Bridgestone Launches Summer Tyre

Bridgestone Launches Summer Tyre

Bridgestone launched a new flagship summer touring tyre – the Bridgestone Turanza 6 – targeting  safety, mileage and sustainability. 

Developed and manufactured in Europe, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 will be available across the region from January 2023 in a comprehensive coverage – 136 sizes from 16” to 22” in the replacement summer line-up – for both passenger cars and on-road SUVs. This increases coverage in demand with 34 new sizes, focusing on the high-rim diameter segment.

Citing the tests carried out by independent TÜV SÜD, Bridgestone claims the new tyre outperforms its competitors in the segment with best-in-class wet performance. This includes being the best in cornering manoeuvres and outstanding straight-line performance. The Bridgestone Turanza 6 also achieves best-in-class EU label A-grade in the wet grip for the full line-up.

The Bridgestone Turanza 6 delivers superior mileage, with a 22 percent improvement and reduction of four percent in rolling resistance compared to its predecessor, the Turanza T005, which remains a test-winning product. The newly launched tyre comes with various ground-breaking innovations in the tread pattern, compound and construction that amplify its performance capabilities. These include the cutting-edge and sustainable TECHSYN and ENLITEN - a set of technologies providing best-in-class tyre performance with a step change towards sustainability compared with previous generations, which are featured for the first time on a Bridgestone replacement tyre.

On the sustainability front, the new Bridgestone Turanza 6 was developed using Bridgestone’s ground-breaking Virtual Tyre Development technology. This enables a digital version of an in-development tyre to be created and tested, helping Bridgestone to predict how a tyre will perform in different conditions before physically building prototypes. In the development phase, this sustainable approach saves 21 percent of raw materials and CO2 emissions while cutting 60,000 kilometres and 7.7 tonnes of CO2 from outdoor testing.

The new Bridgestone Turanza 6 is also perfectly suited to hybrid and electric vehicles, helping to optimise their performance. This includes low rolling resistance to save battery life and address range anxiety concerns, excellent control to address EV-specific driving-related issues, higher wear tolerance to combat tyre wear due to the increased weight and higher torque, and decreased noise for driver comfort to the near non-existent engine noise of EVs. The Bridgestone Turanza 6 reduces 2db in pass-by noise compared to its predecessor.

Emilio Tiberio, COO & CTO of Bridgestone EMIA, said, “We’re delighted to introduce our latest class-leading tyre, the Bridgestone Turanza 6, which was developed using ground-breaking technologies to provide our customers with a safe, sustainable and efficient tyre that performs when they need it most. We’re particularly proud of the Bridgestone Turanza 6’s wet-weather performance, giving drivers control and confidence in the most demanding conditions, even on the rainiest days.”

Triangle Tyre Equips BYD's 2026 Sealion 06 EV With Customised TH801 PLUS EV Tyres

Triangle Tyre Equips BYD's 2026 Sealion 06 EV With Customised TH801 PLUS EV Tyres

Triangle Tyre is supplying customised TH801 PLUS EV tyre for the 2026 Sealion 06 EV, a newly unveiled model from BYD. The Sealion 06 EV is from the batch of 10 new vehicles introduced during BYD’s recent ‘Flash Charge China, Change the World’ event – all of these models are equipped with second-generation blade battery and megawatt flash charging technology. The Sealion 06 EV stands out not only for its advancements in powertrain and smart systems but also for significant upgrades to its chassis and tyre configuration, with the Triangle TH801 PLUS EV serving as its factory-standard equipment.

Triangle has engineered the TH801 PLUS EV tyre, sized at 235/55R19, specifically to meet the demands of electric vehicles. Its design addresses the high instant torque characteristic of EVs while focusing on reducing road noise and ensuring stability. The tyre’s construction prioritises wet grip and overall driving safety, contributing to the vehicle’s control and efficiency. As the only component in contact with the road, its performance is critical to the coordinated operation of the vehicle’s advanced systems, complementing BYD’s new battery that offers improved energy density and faster charging capabilities.

The collaboration between Triangle and BYD has deep roots, originating in 2009 with the supply of commercial vehicle tyres for BYD buses. This relationship subsequently expanded into the passenger car segment, with Triangle equipping models like the F0. As BYD’s new energy vehicle portfolio has grown, Triangle has strengthened its role as a partner. Its passenger tyres are now fitted on several bestselling electric models, including the Seagull, Dolphin, E7, Qin L and Seal, in addition to the new Sealion 06 EV. With the launch of this latest model, the jointly developed tyre aims to deliver a driving experience that is safe, comfortable and highly efficient for users.

R&D personnel at Triangle Tyre said, “We are not simply providing a tyre but crafting a ‘dedicated electric shoe’ for the Sealion 06 EV. The TH801 PLUS is the result of deep integration between technology and scene, achieving true vehicle-specific customisation.”

Continental To Equip New smart #5 With EcoContact 7 Tyres

Continental To Equip New smart #5 With EcoContact 7 Tyres

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.

DUNLOP GRANDTREK PT20 Selected As OE Fitment For Subaru’s All-New Outback (US Model)

DUNLOP GRANDTREK PT20 Selected As OE Fitment For Subaru’s All-New Outback (US Model)

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.

NEXEN TIRE To Supply Custom-Fitted OE Tyres For All-New Kia Seltos In Korea

NEXEN TIRE To Supply Custom-Fitted OE Tyres For All-New Kia Seltos In Korea

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.”