The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has announced that Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC), a US subsidiary, will provide ADVAN racing tyres as the control tyre for the new Mustang Cup series that has been approved by the United States Auto Club (USAC). Beginning in April, the series will take place in the US. YTC will provide ADVAN A005 tyres for dry weather and ADVAN A006 tyres for wet conditions.

Ford Performance, the racing subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company, is launching a new series of entry-level events for beginner racers and amateur racing enthusiasts called the Mustang Cup. Participants will have the chance to improve their racing abilities through the Mustang Cup series, which also offers progression into Mustang Challenge, Mustang GT4 and the higher level Mustang GT3. The Ford Performance-engineered Mustang Dark Horse R will compete in the Mustang Cup series. Louisiana will host the first event in the series, which will feature six races spread across six US states.

Together with Ford Performance, Yokohama Rubber will assist the Ford Mustang GT3 vehicles of the German racing team Haupt Racing Team in the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race (ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring), one of the world's premier endurance events, in addition to providing the control tyre for the Mustang Cup. This will be the first time Ford Performance has competed in the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race since 2019 and the first time Yokohama Rubber and Ford Performance have worked together since 2012.

In order to increase awareness and fortify the brand power of its ADVAN tyres in the North American market, Yokohama Rubber is supporting high-end sports vehicle one-make racing series. The Porsche Carrera Cup North America, which is regarded as one of the quickest one-make races in the world, is one of the other one-make racing series to which Yokohama Rubber is supplying its ADVAN racing tyres in addition to the new Mustang Cup series.

Hyundai has selected Nexen Tire’s N’FERA Supreme S all-season as original equipment (OE) tyres for its flagship SUV, the Palisade.

The AI-driven big data noise reduction tread pattern design of the N'FERA Supreme S tyre effectively lowers road noise and vibrations to provide a comfortable driving experience. The tyre is optimised for high-performance and heavy-duty vehicles using a 4D compound and load distribution technologies to maximise grip. This reduces driver fatigue and improves driving performance by providing excellent stability over long distances and at high speeds. Pattern shape retention technology has been used to provide even better performance even when the tyre is 50 percent worn. Additionally, to lower air resistance and boost fuel efficiency, an aerodynamic sidewall design has been used.

Travis Kang, Global CEO of NEXEN TIRE, said, “Being chosen as the OE tyre supplier for the Palisade, overcoming competition with leading global tyre manufacturers, is an encouraging milestone. We will increase our global competitiveness through strategic relationships with Hyundai Motor Company and other automakers.”

Michelin announced the expansion of its REMIX 2 tyre retreading range, targeting fleet managers with a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for truck tyres.

The new offering extends Michelin’s hot retreading process to its popular X MULTI tyre range, specifically for sizes 315/70 R 22.5 and 315/80 R 22.5. The programme will be available in France, Benelux, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

“With REMIX 2, MICHELIN provides a new solution to the challenges now facing fleet managers,” said Paul de Lajudie, Michelin Group Truck Tire Retread Director. “The addition of a second premium retread reduces operating costs while offering performance equivalent to that of new tyres.”

The retreading process offers significant economic and environmental benefits. A retreaded tyre costs approximately 60 percent of a new tyre’s price, resulting in a 33 percent improvement in cost per kilometre. Each retreaded tyre saves 50 kg of raw materials and can prevent up to 115 kg of CO2 emissions.

Michelin claims the retreaded tyres deliver mileage performance close to 95 percent of new tyres while maintaining the same level of grip, traction, and safety.

Continental, the global tyre manufacturer, announced a new promotional offer for its ContiScoot tyre line. The offer provides a two-month satisfaction guarantee for scooter owners across European markets.

The promotion, launching in the first quarter of 2025, allows buyers to receive a full refund if they are unsatisfied with the tyre’s performance. Customers must register their purchase within 14 days at www.contiscoot.com and can request a refund by uploading photos of tyre sidewalls if dissatisfied within two months.

“With this satisfaction guarantee, we will further boost the popularity of ContiScoot among scooter owners,” said Christian Kless, Head of Sales DACH/East Central Motorcycle Tires at Continental. “This eliminates any hesitation customers may have in purchasing the product and will allow them to test the road handling characteristics of our premium scooter tyre for themselves under all everyday conditions.”

The ContiScoot line now offers 32 different front and rear wheel sizes, covering scooters in the 50 to 350 cm segment. The tyres are designed to provide excellent cold and wet grip, short braking distances, and low wear.

The global scooter market continues to grow, with nearly 21.5 million vehicles sold in 2024 — an increase of 700,000 from the previous year. Experts predict annual global sales could reach 24 million vehicles by the decade’s end, driven in part by advancing electric drive technology.

The promotion will be available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

Porsche has selected Bridgestone, a world leader in high-end tires and environmentally friendly transportation options, to create custom tyres for its next Macan Electric and Panamera vehicles. Custom-engineered Bridgestone Potenza Sport ultra-high-performance tyres are now available for both cars. The Panamera, Porsche's third-generation sporty luxury sedan, may also be equipped with custom Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 tyres, which are Bridgestone's first winter original fitting for the car.

The tread and compound design of the Porsche Macan Electric's custom Potenza Sport tyre manages the electric sport utility vehicle's (SUV) high weight and torque while enhancing the vehicle's dynamic sports performance. Bridgestone's signature ultra-high-performance tyre, tailored to Macan Electric's specific needs, maximises handling in dry, wet and high-speed conditions. Along with improved rolling resistance to enable the vehicle's about 600 km range, this also includes improved braking comfort and performance. ENLITEN Technology makes these performance advantages possible. Bridgestone's next-generation technology platform, ENLITEN, is intended to provide unwavering performance while emphasising sustainability features. Developed and manufactured in Europe, the Macan Electric’s bespoke tyres are available globally in six dimensions across 20’’, 21’’ and 22’’ sizes.

In addition to offering reduced rolling resistance for energy efficiency, the 21" Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres for the Porsche Panamera are designed with ENLITEN Technology to improve the vehicle's dynamic driving characteristics and driver comfort. The custom-made Potenza Sport ultra-high-performance tyres for the Panamera maximise dry handling, wet handling and high-speed performance through their pattern design and material composition. To improve the car's performance in winter circumstances, the Panamera's custom 20" Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 winter fitment uses a pattern design that optimises dry, wet and snow handling. These specially made tyres are all created and manufactured in Europe.

In order to meet Porsche's specifications for the Porsche Macan Electric and Panamera, Bridgestone's Virtual Tyre Development was essential. The technology was specifically employed to improve the dry braking characteristics of the custom tyres and guarantee that they were properly matched with the braking systems of the cars. Up to 60 percent less raw materials and CO2 emissions are used during the creation of original equipment tyres thanks to this technology, which also increases the sustainability and efficiency of the tyre development process. By combining the enormous weight and torque of an SUV electric vehicle with the dynamic sporty behaviour of the Macan Electric, Virtual Tyre Development also made it possible to retain a high degree of stability at high speeds.

Steven De Bock, Vice President Original Equipment (OE) at Bridgestone EMEA, said, “After our collaboration on the Porsche Cayenne, we’re breaking new ground in our partnership and offering premium tyre fitments to help enhance the driving experience of new Porsche models. We’re proud to share two firsts – the Panamera’s first Bridgestone OE fitment and our first bespoke tyre for an electric Porsche car with the Macan Electric. It is exciting to showcase our ability to provide a range of premium fitments that will help Porsche’s drivers get the most out of these two incredible and very different cars.”