The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has initiated supply of its GEOLANDAR X-CV tyres for Toyota Motor Corporation’s bZ, the 2026 model year North American version of Toyota’s bZ4X battery electric SUV, which launched in October 2025. The specified tyre size for this application is 235/50R20 100V. Concurrently, for the updated bZ4X model in Japan, the company remains the supplier, providing its ADVAN V61 tyre in size 235/60R18 103H as it did for the prior version.

The GEOLANDAR X-CV is engineered as a modern highway terrain tyre with M+S certification, prioritising responsive drivability and high-speed capability. Its design seeks an integrated balance of safety, comfort, durability and fuel efficiency. Tailored for electrified vehicles, these tyres bear Yokohama’s proprietary ‘E+’ sidewall engraving, signifying enhanced attributes in durability, quietness and energy conservation. This development was facilitated by the company’s HAICoLab framework, an AI-driven platform that combines human creativity with advanced data processing to accelerate digital innovation.

This selection by Toyota extends a growing partnership, as the GEOLANDAR X-CV has recently been fitted as original equipment on several other Toyota models, including the Land Cruiser 250, Grand Highlander and Tundra. This alignment supports Yokohama Rubber’s strategic goals under its medium-term management plan, Yokohama Transformation 2026. A central pillar of this plan is elevating the sales proportion of high-value-added tyres by aggressively promoting original equipment fitments for its premier ADVAN and GEOLANDAR brands globally, particularly for SUVs and pickup trucks.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Yokohama Rubber has commenced original equipment deliveries of its BluEarth-Van RY55 tyres to Daihatsu Motor. These tyres are fitted on Daihatsu’s newly launched commercial mini-BEV models, the e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai, which debuted in Japan in February 2026. The specific size supplied for these electric vehicles is 145/80R12 86/84N LT.

Designed specifically for vans under Yokohama's eco-conscious BluEarth branding, these tyres deliver both longevity and reliable wet traction. To accommodate the distinct requirements of battery-powered vehicles, the supplied tyres have been engineered with particular attention to load capacity. A specially formulated compound reduces rolling resistance while resisting wear, and the tread configuration has been refined to preserve ride quality and wet-weather capability even under the stress of heavy battery packs.

Daihatsu's inaugural mass-produced battery electric vehicles incorporate the e-SMART ELECTRIC system developed specifically for smaller vehicles. This architecture allows for a sizeable battery without intruding on interior room. Both the e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai record a WLTC-certified driving range of 257 kilometres on a single charge according to transport ministry figures.

Yokohama continues to advance its BluEarth technology across its product range, with these tyres joining those already supplied as factory equipment on numerous conventional, hybrid and electric passenger vehicles currently in production.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Yokohama Rubber Company has commenced the supply of its BluEarth-XT AE61 tyres as original equipment for the newly launched GAC Trumpchi M8 plug-in hybrid minivan, which entered the Chinese market in November 2025. These tyres, sized at 225/60R18 104V, are designed to deliver a harmonious blend of performance, comfort and environmental consideration. Drawing on the core design and material innovations of Yokohama’s BluEarth brand, the tyre incorporates an asymmetrical tread pattern and a high-rigidity profile. This construction is engineered to mitigate sway and uneven tread wear, issues commonly associated with vehicles that have a raised centre of gravity, thereby ensuring stability and durability.

The GAC Trumpchi M8 represents a premium entry in the minivan segment, distinguished by its advanced plug-in hybrid system that provides an electric-only range of up to 106 kilometres according to WLTC standards. Its features extend to autonomous driving capabilities and a luxuriously appointed interior, aligning with modern expectations for high-end mobility.

Yokohama Rubber continues to advance its BluEarth tyre series, which is designed with a focus on environmental harmony and user-centric performance. These tyres are increasingly selected as original equipment for a diverse range of new vehicles, encompassing traditional petrol models, hybrids and fully electric cars across various categories, including sedans, SUVs, sports cars and compact vehicles. This ongoing adoption underscores the company’s commitment to providing tyre solutions that meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

NEXEN TIRE has secured a new partnership with BMW, supplying its high-performance N’FERA Sport tyre as original equipment for the all-electric BMW iX3. The N’FERA Sport model is engineered to deliver superior grip and responsiveness. Key design elements include a specifically engineered tread pattern and block design that work together to enhance handling and stability at high speeds, as well as an optimised longitudinal groove configuration that significantly improves water drainage for reliable wet traction. Furthermore, a specialised tread compound boosts both grip and braking power, while reinforced sidewalls bolster cornering stability and overall control at higher velocities.

This agreement with a prominent premium manufacturer underscores NEXEN TIRE’s expanding footprint in the original equipment market. Since it first began supplying global carmakers in 2012, the company has rapidly diversified its client portfolio and now counts the BMW Group among its key partners. This consistent growth is underpinned by a strong commitment to research and development. Demonstrating this focus, the company recently became the first in its domestic industry to implement a high-tech dynamic driving simulator, a move that accelerates the creation of next-generation virtual tyre technology.

Alongside advancements in product engineering, NEXEN TIRE is bolstering its manufacturing precision through an artificial intelligence-powered automated inspection system. By integrating AI and virtual reality tools across both development and production, the company aims to elevate quality control and further solidify its collaborative relationships with automotive partners worldwide.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “By strengthening our R&D efforts and enhancing collaboration with global automakers, we will continue to deliver premium products to customers worldwide.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Toyo Tires has announced that its Proxes CR1 tyre has been selected as the official Original Equipment fitment for the all-new Perodua Traz. This partnership begins with the vehicle's 1.5 (X/H) variant, which rolls off the line equipped with 215/60R17 Proxes CR1 tyres in Malaysia, engineered to perfectly match the vehicle's comfort-driven character.

Through the application of Toyo Tires’ advanced T-Mode and Nano Balance Technology, the Proxes CR1 delivers on its promise of refined comfort and confident performance from the first drive. The optimised tread design ensures smooth responsiveness and reassuring stability while actively reducing road noise. Drivers benefit from reliable grip and stable handling across both wet and dry conditions, contributing to an efficient and secure journey.

As a leader in the market, Toyo Tires offers the Proxes CR1 and CR1 SUV as its most comprehensive range in Malaysia, catering to a wide variety of passenger cars and SUVs with sizes available from 14 to 20 inches.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!