Continental launched the fifth-generation Conti Eco tyre line for freight transport, addressing the needs of haulage companies facing rising costs, stricter regulations, and a growing focus on sustainability. The new tyres in the EMEA region are designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and overall operating costs.

Continental achieved a breakthrough by optimising rolling resistance and mileage, previously conflicting goals in tyre development. The Conti Eco HS 5 for steer axles and Conti Eco HD 5 for drive axles utilise a two-layer tread construction and innovative compounds to deliver high mileage, robustness, and lower rolling resistance.

“We are in no doubt that we are offering our customers the right tyre at the right time,” says Ferdinand Hoyos, Head of Continental’s Business Area Replacement Tires EMEA. “Sustainability and cost efficiency have long gone hand in hand at Continental,” explains Hoyos. “And interest in this area is now growing across the market, which lends extra weight to our strategy.” A recent study by Boston Consulting for CLEPA confirms that cost remains the top decision factor, but sustainability is gaining importance.

“Our new tyre builds on its successful predecessors, the Conti EcoPlus Gen3+ for long-distance haulage and the Conti EcoRegional Gen3+ for regional transport,” explains Hinnerk Kaiser, who is responsible for the development of truck and bus tyres at Continental. “The new Conti Eco brings together the best qualities of the Conti EcoPlus and Conti EcoRegional and elevates them to a new level.”

Continental is streamlining its product portfolio by consolidating tyre lines with the new Conti Eco. Optimised rolling resistance and higher mileage allow for a “mileage-neutral” approach to reducing rolling resistance across all tyre components, including the casing construction, treads, and overall contour design.

Technical improvements in the Conti Eco HS 5 and HD 5 deliver clear benefits. A thicker under-tread in the steer axle version reduces rolling resistance, enabling mileage-focused compounds. The drive axle version features an optimised shoulder design for even wear, further improving mileage. New casing components and bead geometry further contribute to the overall performance.

The combined effect is a significant reduction in rolling resistance (up to 12 percent) and an increase in mileage (up to 10 percent) compared to previous models. This translates to environmental and economic benefits for fleet operators, particularly those facing EU emissions-based tolls. Switching a 100-vehicle fleet (80,000 km annual mileage) from the EcoRegional HS 3+/HD 3+ to the Conti Eco HS 5/HD 5 could save up to €69,000 and reduce CO2 emissions by 120 metric tonnes per year.

“In the past, if a tyre ran particularly smoothly and therefore needed less drive energy, that might come at the expense of robustness and durability,” points out Kaiser.

 Beyond fuel efficiency, the Conti Eco tyres offer excellent grip and handling in various weather conditions and outstanding traction throughout their lifespan. Additionally, they can be factory-equipped with the latest-generation sensors to facilitate fleet digitalization and real-time monitoring via the ContiConnect 2.0 tyre management solution. This, combined with Continental’s retreading solutions (up to 70 percent recycled materials, 40 percent cost savings), further reduces operating costs.

“If our product increases the fuel efficiency of a truck and lasts longer, the result is lower CO2 emissions,” says Kaiser.

The new Conti Eco tyres will be available in numerous sizes, starting with the following:

315/70 R 22.5 Conti Eco HS 5

315/80 R 22.5 Conti Eco HS 5

385/55 R 22.5 Conti Eco HS 5

385/65 R 22.5 Conti Eco HS 5

315/70 R 22.5 Conti Eco HD 5

315/80 R 22.5 Conti Eco HD 5

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Hankook Tire has confirmed that its associate brand, Laufenn, will supply the second-generation S FIT2 summer performance tyre as original equipment for the Škoda Octavia. The Octavia is a cornerstone model for the Czech automaker under the Volkswagen Group, developed on the modular MQB platform and generating steady European demand. This agreement marks Laufenn’s first original equipment partnership with a European manufacturer, signalling the brand’s entry into the OE sector.

The S FIT2 was developed through close technical collaboration with Škoda to align precisely with the Octavia’s performance requirements. Supplied in a 17-inch size, the tyre delivers stable handling, showcasing Hankook’s engineering capability in OE development. Designed for Europe’s varied climate, the S FIT2 secures reliable stopping power and control through optimised grip and drainage while improving efficiency and mileage over its predecessor.

