Continental unveiled two new summer tyres that draw inspiration from an unlikely source: golf balls. The tyre manufacturer has incorporated dimpled aerodynamics, similar to those found on golf balls, into its new EcoContact 7 and EcoContact 7 S models.

The premium tyre maker's latest innovations achieve the European Union's highest efficiency ratings for rolling resistance, with top marks also in wet braking and noise reduction categories.

Both models feature the company's new Smart Energy Casing technology and Green Chili 3.0 rubber compound. The most striking innovation, however, is the Aerodimple structure on the tyre walls, which mimics golf ball dimples to reduce air turbulence and improve energy efficiency.

The tyres have been specifically engineered to address urban noise pollution, incorporating a Silent Pattern tread design optimised for typical city driving speeds of around 50 kilometres per hour.

Continental has developed two distinct variants to cater to different driving preferences. The EcoContact 7 prioritises low rolling resistance for maximum energy efficiency, whilst the EcoContact 7 S offers enhanced wet grip and handling for more sporting performance.

The new models have already secured original equipment approvals from major automotive manufacturers, including BYD, Mercedes and Volkswagen, and are compatible with both electric and conventional vehicles.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has confirmed its GEOLANDAR A/T G94 tyres will serve as original equipment for Toyota Motor Corporation’s newly launched Land Cruiser FJ SUV. This latest model in the Land Cruiser series debuted worldwide, with the tyres fitted to vehicles sold across Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. Japanese-market FJ models will not receive this tyre.

Designed as an all-terrain SUV tyre, the GEOLANDAR A/T G94 balances fuel efficiency, comfort, safety and utility performance on varied road surfaces. The GEOLANDAR brand has a proven record on several Toyota SUVs, including the recent supply of the A/T G31 for the Land Cruiser 250 series and the 4Runner.

Under its Yokohama Transformation 2026 medium-term plan (2024–2026), Yokohama Rubber’s consumer tyre division aims to raise sales ratios of high-value-added products. A key initiative includes promoting flagship ADVAN and GEOLANDAR brand tyres for SUVs and pickup trucks as original equipment on new vehicles.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

NEXEN TIRE has expanded its original equipment tyre supply for the Kia all-new Seltos into North America and Europe, following an earlier rollout for the Korean market in March with the N’PRIZ S and N’FERA AU7.

For North America, the company provides the N’PRIZ S in a 16-inch fitment for United States and Canada. This tyre is designed for electric, hybrid and combustion vehicles, emphasising mileage performance and ride comfort. In Europe, including Germany, France and the Netherlands, NEXEN TIRE supplies summer tyres across multiple sizes. The N’FERA Primus comes in 16- and 18-inch fitments, offering high-speed stability and wet braking, while the 19-inch N’FERA Sport delivers ultra-high-performance capability validated in European tyre tests.

This regional strategy highlights NEXEN TIRE’s ability to tailor OE solutions for a single vehicle model across different markets. The manufacturer continues to grow its global OE portfolio, covering mass-market SUVs to premium brands.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, "This OE supply for the all-new Seltos goes beyond simply increasing volume – it demonstrates NEXEN TIRE's ability to deliver products tailored to the specific road conditions and consumer needs of each market. We will continue to strengthen partnerships with global automakers and expand our market-optimised OE supply going forward."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has confirmed the supply of its ADVAN FLEVA V701 tyres as original equipment for Honda Motor Co., Ltd.’s new compact electric vehicle. The Super-ONE, launched in Japan in May 2026 with a gradual rollout planned for United Kingdom and several Asian markets, uses the tyre in size 185/55R15 82V.

Engineered under the ADVAN brand’s philosophy of delivering driving enjoyment, the sporty high-performance tyre provides sharp handling across city streets, winding roads and highways. The EV is marketed under different names regionally, including Super-ONE in Japan and Asia & Oceania, Honda Super-ONE in select Asia & Oceania countries and Super-N in  UK.

Honda developed the Super-ONE to combine everyday usability and environmental performance with a unique fun-to-drive character. By engaging all driver senses through sporty handling only a small EV can offer, the model aims to deliver an exciting and uplifting driving experience.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!