Vehicle OEM BMW has selected Apollo Tyres’ Vredestein Ultrac tires as the original equipment (OE) for the latest BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. This is the first time Apollo has secured an OE deal with BMW.
Produced at the company’s Gyöngyöshalász plant in Hungary, the Ultrac tires have been developed in collaboration with the vehicle manufacturer to ensure they reflect the 2 Series’s attributes. The tires benefit from a low rolling resistance which has resulted in the Ultrac being awarded an A rating for fuel economy and wet grip.
Compared to its predecessor the Ultrac tire’s handling has been improved by 15% in dry and wet conditions because of an enhanced tire cavity with a squarer footprint, a stiffer tread pattern and a center rib with parabolic lateral grooves. Through this combination the tire delivers an enhanced steering response for a dynamic driving experience. Furthermore, a 50% increase in traction-enhancing silica and resin compounds results in 10% better braking on both wet and dry surfaces.
A reduced apex height, optimized sidewall construction and increased flex zone also enhance shock absorption and reduce noise levels. Apollo states the pitch sequence of the tire has been optimized for each tire diameter to improve acoustic comfort.
Each tire’s sidewall is marked with a star, denoting it as a bespoke product for the BMW Group. The Vredestein Ultrac tires will be supplied to BMW in 205/65R16 95W, 205/60R17 97W XL and 225/50R18 99W XL sizes.
To further support 2 Series Active Tourer owners, the Ultrac tires will also be available on the replacement market.
“During the development of the bespoke Ultrac tires for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, our R&D team focused on supporting key characteristics of the vehicle, contributing to driving pleasure, refinement and efficiency,” said Benoit Rivallant, president and CEO, Apollo Tyres Europe.
