Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. has announced that it will supply its ADVAN V61 tires as original equipment (OE) for Mazda Motor Corporation’s upcoming crossover SUV, the MAZDA CX-80. The new vehicle is set to hit the markets in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries in October 2024. The tires will be available in two sizes: 235/60R18 103V and 235/60R18 107V.
The ADVAN V61, part of Yokohama’s globally recognized ADVAN brand, is a high-performance tire designed to enhance the CX-80’s handling while ensuring a smooth, quiet ride for passengers. It also offers strong wear resistance and excellent grip on wet surfaces, thanks to its advanced hydroplaning resistance. Moreover, the tire achieves low rolling resistance, a feature that is typically difficult to balance with high performance in other areas.
The company has tailored the Yokohama tires specifically for the MAZDA CX-80, adjusting the tread pattern, profile, and structure to align with the vehicle’s characteristics. This custom tuning was aided by Yokohama’s proprietary AI-based development platform, HAICoLab, which blends human creativity with artificial intelligence’s data processing abilities. One of the key innovations was the use of evolutionary computation, including genetic algorithms, to fine-tune the pitch sequence, helping to deliver a quieter ride.
The Mazda CX-80, a three-row mid-size crossover SUV, is built to impress with its bold design, strong driving performance, environmental sustainability, and advanced safety features. It also emphasizes passenger comfort, ensuring a dynamic yet enjoyable driving experience for all.
Yokohama Rubber’s involvement with the CX-80 aligns with its medium-term management strategy, Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026). Under this plan, the company aims to boost the sales of high-value-added tires, such as the ADVAN and GEOLANDAR brands. These tires are positioned as premium choices for new vehicles, particularly SUVs and pickup trucks, reflecting Yokohama’s commitment to innovation and quality in the automotive industry.