Maxxis Earns Fifth Consecutive Excellent Performance Award from Subaru of Indiana Automotive

Maxxis Earns Fifth Consecutive Excellent Performance Award from Subaru of Indiana Automotive

In a recent ceremony, Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) gave Maxxis the esteemed Excellent Performance Award for the fiscal year 2023. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Maxxis has been honoured with this accolade.

The Excellent Performance Award is a testament to Maxxis’ outstanding accomplishments in meeting SIA’s safety, quality, cost, and delivery benchmarks. Among the 35 companies recognized by SIA this year, Maxxis has been a valued supplier to SIA since 2014, supplying original equipment (OE) tires for Subaru’s Crosstrek and Ascent models.

“With overall supply chain conditions and production levels stabilized, this is a fitting time to recognize these suppliers that have distinguished themselves by providing exemplary quality and delivery. It’s great to know our suppliers share the vision and quality commitment that Subaru customers count on. Of our nearly 260 suppliers, these 35 have demonstrated the tremendous dedication required to achieve such recognition,” said Scott Brand, executive vice president at SIA.

“We are grateful for our nearly decade-long relationship with SIA, and we thank them for recognizing Maxxis with this award four years in a row. It is gratifying to see that Maxxis teams’ commitment to excellent service and high-quality products have met SIA’s expectations,” said Maxxis Vice President of Operations Andy Lee.

Subaru’s only manufacturing facility outside Japan, SIA began production in 1989 and currently makes the Ascent, Crosstrek, Legacy and Outback models for North America.

Honda N-ONE e: Mini-EV To Run On Yokohama BluEarth AE-01 Tyres

Honda N-ONE e: Mini-EV To Run On Yokohama BluEarth AE-01 Tyres

Honda has selected Yokohama Rubber’s BluEarth AE-01 tyres as original equipment for its upcoming N-ONE e: mini-electric vehicle. Scheduled for launch in Japan in September 2025, the mini-EV will be fitted with the tyres in the size 155/65R14 75S.

As part of Yokohama’s global BluEarth brand, the AE-01 model is engineered to be an eco-conscious and socially responsible product. It is designed to provide excellent fuel efficiency while maintaining a balanced performance in key areas including quiet operation, ride comfort and tread longevity.

This partnership is a reflection of Yokohama Rubber's strategic initiative to expand its advanced BluEarth technology across a diverse range of new vehicles. The company’s tyres are increasingly chosen as factory-fitted equipment for a wide spectrum of models, from sedans and SUVs to sports cars and compact vehicles, including gasoline, hybrid and electric powertrains.

Kia PV5 To Run On NEXEN N’Blue S Tyres

Kia has selected NEXEN TIRE’s N’Blue S high-performance summer tyre as original equipment for the new Kia PV5, an adaptable purpose-built vehicle (PBV) developed on the dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This model is designed for a wide array of uses, from personal and recreational activities to commercial logistics, positioning it as a cornerstone for the future of urban mobility. The supply agreement underscores NEXEN TIRE's advanced technological capabilities in developing tyres specifically engineered for the demands of electric commercial vehicles.

The N’Blue S tyre, sized 215/65R16 102H, is engineered to meet strict European environmental standards, emphasising high efficiency and minimised rolling resistance to extend electric vehicle range. A key innovation featured in this model is Sidewall Aero Dynamic technology, which functions to reduce pass-by noise and improve overall energy efficiency. The tyre’s tread design incorporates a simplified groove pattern that enhances water drainage, providing superior wet traction and stable braking performance. These attributes ensure excellent durability and reliability, which are critical for the repetitive stop-and-go patterns characteristic of urban commercial operations.

This partnership with Kia is part of a broader strategic trajectory for NEXEN TIRE, which has established itself as a trusted original equipment supplier for major global automakers. The company leverages over 80 years of technical expertise to provide tyres for a growing portfolio of electric vehicles, including Kia's EV3, EV4, EV6 and EV9 models, alongside global strategic vehicles like the PV5 and Tasman. This latest supply agreement for the innovative PV5 further solidifies NEXEN TIRE's reputation and demonstrates its commitment to supporting the evolving needs of the electric mobility industry.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “The supply of OE tyres for the Kia PV5 demonstrates our technological competitiveness in the future mobility market, driven by electrification and personalisation. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with global automakers to contribute to the expansion of the future mobility ecosystem.”

BMW 7 Series Sedan To Run On Yokohama ADVAN Sport V107 Tyres

BMW 7 Series Sedan To Run On Yokohama ADVAN Sport V107 Tyres

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., is supplying its ultra-high-performance ADVAN Sport V107 tyres as original equipment for the BMW 7 Series sedan, including the all-electric i7 model. The tyres – 255/45R20 105Y size for front axle and 285/40R20 108Y for rear axle – are the product of a joint development effort with the BMW Group. This collaboration has resulted in a tyre engineered to meet the exacting demands of a high-power luxury vehicle.

The ADVAN Sport V107 incorporates a specially formulated compound and an optimised tread pattern to deliver exceptional steering stability and a quiet ride. It has also earned the highest possible ‘A’ grade for rolling resistance under the EU labelling system. The application of Yokohama's proprietary mound profile technology ensures even contact pressure distribution, which enhances both dry performance and wear resistance. The tyre’s sidewall features BMW’s star mark, a designation granted only to suppliers that meet the automaker's strict standards for technology, quality and reliability.

This partnership aligns with Yokohama Rubber's medium-term management plan, YX2026, which prioritises increasing sales of high-value-added products. A core initiative of this strategy is expanding the placement of its global flagship ADVAN and GEOLANDAR brand tyres as original equipment on new vehicles.

New Dacia Duster To Run On Continental Tyres

New Dacia Duster To Run On Continental Tyres

Dacia has chosen Continental to supply original equipment tyres for its new Duster SUV, approving three specific models in 16- to 18-inch sizes. This selection highlights a focus on quality and performance, offering drivers the energy-efficient EcoContact 6 Q summer tyre, the versatile AllSeasonContact and the robust CrossContact RX.

The CrossContact RX is engineered for heavier vehicles, using an innovative sipe design to provide excellent comfort, traction and wet road performance. The EcoContact 6 Q features a low-rolling-resistance compound, making it an ideal choice for hybrid models by helping to extend their electric range without compromising on safety or tread wear.

For year-round reliability, the AllSeasonContact offers a balanced solution. Its optimised tread reduces fuel consumption across various temperatures and weather conditions by effectively combining a specialised compound with a versatile tread pattern.

All three tyres deliver the signature safety and performance characteristics expected from Continental. This includes short braking distances, stable cornering and dependable grip on both dry and wet road surfaces, ensuring a secure and efficient driving experience for Duster owners.

The tyres have been approved in the following sizes:

EcoContact 6 Q, 215/60 R18 98H
EcoContact 6 Q, 215/65 R17 99H
AllSeasonContact, 215/60 R18 98H
AllSeasonContact, 215/65 R17 99H
CrossContact RX, 215/60 R18 98H FR
CrossContact RX, 215/65 R17 99H FR
CrossContact RX, 215/70 R16 100H FR