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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The Yokohama Rubber Company has commenced the supply of its BluEarth-XT AE61 tyres as original equipment for the newly launched GAC Trumpchi M8 plug-in hybrid minivan, which entered the Chinese market in November 2025. These tyres, sized at 225/60R18 104V, are designed to deliver a harmonious blend of performance, comfort and environmental consideration. Drawing on the core design and material innovations of Yokohama’s BluEarth brand, the tyre incorporates an asymmetrical tread pattern and a high-rigidity profile. This construction is engineered to mitigate sway and uneven tread wear, issues commonly associated with vehicles that have a raised centre of gravity, thereby ensuring stability and durability.

The GAC Trumpchi M8 represents a premium entry in the minivan segment, distinguished by its advanced plug-in hybrid system that provides an electric-only range of up to 106 kilometres according to WLTC standards. Its features extend to autonomous driving capabilities and a luxuriously appointed interior, aligning with modern expectations for high-end mobility.

Yokohama Rubber continues to advance its BluEarth tyre series, which is designed with a focus on environmental harmony and user-centric performance. These tyres are increasingly selected as original equipment for a diverse range of new vehicles, encompassing traditional petrol models, hybrids and fully electric cars across various categories, including sedans, SUVs, sports cars and compact vehicles. This ongoing adoption underscores the company’s commitment to providing tyre solutions that meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry.

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NEXEN TIRE has secured a new partnership with BMW, supplying its high-performance N’FERA Sport tyre as original equipment for the all-electric BMW iX3. The N’FERA Sport model is engineered to deliver superior grip and responsiveness. Key design elements include a specifically engineered tread pattern and block design that work together to enhance handling and stability at high speeds, as well as an optimised longitudinal groove configuration that significantly improves water drainage for reliable wet traction. Furthermore, a specialised tread compound boosts both grip and braking power, while reinforced sidewalls bolster cornering stability and overall control at higher velocities.

This agreement with a prominent premium manufacturer underscores NEXEN TIRE’s expanding footprint in the original equipment market. Since it first began supplying global carmakers in 2012, the company has rapidly diversified its client portfolio and now counts the BMW Group among its key partners. This consistent growth is underpinned by a strong commitment to research and development. Demonstrating this focus, the company recently became the first in its domestic industry to implement a high-tech dynamic driving simulator, a move that accelerates the creation of next-generation virtual tyre technology.

Alongside advancements in product engineering, NEXEN TIRE is bolstering its manufacturing precision through an artificial intelligence-powered automated inspection system. By integrating AI and virtual reality tools across both development and production, the company aims to elevate quality control and further solidify its collaborative relationships with automotive partners worldwide.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “By strengthening our R&D efforts and enhancing collaboration with global automakers, we will continue to deliver premium products to customers worldwide.”

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