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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Mercedes-Benz has once again selected Continental's advanced EcoContact 6 Q tyre as original equipment for its GLE and GLS luxury SUV models, underscoring a continued partnership built on technical expertise.

This specific tyre was meticulously engineered to deliver a superior and refined driving experience, prioritising both exceptional energy efficiency and remarkably quiet operation. A key to its performance is a specially formulated rubber compound that minimises energy absorption, thereby significantly reducing rolling resistance. This design feature directly contributes to improved fuel efficiency and is suitable for a diverse range of vehicle models, irrespective of their specific drive type. Continental's engineers also dedicated considerable effort to acoustics, optimising the tyre's tread pattern to actively minimise rolling noise for a more comfortable cabin environment.

Beyond these core attributes, the EcoContact 6 Q is built for longevity and safety, offering high mileage alongside reliable and consistent grip on both wet and dry road surfaces. It also provides drivers with confidence through its short braking distances and excellent cornering stability, which remains assured even when traveling at higher speeds. This combination of features makes it a comprehensive and high-performing original equipment choice for Mercedes-Benz's prestigious SUVs.

This tyre line is available in the following sizes:

EcoContact 6 Q MO, 275/50 R 20 113W XL
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 275/45 R21 107Y
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 315/40 R21 111Y
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 285/40 R22 106Y
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 325/35 R22 110Y
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 285/45 R22 114Y
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 325/40 R22 114Y
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 285/40 R23 107Y
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 325/35 R23 111Y

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Continental has been selected by General Motors as an original equipment supplier for its new Cadillac OPTIQ and Chevrolet Equinox EV models. These electric SUVs will be factory-fitted with Continental's CrossContact RX all-weather touring tyres, specifically in 20- and 21-inch sizes.

Engineered for a blend of safety and comfort, the CrossContact RX tyres are designed to perform reliably in diverse conditions, including light off-road terrain and moderate snowfall. Their development focused on delivering strong braking performance and dynamic handling on dry, wet and wintry roads. An optimised tread pattern and contour contribute to lower rolling resistance and enhanced traction across various weather scenarios.

Furthermore, a uniform sipe arrangement within the tread reduces road noise for a quieter ride. A key feature is the inclusion of ContiSeal technology, which automatically seals punctures up to 6 mm in diameter, allowing drivers to continue their journey without immediate interruption. This technology provides an added layer of convenience and safety for electric vehicle owners.

The tyre range has been approved in the following sizes:

CrossContact RX, 275/40 R21 107H XL FR ContiSeal
CrossContact RX, 245/50 R20 105H XL FR ContiSeal

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Honda has selected Yokohama Rubber’s BluEarth AE-01 tyres as original equipment for its upcoming N-ONE e: mini-electric vehicle. Scheduled for launch in Japan in September 2025, the mini-EV will be fitted with the tyres in the size 155/65R14 75S.

As part of Yokohama’s global BluEarth brand, the AE-01 model is engineered to be an eco-conscious and socially responsible product. It is designed to provide excellent fuel efficiency while maintaining a balanced performance in key areas including quiet operation, ride comfort and tread longevity.

This partnership is a reflection of Yokohama Rubber's strategic initiative to expand its advanced BluEarth technology across a diverse range of new vehicles. The company’s tyres are increasingly chosen as factory-fitted equipment for a wide spectrum of models, from sedans and SUVs to sports cars and compact vehicles, including gasoline, hybrid and electric powertrains.

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Kia has selected NEXEN TIRE’s N’Blue S high-performance summer tyre as original equipment for the new Kia PV5, an adaptable purpose-built vehicle (PBV) developed on the dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This model is designed for a wide array of uses, from personal and recreational activities to commercial logistics, positioning it as a cornerstone for the future of urban mobility. The supply agreement underscores NEXEN TIRE's advanced technological capabilities in developing tyres specifically engineered for the demands of electric commercial vehicles.

The N’Blue S tyre, sized 215/65R16 102H, is engineered to meet strict European environmental standards, emphasising high efficiency and minimised rolling resistance to extend electric vehicle range. A key innovation featured in this model is Sidewall Aero Dynamic technology, which functions to reduce pass-by noise and improve overall energy efficiency. The tyre’s tread design incorporates a simplified groove pattern that enhances water drainage, providing superior wet traction and stable braking performance. These attributes ensure excellent durability and reliability, which are critical for the repetitive stop-and-go patterns characteristic of urban commercial operations.

This partnership with Kia is part of a broader strategic trajectory for NEXEN TIRE, which has established itself as a trusted original equipment supplier for major global automakers. The company leverages over 80 years of technical expertise to provide tyres for a growing portfolio of electric vehicles, including Kia's EV3, EV4, EV6 and EV9 models, alongside global strategic vehicles like the PV5 and Tasman. This latest supply agreement for the innovative PV5 further solidifies NEXEN TIRE's reputation and demonstrates its commitment to supporting the evolving needs of the electric mobility industry.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “The supply of OE tyres for the Kia PV5 demonstrates our technological competitiveness in the future mobility market, driven by electrification and personalisation. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with global automakers to contribute to the expansion of the future mobility ecosystem.”

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