Perfect pairings: 4 recent OE fitments

When it comes to optimizing the experience of a brand-new vehicle, tires make all the difference. That's why the original equipment fitments matters.

Here's a look at four tires that recently earned some OEM stamps of approval.

Continental A.G.'s EcoContact 6 has been chosen for Mercedes-Benz's new compact SUV, the GLC. The tires will be a factory fitment for each of the GLC's powertrains—gasoline, diesel and plug-in hybrid models.

The German tire maker noted that the EcoContact 6 Q, is designed for versatility, offering a long service life while maximizing fuel efficiency and noise reduction.

Specialized rubber compounding contributes to the tire's reduced energy absorption, which ultimately reduces friction and optimizes rolling resistance. The tire's tread, meanwhile, helps to reduce road noise. Modified blocks, sipes and side grooves give the EcoContact 6 Q its outstanding braking performance and superior handling, and they contribute to the overall service life of the tire.

The auto maker, meanwhile, also has approved the WinterContact TS 850 P as a winter tire fitment for the GLC. The tires, which Continental said provide enhanced handling on both wet and dry roads, will be available for purchase from Mercedes-Benz dealerships.

In the U.S. only, the all-season ProContact GX was named a preferred fitment for the GCL for its performance, ride and fuel efficiency.

Volkswagen is turning to Kumho Tire's Crugen EV HP71 as the OE fitment for its ID.4 all-electric SUV.

The South Korean tire maker noted that the Crugen EV HP71 recently was renewed, giving it exactly the performance characteristics that electric vehicles need—the treadwear, noise reduction and ride.

The tire's compound relies on high-dispersion precision silica, which helps to maximize ride and braking performance. At the same time, Kumho said, the tire demonstrates exceptional stability and wear.

To ensure the quietest possible ride, Kumho tapped its noise-reduction know-how, leaning into a "dimple" design that helps to distribute noise generated from the tire grooves.

And it turns out, Volkwagen isn't the only auto maker turning to Kumho for OE. The tire maker already has supplied EV tires to the Kia EV6, and it's working with its OE partners to bring more EV-centric offerings to the market.

"The supply of electric vehicles is increasing as auto makers aim for full carbon neutrality," Insoo Kim, Kumho Tire's senior vice president of OE sales, said in a statement. "Kumho Tire is also striving to supply tires for cars that can maximize electric car performance."

A limited edition of one of Toyota's most recognized models will be rolling into showrooms with Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. tires.

The Advan Apex high-performance tire range was chosen as an original equipment fitment on the 2023 GR Corolla, a high-performance "quasi-competition" version of the auto maker's four-door compact hatchback.

When the auto maker debuted the limited-edition GR Corolla in Japan recently, it did so with the Advan Apex V601 in size 235/40R18 91W.

And the tire is a bit of throwback. The high-performance summer tire features an asymmetric tread pattern reminiscent of that first used a few decades ago on the company's A008 ultra-high-performance tire.

Every 2023 GR Corolla sold in the U.S. comes with a one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association, according to Toyota Motor U.S.A.

Speaking of Toyota and Yokohama, the auto maker and tire maker are teaming up to outfit the redesigned fifth-generation Prius and Prius PHEV hybrid passenger vehicles, both of which will make their debuts this year.

Yokohama BluEarth-branded tires were selected as OE for both.

The BluEarth-FE AE30 in size 195/60R17 90H and BluEarth-GT AE51 in size 195/50R19 88H are fitted on the latest generation Prius, which went on sale in January. The Prius PHEV goes on sale later this year. Toyota lists the 17-inch size as OE on the LE versions and the 19-inch size as OE on the Limited editions.

The BluEarth-FE AE30 offers "excellent" fuel-efficiency and a high level of balance between basic performance properties such as quietness, comfortable performance, a comfortable ride, and long life. The latest-generation BluEarth-FE AE30 features a new profile and compound that work together to reduce rolling resistance and enhance wet performance.

Yokohama calls the BluEarth-GT AE51 a grand touring tire that incorporates the basic design and materials technology used in the BluEarth brand, but it goes the extra mile with a newly developed compound to simultaneously reduce rolling resistance and enhance wet performance. The tire's structure allows it to deliver "high steering stability" and a comfortable ride.

The BluEarth line is Yokohama's product range based on the concept of being "environmentally, human, and socially friendly."

Tire Business contributed to this report.