Yokohama Rubber has begun supplying original equipment tyres for two Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. models in Japan and China, as it pushes to increase the share of higher-value products under its mid-term strategy.

The group said it is supplying its ADVAN V61 tyres for the new Elgrand premium minivan, launched in Japan in July 2026. The tyres, sized 235/60R18 103H, are positioned as premium summer products within Yokohama’s flagship ADVAN range, combining fuel efficiency, handling stability and low noise for both urban and long-distance driving.

Nissan’s Elgrand is equipped with the third-generation e-POWER hybrid system, e-4ORCE all-wheel control and Intelligent Dynamic Suspension, alongside the ProPILOT driver assistance system, aimed at enhancing ride comfort and driving performance.

Separately, Yokohama Rubber is supplying ADVAN dB V553 tyres as original equipment for the N6 plug-in hybrid sedan produced by Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company, a joint venture between Nissan and Dongfeng Motor Corporation. The model was launched in China in December 2025 and uses tyres sized 225/50R18 95V.

The ADVAN dB V553 has been developed as a premium comfort tyre, with an emphasis on sustained quietness and wet performance over its lifespan. The tyre also carries Yokohama’s “E+” marking, indicating suitability for electrified vehicles.

The N6 features a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5-litre engine with a 155 kW electric motor and a 21.1 kWh battery, delivering an electric driving range of 180 km and fuel consumption of 2.79 litres per 100 km. The vehicle also includes a digital cockpit powered by Nissan OS and driver assistance technologies.

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Continental has secured two fresh original-equipment approvals from Porsche. Both the SportContact 7 and the newly introduced SportContact 7 Force have been sanctioned for the Panamera G3 II, while the WinterContact TS 860 S is recommended by Porsche for the Cayenne E4 in colder conditions. The approvals cover 21- and 22-inch sizes bearing XL markings that denote greater load capacity.

The SportContact 7 serves as a summer tyre engineered for highly responsive and precise handling. Its tread design and rubber formulation deliver strong grip and brief braking distances on dry and wet surfaces alike, ensuring notable stability at elevated speeds. The SportContact 7 Force, meanwhile, represents a high-performance extension of Continental's summer range.

Developed as a specialised variant of the SportContact 7, the Force version addresses elevated performance and stability requirements. An adaptive tread pattern paired with a refined rubber compound allows for more accurate handling and efficient power transfer under extreme conditions. It blends track-derived capability with suitability for daily driving.

For the Cayenne E4, the WinterContact TS 860 S has been tailored to high-powered, handling-oriented SUVs. It offers short braking distances and precise dry-road handling, alongside solid snow performance for dependable control and stability. Its low rolling resistance may also help extend electric vehicle range.

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Pirelli has been selected as the exclusive supplier of 22-inch tyres for the new BRABUS BODO CABRIOLET, developing a bespoke P Zero for the open-top Gran Turismo. The same tyre is also available for the Coupé variant. The German luxury brand required a solution balancing grip at high speeds with comfort and precision.

BRABUS collaborated closely with Pirelli engineers throughout development, tailoring the tyre to the supercar’s chassis, wheel dimensions and V12 engine, which propels the 2+2-seater to 360 kmph. Attention centred on construction, tread pattern and compound to achieve high-speed performance, steering precision, stability and comfort.

Advanced virtualisation and simulation techniques allowed Pirelli to optimise the tyre’s characteristics before an intensive joint testing programme at Germany’s Papenburg track, where handling and high-speed behaviour were evaluated and fine-tuned for the BODO CABRIOLET.

Aesthetic details also mattered: a high-contrast sidewall reinforces the car’s bold character. The P Zero carries a ‘BB’ marking denoting bespoke development and is offered in 285/30 ZR22 XL front and 335/25 ZR22 XL rear sizes, delivering power and torque without sacrificing Grand Tourer comfort.

Joern Gander, CTO, BRABUS, “The successful development of this 22-inch tyre combination, created together with Pirelli, underlines our ambition to perfectly harmonise maximum performance, precision and driving dynamics with the BRABUS BODO, right down to the smallest detail.”

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NEXEN TIRE will supply its ROADIAN GTX tyres as original equipment for the hybrid version of Kia’s mid-size SUV, the Sorento, following the vehicle’s 2027 model-year update. The refreshed model introduces a new 20-inch ROADIAN GTX lineup alongside the existing 17-inch size.

Both sizes will be offered on the Sorento Hybrid. The 17-inch fitment is designated for vehicles sold in Korea and North America, while the 20-inch version will be available for those sold in Korea. The ROADIAN GTX is an SUV-specific tyre engineered for strong braking, long tread life, quiet operation and ride comfort.

A specialised compound supports consistent performance across diverse temperatures, while a zigzag tread pattern promotes even pressure distribution and reduces vehicle pull. Enhanced mileage extends replacement intervals, addressing hybrid SUV durability and efficiency needs. The tyre has earned OE fitments on global SUV models including the Kia EV5 and EV6, Renault Filante and Jeep Cherokee. NEXEN TIRE plans to deepen partnerships with automakers across Korean and North American markets, expanding worldwide OE supply using technology proven with European premium automakers.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, "This expanded OE supply demonstrates that our technological excellence and product quality continue to earn recognition in the global market. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with global automakers and expand our OE tyre supply going forward."

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ZC Rubber has been selected to supply original equipment tyres for a new sport utility vehicle developed by Xiaomi Auto, marking a further step in its expansion into electrified vehicle applications.

The Hangzhou-based tyre manufacturer said its ARISUN 1 Star tyre would be fitted to the Xiaomi SkyNomad N70, a five-seat range-extended SUV. The tyre, in size 245/55R19, will be used on all 19-inch versions of the N70 Pro and N70 Max models.

The N70’s design places specific demands on tyre performance, including supporting vehicle weight, improving driving range and maintaining low cabin noise. ZC Rubber said it had optimised the ARISUN 1 Star across compound, structure, tread pattern and manufacturing process using its Phecda Tech System.

The development focused on reducing rolling resistance, lowering noise levels and maintaining ride comfort and grip in both urban and long-distance driving conditions.

Noise reduction was a central objective. The tyre incorporates 24 internal noise-reduction plugs and an acoustic chamber designed to disperse tread noise. A high-elasticity sidewall and modified carcass structure are intended to absorb road impacts and improve noise, vibration and harshness performance.

To improve efficiency, the tyre uses a low rolling resistance compound aimed at reducing energy loss. It also integrates the company’s BPOT Technology, which increases the contact area by 5 per cent and is designed to promote more even wear and longer service life while supporting vehicle range.

ZC Rubber said grip and wet-road stability were also key considerations. The ARISUN 1 Star uses Hybrid Formula 3.0 and an optimised drainage pattern to improve water evacuation and support braking and cornering in wet conditions.

“Developing tires for electrified vehicles requires a careful balance of efficiency, NVH, grip, handling and durability,” the company said. “The ARISUN 1 Star for the Xiaomi SkyNomad N70 reflects our vehicle-specific approach to OE tire development.”

The Xiaomi SkyNomad N70 project represents an extension of ZC Rubber’s original equipment partnerships in the electric vehicle segment. The company said it plans to expand collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and continue developing tyres tailored to changing vehicle requirements.

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