Sumitomo Rubber Industries reports that its all-season Falken Ziex CT50 has been approved as an original equipment tyre on the latest model Mazda CX-9 crossover, which goes on sale this spring. The Ziex CT50 will be supplied in sizes P255/50R20 104V and 255/50R20 105V.
Pirelli’s new Diablo Rosso III motorcycle tyre is original equipment on the latest motorcycle from its compatriot company MV Agusta. The link between the companies is also celebrated in a special edition bike, the Diablo Brutale. The two brands collaborated on the special edition model, designed as a “tribute” to Pirelli’s latest supersport tyre. The bike is the latest landmark in a decades old relationship between the companies, coming five years after the historic Italian motorcycle manufacturer decided to equip all its models with Pirelli tyres.
Sumitomo Rubber Industries, has begun supplying high-performance Falken Ziex ZE001 A/S SUV tyres to Nissan for factory fitment on Rogue models (X-Trail in the UK and elsewhere) sold in North America. The Ziex all-season, asymmetrical tread ZE001 A/S will be fitted to the Rogue in size 25/60R18 100H.
About 70 per cent of all Porsche models ever built are still in a roadworthy condition today. Owners seeking to keep their car looking as original as possible want a tyre that looks the part, and Pirelli has worked with Porsche to develop a number of approved fitments that match the tyres available when the cars were new. While these tyres feature a period look and tread design, modern compounds and construction are used, and Pirelli comments that this pairing of classic looks and modern technology allows for better-balanced driving characteristics than can be gained from older, original tyres or non-approved matching-size tyres.
Models of the Nissan Frontier – the Navara to you and I – sold in North America and Mexico will be exclusively equipped across the main sizes with Hankook tyres as original equipment. Hankook Tire reports it will ship its highway all-season Dynapro HT in sizes P265/70R16T and P265/60R18T and the all-terrain Dynapro AT-M in size P265/75R16T for fitment on the 2016 Nissan Frontier.
The choice of Hungary, home of its European manufacturing base, as the location for this month’s ‘Ventus Experience’ media event underlines Hankook Tire’s growing focus on original equipment supply within the region. In addition to introducing the Ventus Prime³ comfort tyre, during the event Hankook Tire showed the fruits of recent investment in its factory in Rácalmás, and shared how the facility is helping it meet the requirements of European vehicle manufacturers.
Bridgestone tyres are being fitted as standard equipment on Honda’s new fuel cell vehicle, the Clarity Fuel Cell. The hydrogen-powered vehicle was introduced at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show and launched in Japan last month, and wears the Bridgestone Ecopia EP160 in size 235/45R18 94W. Honda intends to introduce the Clarity Fuel Cell into selected European markets this year.
Bridgestone has been made an official project partner for the Aston Martin DB11, slated to be launched later in 2016. The tyre manufacturer will support Aston Martin with a series of technical developments, durability testing and global media launches, including the use of its European Proving Ground in Aprilia, Italy. Tyres & Accessories first reported Bridgestone and Aston Martin’s partnership from the Geneva Motorshow 2016 in February.
Specially developed versions of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 will be the sole original equipment tyre on the new limited model BMW M4 GTS. The Pilot Sport Cup 2 was deemed the right tyre for the 493bhp poster boy of the M-car range due to its combination of a dual-compound asymmetric tread and an asymmetric casing design, a coupling that Michelin says offers the “optimum balance between handling, grip and tyre life.” The M4 GTS will wear the Pilot Sport Cup 2 in size 265/35 ZR 19 at the front and size 285/30 ZR 20 on the rear.
The results of the latest J.D. Power study into original equipment tyres in the US market shows higher levels of openness towards less-established tyre brands amongst younger consumers than their older counterparts. While established tyre brands still possess the highest consideration rates amongst all generations, Generation Y and Generation X consumers are more likely to consider brands that are smaller or newer to the US market.
Yokohama tyres have been approved as an original equipment fitment on the latest version of the Toyota Prius. According to Yokohama Rubber, the BluEarth E70 will be supplied in size 215/45R17 87W for the Prius models sold in Europe, Japan and Oceania, while North American Prius models will get the BluEarth S34 all-season tyre in size P215/45R17 87V. The Yokohama Aspec A349 has been approved for original equipment fitment in markets outside these regions, and will be delivered to Toyota Motor Corporation in size 195/65R15 91H.
With an eye on increasing its OEM business, Giti Tire has announced two senior appointments at its R&D Centre Europe. Dr Claus Oberbeck has taken on the role of OE chief engineer at the facility in Hannover, Germany, while Martin Wells has become global account manager for German OEMs.
Starco reports the signing of an exclusive agreement to provide complete wheel assemblies to Polish agricultural implement manufacturer, SaMASZ. This deal builds on Starco’s existing supply of rim and tyre assemblies for selected SaMASZ machines. The products supplied under the new agreement will be assembled by Starco at the company’s facility in Poland and delivered inflated and tested subject to the customer’s specifications for Just-in-Time delivery and integration on SaMASZ equipment.
The Levante, launched at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, marks Maserati’s entry into the SUV segment. Pirelli reports on its partnership with Maserati to develop original equipment tyres specifically suited to the Levante’s performance and handling requirements; the company will supply its latest-generation P Zero tyres as standard fitments on all Levante models.
Bridgestone Americas reports that its Bridgestone Dueler tyres are featured as original equipment on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, while Yokohama Tire Corporation has announced the selection of its Avid S34RV for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica.
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