By Lennard Kwek

Over the last century, the world population has more than quadrupled. [1] Most of this growth is centred around the Asia-Pacific region, which is estimated to drive 40 per cent of the world’s consumption of goods and services by 2040. [2] In the last 30 years alone, countries such as China and Vietnam have experienced rapid urbanisation, fuelling economic growth and opening doors to infrastructure and public services to address the needs of the ever-rising middle-class population.

As people move up the economic ladder, their desire to lead a more comfortable life has a significant impact on many industries, including the automotive sector. The region’s economic potential and growing appetite for luxury and environmentally friendly products have led to innovations in the areas of Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electric (CASE).

Vehicles, which play a huge role in the mobility of people and goods in this part of the world. And as critical components of automobiles, the tyre industry must keep pace with the changes brought about by CASE. The future of tyre will need to bring continued reliability, safety, and enhanced performance yet have the ability to integrate emerging technologies such as sensors, smart diagnostics and advanced safety systems. Such changes are also driving tire companies to innovate and develop diversified products and solutions as we move towards the concept of Mobilityas-a-Service (MaaS). 

EV tyres 
For instance, electric vehicles tend to be heavier due to the extra weight of the battery pack. Tyres for electric cars thus need to be structurally reinforced to withstand this increased load while maintaining low rolling resistance to maximise fuel efficiency. Conscious of consumer’s changing preferences and the associated environmental benefits of electric vehicles, Bridgestone specially designed custom-built tyres i.e. the ECOPIA ologic series for the BMW i3 electric vehicles. The tyres feature narrow tyre width to realise low rolling resistance and to reduce aero-dynamic resistance which are important factors in the improvement of a vehicle’s fuel efficiency and the reduction of carbon emissions.
 Another trend in the automotive industry that has influenced the design of tyre is the rise of “shared mobility” services, such as ride-sharing. In the last few years, we have witnessed the massive popularity of ride-sharing platforms, and this growth is only projected to increase. A recent report by Bizwit Research estimates that the ride-sharing industry will grow by more than 20% between the years 2019 to 2025 [3].

 Run-Flat Technology 
On this front, Bridgestone’s tyres are engineered to offer enhanced performance and durability as the road-life of the tyres need to withstand the high-frequency usage demand of these vehicles. Solutions such as the recently launched DriveGuard RunFlat Technology (RFT) enable drivers to remain in control and continue driving up to a maximum distance of 80 kilometres at a maximum speed of 80 kilometres per hour after a puncture or complete loss of pressure. In addition to this, Bridgestone’s automatic sealant technology called B-Seal also guarantees air retention when nails, stones or other objects are embedded at up to 5mm in diameter in the tyre tread. These tyre solutions focus on extending tyre endurance and mobility - ideal for vehicles used very frequently in the ride sharing scenario. The rise of IoT and AI technologies is also powering the evolution of connected and autonomous selfdriving vehicles. Selfdriving opens up a world of possibilities - from increased personal safety to time efficiency and mobility for non drivers. In Asia, China seems to be taking the lead in readying self-driving vehicles for production, expecting fully autonomous vehicles to account for 10 per cent of car sales by 2030.[4] This accelerating transformation towards autonomous operations has a significant impact on the tyre industry. Tyre manufacturers will need to work towards creating tyres that can communicate with these autonomous vehicles, involving the integration of advanced sensor technologies, smart diagnostics and data analytics. 
Having identified these needs at an early stage, Bridgestone is transforming its business operations to focus on solutions and integrating these technologies to meet the needs and expectations of the next generation of drivers. At its foundation is the newly introduced global mobility solutions strategy called Bridgestone Tires & Diversified Products as a Solution (Bridgestone T&DPaaS). The strategy is a combination of products, services such as Bridgestone’s Global Service Network and digital technologies.

Smart Strain Sensor
Under the digital techniques branch, Bridgestone has developed a new type of tyre sensor, called the Smart Strain Sensor. A first-of-its-kind, the Smart Strain Sensor technology incorporates Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to help measure the strain that occurs when a tire makes contact with the road while in motion. Furthermore, unlike accelerometer sensors, the Smart Strain Sensor can record data even at low speeds, which makes it an important differentiator for autonomous vehicles which are expected to operate at lower speeds for enhanced safety. Last year, Bridgestone also acquired TomTom Telematics, now renamed as Webfleet Solutions, which offers 
data-based solutions that make fleet operations more effective and efficient. Through this, Bridgestone gains valuable insights into vehicle and tire operating conditions from a user base of 860,000 vehicles communicating 200 million data points per day, thus accelerating its tire solutions offerings and paving the road towards autonomous driving. As the automotive industry continues to transform with the ongoing implementation of CASE, it is evident that tires will continue to play a key role in this revolution. However, in order to overcome the challenges and benefit from the opportunities arising from these trends, the tire industry will need to “reinvent the wheel” to stay on track and meet the evolving needs of the wider automotive industry. 

REF: [1] https://hbr.org/2016/04/globaldemand-for-food-is-rising-can-we-meetit
 [2] https://www.mckinsey.com/featuredinsights/asia-pacific/asias-future-is-now
 [3] https://www.reuters.com/ brandfeatures/venture-capital/ article?id=83120
[4] https://publicaffairsasia.com/drivinggrowth-the-mechanics-of-auto

Lennard Kwek is Head of Marketing at Bridgestone China & Asia Pacific.

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NEXEN TIRE has secured its first original equipment supply agreement with BYD, marking a significant milestone in the global tyre manufacturer’s expansion within the electric vehicle sector. The partnership entails outfitting two distinct BYD electric models, the SEAL 6 and the Dolphin Surf, with specialised tyres, a move anticipated to elevate NEXEN TIRE’s standing among international EV producers.

