Tokyo—The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced today that since November 2021 it has been supplying its BluEarth-XT AE61 and BluEarth-XT AE61 Z・P・S*1 tires to Toyota Motor Corporation for use as original equipment (OE) tires on an all-new Lexus NX, the first PHEV. The PHEV model is being fitted with 235/60R18 103H size tires.

BluEarth is a YOKOHAMA global tire brand based on the concept of being “environmentally, human, and socially friendly. The BluEarth-XT AE61 incorporates the basic design and material technologies of YOKOHAMA’s BluEarth brand tires. The tire’s superior driving, comfort and environmental performance make it an outstanding grand touring tire. In addition, a newly developed tread pattern enhances the tire’s wet performance, wear resistance, and stability, contributing to the all-new NX’s high-quality ride.

The BluEarth-XT AE61 Z・P・S is a run-flat tire that conforms to the newly adopted EMT standard*2. In addition to delivering a softer ride than run-flat tires that conform to the previous EMT standard, the tire’s reduced weight has improved its contribution to vehicle fuel efficiency.

Under its current medium-term management plan, Yokohama Transformation 2023, Yokohama Rubber is stepping up its efforts to develop new high-value-added products and strengthen the brand power of its consumer tires, including its global flagship ADVAN brand and the GEOLANDAR brand of tires for SUVs and pickup trucks. Yokohama Rubber also is focusing on having its tires adopted as OE on premium cars, which is a strong testament to the Company’s excellent technologies.

*1 BluEarth-XT AE61 Z・P・S tires are being fitted on overseas models only
*2 The EMT standard is an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standard for tires classified as extended mobility tires and applied to run-flat tires. The new standard is the successor to the ISO’s previous standard for run-flat tires.