Polestar has selected Continental’s SportContact 7 tyre as original equipment (OE) for its new electric SUV, the Polestar 3. The SUV will be fitted with 21-inch tyres in several key markets, including the UK and Ireland.

The tyre has an XL designation for greater load capacity and is authorised for speeds of up to 168 mph (approx 270 kmph). ContiSilent technology, which lowers interior noise and adds to the comfort that one would expect from a high-end EV, is a feature of the Polestar-approved models. The SportContact 7, available in two sizes (265/45 R21 108W XL and 295/40 R21 111W XL), offers a combination of improved stability, grip and rolling finesse.

Maximum driving safety and accurate handling are made possible by the SportContact 7 tyre in a variety of situations. Its creation was centred on maximising driving pleasure, cutting down on stopping distances and prolonging tyre life. In comparison to its predecessor, the tyre delivers a 17 percent gain in mileage, a six percent reduction in braking distance on dry roads and an eight percent shorter braking distance on wet roads.

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The new Renault Clio will feature Continental's EcoContact 7 tyre as original equipment for its global launch. Approved in numerous countries, the compact car will be fitted with this model in two specific sizes: 195/60 R16 and 205/45 R18. Both variants have earned the highest possible ratings on the EU tyre label for fuel efficiency and low rolling noise, underscoring their performance credentials.

This high performance stems from several integrated technological advancements. A newly formulated rubber compound works in concert with Continental’s Smart Energy Casing, which employs innovative materials in the tyre’s internal structure to minimise friction and rolling resistance. Further efficiency gains are achieved through an aerodynamically refined sidewall. This design incorporates a dimpled texture, inspired by the surface of a golf ball, to smooth airflow and reduce the energy required to keep the tyre in motion.

Alongside its energy-saving properties, the tyre is engineered for refined acoustics. A specifically designed Silent Pattern tread layout alters the arrangement and angles of the tread blocks to target and dampen the frequency of noise typically produced during low-speed urban driving. This focus results in a reduction of rolling noise, enhancing comfort for those inside the vehicle and contributing to a quieter environment for pedestrians and city residents alike.

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Giti Tire has expanded its AdvanZtech EV Ready line with the launch of the GitiWinterW2, its first winter tyre designed for electric, hybrid and conventional vehicles. The company said the new model is now available for ordering for the 2025/26 winter season.

The GitiWinterW2 will be offered in 17 sizes ranging from 15- to 20-inch rims. All products carry the AdvanZtech EV Ready sidewall mark, indicating suitability for internal combustion vehicles as well as mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric models.

The range is intended to cover a wide span of the European car parc, from small cars such as the Fiat 500e to larger vehicles including the Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen Tiguan and Volvo XC60 PHEV. Giti said each tyre has been tuned for EV-specific demands such as torque management, while maintaining low rolling resistance and strong performance on snow and wet roads.

The manufacturer highlighted three core attributes for the GitiWinterW2: a quiet and comfortable ride, strong safety characteristics and precise control in winter conditions.

The winter tyre joins the GitiSportS2 and GitiSynergyH2 summer patterns in the EV Ready strategy first announced in August 2024. All three products were developed using Giti’s AdvanZtech R&D framework at its European Research & Development Centre in Hannover, Germany.

Fabio Pecci-Boriani, Deputy General Manager for Product Planning PCR and LTR at Giti Tire’s European R&D Centre, said the company aimed to give both drivers and dealers greater clarity as electrification reshapes the market. “The Giti brand was among the first in the mid-market to introduce an EV ready concept, ensuring maximum flexibility and product clarity for dealers and peace of mind for drivers.”

He added that winter conditions pose specific challenges for electrified cars. “As is proven winter can have an impact on the performance of part-electric and electric vehicles with lower temperatures reducing battery range and immediate torque levels being tricky on slippery roads, the Giti AdvanZtech EV ready GitiWinterW2 goes a long way to addressing these issues.”

Giti said its EV Ready strategy remains a central pillar of its European product plans as the shift towards hybrid and battery-electric vehicles accelerates.

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Yokohama Rubber Co. has started supplying its BluEarth-FE AE30 tyres as original equipment for Nissan Motor’s new Roox mini-vehicle, marking the latest step in the Japanese tyre maker’s push to expand its presence in the small-car market.

The Roox, launched this year, will use the BluEarth-FE AE30 in the 155/65R14 75S size on selected grades. The model is part of Yokohama’s broader BluEarth range, which the company says is built around the idea of being “environmentally, human, and socially friendly”.

Yokohama said the tyre delivers strong fuel efficiency along with balanced performance in areas such as noise reduction, ride comfort and durability—factors that remain key for carmakers looking to improve efficiency while meeting consumer expectations.

Nissan has positioned the new Roox as a safer and more comfortable mini-vehicle, equipped with features including the Intelligent Around View Monitor, which offers moving-object detection and a 3D view to help drivers navigate tight spaces with confidence.

For Yokohama, the latest supply deal adds to a growing list of fitments across petrol, hybrid and electric models. The company has been extending its BluEarth technology across sedans, SUVs, sports cars and compact cars as part of its strategy to strengthen ties with global automakers.

Yokohama said it will continue to expand development of tyres using its BluEarth technology as it pursues stronger factory-fit relationships in Japan and overseas.

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Hyundai has selected Continental's PremiumContact C tyre as original equipment for its all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 9 SUV. This 21-inch tyre carries an XL marking, signifying its enhanced load capacity, a critical feature for supporting the substantial weight of an electric SUV. The design includes a rim protection rib to help prevent damage to the vehicle's wheels.

As a premium summer tyre developed for robust SUVs, the PremiumContact C combines safety, comfort and durability. Its more robust construction directly addresses the need for a higher load-bearing capacity. An innovative tread pattern, which incorporates adaptive sipe technology, is central to its performance, providing precise handling and reliable grip on both dry and wet road surfaces, even under full load. Furthermore, an extended contact patch promotes optimal pressure distribution against the road, contributing to shorter braking distances and reduced rolling noise.

A key feature for the IONIQ 9 is the integration of ContiSilent technology. This innovation actively dampens road noise within the passenger cabin, reducing intrusive sound levels by up to nine decibels for a noticeably quieter and more comfortable driving experience. This specific tyre line, sized 285/45 R21 113 V XL FR ContiSilent, has received original equipment approval for the vehicle across numerous global markets.

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