Bridgestone has been selected by Mercedes-Benz AG as the development partner for tyres for its technology programme, the Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX. The futuristic electric vehicle (EV) is the car manufacturer’s answer to making EVs more efficient and increasing electric range to a new level. Bridgestone said in a statement that its engineers collaborated with Mercedes-Benz to create custom-designed tyres that have contributed to increasing the vehicle’s efficiency and thus driving range to a real-world 1,000km – from Sindelfingen, Germany to Cassis, France – on a single charge. 

Bridgestone designed bespoke Turanza Eco tyres that combine its proprietary and lightweight ENLITEN Technology to reduce tyre rolling resistance and weight by up to 20 per cent, along with its ologic technology designed to enhance battery range by means of a large tyre diameter to reduce rolling resistance, and a narrow tyre width to reduce aerodynamic resistance. 

In collaboration with Mercedes-Benz’s aerodynamic department, the tyre also comes with optimised sidewalls and a bead area design that match the covers mounted on the 20-inch, forged-magnesium wheels, greatly improving the tyre’s aerodynamics.  

Emilio Tiberio, COO & CTO at Bridgestone EMIA, said: "As part of our commitment to help shape a sustainable future of mobility, Bridgestone is proud to have co-developed with its long-term partner the right tyres for a project as innovative as this. The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is a project that is totally aligned with our own EV ambitions and targets, especially as we are investing to make electric mobility more efficient and accessible through a fully integrated approach. This includes pioneering premium tyres and tyre technologies able to tackle the greatest EV challenges. This is especially true as we heavily invest in EV tyre development – currently allocated over 30 per cent of our R&D resources – and improve upon our technologies in 2022.” 

The tyres were developed using Bridgestone’s virtual tyre modelling and simulation capabilities, which enable a digital version of an in-development tyre to be created and tested. Using this technology means that development time was cut considerably. 

Bridgestone leveraged the virtual environment for a large part of the development process, enabling prediction of how the tyre would perform in different conditions before physically building it. The increased flexibility offered by virtual tyre development enables Bridgestone to test far more variants of a given tyre, thanks to the speed at which modifying a tyre’s digital twin and immediately testing it can take place. Additionally, this virtual tyre development delivers multiple environmental benefits, as both natural resource use and exhaust emissions are cut, thanks to a lower number of prototypes that need to be produced and tested, the release added. (TT)

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Hankook Tire has launched its new e-Vantra FlexClimate all-season tyre as original equipment for the popular Volkswagen Crafter van. Supplied in the size 205/75 R16C 113/111R, this development marks a significant expansion of the company's portfolio within the light commercial vehicle sector. While debuting on the Crafter with conventional drive technology, the tyre was engineered to address the specific demands of both electric and internal combustion engine vans. A release on the replacement market is also planned for the near future.

The tyre’s design prioritises core commercial vehicle requirements, including high load capacity, exceptional durability and resistance to wear. A key feature is its reinforced sidewall, which is constructed to reliably absorb high transverse forces and ensure stable and safe handling, even when the vehicle is fully loaded. This structural integrity is further enhanced by a multi-reinforced bead structure and an optimised bead filler height, providing outstanding stability across diverse driving conditions.

Performance is augmented by a tread compound with a high silica content, functionalised polymers and special resins. This combination is engineered to deliver excellent wet braking performance, high durability and reduced rolling resistance. The tread pattern itself incorporates advanced 3D sipe technology to improve block rigidity, promote a uniform wear pattern and ensure reliable traction. An innovative zigzag sipe pattern provides added grip on snow and mud. Consequently, the Hankook e-Vantra FlexClimate carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, confirming its suitability for use in severe winter conditions.

Jongho Park, President and COO, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “With our appointment as an original equipment manufacturer for the VW Crafter, we are underlining our commitment to continuing to expand our product portfolio in the van segment and to offering innovative solutions to meet the diverse requirements of our commercial customers. The Hankook e-Vantra FlexClimate combines numerous characteristics that make it ideal for demanding everyday use. This product focuses on state-of-the-art technologies that enhance efficiency and safety, ensuring it is well equipped to meet changes in the sector.”

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Bridgestone, a global leader in high-performance tyres and sustainable mobility solutions, has been selected as the sole tyre supplier for Lamborghini’s new Fenomeno supercar. This exclusive partnership reinforces Bridgestone’s role as Lamborghini’s Official Technical Partner, a collaboration spanning five years and covering the entire Lamborghini lineup, including the Huracán STO, Revuelto and now the ultra-exclusive Fenomeno.

