Bridgestone’s BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11 motorcycle tyre has been selected as original equipment (OE) for the new Supersport model YZF-R9 launched by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. The tyres will be supplied for use on motorcycles sold in Japan and Europe.

The new YZF-R9 is a high-end Supersport model that offers the best track performance in its class together with the most excitement and accessibility. The idea behind the development of the YZF-R9 was ‘Re-DNAed Supersport’. While aiming for a new functional beauty that improves aerodynamics, it retains the unique style of the YZF-R series. Additionally, it strengthens the classic Yamaha sense of connection between rider and machine in both statically and dynamically.

Bridgestone continues to help Yamaha by providing value in its extensive range of bikes through long-term tyre co-creation development. The YZF-R9's BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11 tyres are ‘Dan-Totsu’ products, which incorporate innovations designed through motorsports activities to commercial products. In order to increase the contact area when the motorbike is leaning over, these tyres use patterns that improve contact patch stiffness and balance the rigidity of the tread. This pursues sporty and dynamic performance on public roads by achieving strong cornering grip performance and snappy handling, particularly in dry circumstances.

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The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R K1 tyre showcases Michelin’s engineering excellence, delivering unmatched dry-surface performance for the Ferrari F80. Developed in just 15 months, this tyre benefited from advanced virtual simulation and Michelin’s proprietary C3M manufacturing process, reducing physical prototypes by 20-30 percent and accelerating production while minimising environmental impact.

Michelin and Ferrari leveraged cutting-edge simulation tools – typically reserved for motorsport – to optimise the tyre’s design before physical testing. Five virtual trials, including dynamic simulations at Ferrari’s Maranello facility, ensured perfect alignment with the F80’s extreme performance demands.

To withstand the car’s immense power, torque and aerodynamic forces, Michelin engineered a breakthrough rubber compound using a motorsport-derived mixing process, now adapted for road use. The tyre also features a reinforced twin-layer radial casing and innovative shoulder belt reinforcement, enhancing grip and stability while reducing centrifugal effects. These advancements make it the first road tyre to combine such high-performance technologies in a single design. Available in unique sizes (285/30R20 front, 345/30R21 rear), the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R K1 is exclusively tailored for the Ferrari F80.

Precision manufacturing is achieved through Michelin’s C3M process, which ensures consistent, high-accuracy production akin to 3D printing. Additionally, Michelin’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the tyre’s development, which prioritised reduced carbon emissions. It is developed at the carbon-neutral Gravanches facility in Clermont-Ferrand, a site recognised for its low water consumption.

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Hyundai Motor Company has selected NEXEN TIRE’s premium comfort tyre N’FERA Supreme S as original equipment (OE) for the all-new NEXO, a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

The all-new NEXO represents its first complete redesign in seven years, featuring groundbreaking hydrogen technology that delivers an impressive 700+ km range while maintaining whisper-quiet operation. This next-generation SUV showcases a sustainability-focused design inside and out. To match these advanced capabilities, Hyundai selected the innovative N'FERA Supreme S tyres, specifically engineered for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

These high-performance tyres feature an AI-optimised structure that ensures exceptional durability and handling stability, crucial for supporting the NEXO's weight. Their advanced Level Keeping Technology maintains consistent performance throughout the tyre's lifespan, while the aerodynamic tread design enhances efficiency without compromising braking or control.

Perfectly complementing the NEXO's silent hydrogen powertrain, the tyres incorporate multiple noise-reduction technologies. These include built-in sound-absorbing materials and an AI-developed tread pattern that minimises road noise in all driving conditions. Together, these features create a harmonious blend of eco-friendly innovation and driving performance, making the new NEXO a true leader in sustainable mobility.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO of NEXEN TIRE, said, “This latest supply agreement highlights NEXEN TIRE’s technological leadership in the next generation of eco-friendly mobility. We will continue to broaden our global OE partnerships by delivering optimised tyre solutions for all powertrains – hydrogen fuel cell, electric, hybrid and internal combustion alike.”

