Yokohama tyres approved as OE for Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Yokohoma has been chosen as Original Equipment on the Mercedes-Benz 2015 GLA-Class compact SUV.

The compact SUV will come equipped with either a standard or run-flat version of the Yokohama C.drive2 high-performance tyres, in size 235/50R18 97V. The standard tyre will have the letters ‘MO’ printed on the sidewall while the run-flat version has the original equipment designation ‘MOE’.

According to Yokohama, both tyres offer “superior wet-grip performance and fulfill the safe-performance requirements of the European market through improved handling and stability in both dry and wet conditions.” Yokohama also emphasises the fact they are “highly fuel efficient tyre.”

Yokohama is a designated OE supplier on numerous other Mercedes-Benz models, including the S-Class, G-Class, G 63 AMG, G 65 AMG, CL 63 AMG, ML 63 AMG, E-Class Coupe, C-Class, C 63 AMG, CLS-Class, SL-Class, SLK-Class, B-Class and the A-Class.

These OE contracts are important to tyre manufacturers because they strengthen the reputation of the tyre and can also lead to repeat business in the replacement market, as many vehicle owners fit like-for-like tyres when they need replacements.

Yokohama launched the C.drive2 in March 2010 as a successor to the C.drive line with improved wet grip with low rolling resistance.