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.”

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Goodyear Tire & Rubber launched its Eagle F1 All-Season, a premium ultra-high-performance tyre designed to deliver year-round capability for drivers who prioritise handling and grip.

The new tyre targets owners of sports cars, performance sedans and premium crossovers, offering what the company describes as exceptional performance in dry, wet and light snow conditions without requiring seasonal tyre changes.

“As one of our most premium performance tyres yet, the Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season is a testament to Goodyear’s commitment to innovation and versatility,” said Jim Reese, Director, Category Strategy and Planning for Goodyear. “We’re proud to offer a tyre that meets the needs of spirited drivers who want precision handling and all-season confidence—without switching tyres.”

The Eagle F1 All-Season features a motorsport-inspired tread pattern and compound designed to enhance durability and treadwear. It includes a built-in wear gauge to help motorists monitor tyre life.

Goodyear emphasised the tyre’s wet braking performance and its ability to deliver what it calls “track-level precision” whilst maintaining a quiet, comfortable ride for everyday driving.

The product is now available through Goodyear’s retail network and authorised dealers across the United States and Canada, expanding the company’s performance segment offering built on more than 50 years of racing heritage.

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Yokohama Rubber has begun supplying its BluEarth-FE AE30 tyres as original equipment for Mitsubishi Motors Corp’s newly launched mini-vehicle, the eK Space.

The Japanese tyre manufacturer is providing 155/65R14 75S size tyres for the compact vehicle, which hit the market in October 2025.

The BluEarth-FE AE30 belongs to Yokohama’s environmentally focused BluEarth global brand, which emphasises being “environmentally, human, and socially friendly”. The fuel-efficient standard tyre offers a balance of performance characteristics, including low noise, comfort and longevity.

Mitsubishi’s eK Space targets a broad demographic with its modern design and spacious interior, combining urban manoeuvrability with passenger comfort.

Yokohama has been expanding its presence in the original equipment market, with its BluEarth technology now featured on various new vehicle models, including sedans, sport utility vehicles, sports cars and compact cars across petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains.

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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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