SHERIDAN, WYOMING - December 26, 2025 - Yokohama Rubber is sharpening its focus on electric-vehicle OEM business in the automotive & mobility sector, confirming that its GEOLANDAR X-CV highway terrain tire is now factory-equipped on the newly updated Lexus RZ battery-electric SUV for the North American market. The 235/50R20 100V fitment positions Yokohama's SUV-focused GEOLANDAR line squarely in the premium BEV arena, supporting automakers' push for quieter, more efficient and more durable EV drivetrains.
Premium EV SUV fitment strengthens North American footprint
Lexus has selected the GEOLANDAR X-CV as original equipment for the partially redesigned RZ launched in North America in November 2025, underlining the tire's suitability for high-end electric SUVs that must balance refinement, grip and efficiency. For the new RZ destined for Japan, Yokohama Rubber continues to supply its ADVAN V61 as on the previous model, highlighting a dual-fitment strategy tailored to regional requirements and driving profiles.
By securing OE business on a flagship BEV in a key market like North America, Yokohama Rubber not only gains brand visibility with EV-focused buyers but also reinforces its long-term positioning as a technology partner to global OEMs shifting their SUV portfolios toward electrification.
GEOLANDAR X-CV: highway terrain tire engineered for electrified vehicles
Developed as a new-generation highway terrain product, the GEOLANDAR X-CV is designed to deliver:
- High-speed stability and precise drivability for heavier, high-torque BEVs and SUVs
- A carefully tuned balance of safety, ride comfort, durability and rolling efficiency
- All-season capability that meets the M+S (mud & snow) standard for varied climates
For the Lexus RZ application, the sidewall carries Yokohama's proprietary "E+" mark, denoting EV-focused tire engineering to address:
- Higher instantaneous torque loads and vehicle weight
- Enhanced noise reduction for quiet electric cabins
- Optimized energy efficiency to support extended driving range
The GEOLANDAR X-CV fitment builds on existing OE wins with Lexus models such as the LX and GX550, extending the line's presence across both traditional combustion platforms and new electrified SUVs.
AI-driven tire development through HAICoLab
The GEOLANDAR X-CV for the RZ was developed using Yokohama Rubber's HAICoLab framework ("Humans and AI ColLaborate"), which combines human tire engineering expertise with AI-driven design tools. Within this environment, engineers can explore tire profiles, casing structures and tread pitch sequences that meet demanding OEM requirements for:
- Handling stability and steering response
- Reduced pattern noise and cabin quietness
- Lower rolling resistance and extended tread life
For EV applications in particular, HAICoLab enables predictive tuning of tire behavior under high load and frequent acceleration/deceleration cycles, helping OEMs align chassis, powertrain and tire performance in a more integrated way.
Advancing YX2026 strategy for high-value tires
The RZ fitment supports Yokohama Rubber's medium-term management plan, Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026), which prioritizes growing sales of high-value-added consumer tires. A key pillar of that strategy is expanding OE supply of:
- The global flagship ADVAN brand for performance and premium passenger cars
- The GEOLANDAR brand for SUVs and pickup trucks
- Specialized products for winter and large-diameter (18-inch and above) fitments
By focusing on EVs and top-tier SUV platforms, Yokohama Rubber strengthens both its technology credentials and its long-term aftermarket opportunity, as OE fitments often drive replacement demand over the life of the vehicle.
As automakers accelerate electrification across the SUV segment, this latest Lexus RZ program signals how EV-optimized tires like GEOLANDAR X-CV will become a core differentiator in ride quality, safety and energy efficiency for premium electric mobility.
Learn more about Yokohama Rubber's global tire portfolio and EV-oriented technologies at https://www.y-yokohama.com/global/.