Toyo Tires has been selected as the sole original equipment tyre supplier for the all-new Mitsubishi Xforce launched in Malaysia, equipping the urban SUV with the 225/50R18 Proxes CR1D. This marks a strategic integration of tyre engineering and vehicle dynamics tailored specifically for local driving conditions.

The Proxes CR1D, part of the Proxes CR1 family, was carefully chosen to enhance the Xforce’s city-oriented character, prioritising safety, comfort and daily reliability. Its selection as the exclusive OEM tyre underscores a strong alignment between Mitsubishi’s vehicle design and Toyo Tires’ engineering focus on delivering a refined and reassuring driving experience from the first journey.

Engineered with Toyo Tires’ T-Mode and Nano Balance Technology, the Proxes CR1 features an optimised tread pattern that reduces road noise while ensuring stable handling and reliable grip on both wet and dry roads. This technology improves driving confidence through consistent road contact and dependable braking performance. Additionally, the tyre’s silent, comfort-focused design minimises vibrations and cabin noise, creating a quieter ride for city commutes and longer trips alike.

The continued trust from established automakers reflects growing industry confidence in the Proxes CR1 range. In Malaysia, the Proxes CR1 and CR1 SUV tyres represent Toyo Tires’ most comprehensive comfort-oriented lineup, available in sizes from 14 to 20 inches for passenger cars and SUVs.

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Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has begun supplying its ADVAN Sport V107 tyres as original equipment (OE) for the updated Mazda MX-5, which went on sale in Japan and Europe in June 2026.

The two-seater lightweight convertible sports car is fitted with 195/50R16 84V ADVAN Sport V107 tyres. Yokohama Rubber said it has supplied original equipment tyres for every generation of the Mazda MX-5 since the model was first introduced.

The ADVAN Sport V107 is an ultra-high-performance tyre within Yokohama's global flagship ADVAN brand. According to the company, the tyre combines handling stability and wet-weather performance with low noise, ride comfort and reduced rolling resistance.

The Mazda MX-5, first launched in 1989, has recorded cumulative global sales of more than 1.26m units, according to Mazda.

As part of the latest update, Mazda has introduced a special edition of the MX-5 alongside a new exterior colour. The company said the changes are intended to enhance driving performance while complying with external noise regulations.

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Hankook Tire has entered a new chapter in its longstanding partnership with Porsche by securing original equipment status for the iconic 911 Carrera. This marks the first time the South Korean manufacturer’s rubber will be mounted on the production line of the legendary rear-engine sports car, following nearly 10 years of supplying Porsche with tyres for other models. The bespoke fitment features a staggered setup, with 235/40 ZR19 tyres up front and wider 295/35 ZR20 tyres at the rear, both carrying a distinct ‘NA2’ sidewall designation that signifies their factory-approved specification.

The engineering effort behind this achievement was substantial, with Hankook’s specialists spending several years refining the product to satisfy Porsche’s exacting standards. The primary technical hurdle centred on harmonising contradictory performance demands – superb dry-road agility and lane-change precision versus reliable wet-weather traction. This balancing act proved especially delicate given the 911’s hallmark weight bias towards the back axle and its rear-wheel-drive configuration, which place unique stresses on tyre behaviour during aggressive cornering and acceleration.

To conquer these challenges, the development team crafted axle-specific tread patterns and geometries, each tailored to the distinct roles of front steering response and rear propulsion. A newly formulated compound was also introduced, incorporating advanced resins, silica and a specialised mixing technique to sustain peak grip across diverse road conditions. The material composition is engineered to maximise surface contact and reactivity, ensuring the tyre remains effective even on rain-slicked pavement where hydroplaning risks are heightened.

Validation of the new tyres involved an exceptionally rigorous testing schedule that stretched across multiple continents and facilities. Unlike conventional programmes that rely on a single location, Hankook deployed the 911 Carrera to Germany’s Papenburg track and Spain’s IDIADA circuit for handling assessments, while high-speed dry performance was scrutinised at Italy’s Nardò ring. Wet-weather tuning took place at Pferdsfeld in Germany and other test sites, with Porsche AG engineers working alongside Hankook’s team throughout the vehicle dynamics calibration process to ensure seamless integration.

Aleix Alcaraz, subjective test driver at Hankook, said, “Our goal was to deliver precise steering precision, stability at high speeds and reliable grip under all conditions. Striking a balance between track performance and everyday usability made this project particularly demanding. Pushing the 911 Carrera to its limits on test tracks like Nardò and applying the lessons learned to the road was both challenging and a special experience.”

Yong Chul Choi, Vice President and Head of the Hankook Europe Technical Center, said, “Becoming original equipment for the Porsche 911 Carrera – one of the world’s most renowned and iconic sports cars – is an extraordinary milestone for Hankook. This premiere is the result of many years of technical development work and reflects our continuously growing expertise in driving dynamics. It marks an important step for our commitment to the super sports car segment.”

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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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