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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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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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.

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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."

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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.

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