Nexen supplied tires for Baidu's robotaxi

Nexen Tire has announced that it supplies tires for the Baidu Apollo RT6 robotaxi, which has started operating in Wuhan, China. The RT6 is a level 4 autonomous electric crossover, and there are currently around 500 vehicles in use in Wuhan, with the number expected to double by the end of the year.

The Apollo RT6 is equipped with Nexen Roadian GTX tires, which are specifically designed for SUVs and, according to the manufacturer, combine improved braking performance and snow capability with increased comfort and durability. In particular, the tread pattern has been optimized for even load distribution, reducing the likelihood of sudden skidding and improving safety on various road surfaces, from dry asphalt to snow.

Nexen first began collaborating with foreign automakers in 2012, and in 2016, it started supplying tires for Porsche. The Korean brand's current list of partners includes, for example, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Volkswagen, and others. Additionally, the company recently announced that it is developing tires for the new versions of the Dodge Charger and Challenger, "true symbols of the American automotive industry," as well as the Jeep Recon and Cherokee crossovers.

At present, Nexen equips a total of 115 vehicle models under 29 brands, and the company emphasizes its intention to further develop partnerships with automakers through the development of tires using artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies.