Porsche has selected Bridgestone, a world leader in high-end tires and environmentally friendly transportation options, to create custom tyres for its next Macan Electric and Panamera vehicles. Custom-engineered Bridgestone Potenza Sport ultra-high-performance tyres are now available for both cars. The Panamera, Porsche's third-generation sporty luxury sedan, may also be equipped with custom Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 tyres, which are Bridgestone's first winter original fitting for the car.

The tread and compound design of the Porsche Macan Electric's custom Potenza Sport tyre manages the electric sport utility vehicle's (SUV) high weight and torque while enhancing the vehicle's dynamic sports performance. Bridgestone's signature ultra-high-performance tyre, tailored to Macan Electric's specific needs, maximises handling in dry, wet and high-speed conditions. Along with improved rolling resistance to enable the vehicle's about 600 km range, this also includes improved braking comfort and performance. ENLITEN Technology makes these performance advantages possible. Bridgestone's next-generation technology platform, ENLITEN, is intended to provide unwavering performance while emphasising sustainability features. Developed and manufactured in Europe, the Macan Electric’s bespoke tyres are available globally in six dimensions across 20’’, 21’’ and 22’’ sizes.

In addition to offering reduced rolling resistance for energy efficiency, the 21" Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres for the Porsche Panamera are designed with ENLITEN Technology to improve the vehicle's dynamic driving characteristics and driver comfort. The custom-made Potenza Sport ultra-high-performance tyres for the Panamera maximise dry handling, wet handling and high-speed performance through their pattern design and material composition. To improve the car's performance in winter circumstances, the Panamera's custom 20" Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 winter fitment uses a pattern design that optimises dry, wet and snow handling. These specially made tyres are all created and manufactured in Europe.

In order to meet Porsche's specifications for the Porsche Macan Electric and Panamera, Bridgestone's Virtual Tyre Development was essential. The technology was specifically employed to improve the dry braking characteristics of the custom tyres and guarantee that they were properly matched with the braking systems of the cars. Up to 60 percent less raw materials and CO2 emissions are used during the creation of original equipment tyres thanks to this technology, which also increases the sustainability and efficiency of the tyre development process. By combining the enormous weight and torque of an SUV electric vehicle with the dynamic sporty behaviour of the Macan Electric, Virtual Tyre Development also made it possible to retain a high degree of stability at high speeds.

Steven De Bock, Vice President Original Equipment (OE) at Bridgestone EMEA, said, “After our collaboration on the Porsche Cayenne, we’re breaking new ground in our partnership and offering premium tyre fitments to help enhance the driving experience of new Porsche models. We’re proud to share two firsts – the Panamera’s first Bridgestone OE fitment and our first bespoke tyre for an electric Porsche car with the Macan Electric. It is exciting to showcase our ability to provide a range of premium fitments that will help Porsche’s drivers get the most out of these two incredible and very different cars.”

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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.

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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.”

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Yokohama Rubber has commenced original equipment deliveries of its BluEarth-Van RY55 tyres to Daihatsu Motor. These tyres are fitted on Daihatsu’s newly launched commercial mini-BEV models, the e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai, which debuted in Japan in February 2026. The specific size supplied for these electric vehicles is 145/80R12 86/84N LT.

Designed specifically for vans under Yokohama's eco-conscious BluEarth branding, these tyres deliver both longevity and reliable wet traction. To accommodate the distinct requirements of battery-powered vehicles, the supplied tyres have been engineered with particular attention to load capacity. A specially formulated compound reduces rolling resistance while resisting wear, and the tread configuration has been refined to preserve ride quality and wet-weather capability even under the stress of heavy battery packs.

Daihatsu's inaugural mass-produced battery electric vehicles incorporate the e-SMART ELECTRIC system developed specifically for smaller vehicles. This architecture allows for a sizeable battery without intruding on interior room. Both the e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai record a WLTC-certified driving range of 257 kilometres on a single charge according to transport ministry figures.

Yokohama continues to advance its BluEarth technology across its product range, with these tyres joining those already supplied as factory equipment on numerous conventional, hybrid and electric passenger vehicles currently in production.

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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.

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