French-based Michelin Group and U.S.-based General Motors Co. (GM) have jointly developed the Michelin Uptis Prototype, a new prototype airless tire. The two companies intend to continue their research on this going forward, with the aim of outfitting the tires on GM passenger cars by as early as 2024. These developments come as airless tires garner increasing attention as a...
Bridgestone Corp. (TYO:5108) has started supplying its Turanza T005A line of tires as OE for Mazda Motor Corp.’s (TYO:7261) new Mazda 3. Designed with a focus on people, the new-model Mazda 3 is said to bring radical improvements to basic vehicle performance. Mazda is touting this as including significant refinements in terms of how smooth the car feels to operate,...
Continental Tire Japan Co. Ltd. recently announced that its EcoContact 6 tires, a series of high-performance eco-friendly tires launched in March, have been adopted as OE for the new-model Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Specifically, the front tires for the new C-Class will be 225/45R18 95Y XL EcoContact 6 MO tires, with the rear tires to be 245/40R18 97Y XL EcoContact 6 MO...
Toyo Tire Corp. (TYO:5105) recently announced that its Open Country tire series has been adopted by Toyota Motor Corp. (TYO:7203) as OE for the automaker’s new-model RAV4, which launched in North America last December. The styling of the new Toyota RAV4 conveys power befitting an SUV while also mixing this with a sense of refinement. On the practical side, the...
Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (TYO:5110) has announced that it is planning a June 1 launch for the Enasave RV505, a new tire made specifically for minivans. In addition to limiting the wobbling that minivans tend to encounter when going around curves or through a crosswind, the RV505 offers an improved lifespan and quieter operation. Sumitomo Rubber intends to launch the...
Toyo Tire Corp. (TYO:5105) has developed a driving simulator with realistic steering, accelerator and brake controls for tire performance safety education events. Control software developed by Toyo Tires will enable drivers to virtually experience how tire wear can change braking distance under rainy conditions or cause hydroplaning, as well as how differences in inflation pressure can alter operational stability. It...
