Bridgestone applied its groundbreaking lightweight tyre technology, ENLITEN, on its Turanza Eco tyres, which are now being mounted on Volkswagen new all-electric ID.3 vehicle.

Bridgestone said with the ENLITEN technology enable tyres have a ‘super low rolling resistance’ while requiring less materials to be created.

The Turanza Eco tyres with ENLITEN Technology are available on Volkswagen’s ID.3 in 18, 19, and 20-inch variants. The 19 and 20-inch tyres are equipped with Bridgestone’s B-Seal technology, which ensures temporary air retention in case of a puncture in the tread area, allowing the vehicle to keep going.

During the development of the ID.3, which was Volkswagen’s first all-electric vehicle launched to the market, sought for a tyre fitment that would offer high performance on all surfaces with lower resistance.  Bridgestone responded to all these requirements with a custom developed Turanza tyre with ENLITEN Technology.

With the ENLITEN technology, tyres can have a 30 percent lower rolling resistance and 20 percent, or 2 kg, less materials compared to standard premium summer tyres.

On top of that are ENLITEN Technology’s performance benefits. The synergy between the unique materials used to create ENLITEN Technology and a new mixing process has enhanced the technology’s compound wear performance, without compromising on grip. This, combined with a cavity and full 3D pattern design that maximises wet and wear performance, means that ENLITEN Technology improves the vehicle’s handling to help increase driving pleasure and, in the case of the ID.3, meet all of Volkswagen’s performance targets.

Karsten Schebsdat, Head of Chassis Development, Volkswagen, said,  “The ID.3 is our biggest launch since the Golf. We knew that the tyres had to be perfect if drivers were going to realise all of the vehicle’s performance and environmental benefits. So we selected Bridgestone and its ENLITEN Technology for the ID.3. The significant reduction of rolling resistance allowed by ENLITEN Technology has a huge impact on the ID.3’s battery conservation, which is very important, especially with there being many questions around electric vehicle range today. ENLITEN Technology can go a long way in helping to change perceptions on the viability of e-mobility. It’s a ground-breaking technology for sure.”

 Mark Tejedor, VP Original Equipment at Bridgestone EMIA, also commented: “The recent projects in the all-electric ID family have proved what e-mobility is capable of; in the ID.3 we truly have an electric vehicle that’s designed for everyone. We are very proud at Bridgestone to have helped bring the performance and environmental benefits of ENLITEN Technology to the roads for the first time on Volkswagen’s new all-electric ID.3 vehicle. As a business, we’re committed to providing customisable solutions to Original Equipment Manufacturers, who are our key partners in contributing to the future of mobility, and working with them to create new value for society. The work that we’re doing alongside Volkswagen in this space is exactly that.”

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Continental has been named the original equipment tyre supplier for the all-new smart #5, a premium midsize electric SUV jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and Geely. As the largest model in the smart lineup to date, the vehicle will come equipped with Continental’s EcoContact 7 tyres as standard, available in two sizes – 255/45 R20 and 255/40 R21. Both versions are high-performance summer tyres rated for speeds of up to 240 kmph and carry the XL designation, indicating they are built to support higher load capacities.

The EcoContact 7 is engineered to deliver both efficiency and durability. Its design draws inspiration from the dimpled surface of a golf ball to enhance aerodynamics. A special sidewall structure helps reduce air turbulence behind the tyre, allowing the vehicle to maintain momentum with less energy. Inside, advanced materials in the carcass and inner layers reduce internal friction, contributing to lower rolling resistance. The tyre’s rubber compound is also optimised to support energy efficiency, making it particularly suitable for electric vehicles.

Noise reduction is another key feature. The tyre incorporates a silent pattern tread design aimed at minimising rolling noise, especially in urban settings where frequencies around 50 kmph are common. This combination of low energy loss, long mileage and quiet operation positions the EcoContact 7 as a well-suited option for electric mobility.

The new smart #5 will feature these tyres across multiple markets, with approved specifications including 255/45 R20 105 V XL FR and 255/40 R21 102 V XL FR.

