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.”

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Bridgestone has been named the exclusive tyre partner for Maserati’s new MCPURA, the successor to the MC20 and the Trident brand’s first super sports car. The vehicle is powered by a 3.0‑litre, 630 CV twin‑turbo V6 engine, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in under 2.9 seconds.

To harness this performance, Bridgestone developed tailor‑made Potenza Sport tyres, combining decades of motorsport expertise with advanced tread and compound technology. These bespoke tyres are engineered to enhance handling, control and driving dynamics, maximising the super sports car’s overall capability. An advanced asymmetric tread pattern provides precise steering feedback and high cornering stability, while the custom compound and carcass construction optimise contact patch distribution and thermal stability.

The development process relied on Bridgestone’s Virtual Tyre Development and predictive simulation tools, enabling early design optimisation and faster final specification alignment. Joint on‑track validation confirmed exceptional dynamic performance under high lateral loads and stable behaviour at elevated speeds, resulting in an ultra‑high‑performance tyre that balances precision, speed and stability.

The MCPURA project continues a longstanding collaboration between Bridgestone and Maserati, following custom tyres for the MC20, Grecale and Grecale Folgore. Manufactured in Europe, the fitment includes front 245/35 ZR20 95Y and rear 305/30 ZR20 103Y sizes, both featuring the distinctive MGT marking on the sidewall to denote exclusive Maserati development.

Adrien Thormann, Director – OE Sales Europe, Bridgestone EMEA, said, “Custom-engineered fitments like these are a brilliant example of our innovation and R&D capabilities. We’re happy to bring our extensive experience to Maserati drivers as well as to all our customers as the knowledge gained in developing this kind of bespoke ultra-high-performance tyre directly feeds into our award-winning replacement portfolio.”

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Giti Tire has added the Tesla Model 3 to its original equipment roster. The company’s GitiControl P10, tyre sized 235/45R18 98Y XL, is now approved for specific 18‑inch wheel configurations on the electric sedan. A Tesla‑specific T‑marking appears on the tyre’s sidewall, signifying that development and validation work aligned with the vehicle platform’s requirements.

Performance data for the GitiControl P10 comes from official EU tyre label ratings, including a B for energy efficiency, an A for wet grip and low external rolling noise measured at 69 dB, which falls into Class A. For electric vehicles, low rolling resistance helps preserve driving range, strong wet braking supports safety and reduced noise levels become more apparent given quieter EV operation. The tyre is designed to blend efficiency, handling stability and ride comfort.

This fitment demonstrates Giti Tire’s technical capabilities across product development, testing and production. It also shows that the manufacturer can meet the quality, consistency and supply standards required by the global automotive industry.

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Bridgestone has been selected as the exclusive tyre partner for the new Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster, a limited-production open-top supercar with only 15 units planned. As part of an ongoing technical partnership, the Japanese tyre manufacturer equipped the vehicle with two custom-engineered Bridgestone Potenza tyres designed to enhance both road and track performance. The Fenomeno Roadster is Lamborghini’s most powerful open-top model to date, featuring a 1080 CV V12 hybrid powertrain.

To manage the supercar’s extreme capabilities, Bridgestone developed a bespoke Potenza Sport ultra-high-performance tyre that balances high-speed stability with precise steering response. This fitment is joined by a new generation semi-slick Potenza tyre, engineered from Bridgestone’s motorsport expertise to deliver track-level grip while remaining fully homologated for public roads. The semi-slick option is available in 20- and 21-inch sizes.

The Potenza Sport comes in 265/30 ZRF21 front and 355/25 ZRF22 rear sizes, with an optional Run-Flat Technology that allows continued driving for 50 miles (approximately 80 km) at up to 50 mph after a puncture. Both tyre fitments feature a unique Lamborghini sidewall marking and were developed and manufactured in Italy using Bridgestone’s Virtual Tire Development technology, which improves efficiency and sustainability.

The Fenomeno Roadster was unveiled at Lamborghini Arena 2026 on the Imola Circuit, where Bridgestone served as the Official Arena Partner. This collaboration extends a six-year relationship between the two companies, beginning with the Huracan STO in 2021 and now covering the entire Lamborghini supercar range, including the Revuelto, Temerario and Fenomeno models.

Adrien Thormann, Director – OE Sales, Bridgestone EMEA, said “As Lamborghini’s Official Technical Partner, and exclusive tyre supplier for its complete supercar range, our role is to help Lamborghini drivers experience phenomenal performance. Leveraging Bridgestone’s decades-long motorsports legacy and the pedigree of our iconic Potenza family, these premium tyres deliver exactly that for the immense Fenomeno Roadster – both on the road and track.”

Christian Mastro, Director – Marketing, Lamborghini, said, “At Lamborghini, unlocking performance is never down to one component – it’s the result of precise engineering working in harmony, and tyres play a decisive role. Through deep collaboration, our partnership with Bridgestone delivers bespoke solutions that fully express each vehicle’s character and the Lamborghini DNA. The Fenomeno Roadster is the latest example of how we continue to push boundaries together.”

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Toyo Tires has been selected as the sole original equipment tyre supplier for the all-new Toyota Vios Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) launched in Malaysia. The vehicle is fitted with the Proxes CR1 tyre, marking a continued partnership rooted in decades of original equipment experience. Toyo Tires positions this selection as evidence of its benchmark status in quality, reliability and performance.

Engineered with EV-ready technology, the Proxes CR1 is designed to complement hybrid vehicles by delivering smooth handling, enhanced stability, and confidence for daily driving. Safety is prioritised through an advanced tread pattern that improves grip on both wet and dry surfaces, offering better control in varied conditions. Whether on city streets or longer journeys, the tyre provides a quiet, comfortable and stable ride.

Manufactured in Malaysia, the Proxes CR1 reflects a commitment to local driving needs while adhering to global quality standards. Available nationwide in sizes ranging from 14 to 20 inches, it suits both passenger cars and SUVs. The specification for the Toyota Vios HEV 1.5L is the Proxes CR1 B in size 195/60R16 86H.

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