Limited to just 29 units, the Fenomeno commemorates two decades of Lamborghini’s in-house design excellence. Powered by a record-breaking 1080 CV V12 engine, it accelerates from 0-100 kmph in 2.4 seconds and 0-200 kmph in 6.7 seconds, making it the fastest Lamborghini ever. To match this performance, Bridgestone developed custom Potenza Sport tyres, engineered for ultra-high-speed stability, precise handling and optimal grip. Available in 265/30 ZRF21 (front) and 355/25 ZRF22 (rear) sizes, these tyres also feature Run Flat Technology, allowing drivers to travel up to 80 km at 80 kmph even after a puncture.

For enthusiasts seeking track-level performance on public roads, Bridgestone offers a semi-slick variant, homologated for street use while delivering race-inspired grip. Both tyre options were developed using Bridgestone’s Virtual Tyre Development (VTD) technology, which enhances sustainability by reducing prototype waste, cutting testing time by 50 percent and lowering CO2 emissions by up to 60 percent during production.

Radoslaw Bolkowski, Vice President OE Sales at Bridgestone EMEA, said, “Our longstanding partnership with Lamborghini is rooted in a shared passion for innovation, excellence and top performance. With the Fenomeno, our team had the challenge of unleashing the full potential of Lamborghini’s most powerful V12 ever – and they’ve delivered. The custom-engineered Bridgestone Potenza tyres offer the control, grip and precision needed to enhance this car’s exceptional capabilities – on both the road and track.”

Christian Mastro, Lamborghini’s Marketing Director, said, “At Lamborghini, design and performance go hand in hand – and with Bridgestone, we have a partner who understands both. Tyres are a vital part of how a supercar performs: outside of technical updates, 70 percent of the improvements in these cars today come from advances in the tyres they sit on. Bridgestone’s bespoke Potenza line-up ensures that every drive in the Fenomeno can deliver against this vehicle’s stunning speed and power.”

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Bridgestone participated in the global launch of the Lamborghini Temerario in Estoril, Portugal, as the Official Technical Partner of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., reinforcing their exclusive collaboration. As the sole tyre supplier for the new model, Bridgestone developed a tailored tyre range to enhance the Temerario’s capabilities, featuring the Potenza Sport and Potenza Race for summer road and track performance, alongside the Blizzak LM005 winter variant.

During the event, approximately 400 attendees experienced firsthand the synergy between the Temerario and its custom Bridgestone tyres, testing their performance on the track. Guests also visited the Bridgestone Corner, where they interacted with the engineers behind the tyre development and gained insights into the technology powering these high-performance solutions. The occasion showcased the pinnacle of innovation and partnership, highlighting Bridgestone’s commitment to delivering excellence for Lamborghini’s latest supercar.

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Nexen Tire has strengthened its position in the European original equipment (OE) market through a new partnership with Stellantis, supplying high-performance tyres for the Citroën C5 and C5 Aircross SUVs. The agreement highlights Nexen’s growing influence among global automakers.

The approved tyre, the N'FERA Sport (size 225/60R18 104V XL), is a summer tyre designed for superior high-speed stability, wet grip and braking performance – qualities that complement the Citroën C5 series’ dynamic driving experience. Produced at Nexen’s Czech Republic facility, the tyres meet stringent OE standards for quality, sustainability and supply chain efficiency.

The N'FERA Sport has earned widespread acclaim, securing top ratings in 2025 tests by leading European automotive organisations. Germany’s ADAC and AutoBild Sportscars awarded it a ‘Good’ rating, while Switzerland’s TCS deemed it ‘Very recommendable’. Austria’s ÖAMTC also recognised its strong performance, reinforcing its reputation as a premium summer tyre.

This collaboration reflects Nexen Tire’s strategic push to expand its OE business with top-tier automakers, further solidifying its global footprint in the competitive tire industry.

Edwin van der Stad, Vice President Europe Original Equipment at Nexen Tire, said, “We are proud to strengthen our partnership with Stellantis by being selected as an OE supplier for the Citroën C5/C5 Aircross. This collaboration highlights our technological capabilities and commitment to delivering high-performance, reliable tyres to global automakers.”

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