©Renault Group / Yannick Brossard

The new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric comes equipped from the factory with Continental's EcoContact 6 Q summer tyres in 18-inch size, featuring Renault's exclusive ‘R’ sidewall marking. These energy-efficient premium tyres were specifically engineered for electric vehicles, combining reduced rolling resistance with quiet operation to maximise the EV's range and driving comfort.

Continental's engineers developed a specialised rubber compound that minimises energy loss while driving, along with an optimised tread pattern incorporating modified blocks, sipes and lateral grooves. This design delivers short braking distances, reliable traction on both wet and dry surfaces and stable cornering performance at higher speeds.

The EcoContact 6 Q tyres also account for the increased weight characteristic of electric vehicles, with reinforced construction to handle battery-heavy EVs. As a testament to Continental's leadership in EV tyre technology, 18 of the world's top 20 electric vehicle manufacturers choose Continental tires as original equipment for their models.

Volkswagen has chosen Apollo Tyres’ Vredestein Wintrac Pro as the original equipment winter tyre for its Tiguan SUV in Europe. The 215/65 R17 99H tyres will be fitted at VW’s Wolfsburg plant and also sold in the replacement market.

The Wintrac Pro is a high-performance winter tyre with an ‘A’ wet grip rating, 3PMSF certification and a speed index of 210 kmph (H-rated). Its advanced silica-rich compound and optimised tread design with angled grooves and sipes ensure strong traction on snow, ice and wet roads while improving braking and cornering.

Manufactured in Apollo’s Hungary plant, the tyre meets VW’s strict safety standards and enhances the Tiguan’s sporty handling. With low noise (B-rated) and balanced rolling resistance (C-rated), it also improves efficiency and comfort. This partnership strengthens Apollo Tyres’ position as a key OE supplier in Europe.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President Commercial EMEA, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Vredestein Wintrac Pro is an ideal match for the Volkswagen Tiguan, delivering exceptional performance whether on a dry autobahn or navigating snowy alpine roads. We are thrilled to see the Tiguan join the growing list of vehicles equipped with Vredestein tyres as standard, and we look forward to further strengthening our relationship with the Volkswagen Group.”

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.”

Tyre manufacturer Michelin has announced the expansion of its crane tyre range with the launch of the MICHELIN X-CRANE 2 445/95 R 25, designed for mobile and all-terrain cranes.

The new tyre, which follows an initial size released with constructor Spierings last summer, combines a civil engineering casing with a truck tyre tread and represents over a decade of specialist expertise, according to the French company.

Michelin claims the new product is five percent lighter than its predecessor, the MICHELIN X-CRANE +. It features an improved load and speed index that has shifted from 174F to 178F, allowing vehicles to carry heavier loads at higher speeds.

“MICHELIN X-CRANE 2 can carry 800 kg more per tyre when travelling at 80 kph. This increased load capacity represents an additional load of 1.6 metric tonnes per axle," the company stated.

Safety improvements include enhanced braking performance. Michelin claims comparative tests showed their main competitor needed 27 percent more braking distance, equating to approximately 10.5 metres or “2-3 car lengths."

The M+S-certified tyre incorporates Michelin’s REGENION technology, which utilises metal 3D printing to create what the company describes as "self-regenerating treads". This feature reportedly maintains consistent grip throughout the tyre's lifespan regardless of conditions.

Additionally, Michelin states the technology delivers fuel consumption reductions exceeding 13 percent, potentially saving around 826 litres of fuel and €1,321.60 for cranes travelling 10,000 kilometres.

The new size has been homologated for numerous machines across European and American markets, including models from Liebherr, Grove, Tadano and Linkbelt.

Nexen Tire, a global leader in tyre manufacturing, has received approval from Škoda for its N'FERA Sport ultra-high-performance (UHP) flagship summer tyre to be used as original equipment for the new Škoda Karoq SUV.

The Karoq is ideally matched with N'FERA Sport in size 215/50R18 W XL tire, which was created especially for the European market and made in Europe. It offers improved handling and stability even at high speeds. The N'Fera Sport (size 225/40R18) is already recognised by the ADAC Summer test 2025 and earns a strong overall rating for driving safety, comfort and environmental performance. The ADAC rates it as having a very good rating among competitors due to its short braking distance from 100 kmph. It also outperforms the norm in aquaplaning and wet braking.

Edwin van der Stad, Vice President Europe Original Equipment at Nexen Tire, said, “We are thrilled to receive this homologation for the N’FERA Sport on the Škoda Karoq. As our flagship summer product, the N'FERA Sport represents the peak of our tyre technology, designed to deliver outstanding performance and safety. Achieving the most homologations among our products, it is a true testament to the tyre's quality and our dedication to excellence. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Škoda, enhancing the driving experience for their customers worldwide.”