A high content silica compound and optimised tread block design reduce wet braking distances by approximately 16 percent. Four wide straight grooves enhance water evacuation for superior handling on rain slicked surfaces. An optimised structural design maintains grip on hot asphalt while minimising vibration and noise for a quiet urban ride. A next generation polymer compound extends mileage by roughly 15 percent.

Laufenn shares Hankook Tire’s global top tier technology and rigorous quality system. Since its 2014 debut at the SEMA Show in United States, the brand has expanded across international markets with a complete lineup for passenger cars, SUVs, trucks and buses, reflecting regional driving conditions and customer lifestyles.

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has initiated original equipment supply of its GEOLANDAR X-CV tyres for Subaru’s new Uncharted (US model) SUV-type battery electric vehicle (BEV), which was launched in North America in December 2025. The specified tyre size for this application is 235/50R20 100V.

The GEOLANDAR X-CV is engineered as a modern highway terrain tyre with M+S certification, prioritising responsive drivability and high-speed capability. Its design seeks an integrated balance of safety, comfort, durability and fuel efficiency. Tailored for electrified vehicles, these tyres bear Yokohama’s proprietary ‘E+’ sidewall engraving, signifying enhanced attributes in durability, quietness and energy conservation. This development was facilitated by the company’s HAICoLab framework, an AI-driven platform that combines human creativity with advanced data processing to accelerate digital innovation.

This supply agreement aligns with the strategic goals outlined in Yokohama Transformation 2026, the company’s medium-term management plan running through 2026. A core initiative of this strategy is to increase the proportion of high-value-added tyre sales by expanding original equipment placement for key global brands. This includes actively promoting both the flagship ADVAN line and the GEOLANDAR series for SUVs and pickup trucks on new vehicles worldwide.

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NEXEN TIRE has been selected to supply original equipment tyres for the Renault FILANTE, a crossover model from Renault Korea that merges sedan comfort with SUV practicality. The chosen tyre is the ROADIAN GTX, an all-season model engineered for SUVs and crossover utility vehicles, fitted in a 19-inch specification. Its zigzag tread pattern across a wide contact patch promotes even pressure distribution for stable handling, while a precision load distribution structure boosts road grip. Additionally, a low noise optimised block arrangement delivers the quiet ride that electrified vehicles require.

Hybrid vehicles like the FILANTE, which features Renault Korea’s latest hybrid powertrain, place high technical demands on tyres due to the combined use of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. NEXEN TIRE’s selection proves its ability to provide solutions for various powertrain types. The supply covers not only domestic Korean sales but also export models heading to Latin America and the Middle East.

This collaboration builds on a growing partnership with Renault Korea, following OE fitment for the Grand Koleos midsize SUV launched in 2024. Since entering the overseas OE market in 2012, NEXEN TIRE has become a key supplier to global automakers. From 2016 onward, the company has continued to demonstrate its technological strengths by partnering with numerous premium global brands across Europe and beyond.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, "We are continuously advancing our tyre technology to keep pace with the next generation of mobility, where electrification and artificial intelligence are converging. We will further strengthen our strategic partnerships with global automakers to solidify our presence in international markets and enhance the company's overall value."

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Yokohama Rubber  has begun supplying its Geolandar X-CV tyres as original equipment for Toyota Motor Corporation’s new battery electric C-HR SUV, launched in North America this month.

The vehicle is being fitted with 235/50R20 100V size tyres. Part of a new generation of highway terrain equipment, the Geolandar X-CV is designed to balance high-speed performance and drivability with safety, comfort and fuel efficiency.

The tyres supplied for the C-HR feature Yokohama’s "E+" mark, indicating technology tailored to the specific requirements of electrified vehicles, such as increased durability and reduced road noise.

Development was conducted through HAICoLab, the company’s proprietary artificial intelligence framework. The system aims to merge human creativity with data processing to accelerate digital innovation in tire design.

The Geolandar X-CV is already used across several models in Toyota’s electric lineup, including the Lexus RZ and the bZ in North America.

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