Sumitomo Rubber Industries has started supplying its high-performance Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 tyre to Suzuki for use as factory standard tyre on their latest JIMNY SIERRA. 

The Jimny Sierra is a full-scale SUV with the same classic rudder frame structure as the rest of the Jimny Series. This simple yet sturdy structure ensures solid reliability to conquer the toughest roads while providing drivers with thrilling off-road performance. 

The Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 tyres provide powerful traction to support the unmatched off-road capabilities of the Jimny Sierra. On top of that, thanks to the adoption of an optimized tread pattern, these tyres significantly reduce noise while maintaining outstanding core performance regarding fuel efficiency and wet grip. As a result, Grandtrek AT20 contributes to a more enjoyable all-around ride experience when driving around town while deftly handling any and all off-road conditions.  

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In a partnership that underscores its commitment to peak performance and bespoke luxury, Hispano Suiza has selected Michelin as the exclusive tyre supplier for its new Carmen Sagrera hypercar. This all-electric model, which commemorates the brand's 120-year heritage, generates a formidable 1,114 horsepower and 1,160 Nm of torque, enabling it to sprint from zero to 100 kmph in a mere 2.6 seconds. To match these extreme dynamic capabilities, a tyre was needed that could perform reliably on both road and track, leading to a close collaboration between the two companies.

The technical centres of Hispano Suiza and Michelin worked in tandem to engineer a custom version of the high-performance Pilot Sport 4S tyre. This specially developed set – 265/30 ZR19 for the front axle and 305/30 ZR20 for the rear – is designed to withstand the unique stresses imposed by the hypercar. Beyond pure engineering, the collaboration also focused on aesthetic and tactile exclusivity. The tyre’s sidewalls feature unique designs inspired by the iconic Hispano Suiza stork emblem and the mosaics of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Furthermore, they incorporate Michelin's proprietary Velvet Touch technology, which gives the sidewalls a distinctive, plush texture, enhancing the vehicle's bespoke character.

This technical alliance is not a new development but rather the continuation of a relationship that began nearly a century ago, when Hispano Suiza’s prestigious models first rolled on Michelin tyres. Today, this legacy continues as the entire Hispano Suiza fleet is equipped with Michelin, including vehicles presented at exclusive global events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Monterey Car Week. The manufacturer also maintains access to Michelin's specialised engineering services, ensuring an ongoing process of refinement and performance optimisation for its vehicles through direct collaboration with the tyre maker's technical experts.

Sergio Martínez Campos, CEO, Hispano Suiza, said, "Tyres are a key component in any vehicle, but even more so in a hypercar with the performance capabilities of the Carmen Sagrera, with 1,114 hp and 1,160 Nm of torque. Thanks to Michelin, our customers can enjoy the magnificent dynamic capabilities across our entire range, both on the track and on the road."

Lorenzo Giovanelli, Director of Original Equipment for Specialised Manufacturers, Michelin, said, "We are delighted to renew our historic partnership with Hispano Suiza through the Carmen Sagrera, a 100 percent electric hypercar that embodies both innovation and tradition. The development of a customised version of our MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4S tyre for this model reflects Michelin's pioneering spirit, which brings technologies developed in motorsport to the most innovative projects. The combination of optimal performance on both the road and the track with exclusive design elements pays tribute to Hispano Suiza's unique heritage. Together, we continue to push the boundaries of technology, safety and driving pleasure."

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NEXEN TIRE has been selected as a key original equipment supplier for KIA's strategic family electric SUV, the EV5. The company is equipping this core model with two of its premium tyres, tailoring the selection to specific regional markets. For North America and Korea, the all-season ROADIAN GTX SUV tyre has been chosen, while the European-market vehicles will feature the N’FERA SPORT, an ultra-high-performance summer tyre designed for high-speed stability and braking. This strategic decision reflects the distinct driving environments and consumer needs in each region.