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Dunlop (company name: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.) has commenced the supply of its DUNLOP GRANDTREK PT20 tyres as original equipment for the all-new 2025 US-spec Subaru Outback, which launched in the American market in April. This collaboration equips the latest iteration of the popular SUV, a vehicle designed to blend refined daily usability with a spirit of adventure.

To complement the new Outback’s capabilities, the GRANDTREK PT20 features a newly developed tread compound. This advanced formulation is engineered to deliver a high level of steering precision and reliable performance on wet surfaces. Furthermore, the tyre achieves notable gains in fuel efficiency and wear resistance, successfully balancing dynamic driving characteristics with environmental responsibility.

Since 2026, the company has unified its consumer communication under the DUNLOP brand. This brand identity is built upon three core principles: dependable support, the delivery of surpassing experiences and a commitment to exceeding limits. The overarching brand statement, ‘TAKING YOU BEYOND’, encapsulates the company’s mission to expand possibilities for those who embrace new challenges, a philosophy now extended to drivers of the new Outback.

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NEXEN TIRE has commenced original equipment tyre supply for the latest generation Kia Seltos in South Korea. The redesigned model features a larger body than its predecessor and introduces a hybrid powertrain alongside the existing gasoline option. With this expanded trim lineup, wheel size offerings have grown beyond the previous 16- and 18-inch specifications to now include a new 19-inch option.

For the 16- and 18-inch wheels, NEXEN TIRE supplies its N’PRIZ S high-efficiency all-season tyres. These are engineered to perform across electric, hybrid and internal combustion vehicles alike. Their optimised block design promotes excellent fuel mileage while ensuring quiet, comfortable ride quality. Enhanced snow traction compared to earlier versions supports reliable driving throughout Korea’s varied seasonal conditions.

The new 19-inch wheels, reflecting growing consumer preference for larger diameters, receive the premium N’FERA AU7 tyres. Specifically developed for high-inch applications, these deliver stable high-speed performance and a smooth driving experience. A reinforced structure and refined tread pattern ensure consistent handling, while the integrated Noise Reduction System reduces interior noise by absorbing cavity resonance. Internal testing indicates this technology lowers driving noise by approximately ten percent compared to conventional tyres.

This latest OE agreement strengthens NEXEN TIRE’s presence in the high-inch SUV segment. The company continues expanding its original equipment portfolio, now supplying tyres for diverse SUVs and pickup trucks including the KGM Musso, Hyundai Palisade, ELEXIO electric SUV, Kia EV5, Tasman pickup and Škoda Karoq.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “As demand for SUVs continues to grow globally, we are supplying OE tyres for more and more vehicles equipped with high-inch wheels. We will continue to strengthen partnerships with global automakers and expand our supply of SUV and high-inch tyres based on our proven technology and product competitiveness.”

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Yokohama Rubber has commenced original equipment deliveries of its BluEarth-Van RY55 tyres to Daihatsu Motor. These tyres are fitted on Daihatsu’s newly launched commercial mini-BEV models, the e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai, which debuted in Japan in February 2026. The specific size supplied for these electric vehicles is 145/80R12 86/84N LT.

Designed specifically for vans under Yokohama's eco-conscious BluEarth branding, these tyres deliver both longevity and reliable wet traction. To accommodate the distinct requirements of battery-powered vehicles, the supplied tyres have been engineered with particular attention to load capacity. A specially formulated compound reduces rolling resistance while resisting wear, and the tread configuration has been refined to preserve ride quality and wet-weather capability even under the stress of heavy battery packs.

Daihatsu's inaugural mass-produced battery electric vehicles incorporate the e-SMART ELECTRIC system developed specifically for smaller vehicles. This architecture allows for a sizeable battery without intruding on interior room. Both the e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai record a WLTC-certified driving range of 257 kilometres on a single charge according to transport ministry figures.

Yokohama continues to advance its BluEarth technology across its product range, with these tyres joining those already supplied as factory equipment on numerous conventional, hybrid and electric passenger vehicles currently in production.

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