The BMW Group Selects Vredestein Tyres as Original Equipment for New BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

The BMW Group has selected Apollo Tyres’ Vredestein Ultrac tyres as original
equipment (OE) for the all-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, which went on sale across Europe
from March 2022. Produced at Apollo Tyres’ Gyöngyöshalász plant in Hungary, the
Vredestein tyres chosen by the BMW Group will be supplied in three sizes: 205/65R16 95W,
205/60R17 97W XL and 225/50R18 99W XL, each marked with a star symbol on the sidewall to
indicate that they are a bespoke product for the BMW Group. This is the first time Apollo Tyres
has secured an original equipment deal with a BMW Group business.

As part of a multi-year agreement, the award-winning Ultrac has been customised by Apollo
Tyres in close collaboration with the BMW Group, resulting in bespoke OE tyres that facilitate
the car’s safe and rewarding driving dynamics, while also delivering low levels of rolling
resistance for enhanced fuel efficiency. The tyres achieve an ‘A’ rating in both fuel economy
and wet grip to satisfy the BMW Group’s driving performance needs.

To support the BMW Group customers throughout their ownership of a 2 Series Active Tourer,
the Ultrac star-marked tyres will be available in the replacement market as well as via BMW
franchised dealers.

This is the latest in a series of OE supply agreements that Apollo Tyres has secured with major
car manufacturers over recent months, strengthening the Vredestein brand’s position within
the European OE segment.

Benoit Rivallant, President and CEO at Apollo Tyres Europe, said: “During the development of
the bespoke Ultrac tyres 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.”

The latest Ultrac tyre range achieves a 15% improvement in dry and wet handling over its
acclaimed predecessor. This is the result of an enhanced tyre cavity with a squarer footprint,
stiffer tread pattern, and centre rib with parabolic lateral grooves, which combine to
enhance steering response and precision for a safe and dynamic driving experience.
Additionally, the tyre’s 5% improvement in rolling resistance boosts fuel efficiency and lowers
CO2 emissions. Compared to its predecessor, the Ultrac also features a 50% increase in unique, tractionenhancing silica and resin compounds to achieve 10% better braking on dry and wet surfaces. Shock absorption and noise mitigation is enhanced by the reduced apex height, optimised sidewall construction and increased flex zone. In addition, the pitch sequence of the tyre has been optimised for different tyre diameters to increase acoustic comfort.