Volkswagen Tiguan And Tayron To Run On Hankook Ventus evo SUV Tyres

Volkswagen Tiguan And Tayron To Run On Hankook Ventus evo SUV Tyres

Hankook Tire has been chosen as the original equipment manufacturer for the Volkswagen Tiguan and Tayron SUV models, fitting them with its Ventus evo SUV tyre. This partnership covers a wide range of specifications, with six different tyre sizes from 17 to 20 inches available for the immensely popular Tiguan and five sizes for the five or seven-seater Tayron crossover. A key identifier for these specially developed tyres is a circled plus sign on the sidewall, signifying they are built to Volkswagen’s precise standards and are approved for factory installation on new vehicles.

The collaborative development process, centred at the Hankook Tire Technology Center in Hannover, prioritised a harmonious blend of comfort and dynamic performance. A major focus throughout the design phase was achieving the lowest possible noise level. Through meticulous tread design and an innovative compound in the tread material, the Ventus evo SUV attains a noise level below 66 decibels. This performance is crucial, as it helps the overall vehicle meet Volkswagen's strict maximum noise requirement of 68 decibels, significantly enhancing cabin quietness.

Further technical hallmarks of these premium tyres include Opti Pitch and Kerf designs, which work to minimise road noise. The implementation of Dual Pitch technology varies the number of tread blocks on the inner and outer sections of the tyre, a feature that enhances steering precision during cornering while also contributing to a quieter ride. Engineers carefully calibrated the tread height to ensure these acoustic benefits do not come at the expense of critical performance areas such as traction, braking, cornering stability or the tyre’s overall lifespan.

Final validation of the Ventus evo SUV involved rigorous testing that extended beyond laboratory simulations to demanding real-world tracks, including the challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife. This extensive testing protocol confirmed the capabilities of all tyre sizes. Furthermore, Hankook tailored the driving character of the tyres by size; the 17-, 18- and 19-inch variants are engineered for superior comfort, while the 20-inch version offers a distinctly sportier feel. Production for the European market is handled at Hankook’s manufacturing facility in Rácalmás, Hungary.

Klaus Krause, Vice President and Head of Europe Technical Centre at Hankook Tire, said, “The provision of original equipment for the two SUV models Tiguan and Tayron is further proof that the Volkswagen Group considers Hankook Tire one of its top development partners in the tyre sector. We have succeeded in perfectly matching our premium summer tyre, Ventus evo SUV, in every tyre size to the driving characteristics of the two models and achieved our goal of combining the requirements for high comfort over long distances with a sporty character.”

Bridgestone Supplies BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 As Original Equipment For New Yamaha YZF-R7

Bridgestone Supplies BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 As Original Equipment For New Yamaha YZF-R7

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.

Continental Tyres Selected for Nissan N7 EV

Continental Tyres Selected for Nissan N7 EV

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

NEXEN TIRE Secures OE Supply Deal With BYD For Two EV Models

NEXEN TIRE Secures OE Supply Deal With BYD For Two EV Models

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.”

NEXEN TIRE Secures OE Supply For Hyundai’s Refreshed Grandeur Sedan

NEXEN TIRE Secures OE Supply For Hyundai’s Refreshed Grandeur Sedan

NEXEN TIRE has secured a new original equipment supply agreement with Hyundai Motor Company, providing tyres for the recently updated version of the Korean automaker’s flagship sedan, known as The New Grandeur. This decision extends the existing partnership between the two companies, as NEXEN TIRE previously supplied tyres for the initial launch of the seventh-generation model. The renewed collaboration reinforces the tyre manufacturer’s role in supporting Hyundai’s premium passenger vehicle lineup.

The selected tyre for this application is the N'FERA Supreme S, an ultra-high-performance product engineered for premium vehicles. This model features NEXEN TIRE’s proprietary Noise Reduction System, which uses sound-absorbing materials to diminish resonance noise while driving. Furthermore, an AI-driven low-noise pattern design and advanced load distribution technology work together to minimise road vibrations and enhance overall cabin quietness, with the aerodynamic sidewall also contributing to reduced rolling resistance.

The New Grandeur distinguishes itself with a Seamless Horizon Lamp and the latest Pleos Connect infotainment system, aiming to boost its competitive standing in the luxury sedan segment. The N'FERA Supreme S is engineered to meet these elevated standards, offering robust grip and high-speed stability through a specialised 4D compound. Its durable sipe and groove structures are optimised to preserve consistent performance even as the tyre undergoes wear over time.

This latest supply deal marks a continuation of NEXEN TIRE’s broader strategic cooperation with Hyundai’s upscale vehicle range, having previously equipped models such as the Palisade SUV and the NEXO hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. Since entering the international OE market in 2012, the manufacturer has expanded its clientele to include numerous global automotive brands, with this latest contract underscoring its acknowledged technological expertise and product reliability in a highly competitive sector.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “Being selected once again to supply OE tyres for The New Grandeur demonstrates that the N'FERA Supreme S meets the high standards expected of a flagship sedan in terms of quietness and driving performance. We will continue to strengthen strategic partnerships with Hyundai Motor and other global automakers while expanding OE tyre supply for future mobility segments, including electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.”