Ford has selected Continental’s EcoContact 6 Q summer tyres in 19-, 20- and 21-inch sizes as original equipment for its new Explorer and Capri electric SUVs. Ford has also approved the AllSeasonContact all-weather tyre in 19-inch size for use in all seasons.

EcoContact 6 Q tyres are made for energy-efficient and silent driving, and they work especially well with electric vehicles (EVs) like the Ford Capri and Explorer. The carefully created rubber compound lowers rolling resistance, material friction and energy absorption when the vehicle is moving. The tread of the tyre has also been optimised by Continental's engineers. With its redesigned blocks, sipes and side grooves, the EcoContact 6 Q provides exceptional handling, braking and mileage. In addition to short stopping distances, the high-end tyre offers exceptional turning stability, even at high speeds, and dependable traction on both dry and wet roads.

The AllSeasonContact is the ideal all-weather tyre for EVs since it has class A rolling resistance and an XL marking for improved load capacity. Using a new type of rubber composition and a very energy-efficient tyre design, Continental's researchers greatly decreased the rolling resistance. This increases the range of EVs like the Ford Capri and Explorer. The AllSeasonContact provides a high degree of aquaplaning safety thanks to its unique tread profile and robust profile construction. In all weather situations, the tyre's silica substance allows for short stopping distances and outstanding traction.

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Kumho Tire has commenced original equipment supply of its ECSTA PS71 SUV model for two of Škoda’s electric vehicles, the Enyaq and the Elroq. The tyre, a flagship offering within Kumho’s ECSTA line, is being delivered in two electric vehicle compatible sizes, specifically 235/55 R19 and 255/50 R19.

Designed for modern high-powered sport utility vehicles, the ECSTA PS71 SUV delivers optimised handling and braking performance in both dry and wet driving conditions. Building upon the core technology of the standard PS71 range, the SUV variant incorporates several targeted enhancements. These include a more robust structural design, an enlarged contact area for superior braking, improved fuel efficiency, an asymmetrical tread pattern and new hybrid technologies that ensure stable handling at high speeds across varied road surfaces.

The ECSTA PS71 has consistently earned good ratings in summer SUV magazine tyre tests, reinforcing Kumho’s technological capabilities. Beyond this latest supply agreement, Kumho has been broadening its original equipment tyre portfolio through strategic partnerships with major automakers. The company has recently supplied electric vehicle tyres for several flagship models, highlighting its growing technical expertise and rising premium market status.

Insoo Kim, Head of OE Sales at Kumho Tire, said, “Our supply of OE tyres to the automaker is a testament to our quality and technological prowess. We will continue to leverage our world-class quality and technology to expand our OE tyre supply for global premium carmakers.”

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Toyo Tires has been selected as the sole original equipment tyre supplier for the all-new Mitsubishi Xforce launched in Malaysia, equipping the urban SUV with the 225/50R18 Proxes CR1D. This marks a strategic integration of tyre engineering and vehicle dynamics tailored specifically for local driving conditions.

The Proxes CR1D, part of the Proxes CR1 family, was carefully chosen to enhance the Xforce’s city-oriented character, prioritising safety, comfort and daily reliability. Its selection as the exclusive OEM tyre underscores a strong alignment between Mitsubishi’s vehicle design and Toyo Tires’ engineering focus on delivering a refined and reassuring driving experience from the first journey.

Engineered with Toyo Tires’ T-Mode and Nano Balance Technology, the Proxes CR1 features an optimised tread pattern that reduces road noise while ensuring stable handling and reliable grip on both wet and dry roads. This technology improves driving confidence through consistent road contact and dependable braking performance. Additionally, the tyre’s silent, comfort-focused design minimises vibrations and cabin noise, creating a quieter ride for city commutes and longer trips alike.

The continued trust from established automakers reflects growing industry confidence in the Proxes CR1 range. In Malaysia, the Proxes CR1 and CR1 SUV tyres represent Toyo Tires’ most comprehensive comfort-oriented lineup, available in sizes from 14 to 20 inches for passenger cars and SUVs.

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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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