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Giti Tire has teamed up with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) to support Challenge4’s ambitious Guinness World Record attempt – visiting the most countries in a zero-emission vehicle using the fully electric VW ID. Buzz.

Spearheading the challenge is Rainer Zietlow, founder of Challenge4 GmbH and an eight-time Guinness World Record holder, known for his focus on endurance, efficiency and sustainable mobility. The journey kicks off on 1 July at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ headquarters in Hannover, Germany, with the first leg covering major European cities. Throughout the expedition, the team will engage with the VW community, media, fans and Giti’s global distributor network. The epic journey will span over 80,000 kilometres across approximately 75 countries in Europe, Central Asia, Oceania, Asia and the Americas, lasting more than eight months.

The ID. Buzz will be equipped with GitiSynergyH2 tyres (235/60 R18 front, 255/55 R18 rear), following Giti’s Original Equipment (OE) agreement with VWCV that began in September 2023. This marks Giti’s first EV tyre nomination in Europe, and the record attempt will serve as a real-world showcase of the company’s advanced EV tyre technology, emphasising durability, safety and sustainability. The AAA-rated GitiSynergyH2 tyres feature an innovative tread compound designed to minimise rolling resistance without sacrificing wear performance or critical safety attributes like wet and dry braking.

Zietlow said, “This is going to be a great adventure and one in which I’m proud to have Giti as my tyre partner of choice.”  

Stefan Brohs, Marketing Director – Europe, Giti Tire, said, “This marks the first joint global EV record tour for Rainer which is supported by Giti Tire and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, reinforcing both brands' commitment to innovation and sustainability. This magnificent opportunity allows us to reinforce Giti's leadership in EV tyre technology and amplify our global brand visibility via high-impact storytelling and brand content across global regions. It also strengthens our OE credentials through visible support in a common project, which in turn will help deepen engagement with distributors, dealers and partners around the globe.”

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South Korean tyre manufacturer Nexen Tire has opened a new flagship brand shop in Bangkok, marking a key milestone in the company’s strategic expansion across Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing automotive market.

The newly renovated store was developed in partnership with a leading Thai tyre distributor that has maintained a decade-long relationship with Nexen Tire and operates more than 800 retail outlets throughout Thailand. The flagship location features a modernised environment designed to showcase Nexen Tire’s global brand identity, with every aspect from layout to customer service aligned with the company’s visual standards and brand philosophy.

The move comes as Southeast Asia’s tyre market shows robust growth potential, with annual demand reaching approximately 90 million units for passenger car radial (PCR) and light truck radial (LTR) tyres and projected annual growth of 3.7%.

Nexen Tire is responding to this opportunity by accelerating its regional investment, particularly in high-growth markets such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The company plans to renew over 80 key retail locations across Southeast Asia by the end of 2025, creating a unified brand presence to support localised sales campaigns.

Recognising the region’s high digital engagement levels, Nexen Tire is also utilising influencer partnerships and digital media to reach younger, mobile-first consumers.

The company’s regional product strategy emphasises high-performance summer tyres and all-terrain models specifically designed for Southeast Asia’s hot, humid, and challenging driving conditions. Key products, including the N’FERA SU4 and ROADIAN ATX, are gaining traction among local motorists seeking durability and performance.

“Our expansion in Southeast Asia represents a pivotal step in NEXEN TIRE’s global growth journey,” said John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, chief executive of Nexen Tire. “While we’ve followed a carefully phased strategy aligned with production capacity and long-term vision, we are now entering a phase of acceleration. Our goal is to solidify our premium brand position not only in Europe and North America but across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Australia through strong local partnerships and a unified brand experience.”

The investment demonstrates Nexen Tire’s long-term confidence in Southeast Asia as the company works towards becoming one of the world’s most recognised and trusted tyre brands.

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