Nexen Tire Corporation announced that it has signed a deal to supply tyres for two vehicle models produced by BYD Auto, the South Korean company’s first original equipment (OE) supply contract with China’s largest new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer.

Nexen confirmed that it has agreed to supply tyres for BYD’s battery-powered Seal 6 and Dolphin Surf models, adding that it expects the deals will help strengthen its presence in the growing global battery electric vehicle (BEV) tyre segment.

Nexen pointed out that the high-performance BYD Seal 6 model is sold in China and exported to a number of overseas markets, making it a key model to help drive its expansion in the global BEV tyre market. For models exported to Australia, Nexen will supply its N’Fera Sport ultra-high-performance summer tyres, which the company said provide a sporty driving performance combined with “excellent” high-speed stability.

For Dolphin Surf models exported to Europe, Nexen will supply its N’Blue S tyres, which the company described as high-efficiency summer tyres, providing low rolling resistance to help meet the EU’s increasingly stringent carbon emission regulations, as well as good braking performance at high speeds in wet conditions.

Nexen’s CEO, John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, said in a statement: “Becoming an OE supplier for two BYD EV models demonstrates both our technological range and our quality competitiveness, as we can deliver optimized performance for both electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles. We will continue to strengthen our partnership with BYD moving forward.”