Team MRF Tyres has become the 2023 FIA European Rally Champions, achieving a remarkable victory with two rounds left in the eight-round 2023 FIA ERC Championship.

This victory solidifies MRF Tyres’ position in the world of rally championships, outperforming other well-known global tyre companies. The team’s success spans different terrains, excelling on both gravel and asphalt surfaces.

In a hard-fought season, Team MRF successfully defended its 2022 team championship title, competing against established multinational rally tyre manufacturers. After achieving dominance with nine wins in the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championships, MRF Tyres aimed higher by entering the top-tier European competition, joining the FIA ERC in 2020. Through focused product development and strategic efforts, MRF Tyres quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, clinching stages, rallies, and championships. This second ERC championship win highlights the exceptional quality, performance, and durability of MRF Tyres.

Entering the 2023 FIA ERC season with high expectations following their 2022 championship win, Team MRF Tyres encountered tough competition. The season began strongly with a podium finish in the Rally Islas Canarias by Efrén Llarena and Sara Fernandez. Martins Sesks with Renars Francis dominated the fast gravel stages of Rally Liepaja and Rally Poland, showcasing the precision and reliability of the MRF tyres.

Arun Mammen, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, MRF Ltd,” said, “I am extremely proud of the success achieved by MRF Tyres in the 2023 FIA European Rally Championship. As India’s leading tyre manufacturer, we looked to take India to the world stage and compete in the toughest rally competitions in the world. We knew it would take dedication and determination to succeed, and to do it once was a challenge, to back up that success in 2023 proves the talent and skill of the entire team at MRF Tyres. I would like to extend my congratulations to the team, and I look forward to our future challenges.”

Martins Sesks, driver of Team MRF Tyres, said, “We came into this year knowing that it would be a challenge. In the FIA European Rally Championship, you have to earn every result, as the quality of the teams and the drivers is very high. I have been proud to represent MRF Tyres in the Championship, and standing on the top step of the podium after winning at home in Latvia and Poland, has made me extremely proud. I would like to thank and I would also congratulate everyone at MRF Tyres for this Championship success.”

With consecutive victories, Team MRF Tyres positioned themselves favourably for the Team’sTeam’s Championship, further strengthened by another podium in the first Royal Rally of Scandinavia. The team secured vital Powerstage points in the Rally di Roma Capitale, solidifying their goal of a second Team’sTeam’s Championship. Notably, the MRF Tyres Dealer Team also achieved podiums and stage wins.

Having secured two wins and two podiums in six rallies, Team MRF Tyres has demonstrated its undeniable dominance throughout the year.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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

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