure and one in which I’m proud to have Giti as my tyre partner of choice.”  

Stefan Brohs, Marketing Director – Europe, Giti Tire, said, “This marks the first joint global EV record tour for Rainer which is supported by Giti Tire and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, reinforcing both brands' commitment to innovation and sustainability. This magnificent opportunity allows us to reinforce Giti's leadership in EV tyre technology and amplify our global brand visibility via high-impact storytelling and brand content across global regions. It also strengthens our OE credentials through visible support in a common project, which in turn will help deepen engagement with distributors, dealers and partners around the globe.”

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