CUPRA has selected Hankook Tire’s Ventus evo SUV tyres as original equipment (OE) for its new CUPRA Terramar SUV. The premium summer tyre is available in three different sizes from 18 to 20 inches for the sporty SUV.

Every tyre variant for the CUPRA Terramar underwent a rigorous testing programme to ensure optimal performance in every size, whether it was on the test bed, a rough, vibrating track or in the endurance test on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. High driving comfort is the goal of the 18-inch and 19-inch variants, while the top CUPRA Terramar models, with optional high-performance plug-in hybrid technology, can be equipped with the 20-inch Ventus evo SUV upon request. Every tyre has the CUPRA original equipment symbol ('+') on the sidewall, and replacement dealers will also sell them.

Produced exclusively at the company's ultra-modern European site at Rácalmás, Hungary, the tyre features quiet rolling characteristics thanks to its thoughtfully engineered tread design as well as the careful mix of tread materials. The CUPRA Terramar's maximum total noise level is 68 dB, while the Ventus evo SUV's noise level of less than 66 dB is even lower than CUPRA's own manufacturer's standard. The Ventus evo SUV's technological characteristics include the Kerf design, which reduces noise, and the Opti Pitch technology, which is designed to maximise tread block size and placement. In addition to taking into consideration the needs for a low-noise tread pattern, Dual Pitch technology guarantees the ideal number of blocks on the inside and outside of the tread for optimal steering precision when cornering. In order to minimise noise without sacrificing traction, braking performance, cornering stability or maximum mileage, the tread height was also changed.

Klaus Krause, Vice President and Head of Europe Technical Centre, Hankook, said, “With the Terramar, CUPRA is showing that family friendliness and sporty performance can go hand in hand. It is a perfect match for our Ventus evo SUV premium summer tyre, which masterfully transfers the engine performance and sporty handling to the road. The collaborative partnership with CUPRA on the tyre development is reflected in the optimum match for each tyre size. This enabled us to make an essential contribution to the sporty performance of the latest addition to the CUPRA family.”

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Continental has been named the original equipment tyre supplier for the all-new smart #5, a premium midsize electric SUV jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and Geely. As the largest model in the smart lineup to date, the vehicle will come equipped with Continental’s EcoContact 7 tyres as standard, available in two sizes – 255/45 R20 and 255/40 R21. Both versions are high-performance summer tyres rated for speeds of up to 240 kmph and carry the XL designation, indicating they are built to support higher load capacities.

The EcoContact 7 is engineered to deliver both efficiency and durability. Its design draws inspiration from the dimpled surface of a golf ball to enhance aerodynamics. A special sidewall structure helps reduce air turbulence behind the tyre, allowing the vehicle to maintain momentum with less energy. Inside, advanced materials in the carcass and inner layers reduce internal friction, contributing to lower rolling resistance. The tyre’s rubber compound is also optimised to support energy efficiency, making it particularly suitable for electric vehicles.

Noise reduction is another key feature. The tyre incorporates a silent pattern tread design aimed at minimising rolling noise, especially in urban settings where frequencies around 50 kmph are common. This combination of low energy loss, long mileage and quiet operation positions the EcoContact 7 as a well-suited option for electric mobility.

The new smart #5 will feature these tyres across multiple markets, with approved specifications including 255/45 R20 105 V XL FR and 255/40 R21 102 V XL FR.

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Dunlop (company name: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.) has commenced the supply of its DUNLOP GRANDTREK PT20 tyres as original equipment for the all-new 2025 US-spec Subaru Outback, which launched in the American market in April. This collaboration equips the latest iteration of the popular SUV, a vehicle designed to blend refined daily usability with a spirit of adventure.

To complement the new Outback’s capabilities, the GRANDTREK PT20 features a newly developed tread compound. This advanced formulation is engineered to deliver a high level of steering precision and reliable performance on wet surfaces. Furthermore, the tyre achieves notable gains in fuel efficiency and wear resistance, successfully balancing dynamic driving characteristics with environmental responsibility.

Since 2026, the company has unified its consumer communication under the DUNLOP brand. This brand identity is built upon three core principles: dependable support, the delivery of surpassing experiences and a commitment to exceeding limits. The overarching brand statement, ‘TAKING YOU BEYOND’, encapsulates the company’s mission to expand possibilities for those who embrace new challenges, a philosophy now extended to drivers of the new Outback.

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NEXEN TIRE has commenced original equipment tyre supply for the latest generation Kia Seltos in South Korea. The redesigned model features a larger body than its predecessor and introduces a hybrid powertrain alongside the existing gasoline option. With this expanded trim lineup, wheel size offerings have grown beyond the previous 16- and 18-inch specifications to now include a new 19-inch option.

For the 16- and 18-inch wheels, NEXEN TIRE supplies its N’PRIZ S high-efficiency all-season tyres. These are engineered to perform across electric, hybrid and internal combustion vehicles alike. Their optimised block design promotes excellent fuel mileage while ensuring quiet, comfortable ride quality. Enhanced snow traction compared to earlier versions supports reliable driving throughout Korea’s varied seasonal conditions.

The new 19-inch wheels, reflecting growing consumer preference for larger diameters, receive the premium N’FERA AU7 tyres. Specifically developed for high-inch applications, these deliver stable high-speed performance and a smooth driving experience. A reinforced structure and refined tread pattern ensure consistent handling, while the integrated Noise Reduction System reduces interior noise by absorbing cavity resonance. Internal testing indicates this technology lowers driving noise by approximately ten percent compared to conventional tyres.

This latest OE agreement strengthens NEXEN TIRE’s presence in the high-inch SUV segment. The company continues expanding its original equipment portfolio, now supplying tyres for diverse SUVs and pickup trucks including the KGM Musso, Hyundai Palisade, ELEXIO electric SUV, Kia EV5, Tasman pickup and Škoda Karoq.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “As demand for SUVs continues to grow globally, we are supplying OE tyres for more and more vehicles equipped with high-inch wheels. We will continue to strengthen partnerships with global automakers and expand our supply of SUV and high-inch tyres based on our proven technology and product competitiveness.”

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Yokohama Rubber has commenced original equipment deliveries of its BluEarth-Van RY55 tyres to Daihatsu Motor. These tyres are fitted on Daihatsu’s newly launched commercial mini-BEV models, the e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai, which debuted in Japan in February 2026. The specific size supplied for these electric vehicles is 145/80R12 86/84N LT.

Designed specifically for vans under Yokohama's eco-conscious BluEarth branding, these tyres deliver both longevity and reliable wet traction. To accommodate the distinct requirements of battery-powered vehicles, the supplied tyres have been engineered with particular attention to load capacity. A specially formulated compound reduces rolling resistance while resisting wear, and the tread configuration has been refined to preserve ride quality and wet-weather capability even under the stress of heavy battery packs.

Daihatsu's inaugural mass-produced battery electric vehicles incorporate the e-SMART ELECTRIC system developed specifically for smaller vehicles. This architecture allows for a sizeable battery without intruding on interior room. Both the e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai record a WLTC-certified driving range of 257 kilometres on a single charge according to transport ministry figures.

Yokohama continues to advance its BluEarth technology across its product range, with these tyres joining those already supplied as factory equipment on numerous conventional, hybrid and electric passenger vehicles currently in production.

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