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Hankook, an original equipment supplier to Volkswagen for many years, will equip three further vehicles from the Wolfsburg-based car manufacturer with its tyres. Ultra-High-Performance (UHP) tyre patterns Ventus S1 evo 3 will be fitted on the Golf GTI und Golf R; and Ventus S1 evo 2 SUV or evo 3 SUV on the Tiguan R. 

Klaus Krause, Head, Hankook European Development Center, said, “The tyres deployed on the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Golf R, and Tiguan R, are also ideal for everyday use, thereby further expanding our portfolio of original equipment. This shows once again the wide range of our products, which are designed to fulfil the most diverse requirements. We placed particular emphasis on ensuring that the tyres perfectly combine sportiness and the comfort required for a high level of everyday use.” 

The particularly sporty R variant of the Tiguan will be exclusively fitted with the Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV which has a wheel size of 21 inches. The Ventus S1 evo 2 SUV is available for the 20-inch wheel size. Both SUV patterns demonstrate a successful combination of high-level dynamic response, comfort and wet grip, especially in challenging conditions, the company said in a press release. 

The Ventus S1 evo 3 is equipped with a high-strength bead core, which in combination with the reinforced sidewall ensures high driving and directional stability, as well as steering precision.  

These features support sporty and dynamic handling, which is particularly beneficial for the high-performance Golf GTI and R models. 

The company said the light rayon carcass and the use of a special aramid composite material in the belt area reduce unwanted increases in the rolling circumference by up to 60 percent, even at very high speeds, compared to previously commonly-used materials. This also has a positive effect on driving stability and steering precision. 

The special tread compound uses high-performance natural resins and ensures the necessary grip, as well as excellent traction and braking performance on both dry and wet road surfaces, it added. (TT)

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Toyo Tire Corporation said its OPEN COUNTRY H/T tyres have been selected as original equipment for the new Mazda Motor Corporation CX-5 crossover SUV, which went on sale in North America in March 2026.

The tyres supplied for the model are size 225/55R19 99V.

Mazda developed the new CX-5 under the concept of “New Generation Emotional Daily Comfort”, focusing on design, driving performance, interior spaciousness, ride comfort and reduced cabin noise.

Toyo Tire said the OPEN COUNTRY H/T was developed using its Nano Balance Technology material design platform and T-MODE tyre design support technology. The company said the tyres were designed to support the vehicle’s ride comfort and driving stability.

The tyres will be supplied for vehicles sold in North America and other markets.

Vehicle and tyre overview

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Toyo Tires has reinforced its position as a preferred original equipment manufacturer partner for major automotive brands by securing a new agreement to supply tyres for the all-new Toyota Yaris Cross in Malaysia. The 1.5 litre variant of the compact sport utility vehicle will be fitted with the Proxes R61 tyre in size 215/55R18 95V.

The Japanese tyre maker was recently named the sole original equipment tyre supplier for another Toyota model, the all-new Vios Hybrid Electric Vehicle launched in the Malaysian market. That vehicle utilises the Proxes CR1 tyre, continuing a partnership that spans decades of original equipment experience and underscores the confidence automakers place in the brand’s quality, performance and reliability across diverse vehicle segments.

Every original equipment tyre from Toyo Tires is specifically engineered to match the unique characteristics of the vehicle it serves, aiming to optimise comfort and enhance overall driving performance. Whether for daily commutes or longer journeys, each tyre is designed to deliver a refined and confident driving experience.

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NEXEN TIRE has confirmed its original equipment supply of the ROADIAN CTX tyre for Hyundai Motor Company’s new STARIA Electric and STARIA Limousine models. The STARIA Electric, a practical multi-purpose vehicle, features an electric powertrain producing high instant torque, while its increased weight demands superior tire durability and ride quality. The premium STARIA Limousine similarly requires enhanced comfort and stability.

Engineered to meet these challenges, the ROADIAN CTX was developed using NEXEN TIRE’s artificial intelligence-based performance prediction system to optimise ride quality across diverse driving conditions. The tyre provides all-season reliability, blending ride comfort with greater durability and maintains handling and structural strength under high-load, high-torque scenarios. It will be fitted to domestic versions and export vehicles for Europe, Oceania, Latin America, Middle East and Africa.

NEXEN TIRE follows a one-tyre strategy to deliver optimised performance across electric, hybrid and internal combustion powertrains. The company already supplies original equipment for key Hyundai models such as the Palisade, NEXO and IONIQ 6, along with vehicles from other premium global brands. With the Hyundai STARIA addition, NEXEN TIRE has expanded its purpose-built vehicle lineup beyond the Kia PV5.

"With this OE supply, we have demonstrated that our one-tyre strategy for both electric and internal combustion vehicles works in the real market. We will continue working closely with automakers to deliver tyres optimised for every powertrain," said a NEXEN TIRE official.

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Pirelli has outfitted the new BMW iX3 with two unique tyre specifications, each targeting a different driving priority for the electric vehicle. One fitment focuses on sharp, responsive handling, while the other enhances the inherent strengths of an electric drivetrain. Both options fall under the brand’s high-performance P Zero family, which is defined by continuous material innovation.

Engineered for BMW’s inaugural Neue Klasse model, an all-new EV platform, both tyres feature Pirelli Elect technology. This system extends driving range, increases comfort and improves durability through low rolling resistance and bespoke design solutions. The technology directly addresses the specific mechanical demands of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The P Zero E variant has achieved a triple A rating on the European tyre label and contains over 55 percent sustainable and reclaimed materials. These attributes helped it win the ADI Compasso d’Oro International Award at Expo 2025 in Osaka, a first for any tyre in history. Beyond the award, its construction lowers rolling resistance for better energy use, while reduced cabin noise elevates the quiet ride expected from a zero-emission model.

Meanwhile, the specialised fifth-generation P Zero is built to manage the instant torque delivery of powerful electric motors, preserving stability and precision at higher speeds. An artificial intelligence-developed compound enables shorter braking distances and track-proven cornering grip. This model prioritises raw performance and safety, complementing the P Zero E’s focus on environmental life-cycle management and chassis responsiveness.

Pirelli supplies the P Zero in 20-inch uniform and 21-inch staggered sizes, with the P Zero E offered exclusively in a 22-inch staggered setup. Virtual simulation work at Pirelli’s German development centre and BMW’s Munich driving simulator cut physical prototyping by roughly one third and reduced development time by 30 percent. Both tyres carry BMW’s sidewall star marking, the result of close collaboration with the Munich automaker to maximise the iX3’s overall capability.

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