Zhongce Rubber Boosting China's EV OEM

On March 23, Zhongce Rubber issued a voluntary disclosure announcement, stating that its 255/50R20 (ARISUN 1 EV Star) and 265/45R21 (ARISUN 1 EV Star) tires have officially become original equipment tires for the Wenjie M6 model.

This cooperation marks another significant breakthrough for domestic tire manufacturers in the high-end new energy vehicle original equipment market, and also demonstrates the continuous improvement of domestic tire companies in technological research and development and product quality.

The announcement shows that, to date, Zhongce Rubber has delivered approximately RMB 1.3 million worth of goods to the Wenjie M6 model. According to the company's 2024 annual report, this delivery value accounts for only 0.033% of the company's total operating revenue of RMB 39.255 billion that year, a very small percentage, and will not have a significant impact on the company's operating performance in the short term.

However, from an industry perspective, the significance of this cooperation goes far beyond short-term revenue; it lies in breaking the monopoly of foreign tire manufacturers in the high-end new energy vehicle original equipment market and driving domestic tire manufacturers to continuously advance towards high-end and intelligent technologies.

As one of the leading new energy vehicle brands in China, the Wenjie series boasts a strong presence in the high-end market thanks to its advanced intelligent configurations and outstanding product strength, placing extremely stringent requirements on the quality and performance of its original equipment components.

Zhongce Rubber's two products were successfully selected, primarily due to its technological accumulation and product innovation capabilities in the new energy tire field. It is understood that both tires are from Zhongce Rubber's Chaoyang No. 1 EV series, specifically designed for new energy vehicles. This series utilizes a Hybrid Formula rubber compound and high-silica filler material, balancing quietness, energy efficiency, and safety.

Addressing the characteristics of new energy vehicles—heavy weight and high instantaneous torque—this tire series has undergone targeted optimization. By incorporating Soundbolt noise reduction technology and built-in polyurethane sound-absorbing cotton, it significantly reduces tire noise, achieving an interior noise level as low as 51.4 decibels at a constant speed of 60 km/h, fully meeting the quietness requirements of electric vehicles.

Simultaneously, it employs a new energy-specific low rolling resistance compound, reducing rolling resistance by 12% compared to ordinary tires, which can help increase the vehicle's range by 3%–5%, effectively alleviating range anxiety for drivers. Furthermore, the reinforced tire carcass design can withstand the high loads of electric vehicles, reducing uneven tread wear and balancing durability and safety.

In recent years, my country's new energy vehicle industry has developed rapidly, with the demand for high-end new energy vehicles continuing to rise. However, the original equipment tire market has long been dominated by foreign brands such as Michelin and Continental.

Data shows that before 2023, foreign brands held 72% of the domestic electric vehicle tire market share, while domestic tires were mostly concentrated in the low-to-mid-end replacement market. As domestic tire companies increase their R&D investment and overcome core technology bottlenecks, this pattern is gradually changing.

Zhongce Rubber, a leading domestic tire company, has been continuously promoting its high-end strategy since launching its flagship Chaoyang No. 1 tire in 2020, gradually entering the new energy vehicle market. By 2025, sales of the Chaoyang No. 1 series tires have exceeded 7 million units, achieving a market role transformation from aftermarket replacement to original equipment.

This time, the tire is being fitted to the Wenjie M6, which is another important achievement of its high-end strategy and provides a valuable development path for domestic tire companies to explore the high-end new energy vehicle original equipment market.

Industry insiders say that the penetration of domestically produced tires into the high-end new energy vehicle OEM market reflects both continuous improvement in technology and quality, and aligns with the development trend of self-reliance and control over my country's new energy vehicle supply chain.

With the Wenjie M6 set to officially launch in April, if sales meet expectations, Zhongce Rubber's OEM supply is expected to further increase. Simultaneously, it can leverage Wenjie's brand influence to enhance its recognition in the high-end market.