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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Continental has secured original equipment approval to supply tyres for the new Volkswagen T-Roc compact SUV. The German tyre manufacturer will provide the EcoContact 7 and EcoContact 7 S models in sizes ranging from 16 to 19 inches. For colder seasons, Volkswagen also recommends the WinterContact TS 870 P, while the AllSeasonContact 2 serves as the year-round alternative.

The EcoContact 7 summer tyre achieves high energy efficiency through a specialised rubber compound and Smart Energy Casing technology. New materials in the carcass, inner layer and sidewall reduce internal friction and lower rolling resistance, while an aerodynamically optimised sidewall further improves efficiency. Continental integrates several innovations, including a golf-inspired aerodimple structure. These small dimples reduce air turbulence behind the tyre, allowing the vehicle to use less energy.

Noise reduction comes from the Silent Pattern tread design, where engineers have carefully adjusted the spacing and angles of tread blocks to match noise frequencies generated at lower urban speeds. The result is a noticeably quieter ride for drivers, passengers, passersby and nearby residents. The energy-focused EcoContact 7 is approved in 16-, 17- and 18-inch sizes, while the sportier EcoContact 7 S comes in 16-, 17- and 19-inch variants.

For winter conditions, the recommended WinterContact TS 870 P features a tread design and innovative sipe structure that provide reliable grip on snow and ice. Its rubber compound stays flexible at low temperatures, enabling short braking distances and safe handling in wet, cold and snowy conditions. Drivers preferring a single set of tyres all year can choose the AllSeasonContact 2, which delivers balanced performance in both summer and wet winter conditions.

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Kumho Tire has commenced original equipment supply of its ECSTA PS71 SUV model for two of Škoda’s electric vehicles, the Enyaq and the Elroq. The tyre, a flagship offering within Kumho’s ECSTA line, is being delivered in two electric vehicle compatible sizes, specifically 235/55 R19 and 255/50 R19.

Designed for modern high-powered sport utility vehicles, the ECSTA PS71 SUV delivers optimised handling and braking performance in both dry and wet driving conditions. Building upon the core technology of the standard PS71 range, the SUV variant incorporates several targeted enhancements. These include a more robust structural design, an enlarged contact area for superior braking, improved fuel efficiency, an asymmetrical tread pattern and new hybrid technologies that ensure stable handling at high speeds across varied road surfaces.

The ECSTA PS71 has consistently earned good ratings in summer SUV magazine tyre tests, reinforcing Kumho’s technological capabilities. Beyond this latest supply agreement, Kumho has been broadening its original equipment tyre portfolio through strategic partnerships with major automakers. The company has recently supplied electric vehicle tyres for several flagship models, highlighting its growing technical expertise and rising premium market status.

Insoo Kim, Head of OE Sales at Kumho Tire, said, “Our supply of OE tyres to the automaker is a testament to our quality and technological prowess. We will continue to leverage our world-class quality and technology to expand our OE tyre supply for global premium carmakers.”

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Toyo Tires has been selected as the sole original equipment tyre supplier for the all-new Mitsubishi Xforce launched in Malaysia, equipping the urban SUV with the 225/50R18 Proxes CR1D. This marks a strategic integration of tyre engineering and vehicle dynamics tailored specifically for local driving conditions.

The Proxes CR1D, part of the Proxes CR1 family, was carefully chosen to enhance the Xforce’s city-oriented character, prioritising safety, comfort and daily reliability. Its selection as the exclusive OEM tyre underscores a strong alignment between Mitsubishi’s vehicle design and Toyo Tires’ engineering focus on delivering a refined and reassuring driving experience from the first journey.

Engineered with Toyo Tires’ T-Mode and Nano Balance Technology, the Proxes CR1 features an optimised tread pattern that reduces road noise while ensuring stable handling and reliable grip on both wet and dry roads. This technology improves driving confidence through consistent road contact and dependable braking performance. Additionally, the tyre’s silent, comfort-focused design minimises vibrations and cabin noise, creating a quieter ride for city commutes and longer trips alike.

The continued trust from established automakers reflects growing industry confidence in the Proxes CR1 range. In Malaysia, the Proxes CR1 and CR1 SUV tyres represent Toyo Tires’ most comprehensive comfort-oriented lineup, available in sizes from 14 to 20 inches for passenger cars and SUVs.

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Hankook Tire has confirmed that its associate brand, Laufenn, will supply the second-generation S FIT2 summer performance tyre as original equipment for the Škoda Octavia. The Octavia is a cornerstone model for the Czech automaker under the Volkswagen Group, developed on the modular MQB platform and generating steady European demand. This agreement marks Laufenn’s first original equipment partnership with a European manufacturer, signalling the brand’s entry into the OE sector.

The S FIT2 was developed through close technical collaboration with Škoda to align precisely with the Octavia’s performance requirements. Supplied in a 17-inch size, the tyre delivers stable handling, showcasing Hankook’s engineering capability in OE development. Designed for Europe’s varied climate, the S FIT2 secures reliable stopping power and control through optimised grip and drainage while improving efficiency and mileage over its predecessor.

A high content silica compound and optimised tread block design reduce wet braking distances by approximately 16 percent. Four wide straight grooves enhance water evacuation for superior handling on rain slicked surfaces. An optimised structural design maintains grip on hot asphalt while minimising vibration and noise for a quiet urban ride. A next generation polymer compound extends mileage by roughly 15 percent.

Laufenn shares Hankook Tire’s global top tier technology and rigorous quality system. Since its 2014 debut at the SEMA Show in United States, the brand has expanded across international markets with a complete lineup for passenger cars, SUVs, trucks and buses, reflecting regional driving conditions and customer lifestyles.

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