Yokohama Targeting SUV, 4×4 OE Business

Japanese brand Yokohama says that it is becoming more widely adopted as original equipment within the SUV and high performance 4×4 segments. The manufacturer’s flagship ADVAN Sport tyre is fitted to the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne models and has been added to the AMG-tuned version of the Mercedes ML63 AMG 4×4. The size 295/40×20 front and back has been fitted to that particular model; the ADVAN range is available in 19”, 20” and 21” options, sized 275/45×19, 275/40×20 and 295/35×21 respectively. The Touareg uses the 19” and 20” options, while the Cayenne adds the 21” alternative.

Another manufacturer to select the Yokohama ADVAN Sport for its large SUV/4×4 model is Audi. The German manufacturer has already adopted the Sport for its flagship A6 and A8 models and now, the Q7 SUV is fitted with ADVAN Sports from the factory. Sized either 265/50R19 or 275/45R20, the ADVAN Sports fitted to the Q7 are speed rated to 300kph to cope with one of the most powerful SUVs on the market today.

It’s not, says Yokohama, only German manufacturers who have selected Yokohama products. The latest version of the venerable Toyota Rav4 is now fitted with Yokohama tyres as original equipment, on both the 17” standard fit and the 18” upgrade option. The 17” wheels use a 225/65R17 version of the Geolander G91A tyre, while the 18” option uses a 235/55R18 version of the same tyre.

The Geolander G91A is designed specifically as original equipment and features a tread pattern and construction designed to provide increased safety, comfort and performance on the road with the grip for occasional off road adventures or to deal with more treacherous road conditions.

Yokohama believes the spread of its tyres into the SUV and 4×4 markets is linked to its motorsport involvement. Manufacturers such as Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Lotus and Aston Martin choose to fit Yokohama tyres to their road car products while the brand has recently been confirmed as control tyre supplier for the FIA World Touring Car Championship for the next three seasons, having provided tyres for the full field since 2006.