New GAC Trumpchi M8 Minivan To Run On Yokohama BluEarth-XT AE61 Tyres
- By TT News
- March 05, 2026
The Yokohama Rubber Company has commenced the supply of its BluEarth-XT AE61 tyres as original equipment for the newly launched GAC Trumpchi M8 plug-in hybrid minivan, which entered the Chinese market in November 2025. These tyres, sized at 225/60R18 104V, are designed to deliver a harmonious blend of performance, comfort and environmental consideration. Drawing on the core design and material innovations of Yokohama’s BluEarth brand, the tyre incorporates an asymmetrical tread pattern and a high-rigidity profile. This construction is engineered to mitigate sway and uneven tread wear, issues commonly associated with vehicles that have a raised centre of gravity, thereby ensuring stability and durability.
The GAC Trumpchi M8 represents a premium entry in the minivan segment, distinguished by its advanced plug-in hybrid system that provides an electric-only range of up to 106 kilometres according to WLTC standards. Its features extend to autonomous driving capabilities and a luxuriously appointed interior, aligning with modern expectations for high-end mobility.
Yokohama Rubber continues to advance its BluEarth tyre series, which is designed with a focus on environmental harmony and user-centric performance. These tyres are increasingly selected as original equipment for a diverse range of new vehicles, encompassing traditional petrol models, hybrids and fully electric cars across various categories, including sedans, SUVs, sports cars and compact vehicles. This ongoing adoption underscores the company’s commitment to providing tyre solutions that meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry.
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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