Yokohama S. drive OE on Smart Fortwo

Daimler-Smart, manufacturer of the diminutive Smart Fortwo, has granted Yokohama Rubber a third original equipment approval. The Japanese tyre maker has been approved as an original equipment supplier for the current Smart Fortwo and will supply its S. drive AS01 in sizes 175/50R16 77T for the front and 215/40R16 82T for the rear. This latest approval builds upon a relationship with the Daimler AG subsidiary that began in 2002 with homologation of original equipment tyres for the Fortwo Coupe Brabus, and was continued with selection as an original equipment supplier for the Smart Fortwo Brabus in 2007.

The current Smart Fortwo is the second generation version of the ultra-compact car that debuted at 1998 Paris Motor Show. Despite an overall length of less than three metres, the two-seater boasts ample interior space and four-star occupant safety in Euro NCAP tests. Yokohama’s S. drive AS01 is based upon the standard S. drive but has been tweaked for specific use on the Smart Fortwo. The tyre maker states the tyre provides the “outstanding driving performance and wet grip expected from next-generation driving tyres.” The “MO” mark on the sidewall of each tyre signifies approval by Daimler. Yokohama also notes that, as part of its policy of developing environmentally sound products, the tyres also exhibit both improved wear resistance and reduced rolling resistance,

The “. drive” series is a key product for Yokohama Rubber’s overseas markets and is sold around the world, in Europe, Asia (except Japan), Oceania, North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. Four models are included in the line-up: the S. drive, the C. drive2 high-performance comfort tyre, the A. drive all-round standard tyre, and the W. drive winter tyre.