Michelin North America has introduced its latest commercial all-weather tyre, the Agilis CrossClimate 2, designed to meet the increasing demands of working fleets facing rising maintenance costs and challenging road conditions.

The new tyre aims to deliver enhanced reliability, durability, and all-season performance for commercial light trucks, which are essential to keeping goods and services moving across the country. Michelin said it will launch the tyre in 18 sizes, covering more than 90% of the market segment, with additional sizes to follow in October.

“Michelin recognises the dedication of the workforce that keeps life in motion, and we’ve created a tyre that works just as hard,” said Pierluigi Cumo, Vice President of B2B Marketing at Michelin North America, Inc. “To deliver every job on schedule, customers need a tyre forged with the same strength and resolve as the dedicated individuals whose drive fuels the community they serve. They are the few who drive the many.”

The Agilis CrossClimate 2 features Michelin’s proprietary CurbGard technology, which offers 70 percent more sidewall rubber than the FirestoneTransforce HT2 to resist curb damage. The tyre also promises up to 35 percent more mileage than the Firestone Transforce HT3 and 35 percent better snow traction compared with the Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse HT, according to Michelin internal testing.

Additional performance comes from Michelin’s SipeLock technology, which includes hundreds of biting edges to enhance traction in difficult conditions. The tyre is backed by a 20 percent longer mileage guarantee and a 60-day satisfaction warranty.

“The Michelin Agilis CrossClimate 2 tyre is the equivalent of rolling up your sleeves and powering through a job. It doesn’t take breaks, and it doesn’t back down,” Cumo said. “From the job site to the highway, this tyre doesn’t flinch. The Agilis CrossClimate 2 tyre approaches every task with the precision and pride of a master craftsman.”

Michelin has positioned the Agilis CrossClimate 2 as a strategic product launch for commercial vehicle operators striving to maximise uptime, manage costs, and enhance driver safety in all weather conditions.

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Kumho Tire has secured an original equipment supply agreement for the Škoda Scala, equipping the European model with its ECSTA HS52 tyre in the 205/55R16 and 205/50R17 sizes. This nomination bolsters the South Korean manufacturer’s footprint within the European automotive sector.

Škoda, a Czech-founded automaker established in 1895 and now member of the Volkswagen Group, markets its affordable and utilitarian vehicles across over 100 countries. The Scala, a flagship compact hatchback, has garnered continental acclaim for its roomy cabin, generous cargo space, contemporary aesthetics and advanced driver-assistance features. Its efficient drivetrain and balanced handling cater effectively to both city commutes and extended highway journeys.

The ECSTA HS52 is engineered as a premium tyre prioritising comfort and dynamic performance. Its optimised tread pattern, featuring a solid block layout, ensures stable road adhesion, which diminishes vibrations and acoustic noise while simultaneously elevating ride quality and high-velocity stability.

This latest OE win underscores Kumho Tire’s ascending trajectory in Europe and its bolstered credibility with international automakers. Following a record-setting fiscal performance, the company is aggressively targeting annual revenues of KRW 5.1 trillion (approximately USD 3.41 billion) through enhanced sales, operational efficiencies and an expanded original equipment portfolio, solidifying its global premium brand aspirations.

Insoo Kim, Executive Vice President – OE Sales, Kumho Tire, said, “The selection of the ECSTA HS52 for the Škoda Scala underscores the global competitiveness of Kumho Tire’s technology and product quality. We remain committed to providing innovative, high-performance tyre solutions tailored to evolving mobility needs while strengthening our partnerships with leading global automotive manufacturers.”

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Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH has commenced the supply of FALKEN AZENIS FK520 (NG0) tyres as original equipment for the new Porsche Cayenne Electric. This marks a significant expansion of the longstanding partnership between Falken and the German sports car manufacturer within the high-performance vehicle segment.

The bespoke tyre package carries the exclusive NG0 designation, a hallmark reserved for rubber compounds that have undergone rigorous development, homologation and approval processes to satisfy Porsche’s stringent technical benchmarks. The fitment involves a staggered setup, with 255/55 R20 110Y XL tyres mounted on the front axle and larger 305/45 R20 116Y XL tyres on the rear axle, available through Porsche’s official configurator in conjunction with selected wheel designs.

Engineered specifically for the demands of an all-electric performance sport utility vehicle, this ultra-high-performance tyre features an optimised rubber formulation aimed at lowering rolling resistance to potentially enhance driving range. The architecture is fine-tuned to deliver precise steering feedback, stable high-speed handling and a Y speed rating that certifies capability up to 300 kilometres per hour while also supporting strong traction and efficient torque transfer to manage the vehicle’s substantial power and weight.

The collaboration extends beyond road applications, as Falken has competed in the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Endurance Series and the Nürburgring 24 Hours with a Porsche 911 GT3 R since 2011. Away from the racetrack, the partnership previously yielded original equipment approval for FALKEN AZENIS FK510A SUV tyres on the Porsche Macan, a relationship that commenced in 2018 and has now been reinforced with this latest electric vehicle development.

Christian Stolting, OE Sales Director at Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH, home to the FALKEN tyre brand, said, "With the AZENIS FK520 (NG0), FALKEN underlines its expertise in developing innovative tyre technologies for the next generation of premium electric vehicles. This is the latest development in our long-term partnership with Porsche, and means we continue to strategically positioning ourselves as the first choice in the high-performance battery-electric SUV segment."