A critical focus in developing these tyres was addressing the unique demands of electric vehicles. NEXEN TIRE employed its proprietary torque steer pattern design to counteract the pulling sensation that can occur during sudden acceleration in high-torque EVs. Furthermore, the tyre construction optimises stiffness distribution to maximise the road contact area, thereby enhancing traction and minimising wheel slip. Special attention was also paid to noise reduction through an intricate in-out multi-sequence design that effectively disperses driving noise, a particularly important feature for the quiet cabin of an electric vehicle.

This partnership on the Kia EV5 underscores the industry's recognition of NEXEN TIRE's technological and quality capabilities. The company has now established itself as a supplier across KIA’s entire key electric vehicle lineup, from the EV3 to the EV9, demonstrating consistent performance for both electric and traditional internal combustion engine models.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “Supplying OE tyres for the KIA EV5 proves that our products deliver reliable performance for the era of electric vehicles. We will strengthen our global market position through an integrated production strategy and maintain our excellent performance without distinction between EVs and ICE vehicles.”

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French tyre maker Michelin has extended its partnership with the International Motor Sports Association for several years, maintaining its position as exclusive tyre supplier for IMSA’s three main racing championships in North America.

The deal covers the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge, the companies said, without disclosing financial terms or the specific duration of the agreement.

Michelin, which has supplied tyres to the IMSA series for years, said endurance racing serves as a critical testing ground for advanced materials and technologies that eventually transfer to consumer products.

“Michelin has been innovating for more than 130 years, and competition has always been at the heart of that journey,” said Alexis Garcin, executive vice president of Michelin. “From the first removable bicycle tyre to the Pilot Sport Endurance range, many of our breakthroughs have consistently come from the racetrack. IMSA gives us a competitive ecosystem to validate new technologies under real pressure, and that’s exactly where Michelin thrives.”

The Clermont-Ferrand-based company said it is applying advanced tread compounds, simulation tools and data analytics developed through racing to its broader product portfolio, linking track performance with commercial tyre development.

John Doonan, IMSA president, said: “Michelin has been a cornerstone of IMSA’s success. Their technical expertise and commitment to innovation have elevated the level of competition across our series. We’re proud to continue this journey together.”

The partnership extension comes as IMSA pursues technological advances, including hybrid powertrains and electrification in sports car racing. Michelin said it would remain a technical partner in developing solutions for these evolving requirements.

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Mercedes-Benz has once again selected Continental's advanced EcoContact 6 Q tyre as original equipment for its GLE and GLS luxury SUV models, underscoring a continued partnership built on technical expertise.

This specific tyre was meticulously engineered to deliver a superior and refined driving experience, prioritising both exceptional energy efficiency and remarkably quiet operation. A key to its performance is a specially formulated rubber compound that minimises energy absorption, thereby significantly reducing rolling resistance. This design feature directly contributes to improved fuel efficiency and is suitable for a diverse range of vehicle models, irrespective of their specific drive type. Continental's engineers also dedicated considerable effort to acoustics, optimising the tyre's tread pattern to actively minimise rolling noise for a more comfortable cabin environment.

Beyond these core attributes, the EcoContact 6 Q is built for longevity and safety, offering high mileage alongside reliable and consistent grip on both wet and dry road surfaces. It also provides drivers with confidence through its short braking distances and excellent cornering stability, which remains assured even when traveling at higher speeds. This combination of features makes it a comprehensive and high-performing original equipment choice for Mercedes-Benz's prestigious SUVs.

This tyre line is available in the following sizes:

EcoContact 6 Q MO, 275/50 R 20 113W XL
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 275/45 R21 107Y
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 315/40 R21 111Y
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 285/40 R22 106Y
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 325/35 R22 110Y
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 285/45 R22 114Y
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 325/40 R22 114Y
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 285/40 R23 107Y
EcoContact 6 Q MO, 325/35 R23 111Y

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