Team MRF Tyres has become the 2023 FIA European Rally Champions, achieving a remarkable victory with two rounds left in the eight-round 2023 FIA ERC Championship.
This victory solidifies MRF Tyres’ position in the world of rally championships, outperforming other well-known global tyre companies. The team’s success spans different terrains, excelling on both gravel and asphalt surfaces.
In a hard-fought season, Team MRF successfully defended its 2022 team championship title, competing against established multinational rally tyre manufacturers. After achieving dominance with nine wins in the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championships, MRF Tyres aimed higher by entering the top-tier European competition, joining the FIA ERC in 2020. Through focused product development and strategic efforts, MRF Tyres quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, clinching stages, rallies, and championships. This second ERC championship win highlights the exceptional quality, performance, and durability of MRF Tyres.
Entering the 2023 FIA ERC season with high expectations following their 2022 championship win, Team MRF Tyres encountered tough competition. The season began strongly with a podium finish in the Rally Islas Canarias by Efrén Llarena and Sara Fernandez. Martins Sesks with Renars Francis dominated the fast gravel stages of Rally Liepaja and Rally Poland, showcasing the precision and reliability of the MRF tyres.
Arun Mammen, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, MRF Ltd,” said, “I am extremely proud of the success achieved by MRF Tyres in the 2023 FIA European Rally Championship. As India’s leading tyre manufacturer, we looked to take India to the world stage and compete in the toughest rally competitions in the world. We knew it would take dedication and determination to succeed, and to do it once was a challenge, to back up that success in 2023 proves the talent and skill of the entire team at MRF Tyres. I would like to extend my congratulations to the team, and I look forward to our future challenges.”
Martins Sesks, driver of Team MRF Tyres, said, “We came into this year knowing that it would be a challenge. In the FIA European Rally Championship, you have to earn every result, as the quality of the teams and the drivers is very high. I have been proud to represent MRF Tyres in the Championship, and standing on the top step of the podium after winning at home in Latvia and Poland, has made me extremely proud. I would like to thank and I would also congratulate everyone at MRF Tyres for this Championship success.”
With consecutive victories, Team MRF Tyres positioned themselves favourably for the Team’sTeam’s Championship, further strengthened by another podium in the first Royal Rally of Scandinavia. The team secured vital Powerstage points in the Rally di Roma Capitale, solidifying their goal of a second Team’sTeam’s Championship. Notably, the MRF Tyres Dealer Team also achieved podiums and stage wins.
Having secured two wins and two podiums in six rallies, Team MRF Tyres has demonstrated its undeniable dominance throughout the year.
Subaru’s New Uncharted BEV Rolls Out On Yokohama GEOLANDAR X-CV Tyres In North America
- By TT News
- April 09, 2026
The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has initiated original equipment supply of its GEOLANDAR X-CV tyres for Subaru’s new Uncharted (US model) SUV-type battery electric vehicle (BEV), which was launched in North America in December 2025. The specified tyre size for this application is 235/50R20 100V.
The GEOLANDAR X-CV is engineered as a modern highway terrain tyre with M+S certification, prioritising responsive drivability and high-speed capability. Its design seeks an integrated balance of safety, comfort, durability and fuel efficiency. Tailored for electrified vehicles, these tyres bear Yokohama’s proprietary ‘E+’ sidewall engraving, signifying enhanced attributes in durability, quietness and energy conservation. This development was facilitated by the company’s HAICoLab framework, an AI-driven platform that combines human creativity with advanced data processing to accelerate digital innovation.
This supply agreement aligns with the strategic goals outlined in Yokohama Transformation 2026, the company’s medium-term management plan running through 2026. A core initiative of this strategy is to increase the proportion of high-value-added tyre sales by expanding original equipment placement for key global brands. This includes actively promoting both the flagship ADVAN line and the GEOLANDAR series for SUVs and pickup trucks on new vehicles worldwide.
