Distribution of Xpeng in the UK will be “in early 2025” with the introduction of the advanced G6 mid-size SUV. But what tyres will the cars be fitted with? Suggestions that the carmaker with factories in Zhaoqing and Guangzhou, Guangdong province would choose Chinese tyre brands are undermined by the fact that the G6 is pictured wearing Michelin rubber in promotion shots located in London, Paris and Amsterdam.
Kumho Tire is supplying original equipment tyres for the VW Passat and Škoda Superb. The South Korean-based tyremaker will be supplying its ECSTA HS52 model in size 215/60 R16.
Nexen Tire has reported third-quarter 2024 sales of KRW 708.5 billion (£396.595 million; 474.829 million euros; US$514.418 million), up 2.3 per cent on last year. And KRW 52.3 billion in operating profit. Revenue growth in the third quarter was reportedly driven by higher sales in the European market, which grew by 11.9 per cent year-on-year. More specifically, Nexen reported strong winter tyre sales in Europe during the peak seasons of 2Q24 and 3Q24. Despite a slowdown in European original equipment (OE) market, tyre supply there is said to have remained stable “thanks to the company’s expanded supply to premium brands and increased brand recognition through marketing efforts such as the Manchester City partnership.”
Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin has reported that group sales fell to 20.171 billion euros in the first nine months of 2024, down 4.6 per cent compared with the same period in 2023. Within that group figure, Michelin’s Specialty tyre business was hit hardest, with sales down 9.1 per cent in the period to 4.882 billion euros (2023: 5.368 billion euros). At the other end of the spectrum, the Automotive segment – car tyre sales – was least affected by the overall decrease in turnover, with nine-month sales down 2.4 per cent to 10.356 billion euros (2023: 10.611 billion euros).
Michelin will exclusively supply tyres for the Ferrari’s new F80 supercar. Michelin reports that it used technological advances including those from the world of motorsport, to meet the “extraordinary performance requirements” the Ferrari F80. What is even more impressive is that Michelin developed the tyre in just 15 months using its digital development technology to speed up the production process.
On 11 October Lynk & Co unveiled its first electric vehicle for the European market, the Lynk & Co 02. The debut marks the first global launch of a new model for Lynk & Co. And what’s more the new car came out on Continental tyres.
In the first half of 2024, Jiangsu General’s revenue reached 3.07 billion yuan (about £333 million; €400 million), a year-on-year increase of 36.91 per cent. During the same period, the tyre company’s net profit was 290 million yuan (about £31 million; about €38 million), an increase of 393.32 per cent over the same period in 2023.
Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. is supplying its BluEarth AE-01 tyres as original equipment (OE) for the new Honda N-Box Joy, a crossover version of Honda’s N-Box mini vehicle. Set to be launched in Japan in September 2024, the N-Box Joy is being fitted with 155/65R14 75S tyres.
The new smart #3 Brabus edition is begin factory equipped with EcoContact 6 Q tyres from Continental. Specifically, the SUV coupé is being fitted with 245/40 R20 99V XL tyres as original equipment. The smart #3 is the second model produced by the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and the Chinese manufacturer Geely.
ZC Rubber has extended its strategic partnership with logistics firm DSV. The new agreement extends their successful collaboration by 10 years. DSV A/S, the parent company of DSV Road Holding NV employs over 60,000 people across 90 countries. Recently, DSV outbid several competitors to acquire DB Schenker, the logistics subsidiary of German state-owned railway operator Deutsche Bahn, for approximately 14.3 billion euros. This acquisition marks a significant expansion for DSV in the logistics sector, positioning it to become the world’s largest freight operator.
Tesla Cybertruck owners are complaining of getting just 6,000 miles tyre life from the the famous electric pickups. According to The Drive, one member of the Cybertruck Owners Club says his barely three-month-old Cyber truck has just 6,251 miles on the odometer but is already needing a tyre change.
The Goodyear DriverHub application has been into PACCAR Connect, the new advanced online fleet management platform from DAF Trucks. According to the company, this addition “provides benefits for both truck drivers and fleet managers by offering tyre data insights that can enhance fleet performance and support more informed decision-making”. As a result, the Goodyear DriverHub application within PACCAR Connect is available on all new DAF trucks equipped with a PACCAR Connect tablet.
Hankook is supplying its iON evo SUV tyres for the new Cupra Tavascan. Specially developed for all-electric vehicles, this summer tyre has been developed to match the handling characteristics of the SUV, according to the tyremaker. The Hankook premium tyre, with the “+” marking for original equipment, is available for the Cupra Tavascan as a mixed tyre in the 19-inch variants and as an all-position tyre in the 20- and 21-inch sizes. The 21-inch tyre also comes in a special sport design, identifiable by the notation “e-Performance” on the sidewall. In keeping with its sporty tuning, it offers even more traction and shorter braking distances thanks to its high-grip mixture. Hankook also offers a 19-inch all-season tyre, designed specifically for electric vehicles, as original equipment for the model.
Goodyear tyres have been chosen as original equipment (OE) on the Audi Q6 e-tron, the German automaker’s new fully electric premium SUV. Goodyear’s Audi Q6 e-tron fitments come from its Eagle F1 Asymmetric and UltraGrip ranges for summer and winter applications, respectively. The approved fitments will fit multiple trim levels, with Goodyear’s SKUs ranging from 18” to 21”. Goodyear reports that it collaborated closely with Audi throughout the modelling and testing phases of tyre development, resulting in fitments specifically tailored to enhance the vehicle’s performance.
Bridgestone is launching the Potenza Sport A, Bridgestone’s first mass-produced tyre to source 55 per cent recycled and renewable materials1 in its production, following certification from International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS.
If you would like the latest news from the Chinese tyre industry in Chinese, visit our partner site TyrepressChina.com. Or click below to continue on Tyrepress.