Continental Tires has launched its new all-terrain tyre, the CrossContact A/T², in India, making the country one of the first global markets to receive it.

The tyre was introduced during Continental Tires Track Day 2026 at Dot Goa 4X4. Designed for 4x4 and utility vehicles, the CrossContact A/T² targets drivers seeking off-road capability alongside on-road performance across India’s varied terrain.

The launch underlines Continental’s strategic focus on the Indian market and its expansion in the 4x4 segment. According to the company, the CrossContact A/T² has been developed to deliver enhanced traction, durability and grip, supported by its proprietary Traction Plus technology.

“India’s 4x4 vehicle segment is experiencing sharp growth, driven by a growing passion for adventure and long-distance travel. With our ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach, we continually innovate to meet the demands of Indian road conditions and deliver enhanced driving experiences. The CrossContact A/T² delivers high performance across the diverse terrains and topographies that India offers,” said Samir Gupta, managing director, Continental Tires India.

Gupta added: “India is the first market globally to introduce the CrossContact A/T². This decision is a testament to Continental’s commitment to the Indian market. We remain committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to our Indian customers.”

The CrossContact A/T² has been engineered for use across mud, gravel, sand, wet highways and rocky trails. The tyre features a BlackPaw compound designed to maintain elasticity across temperature ranges, self-cleaning shoulders to expel debris, rigid tread block geometry to improve braking and reduce hydroplaning, and reinforced sidewalls for resistance to cuts and abrasions.

The tyre is available through Continental’s authorised dealerships and more than 200 brand stores nationwide, in sizes ranging from 215/70 R15 to 285/60 R18, covering a broad range of SUV and 4x4 models.

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Toyo Tires has been selected as the sole original equipment tyre supplier for the all-new Toyota Vios Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) launched in Malaysia. The vehicle is fitted with the Proxes CR1 tyre, marking a continued partnership rooted in decades of original equipment experience. Toyo Tires positions this selection as evidence of its benchmark status in quality, reliability and performance.

Engineered with EV-ready technology, the Proxes CR1 is designed to complement hybrid vehicles by delivering smooth handling, enhanced stability, and confidence for daily driving. Safety is prioritised through an advanced tread pattern that improves grip on both wet and dry surfaces, offering better control in varied conditions. Whether on city streets or longer journeys, the tyre provides a quiet, comfortable and stable ride.

Manufactured in Malaysia, the Proxes CR1 reflects a commitment to local driving needs while adhering to global quality standards. Available nationwide in sizes ranging from 14 to 20 inches, it suits both passenger cars and SUVs. The specification for the Toyota Vios HEV 1.5L is the Proxes CR1 B in size 195/60R16 86H.

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Continental has secured original equipment approval to supply tyres for the new Volkswagen T-Roc compact SUV. The German tyre manufacturer will provide the EcoContact 7 and EcoContact 7 S models in sizes ranging from 16 to 19 inches. For colder seasons, Volkswagen also recommends the WinterContact TS 870 P, while the AllSeasonContact 2 serves as the year-round alternative.

The EcoContact 7 summer tyre achieves high energy efficiency through a specialised rubber compound and Smart Energy Casing technology. New materials in the carcass, inner layer and sidewall reduce internal friction and lower rolling resistance, while an aerodynamically optimised sidewall further improves efficiency. Continental integrates several innovations, including a golf-inspired aerodimple structure. These small dimples reduce air turbulence behind the tyre, allowing the vehicle to use less energy.

Noise reduction comes from the Silent Pattern tread design, where engineers have carefully adjusted the spacing and angles of tread blocks to match noise frequencies generated at lower urban speeds. The result is a noticeably quieter ride for drivers, passengers, passersby and nearby residents. The energy-focused EcoContact 7 is approved in 16-, 17- and 18-inch sizes, while the sportier EcoContact 7 S comes in 16-, 17- and 19-inch variants.

For winter conditions, the recommended WinterContact TS 870 P features a tread design and innovative sipe structure that provide reliable grip on snow and ice. Its rubber compound stays flexible at low temperatures, enabling short braking distances and safe handling in wet, cold and snowy conditions. Drivers preferring a single set of tyres all year can choose the AllSeasonContact 2, which delivers balanced performance in both summer and wet winter conditions.

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Kumho Tire has commenced original equipment supply of its ECSTA PS71 SUV model for two of Škoda’s electric vehicles, the Enyaq and the Elroq. The tyre, a flagship offering within Kumho’s ECSTA line, is being delivered in two electric vehicle compatible sizes, specifically 235/55 R19 and 255/50 R19.

Designed for modern high-powered sport utility vehicles, the ECSTA PS71 SUV delivers optimised handling and braking performance in both dry and wet driving conditions. Building upon the core technology of the standard PS71 range, the SUV variant incorporates several targeted enhancements. These include a more robust structural design, an enlarged contact area for superior braking, improved fuel efficiency, an asymmetrical tread pattern and new hybrid technologies that ensure stable handling at high speeds across varied road surfaces.

The ECSTA PS71 has consistently earned good ratings in summer SUV magazine tyre tests, reinforcing Kumho’s technological capabilities. Beyond this latest supply agreement, Kumho has been broadening its original equipment tyre portfolio through strategic partnerships with major automakers. The company has recently supplied electric vehicle tyres for several flagship models, highlighting its growing technical expertise and rising premium market status.

Insoo Kim, Head of OE Sales at Kumho Tire, said, “Our supply of OE tyres to the automaker is a testament to our quality and technological prowess. We will continue to leverage our world-class quality and technology to expand our OE tyre supply for global premium carmakers.”

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Toyo Tires has been selected as the sole original equipment tyre supplier for the all-new Mitsubishi Xforce launched in Malaysia, equipping the urban SUV with the 225/50R18 Proxes CR1D. This marks a strategic integration of tyre engineering and vehicle dynamics tailored specifically for local driving conditions.

The Proxes CR1D, part of the Proxes CR1 family, was carefully chosen to enhance the Xforce’s city-oriented character, prioritising safety, comfort and daily reliability. Its selection as the exclusive OEM tyre underscores a strong alignment between Mitsubishi’s vehicle design and Toyo Tires’ engineering focus on delivering a refined and reassuring driving experience from the first journey.

Engineered with Toyo Tires’ T-Mode and Nano Balance Technology, the Proxes CR1 features an optimised tread pattern that reduces road noise while ensuring stable handling and reliable grip on both wet and dry roads. This technology improves driving confidence through consistent road contact and dependable braking performance. Additionally, the tyre’s silent, comfort-focused design minimises vibrations and cabin noise, creating a quieter ride for city commutes and longer trips alike.

The continued trust from established automakers reflects growing industry confidence in the Proxes CR1 range. In Malaysia, the Proxes CR1 and CR1 SUV tyres represent Toyo Tires’ most comprehensive comfort-oriented lineup, available in sizes from 14 to 20 inches for passenger cars and SUVs.

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