NEWS

Factory fit for Falken on the AUDI A3 Plug-in-Hybrid

Jul 16, 2021

Low rolling resistance, optimum traction on all surfaces as well as the ability to bear high loads are the specialist tire requirements for today’s electric and hybrid vehicles. Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, Sumitomo Rubber Group's European sales company is pleased to announce that, FALKEN have begun supporting vehicle manufacturers to satisfy these demands with the latest example being the fitment of ZIEX ZE310A ECORUN (205/55R16 94V XL) in Ingolstadt, where the successful AUDI A3 TFSI e hybrid is being manufactured.

Since its launch in 2019, Falken’s summer tire hasn’t just won over performance-oriented drivers, but also repeatedly convinced independent test organisations such as the Austrian Automobile and Touring Club and the Touring Club Switzerland of its abilities. These trusted associations have awarded the FALKEN ZIEX ZE310 ECORUN the “Recommended” rating, and the critics at ACE Lenkrad and ABRÖ came to the same conclusion. The FALKEN ZIEX ZE310 ECORUN was awarded a rating of “Good” in the main AUTOBILD ALLRAD summer tire test, where the editors were particularly impressed by its performance potential, wet handling and short braking distances.

The positive test results are the result of Falken’s extensive development and adoption of the latest tire technology. As one example, the ZIEX ZE310 ECORUN is equipped with “Adaptive Constant Pressure” (ACP) technology, ensuring an even distribution of pressure across the contact patch. The ACP tread also improves the directional stability, ensures a uniform wear rate and reduces rolling resistance to maximise efficiency.

The tire owes its improved traction and optimum water displacement as well as the associated excellent aqua-planing characteristics to the innovative four-groove design of the tire tread. Applying its proven 4D NANO DESIGN methodology, allows its engineers to unlock the performance of new materials at the nano scale and develop a ground-breaking rubber compound for the ZIEX ZE310 ECORUN. The result is extended mileage, improved efficiency as well as a more comfortable ride to ensure its tires are both cost and energy efficient.

“Mobility is undergoing a period of change with increased demand for tires suitable for electric and hybrid vehicles. I am therefore very pleased that our products fulfil the demands for innovative and safe tires for both OE and aftermarket,” says Christian Stolting, key account manager OE at Falken Tyre Europe.

The quality of the Falken tire convinced AUDI, whose tires carry the additional A designation in their name, which signifies an OE product at Falken, to select Falken. It follows previous agreements to supply the Q3 and A1 citycarver to the premium marque. For the retrofit market, the ZIEX ZE310 ECORUN tire is available in 124 sizes from 14 – 19 inches in the 35 – 70 series and is approved for speed ratings of H/V/W (210 – 270 km/h).