Vredestein Ultrac OE on BMW X1

BMW Group has chosen Vredestein Ultrac for its all-new BMW X1 and will fit this tyre to the sports utility vehicle in size 205/65 R17 100Y XL. Apollo Tyres will ship the original equipment tyre, marked with BMW’s star symbol on the sidewall, from its plant in Gyöngyöshalász, Hungary directly to BMW’s production facility in Regensburg, Germany.

Apollo Tyres shares that it developed this bespoke version of the Ultrac in close collaboration with BMW Group to “complement the X1’s assured and engaging handling,” while also maximising the vehicle’s fuel efficiency by delivering low levels of rolling resistance. Apollo Tyres and BMW Group will also release the tyre on the replacement market and at BMW franchised dealers to ensure long-term support for BMW X1 customers.

Growing number of agreements

“Product quality, technical collaboration and the assurance of consistent supply are all critical for this kind of OE agreement,” comments Benoit Rivallant, president and chief executive officer at Apollo Tyres Europe. “Our highly capable European R&D team are helping us secure a growing number of new OE agreements, showcasing how the premium-quality attributes of Vredestein products can be further developed for specific applications.

“One of the reasons we are so proud to secure our second OE deal with the BMW Group is because it underlines how Vredestein products are chosen by those who appreciate rewarding driving dynamics as well as great efficiency.”

Generational improvements

According to manufacturer Apollo Tyres, the latest Ultrac tyre range achieves a 15 per cent improvement in dry and wet handling over its predecessor. It explains that this is the result of an enhanced tyre cavity with a squarer footprint, stiffer tread pattern, and centre rib with parabolic lateral grooves, which combine to enhance steering response and precision for a safe and dynamic driving experience. The tyre also features a 50 per cent increase in unique, traction-enhancing silica and resin compounds to achieve ten per cent better braking on dry and wet surfaces than the previous-generation tyre.

Shock absorption and noise mitigation is enhanced by the reduced apex height, optimised sidewall construction and increased flex zone. In addition, the pitch sequence of the tyre has been optimised for different tyre diameters to increase acoustic comfort. Additionally, Apollo Tyres reports a five per cent improvement in rolling resistance.

The new supply arrangement for the X1 builds upon another agreement between the two companies announced last year, when the BMW Group selected Apollo Tyres’ Vredestein Ultrac tyres as standard fit for its latest BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.