Sumitomo Rubber announced it supplies its DUNLOP SP SPORT MAXX 060 tyres as original equipment for the new Lexus LBX compact luxury crossover.

Launched in December, the LBX prioritises both exhilarating driving dynamics and passenger comfort. The Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX 060 fulfils these demands through optimised construction and tread compound, delivering responsive handling and a smooth ride. Remarkably, this tyre also achieves high fuel efficiency, exceeding expectations for a performance tyre.

Furthermore, Dunlop’s unique “Nano Black” technology creates a finely textured sidewall that enhances the LBX’s luxurious design aesthetic, aligning perfectly with the Lexus brand identity.

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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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Continental has been selected as an original equipment supplier for Nissan’s new all-electric Nissan N7, with the vehicle to be equipped with the EcoContact 7 tyre in a 19-inch size.

The tyre, in the 235/45 R19 99Y XL FR specification, achieved top ratings in the European Union tyre label categories for energy efficiency and rolling noise.

Continental said the EcoContact 7’s energy efficiency is supported by a new rubber compound and its Smart Energy Casing technology. Materials used in the tyre’s carcass, inner liner and sidewall are designed to reduce internal friction, lowering rolling resistance.

The tyre also incorporates an aerodynamically optimised sidewall design intended to improve efficiency. Continental uses what it describes as an “aerodimple” structure, inspired by the surface of golf balls, to reduce air turbulence behind the tyre and lower vehicle energy consumption.

The company said the tyre’s Silent Pattern tread design reduces rolling noise by optimising the spacing and angles of tread blocks. The design targets noise frequencies commonly generated during urban driving.

According to Continental, the result is lower noise levels both inside the vehicle and in the surrounding environment.

The EcoContact 7 approved for the Nissan N7 is available in the following specification:

• EcoContact 7, 235/45 R19 99Y XL FR

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NEXEN TIRE has secured its first original equipment supply agreement with BYD, marking a significant milestone in the global tyre manufacturer’s expansion within the electric vehicle sector. The partnership entails outfitting two distinct BYD electric models, the SEAL 6 and the Dolphin Surf, with specialised tyres, a move anticipated to elevate NEXEN TIRE’s standing among international EV producers.

For the BYD SEAL 6, destined for overseas markets including Australia, NEXEN TIRE will provide the N’FERA Sport, an ultra-high-performance summer tyre. This model is engineered for sporty handling and superior high-speed stability, having earned recognition through commendable performance in rigorous European tyre evaluations. Concurrently, the BYD Dolphin Surf, exported to Europe, will feature the N’Blue S tyre, a high-efficiency summer variant specifically developed to comply with stringent EU carbon emission standards by minimising rolling resistance while enhancing wet braking and drainage capabilities.

Since initiating its OE tyre sales to foreign automakers in 2012, NEXEN TIRE has solidified its reputation as a trusted supplier to major global manufacturers, including premium European marques. This latest collaboration with BYD underscores the company’s continued commitment to advanced technology and quality, further cementing its influence in the evolving automotive landscape.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “Becoming an OE supplier for two BYD EV models demonstrates both our technological range and our quality competitiveness, as we can deliver optimised performance for both electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles. We will continue to strengthen our partnership with BYD moving forward.”

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