NEXEN TIRE’s ROADIAN GTX Chosen For Renault FILANTE Across Korea, Latin America and Middle East
- By TT News
- April 06, 2026
NEXEN TIRE has been selected to supply original equipment tyres for the Renault FILANTE, a crossover model from Renault Korea that merges sedan comfort with SUV practicality. The chosen tyre is the ROADIAN GTX, an all-season model engineered for SUVs and crossover utility vehicles, fitted in a 19-inch specification. Its zigzag tread pattern across a wide contact patch promotes even pressure distribution for stable handling, while a precision load distribution structure boosts road grip. Additionally, a low noise optimised block arrangement delivers the quiet ride that electrified vehicles require.
Hybrid vehicles like the FILANTE, which features Renault Korea’s latest hybrid powertrain, place high technical demands on tyres due to the combined use of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. NEXEN TIRE’s selection proves its ability to provide solutions for various powertrain types. The supply covers not only domestic Korean sales but also export models heading to Latin America and the Middle East.
This collaboration builds on a growing partnership with Renault Korea, following OE fitment for the Grand Koleos midsize SUV launched in 2024. Since entering the overseas OE market in 2012, NEXEN TIRE has become a key supplier to global automakers. From 2016 onward, the company has continued to demonstrate its technological strengths by partnering with numerous premium global brands across Europe and beyond.
John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, "We are continuously advancing our tyre technology to keep pace with the next generation of mobility, where electrification and artificial intelligence are converging. We will further strengthen our strategic partnerships with global automakers to solidify our presence in international markets and enhance the company's overall value."
Yokohama To Supply Tyres For Toyota’s Electric C-HR
- By TT News
- March 24, 2026
Yokohama Rubber has begun supplying its Geolandar X-CV tyres as original equipment for Toyota Motor Corporation’s new battery electric C-HR SUV, launched in North America this month.
The vehicle is being fitted with 235/50R20 100V size tyres. Part of a new generation of highway terrain equipment, the Geolandar X-CV is designed to balance high-speed performance and drivability with safety, comfort and fuel efficiency.
The tyres supplied for the C-HR feature Yokohama’s "E+" mark, indicating technology tailored to the specific requirements of electrified vehicles, such as increased durability and reduced road noise.
Development was conducted through HAICoLab, the company’s proprietary artificial intelligence framework. The system aims to merge human creativity with data processing to accelerate digital innovation in tire design.
The Geolandar X-CV is already used across several models in Toyota’s electric lineup, including the Lexus RZ and the bZ in North America.
New GAC Toyota WILDLANDER SUV To Feature Yokohama's AI-Developed ADVAN V61 Tyres
- By TT News
- March 19, 2026
Yokohama Rubber has commenced the supply of its ADVAN V61 tyres as original equipment for the new WILDLANDER SUV launched by GAC Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. in China in November 2025. The tyres, sized 235/60R18 103H, are fitted to both gasoline and hybrid versions of the model.
This tyre model represents a premium summer option within Yokohama’s flagship ADVAN family and is specifically designed to meet the demands of larger SUVs. It aims to deliver the refined driving experience associated with the brand while ensuring a strong equilibrium between energy consumption, responsive handling and a quiet cabin environment. The design supports both everyday city commuting and extended highway journeys. A distinct ‘E+’ marking on the tyre’s sidewall signifies the integration of technology tailored for electrified vehicles, such as the hybrid version of the WILDLANDER. Beyond its role as factory equipment, this particular size has been part of a wider replacement market availability since 2025, building on the model's established presence as original equipment on numerous premium SUVs.
The engineering behind the ADVAN V61 was supported by Yokohama’s HAICoLab (Humans and AI ColLaborate), a development concept that merges human creativity with the extensive analytical power of artificial intelligence (AI). This framework facilitates innovation by combining human intuition with rapid data processing to refine product characteristics.
The latest WILDLANDER itself has been positioned as an innovative smart SUV, undergoing significant updates to its powertrain, interior technology and styling. It features an efficient smart hybrid engine and a next-generation smart cockpit designed specifically for Chinese consumers, all wrapped in a more pronounced exterior design. The selection of the ADVAN V61 tyres aligns with these advancements, contributing to the vehicle's overall performance profile.
Comments (0)
ADD COMMENT