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.
Nexen Tire will supply its N'FERA Sport tyres as original equipment (OE) for the newly launched Audi A6 premium sedan, expanding its partnership with the German carmaker.
The tyres will be supplied in 18-inch and 19-inch sizes for the latest generation of the Audi A6, the company's flagship premium sedan.
The N'FERA Sport is an ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyre designed for high-performance vehicles. According to Nexen Tire, the tyre uses high-strength internal materials to distribute contact pressure and load evenly, supporting handling and braking performance in both dry and wet conditions.
The tyre received a "Good" rating in the summer tyre test conducted by German automotive publication Auto Bild, with strong scores in dry and wet braking, rolling resistance, pass-by noise and mileage. It also achieved a "Good" rating in the 2025 summer tyre test conducted by ADAC, where it performed well in driving safety and comfort.
Nexen Tire began supplying OE tyres to an overseas vehicle manufacturer in 2012 and has since expanded its customer base to include several global automotive groups, including Volkswagen Group. The company previously supplied OE tyres for the Audi A3 and the eighth-generation Audi A6.
The latest agreement extends that relationship to the redesigned Audi A6 and is expected to support future replacement tyre demand as vehicles enter the aftermarket.
"The supply for the all-new Audi A6 demonstrates that NEXEN TIRE's technology and quality continue to be recognized by the world's most demanding premium brands," said John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO of NEXEN TIRE. "We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with global premium automakers and expand our OE supply capabilities moving forward."
Continental Secures OE Approval For Škoda Elroq With Aerodynamic EcoContact 7 Tyre
- By TT News
- July 30, 2026
Continental has secured original equipment approval for its EcoContact 7 summer tyre on the all-electric Škoda Elroq. The German automotive supplier will supply the SUV with specific front and rear fitments, namely size 235/50 R20 for the front axle and 255/45 R20 for the rear, both designed for 20-inch rims. Each tyre includes the FR marking, signifying an integrated rim protection rib that reinforces the sidewall to guard against curb damage.
To enhance the vehicle's efficiency, Continental incorporated a distinctive aerodynamic feature inspired by golf ball dimples. Small indentations on the tyre surface, branded as the ‘Aerodimple’ structure, are engineered to reduce air turbulence around the sidewalls. This design principle, which mirrors the dimples on a golf ball that minimise drag, helps lower energy consumption by requiring less force to maintain forward motion.
Beyond rolling resistance and aerodynamics, the tyre development focused on acoustic comfort. The tread pattern benefits from optimised block spacing and angles specifically tuned to mitigate noise frequencies generated during low-speed urban driving. This acoustic engineering results in a quieter ride environment for both the vehicle occupants and the surrounding community.
Continental has finalised the tyre lineup for the Škoda Elroq with the EcoContact 7 in specifications 235/50 R20 100H FR and 255/45 R20 101H FR. The summer tyre is also formulated with a specialised rubber compound and construction to deliver low rolling resistance, high mileage and reduced noise levels, contributing to the overall efficiency and refinement of the electric SUV across numerous global markets.
Yokohama Supplies ADVAN dB V552 Tyres For SAIC Motor's New MG7 Sedan
- By TT News
- July 29, 2026
Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has begun supplying its ADVAN dB V552 tyres as original equipment (OE) for SAIC Motor Corporation Limited's new MG7 sports sedan, which was launched in China in January 2026.
The OE tyre is supplied in size 245/40R19 98W.
The ADVAN dB V552 is a premium comfort tyre in Yokohama Rubber's global flagship ADVAN range. The company said the tyre combines low noise levels with strong wet grip and fuel efficiency, aiming to deliver ride comfort alongside stable handling.
The latest MG7 is a coupe-style mid-size sedan powered by a turbocharged engine. The updated model features a three-stage electric rear wing and dual twin exhausts as standard across all variants. SAIC Motor has also enhanced the vehicle's smart cockpit and other intelligent features.
Yokohama Rubber To Supply ADVAN Sport V107 Tyres For Updated Mazda MX-5
- By TT News
- July 28, 2026
Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has begun supplying its ADVAN Sport V107 tyres as original equipment (OE) for the updated Mazda MX-5, which went on sale in Japan and Europe in June 2026.
The two-seater lightweight convertible sports car is fitted with 195/50R16 84V ADVAN Sport V107 tyres. Yokohama Rubber said it has supplied original equipment tyres for every generation of the Mazda MX-5 since the model was first introduced.
The ADVAN Sport V107 is an ultra-high-performance tyre within Yokohama's global flagship ADVAN brand. According to the company, the tyre combines handling stability and wet-weather performance with low noise, ride comfort and reduced rolling resistance.
The Mazda MX-5, first launched in 1989, has recorded cumulative global sales of more than 1.26m units, according to Mazda.
As part of the latest update, Mazda has introduced a special edition of the MX-5 alongside a new exterior colour. The company said the changes are intended to enhance driving performance while complying with external noise regulations.
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