Linglong wins OE fitment on new VW Tiguan

Linglong Tire has secured original-equipment (OE) status on Volkswagen’s third-generation Tiguan, a key contract that underlines the Chinese manufacturer’s growing European footprint and R&D capability. The factory-fitted tyre is a 255/45 R19 100V Ultra-High Performance pattern bearing Volkswagen’s “+” sidewall mark, signifying compliance with the car maker’s internal performance criteria.

OE fitment for the new Tiguan

Volkswagen’s decision means Tiguan models built at the Wolfsburg plant will offer Linglong tyres as one of several original-equipment options. Development work, carried out at Linglong’s European Development Centre in Hanover, focused on ride comfort, wet and dry handling, mileage and rolling resistance. According to Linglong, engineers collaborated closely with Volkswagen throughout the validation process.

Europe-centred development and testing

Prototypes underwent evaluation at IDIADA (Spain), UTAC Ivalo (Finland) and on Linglong’s own proving ground in Asia before final sign-off. All compounds were formulated by a team of ex-premium-brand chemists and tyre engineers based in Germany.

Independent test performance

• ADAC 2024 Summer Tyre Test – Linglong’s Sport Master achieved an overall “satisfactory” rating (score 3.3) in size 215/55 R17, performing particularly well for wet braking and wear.
• Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test 2025 – The same pattern finished 11th in the 20-tyre final (size 225/40 R18), earning top-five results for both wet and dry braking, though mileage remained below average.
• ADAC Trailer Tyre Test 2025 – Linglong’s Radial R701 secured second place (overall score 2.3) for size 185 R14C 104/102, with strong dry braking and aquaplaning resistance.

Expanding European presence

Linglong operates the first Chinese-owned tyre plant in Europe, located in Zrenjanin, Serbia, and says capacity there will support future OE programmes. The Tiguan contract strengthens the brand’s position in Germany and signals growing acceptance of Chinese tyres by mainstream vehicle manufacturers.

‍

‍

Tagged with: Linglong, Volkswagen Tiguan, OE tyre, Sport Master, ADAC tyre test, Auto Bild tyre test, European tyre market

‍