Hankook Tire has launched its new e-Vantra FlexClimate all-season tyre as original equipment for the popular Volkswagen Crafter van. Supplied in the size 205/75 R16C 113/111R, this development marks a significant expansion of the company's portfolio within the light commercial vehicle sector. While debuting on the Crafter with conventional drive technology, the tyre was engineered to address the specific demands of both electric and internal combustion engine vans. A release on the replacement market is also planned for the near future.

The tyre’s design prioritises core commercial vehicle requirements, including high load capacity, exceptional durability and resistance to wear. A key feature is its reinforced sidewall, which is constructed to reliably absorb high transverse forces and ensure stable and safe handling, even when the vehicle is fully loaded. This structural integrity is further enhanced by a multi-reinforced bead structure and an optimised bead filler height, providing outstanding stability across diverse driving conditions.

Performance is augmented by a tread compound with a high silica content, functionalised polymers and special resins. This combination is engineered to deliver excellent wet braking performance, high durability and reduced rolling resistance. The tread pattern itself incorporates advanced 3D sipe technology to improve block rigidity, promote a uniform wear pattern and ensure reliable traction. An innovative zigzag sipe pattern provides added grip on snow and mud. Consequently, the Hankook e-Vantra FlexClimate carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, confirming its suitability for use in severe winter conditions.

Jongho Park, President and COO, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “With our appointment as an original equipment manufacturer for the VW Crafter, we are underlining our commitment to continuing to expand our product portfolio in the van segment and to offering innovative solutions to meet the diverse requirements of our commercial customers. The Hankook e-Vantra FlexClimate combines numerous characteristics that make it ideal for demanding everyday use. This product focuses on state-of-the-art technologies that enhance efficiency and safety, ensuring it is well equipped to meet changes in the sector.”

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NEXEN TIRE has secured a new original equipment supply agreement with Hyundai Motor Company, providing tyres for the recently updated version of the Korean automaker’s flagship sedan, known as The New Grandeur. This decision extends the existing partnership between the two companies, as NEXEN TIRE previously supplied tyres for the initial launch of the seventh-generation model. The renewed collaboration reinforces the tyre manufacturer’s role in supporting Hyundai’s premium passenger vehicle lineup.

The selected tyre for this application is the N'FERA Supreme S, an ultra-high-performance product engineered for premium vehicles. This model features NEXEN TIRE’s proprietary Noise Reduction System, which uses sound-absorbing materials to diminish resonance noise while driving. Furthermore, an AI-driven low-noise pattern design and advanced load distribution technology work together to minimise road vibrations and enhance overall cabin quietness, with the aerodynamic sidewall also contributing to reduced rolling resistance.

The New Grandeur distinguishes itself with a Seamless Horizon Lamp and the latest Pleos Connect infotainment system, aiming to boost its competitive standing in the luxury sedan segment. The N'FERA Supreme S is engineered to meet these elevated standards, offering robust grip and high-speed stability through a specialised 4D compound. Its durable sipe and groove structures are optimised to preserve consistent performance even as the tyre undergoes wear over time.

This latest supply deal marks a continuation of NEXEN TIRE’s broader strategic cooperation with Hyundai’s upscale vehicle range, having previously equipped models such as the Palisade SUV and the NEXO hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. Since entering the international OE market in 2012, the manufacturer has expanded its clientele to include numerous global automotive brands, with this latest contract underscoring its acknowledged technological expertise and product reliability in a highly competitive sector.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “Being selected once again to supply OE tyres for The New Grandeur demonstrates that the N'FERA Supreme S meets the high standards expected of a flagship sedan in terms of quietness and driving performance. We will continue to strengthen strategic partnerships with Hyundai Motor and other global automakers while expanding OE tyre supply for future mobility segments, including electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.”

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Giti Tire has secured original equipment homologation for its GitiSynergy H3 tyre on the all-electric BMW iX1 and iX2 models. This approval represents a notable expansion of the manufacturer’s original equipment portfolio and underscores its advanced technical capabilities in the premium automotive sector.

The specified tyre, sized 245/40 R20 99Y XL, was exclusively engineered at Giti Tire’s European Research and Development Centre in Hannover to satisfy BMW Group’s stringent criteria for electric vehicle platforms. Rigorous validation took place at the company’s MIRA proving ground in the United Kingdom, supplemented by additional testing across Germany and Spain.

Engineered for optimised efficiency, the tyre achieves the highest EU Rolling Resistance label rating of A and incorporates an aerodynamic sidewall design alongside reduced noise characteristics and extended wear life. Homologation is confirmed by the * symbol on the sidewall, denoting full compliance with BMW’s original equipment specifications.

This latest nomination builds upon prior approvals for the BMW 1 Series and MINI models. The project leveraged AdvanZtech, Giti’s global research and development network, reinforcing the company’s standing as a dependable engineering partner capable of addressing the complex demands of contemporary electric mobility.

Nicolas Kluson, Key Account Manager Europe OE, Giti Tire, said, "BMW Group's homologation programme required a tyre capable of achieving very low rolling resistance without compromising handling performance. Successfully meeting these requirements highlights the advanced engineering capabilities within Giti Tire's global R&D network. This project represents another important OEM milestone for Giti Tire and reflects our commitment to developing innovative solutions that support the evolving demands of electric mobility. As sustainability becomes increasingly important for both vehicle manufacturers and drivers, we will continue to push the boundaries of tyre technology."

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Bridgestone has been named the official tyre supplier for the new Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI, the first fully electric GTI model ever produced by the German automaker. The vehicle made its public debut at the Nürburgring during the recent 24-hour race, equipped with bespoke Potenza Sport tyres.

The custom-engineered premium tyres are designed to channel the GTI’s sporting character onto the road while fulfilling critical performance criteria, including braking efficiency, tread wear life and reduced road noise. Bridgestone developed the tyres in Italy, integrating the company’s advanced ENLITEN technology.

To achieve this design, Bridgestone relied on its proprietary Virtual Tyre Development technology, which allowed for precise engineering without extensive physical prototyping. The result is a tailored tyre solution that supports the electric GTI’s unique demands while maintaining high performance standards.

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has confirmed its GEOLANDAR A/T G94 tyres will serve as original equipment for Toyota Motor Corporation’s newly launched Land Cruiser FJ SUV. This latest model in the Land Cruiser series debuted worldwide, with the tyres fitted to vehicles sold across Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. Japanese-market FJ models will not receive this tyre.

Designed as an all-terrain SUV tyre, the GEOLANDAR A/T G94 balances fuel efficiency, comfort, safety and utility performance on varied road surfaces. The GEOLANDAR brand has a proven record on several Toyota SUVs, including the recent supply of the A/T G31 for the Land Cruiser 250 series and the 4Runner.

Under its Yokohama Transformation 2026 medium-term plan (2024–2026), Yokohama Rubber’s consumer tyre division aims to raise sales ratios of high-value-added products. A key initiative includes promoting flagship ADVAN and GEOLANDAR brand tyres for SUVs and pickup trucks as original equipment on new vehicles.

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