Linglong Tire launched the Grip Master Winter, a new winter tyre for compact, medium and luxury-class vehicles. It targets the high and ultra-high-performance segments.   

The Grip Master Winter succeeds the Linglong Green-Max Winter UHP and Green-Max Winter HP models, aiming to improve their performance in all aspects. Key improvements include:   

• Enhanced Wet and Dry Performance: The new directional V-shaped tread pattern and optimised block design provide better water evacuation and stability, improving handling and shorter braking distances on wet and dry surfaces.   
• Optimised Snow Performance: While already strong with the previous models, the Grip Master Winter's snow performance has been further refined using a newly developed polymer-silica composite compound and 3D sipes.   
• Increased Mileage: The new material mix combines full silica and natural resins, reducing tyre wear while maintaining braking effectiveness, resulting in increased mileage.
• Reduced Noise Emissions: The optimised block arrangement minimises noise generation compared to the previous models.
• Improved Rolling Resistance: The Grip Master Winter is fuel-efficient due to its optimised rolling resistance.

"The key main requirements for the Grip Master Winter were to elevate wet performance and dry handling characteristics, all while improving environmental properties compared to its predecessors," said Andreas Krause, Director of R&D at Linglong Germany GmbH. "Developing such a balanced winter tyre was a challenge, especially considering the need for increased mileage and further optimised rolling resistance. We believe the Grip Master Winter is Linglong Tire's best and most powerful winter tyre yet."   

Development and Production:

The Grip Master Winter was primarily developed by Linglong's European development centre in Hanover. Testing was conducted at European test tracks in Spain and Finland, as well as at Linglong's Sino-Asia test site in China. The tire is exclusively produced at Linglong Tire's newest factory in Zrenjanin, Serbia.   

Availability and Future Plans:

The Grip Master Winter is currently available in 70 sizes, ranging from 14 to 20 inches, with varying cross-sections and tread widths. An additional 30 sizes are planned for launch next year. Linglong also intends to offer the Grip Master Winter for original equipment with select automakers.   

This launch expands the Linglong Master family, including summer tyres (Sport Master, Sport Master e, and Comfort Master), the Grip Master C/S SUV tyre, and the Grip Master 4S all-season tyre. 

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has launched the ADVAN WINTER V907, a new ultra-high-performance winter tyre, as an afterparts tyre for the Mercedes-AMG E-Class luxury sedan.

The newly developed ADVAN WINTER V907 is designed to provide not only excellent performance on snow but excellent comfort and stability even when driving on dry roads at the high speeds. The tyre features a specially designed tread pattern with V-shaped grooves and 3D sipes as well as a centre rib. These features work in tandem with a special tread compound that combines a cap compound for excellent snow performance and an undertread compound for handling stability on dry roads.

To be sold initially through Mercedes-AMG dealerships in Europe, the new tyre will be available in size 245/45R19 102V for front and size 275/40R19 105V for rear. Both the sizes were jointly developed with Mercedes-AMG and carries the ‘MO1A’ mark on the sides, indicating Mercedes-AMG’s approval. Based on the new afterparts tyre, the company also intends to develop an ADVAN WINTER V907 replacement tyre in a larger variety of sizes. Sales will begin in 2025, mostly in Europe, and will be introduced sequentially at tyre dealers.

BYD has selected Continental’s PremiumContact C tyres as original equipment for its Seal U electric SUV. The electric SUV will come factory-equipped with the premium tyres in size 235/50 R19 99V.

The PremiumContact C tyre provides a pleasant and quiet ride. The rubber compound's unique silica lowers rolling resistance and friction by reducing energy absorption through the tyre while the vehicle is moving. This results in a long tread life and good energy efficiency. Together, a noise-reducing design and noise breakers in the tread pattern greatly reduce the tyre's rolling noise. The PremiumContact C offers a low-impact ride even at high speeds because of its rounded contact patch, which uniformly distributes pressure throughout the tyre.

Continental has been refining tyres for over a decade in an effort to produce ever-lower rolling resistance, minimal rolling noise and high mileage. All of Continental's tyres are able to sustainably lower emissions from combustion cars while still meeting the specifications for electric vehicles. Five most successful EV manufacturers in the Asia-Pacific area use Continental tyres as original equipment, as per the company.

Toyo Tires has introduced the Proxes Sport 2, a high-performance summer tyre designed for sports cars, SUVs and CUVs.

The new tyre features a redesigned profile and advanced tread compounds to enhance performance in wet and dry conditions. Compared to its predecessor, the Proxes Sport 2 offers improved handling, shorter braking distances and a quieter ride.

“The Proxes Sport 2 boasts a 15 percent shorter stopping distance in wet conditions and 10 percent shorter on dry surfaces along with improved handling performance over its predecessor, the Proxes Sport,” said Kevin Arima, senior manager consumer products, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. “These improvements enhance the driver’s experience rain or shine on twisty canyon roads or around town.”

The Proxes Sport 2 will be available in over 75 sizes, ranging from 17 to 22 inches, in February 2025.

Atturo Tire has announced the expansion of its AZ810 all-weather tyre line with the addition of 24 new sizes. This expansion brings the total number of AZ810 sizes to 58, catering to a wider range of vehicles, including sedans, sports cars, SUVs, CUVs, hybrids and electric vehicles.

Designed to outperform traditional summer UHP tyres, especially in colder temperatures, the AZ810 offers exceptional wet traction, consistent grip and a smooth ride. The tyre’s versatility and style make it popular for drivers seeking high-performance tyres that can handle various driving conditions.