Apollo Tyres is set to launch the Vredestein Ultrac+, a premium summer tyre offering significant longevity improvements over its predecessor, the Ultrac.

Scheduled for release in January 2025, the Ultrac+ will be available in 70 sizes ranging from 15 to 20 inches, catering to a wide range of family and compact cars.

The Ultrac+ features a ‘square’ footprint and an advanced tread compound, enhancing durability. Internal tests indicate a 30 percent increase in projected mileage and a 30 percent reduction in abrasion loss compared to the Ultrac, ensuring longer lifespan and reduced environmental impact. Rolling resistance is also reduced by three percent, improving fuel efficiency and lowering overall costs.

Independent evaluations by IFV GmbH and Applus+ IDIADA tested the tyre’s longevity, performance in wet and dry conditions and comfort. These tests, conducted on the 225/45 R17 94Y XL size, benchmarked the Ultrac+ against premium competitors. The tyre’s reduced apex height and expanded sidewall ‘flex zone’ contribute to a quieter, more comfortable ride, while its optimised pitch sequence enhances noise reduction across different sizes.

Developed at Apollo’s Global R&D Centre in Enschede, Netherlands, the Ultrac+ incorporates a centre rib with parabolic lateral grooves for improved steering precision. Advanced tread technology, including high silica content, traction-enhancing resin, and a multi-functional polymer, ensures balanced wear and braking performance for a dynamic and safe driving experience.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President, Commercial, Europe at Apollo Tyres Ltd, commented: “Our product development process is guided by detailed analysis of customer feedback, as well as by evaluation of market-leading rival products. We found that the Ultrac was highly competitive across all key criteria apart from longevity, so that became a core focus for the team charged with designing and testing the new Ultrac+. Vredestein summer tyres have been produced since 1912, and it’s highly gratifying to have the capabilities of this latest Vredestein product in the category validated through independent testing. We’re proud to bring to market a product that delivers premium standards of performance at an accessible price point.”

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NEXEN TIRE has expanded its original equipment tyre supply for the Kia all-new Seltos into North America and Europe, following an earlier rollout for the Korean market in March with the N’PRIZ S and N’FERA AU7.

For North America, the company provides the N’PRIZ S in a 16-inch fitment for United States and Canada. This tyre is designed for electric, hybrid and combustion vehicles, emphasising mileage performance and ride comfort. In Europe, including Germany, France and the Netherlands, NEXEN TIRE supplies summer tyres across multiple sizes. The N’FERA Primus comes in 16- and 18-inch fitments, offering high-speed stability and wet braking, while the 19-inch N’FERA Sport delivers ultra-high-performance capability validated in European tyre tests.

This regional strategy highlights NEXEN TIRE’s ability to tailor OE solutions for a single vehicle model across different markets. The manufacturer continues to grow its global OE portfolio, covering mass-market SUVs to premium brands.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, "This OE supply for the all-new Seltos goes beyond simply increasing volume – it demonstrates NEXEN TIRE's ability to deliver products tailored to the specific road conditions and consumer needs of each market. We will continue to strengthen partnerships with global automakers and expand our market-optimised OE supply going forward."

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has confirmed the supply of its ADVAN FLEVA V701 tyres as original equipment for Honda Motor Co., Ltd.’s new compact electric vehicle. The Super-ONE, launched in Japan in May 2026 with a gradual rollout planned for United Kingdom and several Asian markets, uses the tyre in size 185/55R15 82V.

Engineered under the ADVAN brand’s philosophy of delivering driving enjoyment, the sporty high-performance tyre provides sharp handling across city streets, winding roads and highways. The EV is marketed under different names regionally, including Super-ONE in Japan and Asia & Oceania, Honda Super-ONE in select Asia & Oceania countries and Super-N in  UK.

Honda developed the Super-ONE to combine everyday usability and environmental performance with a unique fun-to-drive character. By engaging all driver senses through sporty handling only a small EV can offer, the model aims to deliver an exciting and uplifting driving experience.

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Yokohama Rubber has begun supplying its ADVAN V61 and GEOLANDAR X-CV tyres as original equipment for the new Trailseeker battery electric sport utility vehicle developed by Subaru Corporation.

The vehicle, known as the E-Outback in Europe, was first unveiled in the United States in April 2025.

Tyres supplied for the Japanese and European markets are ADVAN V61 in size 235/60R18 103H, while North American models are fitted with GEOLANDAR X-CV tyres in size 235/50R20 100V.

The ADVAN V61 is a summer SUV tyre within Yokohama Rubber’s flagship ADVAN range. According to the company, it combines fuel and energy efficiency with handling stability and low noise levels.

The GEOLANDAR X-CV is a highway terrain tyre that meets the M+S (mud and snow) standard. Yokohama Rubber said the tyre was designed to deliver high-speed performance and drivability while balancing safety, comfort, durability and fuel efficiency.

Both tyre models supplied for the Trailseeker carry Yokohama Rubber’s proprietary “E+” mark on the sidewall, indicating technologies intended to address the requirements of electrified vehicles, including durability, quietness and energy efficiency.

Yokohama Rubber said the tyres were developed using HAICoLab, its artificial intelligence-based development framework designed to combine human input with data-driven analysis.

The Trailseeker is Subaru’s new battery electric SUV designed to combine BEV driving performance with utility for both daily and recreational use.

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has been selected to supply two distinct tyre models as original equipment for Mazda Motor Corporation’s new crossover SUV, the MAZDA CX-5. The vehicle launched in North America in March 2026. Yokohama’s GEOLANDAR X-CV tyres, in size 225/65R17 102H, are designated for the North American market, while the ADVAN V61 tyres are fitted on CX-5 units sold in Japan, Europe and other regions.

The GEOLANDAR X-CV is a next-generation highway terrain tyre that meets mud and snow standards, emphasising high-speed performance and drivability alongside safety, comfort, durability and fuel efficiency. Development relied on Yokohama Rubber’s proprietary HAICoLab, an artificial intelligence framework that merges human creativity with massive data processing to drive digital innovation and new discoveries.

The ADVAN V61, part of Yokohama’s flagship ADVAN range for premium SUVs, delivers high-level balance in fuel efficiency, handling stability and quietness. Suited for both city driving and long-distance touring in heavy SUVs, this tyre is already original equipment on many premium models. Yokohama began offering a broad range of replacement-market sizes for the ADVAN V61 in 2025.

As Mazda’s current best-selling model, the third-generation MAZDA CX-5 evolves the Soul of Motion design and Jinba-Ittai driving experience. Enhancements to interior space, usability, ride comfort and quietness support a comfortable drive across diverse conditions, reinforcing the vehicle’s emotional and tactile appeal.

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