Nexen Tire is supplying its N’Fera Supreme S all-season tyres as original equipment (OE) for the Kia EV4, Kia’s first electric saloon car. According to the Korean tyremaker, the N’Fera Supreme S was selected for the EV4 in order to meet “the unique performance demands of electric vehicles, including high torque, low noise, and precise handling”.
According to manufacturer Stellantis, “the Jeep Avenger 4xe is set to redefine expectations in the B-SUV segment offering an exclusive design, top-tier performance, and embodying Jeep’s rich legacy of all-wheel drive.” Propulsion-wise it is a 48V hybrid system, combining a robust turbo engine with dual 21Kw electric motors, for a total power of 145HP. It is also being factory fitted with Goodyear all-season tyres.
Apollo Tyres Ltd reports that it is expanding its collaboration with Claas by introducing 14 new sizes of Vredestein Traxion tyres for the Arion 500 and 600 midrange tractors.
Vredestein tyres have long been available for larger Claas tractors, including Axion 800 and 900 models manufactured in Le Mans, France, and the Xerion range produced in Harsewinkel, Germany. Expanding the Traxion range for Arion 500 and 600 models addresses reported “strong demand from end users for Vredestein tyres across a diverse range of Claas equipment”.
ZC Rubber’s Chaoyang Tire brand has been selected as the Original Equipment (OE) tyre supplier for Toyota’s bZ3X in the Chinese market. According to the tyremaker, this is “the first time the world’s largest automaker has partnered with a tyre brand from mainland China”.
We’ve written about the connection between Goodyear tyres and Tesla vehicles (especially the Cybertruck) before. Since then, Tesla has introduced smart tyre tread sensors inside its OEM Cybertruck tyres that reportedly provide real-time data, which can be use to adapt on-board systems and potentially to offer predictive maintenance advice.
Mercedes-AMG has recommend the General Grabber AT3 for its G63 SUV. The ultra-high-performance SUV from AMG can now be fitted not only with original equipment tyres, but also with the 20-inch Grabber AT3 bearing a special MO1A tyre marking.
Following Xiaomi’s launch of the SU7 Ultra, Sailun is highlighting the PT01 track-ready high-performance tyre, developed in collaboration with Sailun.
In case it new to you, the standard version of Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is priced at RMB 529,900 (£57,345; 69,240 euros). In addition, at the car’s 27 February launch, Xiaomi also announced a range of optional configurations available, including the “Racing Package” and the “Nürburgring Nordschleife Limited Edition”. The “Racing Package” includes “Bilstein Evo R for Ultra coilover shock absorbers, Endless high-performance brake pads, Pirelli P Zero fifth-generation high-performance tyres, an additional set of Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS semi-slick tyres, 21-inch U-shaped forged wheel hubs, carbon fibre rear wheel arches, a 1.7㎡ carbon fibre roof, and more.”
The outlook for West European heavy trailer sales is projected to be stronger in 2025. The prognosis for the 2026 to 2028 period indicates increasing trailer demand, which is expected to eventually match the historic peaks of 2008 and 2018, according to Clear International’s February 2025 Forecast.
In recent years, the pressure on carmakers to reduce the unsprung weight of vehicles in order to improve fuel-efficiency/range has led to a number of novel alternatives to the very useful but sometimes cumbersome full-size spare. These include: the donut – or smaller-than-optimal temporary spare; the sealant and compressor pack – which only works for a limited range of incidents such as relatively small punctures; and, of course, run-flat tyres, which are inherently designed to get motorists to safety – even when punctured. Now it has emerged that in the Autumn of 2024, Ford was granted a patent for something different. Something that could even result in a spare tyre renaissance.
Launched at “a secluded winter cabin in the north of Sweden”, the EX30 Cross Country is reportedly “designed for people who want big experiences from their small, fully electric SUV”. Full UK details are yet to be released, but what we can learn from official sources is that is that it has larger wheels and can been seen driving on Michelin tyres.
In the USA, Pirelli Tire LLC has recalled 2023 245/45R18 100 Y Cinturato P7 run-flat tyres destined for original equipment and replacement fitments. The original equipment tyres were installed on certain Mercedes-Benz E-Class passenger cars imported into the U.S. by Daimler (422 tyres installed on 211 vehicles). The replacement tyres were imported into the US by Pirelli Tire LLC (1,601 tyres, based upon a review of distribution records, net of re-exported tyres).
On 11 January 2025, JK tyre presented The Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) awards at the Levitas Lounge in New Delhi. This year’s occasion was particularly significant as it marked the 20th anniversary of ICOTY. Specifically, Dr Raghupati Singhania, chairman and managing director, JK Tyre & Industries, along with ICOTY chairman Dhruv Behl, IMOTY chairman Kartik Ware, and esteemed jury members, presented the awards to the winners.
On 16 December 2024, Kumho Tire announced it will supply new original equipment (OE) tyres for Renault Korea’s Grand Koleos mid-sized SUV. Kumho will supply its Kruzen HP71 tyres in two sizes – 235/50 R19 and 245/45 R20.
Following several reports in the German press relating to earlier allegations of worker mistreatment during the construction of Linglong’s Zrenjanin, Serbia tyre factory, which has led to truckmaker MAN’s suspension of tyre deliveries from Linglong, Linglong International Europe d.o.o. representatives have responded with an official statement rebutting the allegations. The statement begins by highlighting that Linglong Europe is paying “great attention to all the allegations reflected in the press” before characterizing them as “old news” and even “fake news”: “we would like to emphasize that all allegations are old news and all the facts are twisted and crafted to make fake news to damage our reputation.”
The Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA) will cease operations at the end of 2024. OESAA created waves when it launched in 2013, highlighting disparities in parts quality in the aftermarket. Over time, the organisation evolved to support independent workshop owners and technicians – both in the garage and in the training arena. More recently, it has worked to inspire the next generation of automotive experts.
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