Darlington Raceway and Goodyear announced a partnership on the entitlement of the spring NASCAR Cup Series race as part of the Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR on May 9.

The official name of the race will be the Goodyear 400. In support of the Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR, Goodyear will once again replace the yellow “Eagle” logo on the sidewalls of its racing tyres with a vintage “Blue Streak” sidewall design.

In keeping with the race weekend’s throwback theme, the Blue Streak tyres will include white Goodyear lettering and a white logo that reflect the design of NASCAR tyres used in the 1960’s and 1970’s. “Goodyear is one of the most iconic brands in the history of motorsports, so we are proud to name our spring NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway the Goodyear 400,” said Darlington President Kerry Tharp.

“Goodyear has been a part of many monumental moments in Darlington Raceway’s storied history. We look forward to writing a new chapter with Goodyear as part of the Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR.” Goodyear has a rich history at Darlington Raceway as the company conducted its first official NASCAR tyres tests at the track in 1954 and earned its first NASCAR victory in the 1959 Southern 500® with driver Jim Reed.

The Goodyear 400 will mark Goodyear's first race entitlement in North America. “Goodyear is honored to be a part of the Official Throwback Weekend, a tradition that drivers and fans look forward to each year,” said Karen Maroli, Goodyear's vice president of marketing. “Goodyear and NASCAR have a shared legacy that spans six decades and multiple generations, and the throwback nature of the Goodyear 400 allows us to celebrate the accomplishments of the past while also showcasing the incredible talents of drivers today.” (TT)

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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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Yokohama Rubber has commenced the supply of its ADVAN V61 tyres as original equipment for the new WILDLANDER SUV launched by GAC Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. in China in November 2025. The tyres, sized 235/60R18 103H, are fitted to both gasoline and hybrid versions of the model.

This tyre model represents a premium summer option within Yokohama’s flagship ADVAN family and is specifically designed to meet the demands of larger SUVs. It aims to deliver the refined driving experience associated with the brand while ensuring a strong equilibrium between energy consumption, responsive handling and a quiet cabin environment. The design supports both everyday city commuting and extended highway journeys. A distinct ‘E+’ marking on the tyre’s sidewall signifies the integration of technology tailored for electrified vehicles, such as the hybrid version of the WILDLANDER. Beyond its role as factory equipment, this particular size has been part of a wider replacement market availability since 2025, building on the model's established presence as original equipment on numerous premium SUVs.

The engineering behind the ADVAN V61 was supported by Yokohama’s HAICoLab (Humans and AI ColLaborate), a development concept that merges human creativity with the extensive analytical power of artificial intelligence (AI). This framework facilitates innovation by combining human intuition with rapid data processing to refine product characteristics.

The latest WILDLANDER itself has been positioned as an innovative smart SUV, undergoing significant updates to its powertrain, interior technology and styling. It features an efficient smart hybrid engine and a next-generation smart cockpit designed specifically for Chinese consumers, all wrapped in a more pronounced exterior design. The selection of the ADVAN V61 tyres aligns with these advancements, contributing to the vehicle's overall performance profile.

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Yokohama Rubber has commenced the supply of its ADVAN Sport V107 tyres as original equipment for the newly launched Lexus RZ 600e ‘F SPORT Performance’ edition. This special model, an SUV-type battery electric vehicle featuring enhanced motor output, became available for sale in March 2026 across various international markets including Japan, Australia, nations in Asia, Latin America and Africa. The vehicle is fitted with a staggered tyre setup, utilising size 255/40ZR21 (102Y) for the front axle and 295/35ZR21 (107Y) at the rear.

The ADVAN Sport V107 is positioned as an ultra-high-performance product within Yokohama’s flagship ADVAN brand, specifically engineered for the premium automotive segment. These tyres are the result of collaborative development with leading car manufacturers and undergo exhaustive evaluation at Yokohama’s own test centre located at the Nürburgring, a circuit renowned for its extreme demands. The tyre is engineered to deliver a balanced integration of driving dynamics, comfort and safety while also excelling in both dry and wet conditions with precise steering stability.

Yokohama’s ADVAN series has an established relationship with Lexus, with other models like the ADVAN V61 – designed for premium SUVs – already serving as standard equipment on the Lexus RX, RZ, and LBX.

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