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India is losing more than 425.7 million litres of petrol worth over INR 45 billion each year because of underinflated tyres, according to a survey by the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association (ATMA), which warned that poor tyre maintenance is also increasing road safety risks.

The findings come as higher crude oil prices and the continuing West Asia conflict put additional pressure on fuel costs, making fuel efficiency an increasingly important concern for motorists.

The tyre health survey, conducted by the Indian Tyre Technical Advisory Committee (ITTAC), ATMA's technical arm, found that a significant proportion of passenger vehicles on Indian roads are operating with tyre pressures below manufacturers' recommended levels.

More than 130,000 passenger vehicle tyres, including those fitted to two-wheelers, have been inspected across India over the past few years, including nearly 100,000 during the past year. The survey found that 32 percent of tyres had air pressure more than 20 percent below the recommended level, while a further 21 percent were between 10 percent and 20 percent below the recommended pressure.

According to international studies cited by ATMA, every one PSI reduction in tyre pressure reduces fuel efficiency by about 0.2 percent. Based on the survey findings, the association estimates that underinflated tyres account for fuel efficiency losses equivalent to around 0.75 percent of India's total fuel consumption by vehicles.

With India's annual petrol consumption estimated at 56.77 billion litres, almost all of which is used by passenger vehicles, including two-wheelers, this equates to an annual loss of around 425.7m litres of petrol. At current retail fuel prices, the value of the wasted fuel exceeds INR 45 billion annually.

ATMA said the estimate covers only petrol consumption and excludes diesel-, CNG- and LPG-powered passenger vehicles, suggesting that the overall national fuel loss is likely to be even higher.

The association said the fuel loss assumes greater significance because India imports more than 80 percent of its crude oil requirements. Avoidable fuel consumption not only increases costs for consumers but also adds to the country's oil import bill and foreign exchange outgo.

Renji Issac, chairman of ITTAC, said: "The survey highlights a hidden but significant drain on both household budgets and the national economy. At a time when fuel prices have gone up owing to West Asia conflict, maintaining the correct tyre pressure is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve fuel efficiency and reduce fuel expenses. The low inflation pressure also increases the emissions resulting in more atmospheric pollution."

Apart from the economic impact, the association said underinflated tyres generate excessive heat, reduce vehicle handling and braking performance, increase stopping distances and make tyres more susceptible to damage or sudden failure, particularly during high-speed driving. Low tyre pressure also accelerates uneven tyre wear, shortening tyre life and increasing replacement costs.

Sudershan S Gusain, chairman of ATMA's Safety Awareness Group, said: "Apart from the economic cost, low tyre pressure also has serious safety implications. Tyres operating below the recommended pressure generate excessive heat, adversely affect vehicle handling and braking performance, increase stopping distances and are more susceptible to tyre damage or sudden failure, particularly during high-speed travel. Low tyre pressure also accelerates uneven tyre wear, reducing tyre life and increasing replacement costs."

ATMA said a tyre pressure check takes only a few minutes but can improve fuel efficiency, extend tyre life, reduce emissions and enhance road safety. The association advised motorists to check tyre pressure every fortnight, preferably when tyres are cold, and to maintain the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

The association also urged electric vehicle owners to pay attention to tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) alerts. While most EVs display tyre pressure on the dashboard, these warnings are often ignored because drivers make fewer visits to fuel stations. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure improves vehicle range, tyre life, safety and environmental performance, ATMA said.

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Bridgestone has confirmed its role as the original equipment tyre supplier for Yamaha Motor’s newly unveiled Supersport model, the YZF-R7. The partnership will see the Japanese tyre giant provide its premium BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 tyres for the motorcycle, which has been extensively refined to balance racetrack-inspired performance with daily usability. This collaboration underscores a shared engineering focus between the two companies.

The latest iteration of the YZF-R7 features a comprehensively reworked chassis designed to deliver agile handling and precise cornering, allowing riders to fully exploit the motorcycle’s sporty character. Enhancements to stability and road feedback have been prioritised, resulting in a machine that offers both increased rider confidence and an exhilarating experience. The model retains the stylistic DNA of Yamaha’s racing heritage while incorporating practical features for everyday use.

Central to the tyre specification is the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23, which has been engineered with an optimised shoulder groove ratio and revised pattern rigidity to elevate road contact sensation and overall performance. These improvements ensure high dry grip and responsive manoeuvrability essential for dynamic riding. Furthermore, the rear tyre incorporates a Pulse Groove pattern, a design that significantly boosts water drainage and maintains superior wet-weather performance, ensuring rider security and enjoyment even under sudden rainfall.

The selection of the Bridgestone tyres resulted from intensive joint development between the two manufacturers from the project’s inception. Yamaha’s evaluation team acknowledged the advanced capabilities of the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23, leading to its integration into the final vehicle. Through this supply agreement and its broader premium BATTLAX strategy, Bridgestone reaffirms its dedication to fostering a safe and vibrant motorcycling culture. The company continues to align its efforts with its corporate commitment to inspire excitement and deliver lasting joy to the mobility sector.

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