The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has been selected by Toyota to provide its ADVAN V61 tyres as original equipment for the newly launched global hybrid SUV, the RAV4. The tyres, fitted specifically to the Z and ADVENTURE trim levels, come in the sizes 235/65R17 and 235/60R18. This partnership follows the worldwide introduction of the ADVAN V61 in March 2025, a premium summer tyre designed for sport utility vehicles that is now available in all markets except North America.

As part of Yokohama’s flagship ADVAN line, the V61 is engineered to deliver the brand’s signature high performance. It achieves a careful balance between fuel efficiency, stable handling and reduced noise, aiming to provide comfort for both daily urban use and extended journeys in heavier SUVs. The model is already supplied as original equipment on several premium vehicles and is offered in a broad selection of sizes for the aftermarket.

The development of these tyres was supported by Yokohama Rubber’s proprietary HAICoLab, an artificial intelligence framework. This system combines human innovation with the extensive data-processing power of AI to accelerate discovery and foster digital advancements in tyre technology.

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has initiated original equipment supply of its GEOLANDAR X-CV tyres for Subaru’s new 2026 Solterra SUV-type battery electric vehicle (BEV), in North America, size 235/50R20 100V. For the Japanese market Solterra, the company continues to provide the ADVAN V61 model. This new GEOLANDAR X-CV is engineered as a modern highway terrain tyre that meets the M+S standard, emphasising high-speed capability and drivability alongside a balanced performance in safety, comfort, durability and fuel efficiency.

Developed through Yokohama’s AI-powered HAICoLab framework, which blends human creativity with artificial intelligence for advanced data processing, the tyre incorporates specific technologies for electric vehicles. This is signified by an ‘E+’ mark on the sidewall, indicating enhancements in durability, quietness and energy efficiency tailored to electrified vehicles.

This supply agreement aligns with the strategic goals outlined in Yokohama Transformation 2026, the company’s medium-term management plan running through 2026. A core initiative of this strategy is to increase the proportion of high-value-added tyre sales by expanding original equipment placement for key global brands. This includes actively promoting both the flagship ADVAN line and the GEOLANDAR series for SUVs and pickup trucks on new vehicles worldwide.

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Audi’s latest A6 will be equipped with Continental tyres as original equipment, offering drivers two specialised summer tyre options. Catering to efficiency-minded motorists, the Continental EcoContact 6 Q utilises a specific rubber compound and tread design to minimise rolling resistance and noise. This focus promotes lower energy consumption, extended driving range for electric vehicles and a quieter, more comfortable journey without sacrificing essential safety.

For those seeking a sportier driving experience, the high-performance Continental SportContact 7 is available. Its construction prioritises precise, athletic handling by delivering strong grip and short braking distances on both dry and wet pavement. The tyre is also engineered to provide reliable stability even at higher speeds. In recent independent testing, this model was recognised for its secure and well-balanced performance, earning high praise in critical safety categories like braking and control.

Beyond summer, Audi specifically recommends the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P for cold-weather mobility. This dedicated winter tyre features an innovative tread pattern and a compound that stays pliable in freezing temperatures. This combination is designed to ensure trustworthy traction, secure handling and shorter stopping distances on snow, ice and wet winter roads.

Together, these Continental options provide A6 owners with a tailored tyre portfolio, allowing them to choose based on their performance preferences for summer and ensuring prepared safety for winter conditions.

The tyres have been approved for the new Audi A6 in the following sizes in numerous countries:

EcoContact 6 Q Silent, 255/40 R20 101Y XL
EcoContact 6 Q Silent, 255/35 R21 101Y HL
SportContact 7 Silent, 255/40 R20 101Y XL
SportContact 7 Silent, 255/35 R21 101Y HL
WinterContact TS 870 P, 245/45 R19 102W
WinterContact TS 870 P, 255/40 R20 101W

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Continental Tires has launched its new all-terrain tyre, the CrossContact A/T², in India, making the country one of the first global markets to receive it.

The tyre was introduced during Continental Tires Track Day 2026 at Dot Goa 4X4. Designed for 4x4 and utility vehicles, the CrossContact A/T² targets drivers seeking off-road capability alongside on-road performance across India’s varied terrain.

The launch underlines Continental’s strategic focus on the Indian market and its expansion in the 4x4 segment. According to the company, the CrossContact A/T² has been developed to deliver enhanced traction, durability and grip, supported by its proprietary Traction Plus technology.

“India’s 4x4 vehicle segment is experiencing sharp growth, driven by a growing passion for adventure and long-distance travel. With our ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach, we continually innovate to meet the demands of Indian road conditions and deliver enhanced driving experiences. The CrossContact A/T² delivers high performance across the diverse terrains and topographies that India offers,” said Samir Gupta, managing director, Continental Tires India.

Gupta added: “India is the first market globally to introduce the CrossContact A/T². This decision is a testament to Continental’s commitment to the Indian market. We remain committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to our Indian customers.”

The CrossContact A/T² has been engineered for use across mud, gravel, sand, wet highways and rocky trails. The tyre features a BlackPaw compound designed to maintain elasticity across temperature ranges, self-cleaning shoulders to expel debris, rigid tread block geometry to improve braking and reduce hydroplaning, and reinforced sidewalls for resistance to cuts and abrasions.

The tyre is available through Continental’s authorised dealerships and more than 200 brand stores nationwide, in sizes ranging from 215/70 R15 to 285/60 R18, covering a broad range of SUV and 4x4 models.

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NEXEN TIRE, a major global tyre manufacturer, is now providing original equipment tyres for KG Mobility's Musso pickup truck, reinforcing its strategic expansion into the large SUV and light truck segments. The company is supplying two specific models, the N’PRIZ RH7 and the ROADIAN HTX RH5, each engineered to address the unique and demanding requirements of pickup truck performance across various terrains.

These tyres are designed to support the Musso’s capacity for heavy payloads, exceeding 700 kg, and to endure challenging driving conditions while maintaining structural integrity and consistent stability. The N’PRIZ RH7, offered in 18- and 20-inch sizes for higher vehicle trims, focuses on confident wet-weather driving. Its pattern utilises four wide circumferential grooves to efficiently channel water away and resist hydroplaning, while its block design carefully balances road noise, fuel economy and responsive handling. This model has a proven history, having also been selected for the Rexton Sports line.

Complementing this, the 17-inch ROADIAN HTX RH5 caters to base trim specifications, prioritising durability and comfort for long-haul and load-bearing use. Its construction includes a widened shoulder and sidewall to better manage heat buildup and enhance tyre longevity. The tread pattern and three-dimensional architecture are specifically tuned to deliver reliable performance suited to regional road and weather conditions. This OE supply for the Musso joins NEXEN TIRE’s growing portfolio, which includes fitments for vehicles like the Kia Tasman, Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator, and is supported by a dedicated global lineup of SUV and pickup tyre products such as the ROADIAN HTX and ATX series.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “For pickup trucks like the Musso, tyre performance is particularly important due to the payload requirements and diverse driving environments. By developing OE tyres tailored to specific vehicle characteristics, we will continue to expand our collaborations with automakers in the multipurpose vehicle segment, which includes pickup trucks and SUVs.”

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