For the BYD SEAL 6, destined for overseas markets including Australia, NEXEN TIRE will provide the N’FERA Sport, an ultra-high-performance summer tyre. This model is engineered for sporty handling and superior high-speed stability, having earned recognition through commendable performance in rigorous European tyre evaluations. Concurrently, the BYD Dolphin Surf, exported to Europe, will feature the N’Blue S tyre, a high-efficiency summer variant specifically developed to comply with stringent EU carbon emission standards by minimising rolling resistance while enhancing wet braking and drainage capabilities.

Since initiating its OE tyre sales to foreign automakers in 2012, NEXEN TIRE has solidified its reputation as a trusted supplier to major global manufacturers, including premium European marques. This latest collaboration with BYD underscores the company’s continued commitment to advanced technology and quality, further cementing its influence in the evolving automotive landscape.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “Becoming an OE supplier for two BYD EV models demonstrates both our technological range and our quality competitiveness, as we can deliver optimised performance for both electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles. We will continue to strengthen our partnership with BYD moving forward.”

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NEXEN TIRE has secured a new original equipment supply agreement with Hyundai Motor Company, providing tyres for the recently updated version of the Korean automaker’s flagship sedan, known as The New Grandeur. This decision extends the existing partnership between the two companies, as NEXEN TIRE previously supplied tyres for the initial launch of the seventh-generation model. The renewed collaboration reinforces the tyre manufacturer’s role in supporting Hyundai’s premium passenger vehicle lineup.

The selected tyre for this application is the N'FERA Supreme S, an ultra-high-performance product engineered for premium vehicles. This model features NEXEN TIRE’s proprietary Noise Reduction System, which uses sound-absorbing materials to diminish resonance noise while driving. Furthermore, an AI-driven low-noise pattern design and advanced load distribution technology work together to minimise road vibrations and enhance overall cabin quietness, with the aerodynamic sidewall also contributing to reduced rolling resistance.

The New Grandeur distinguishes itself with a Seamless Horizon Lamp and the latest Pleos Connect infotainment system, aiming to boost its competitive standing in the luxury sedan segment. The N'FERA Supreme S is engineered to meet these elevated standards, offering robust grip and high-speed stability through a specialised 4D compound. Its durable sipe and groove structures are optimised to preserve consistent performance even as the tyre undergoes wear over time.

This latest supply deal marks a continuation of NEXEN TIRE’s broader strategic cooperation with Hyundai’s upscale vehicle range, having previously equipped models such as the Palisade SUV and the NEXO hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. Since entering the international OE market in 2012, the manufacturer has expanded its clientele to include numerous global automotive brands, with this latest contract underscoring its acknowledged technological expertise and product reliability in a highly competitive sector.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “Being selected once again to supply OE tyres for The New Grandeur demonstrates that the N'FERA Supreme S meets the high standards expected of a flagship sedan in terms of quietness and driving performance. We will continue to strengthen strategic partnerships with Hyundai Motor and other global automakers while expanding OE tyre supply for future mobility segments, including electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.”

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Giti Tire has secured original equipment homologation for its GitiSynergy H3 tyre on the all-electric BMW iX1 and iX2 models. This approval represents a notable expansion of the manufacturer’s original equipment portfolio and underscores its advanced technical capabilities in the premium automotive sector.

The specified tyre, sized 245/40 R20 99Y XL, was exclusively engineered at Giti Tire’s European Research and Development Centre in Hannover to satisfy BMW Group’s stringent criteria for electric vehicle platforms. Rigorous validation took place at the company’s MIRA proving ground in the United Kingdom, supplemented by additional testing across Germany and Spain.

Engineered for optimised efficiency, the tyre achieves the highest EU Rolling Resistance label rating of A and incorporates an aerodynamic sidewall design alongside reduced noise characteristics and extended wear life. Homologation is confirmed by the * symbol on the sidewall, denoting full compliance with BMW’s original equipment specifications.

This latest nomination builds upon prior approvals for the BMW 1 Series and MINI models. The project leveraged AdvanZtech, Giti’s global research and development network, reinforcing the company’s standing as a dependable engineering partner capable of addressing the complex demands of contemporary electric mobility.

Nicolas Kluson, Key Account Manager Europe OE, Giti Tire, said, "BMW Group's homologation programme required a tyre capable of achieving very low rolling resistance without compromising handling performance. Successfully meeting these requirements highlights the advanced engineering capabilities within Giti Tire's global R&D network. This project represents another important OEM milestone for Giti Tire and reflects our commitment to developing innovative solutions that support the evolving demands of electric mobility. As sustainability becomes increasingly important for both vehicle manufacturers and drivers, we will continue to push the boundaries of tyre technology."

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Bridgestone has been named the official tyre supplier for the new Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI, the first fully electric GTI model ever produced by the German automaker. The vehicle made its public debut at the Nürburgring during the recent 24-hour race, equipped with bespoke Potenza Sport tyres.

The custom-engineered premium tyres are designed to channel the GTI’s sporting character onto the road while fulfilling critical performance criteria, including braking efficiency, tread wear life and reduced road noise. Bridgestone developed the tyres in Italy, integrating the company’s advanced ENLITEN technology.

To achieve this design, Bridgestone relied on its proprietary Virtual Tyre Development technology, which allowed for precise engineering without extensive physical prototyping. The result is a tailored tyre solution that supports the electric GTI’s unique demands while maintaining high performance standards.

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