Hankook Tire Extends BMW Driving Center Partnership, Highlights EV Tyre Technology
- By TT News
- January 23, 2025
Hankook Tire has continued its exclusive tyre supply to the BMW Driving Center for 11 consecutive years.
Since the center’s opening in 2014, Hankook Tire has provided tyres for all test-drive vehicles, showcasing its premium automotive technology.
The current tyre lineup includes the world’s first full range of electric vehicle-specific tyres, featuring the ‘iON evo AS SUV’ alongside sports models’ Ventus S1 evo3’, ‘Ventus V12 evo2’, and winter tyre ‘Winter i*cept evo3 X’.
The partnership extends beyond the driving center. Hankook has been supplying original equipment tyres for BMW models since 2011, including MINI, BMW 1-5 Series, X-series SUVs, and the 7 Series. I
In 2024, the company expanded its portfolio to include the new BMW M5.
In 2022, Hankook began supplying tyres for BMW’s first all-electric Gran Coupe, the i4, earning recognition for its EV tyre technology. The company has also collaborated with BMW Group Korea on brand partnership films.
Hankook’s tyres are prominently displayed at the BMW Driving Center, with branding on trackside elements to enhance its premium image.
Kia EV4 Electric Sedan To Run On NEXEN N’FERA Supreme S Tyres
- By TT News
- May 28, 2025
Kia has selected NEXEN TIRE’s premium all-season tyre, the N'FERA Supreme S, as original equipment (OE) for its first electric sedan, the Kia EV4. With this latest OE approval, NEXEN TIRE now supplies OE tyres for key models in Kia’s EV range, including EV3, EV4, EV6 and EV9.
The EV4 was outfitted with the N'FERA Supreme S to satisfy the particular performance requirements of electric vehicles, such as precise handling, strong torque and minimal noise. It was created to offer a well-rounded driving experience in a range of situations, including both braking stability and ride comfort for daily and high-speed driving. Innovative elements including a 4D compound and enhanced load distribution technology, which improve grip and stability during high-speed or long-distance travel, were included into the tyre to provide long-lasting performance. The aerodynamic sidewall reduces air resistance to increase energy efficiency, and its pattern retention design helps sustain tread performance even after 50 percent wear.
John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “This OE selection for the Kia EV4 illustrates NEXEN TIRE’s strong capabilities in EV-specific product development. We will continue to build long-term alliances with global carmakers and expand our premium brand presence worldwide.”
Tyre manufacturer Michelin has announced the expansion of its crane tyre range with the launch of the MICHELIN X-CRANE 2 445/95 R 25, designed for mobile and all-terrain cranes.
The new tyre, which follows an initial size released with constructor Spierings last summer, combines a civil engineering casing with a truck tyre tread and represents over a decade of specialist expertise, according to the French company.
Michelin claims the new product is five percent lighter than its predecessor, the MICHELIN X-CRANE +. It features an improved load and speed index that has shifted from 174F to 178F, allowing vehicles to carry heavier loads at higher speeds.
“MICHELIN X-CRANE 2 can carry 800 kg more per tyre when travelling at 80 kph. This increased load capacity represents an additional load of 1.6 metric tonnes per axle," the company stated.
Safety improvements include enhanced braking performance. Michelin claims comparative tests showed their main competitor needed 27 percent more braking distance, equating to approximately 10.5 metres or “2-3 car lengths."
The M+S-certified tyre incorporates Michelin’s REGENION technology, which utilises metal 3D printing to create what the company describes as "self-regenerating treads". This feature reportedly maintains consistent grip throughout the tyre's lifespan regardless of conditions.
Additionally, Michelin states the technology delivers fuel consumption reductions exceeding 13 percent, potentially saving around 826 litres of fuel and €1,321.60 for cranes travelling 10,000 kilometres.
The new size has been homologated for numerous machines across European and American markets, including models from Liebherr, Grove, Tadano and Linkbelt.
Škoda Karoq To Run On Nexen Tire’s N'FERA Sport Summer Tyres
- By TT News
- April 22, 2025
Nexen Tire, a global leader in tyre manufacturing, has received approval from Škoda for its N'FERA Sport ultra-high-performance (UHP) flagship summer tyre to be used as original equipment for the new Škoda Karoq SUV.
The Karoq is ideally matched with N'FERA Sport in size 215/50R18 W XL tire, which was created especially for the European market and made in Europe. It offers improved handling and stability even at high speeds. The N'Fera Sport (size 225/40R18) is already recognised by the ADAC Summer test 2025 and earns a strong overall rating for driving safety, comfort and environmental performance. The ADAC rates it as having a very good rating among competitors due to its short braking distance from 100 kmph. It also outperforms the norm in aquaplaning and wet braking.
Edwin van der Stad, Vice President Europe Original Equipment at Nexen Tire, said, “We are thrilled to receive this homologation for the N’FERA Sport on the Škoda Karoq. As our flagship summer product, the N'FERA Sport represents the peak of our tyre technology, designed to deliver outstanding performance and safety. Achieving the most homologations among our products, it is a true testament to the tyre's quality and our dedication to excellence. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Škoda, enhancing the driving experience for their customers worldwide.”
Toyota’s New LEXUS GX550 To Run On DUNLOP GRANDTREK H/T31 Tyres
- By TT News
- April 21, 2025
Toyota Motor Corporation has selected Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd’s DUNLOP GRANDTREK H/T31 tyre as original equipment (OE) in Japan for its recently launched LEXUS GX550 SUV.
In addition to the dependability and durability that the GRANDTREK series has established, the GRANDTREK H/T31 aims for on-road performance. The product uses new tread rubber and a H/T (Highway Terrain) pattern to provide a high level of anti-wear performance, good fuel efficiency and quiet operation. In order to increase visibility and create a more opulent overall design appeal, the tyres also employ the Nano Black design method, which colours brand insignia on tyre sidewalls a darker shade of black.
With its powerful but economical engine and sturdy construction, the new GX550 offers exceptional driving performance. With its unique design, cutting-edge suspension and driving support system, and 18-inch tyres, the OVERTRAIL+ delivers both off-road and on-road performance. Toyota SUVs have long been equipped with DUNLOP's GRANDTREK line of tyres as standard equipment.
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