Apollo Tyres Seeks to Strengthen Position in TBR Segment with New Range

Leading Indian tire manufacturer, Apollo Tyres has unveiled a new range of technologically superior radial tires to strengthen its leadership position in the fast growing truck-bus radial (TBR) segment. The company also has plans to double its capacity for production of truck-bus radial tires at its manufacturing facility in Chennai. it introduced a new range of technologically superior truck-bus radial tires.

The new tires belonging to the range like Apollo EnduRace RD HD, Apollo EnduMile LHD and Apollo EnduComfort CA were unveiled at a gala event in the presence of dignitaries like Milind Soman, the winner of the Ironman title, The Great Khali, power lifter and wrestler, the company’s business partners, and its network of Fleet Operators.

Speaking at the event, Satish Sharma, President, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), Apollo Tyres Ltd, said that the new range is part of Apollo’s drive to dominate the truck-bus radial category in India. Though Apollo is a late entrant in the TBR category, the company’s range of superior tires backed by the promise of 360 degree service back-up, has helped it to reach a leadership position quite fast in this segment. With road infrastructure in India improving at a fast pace, the use of radial tires is expected to increase to 65% and above in the commercial vehicle segment in the next 4-5 years. The addition of the new range is expected to make Apollo a dominant player in the TBR segment.

The new range of tires was designed and developed at the company’s Global R&D Centre, Asia in Chennai, and performed well in extensive tests conducted in the target markets spread across the country. With the Chennai plant expected to double production of TBR tires by the third quarter of this fiscal, the company is all set to meet increased demand from the replacement market, OEs and exports.

About the new range

Apollo EnduMile LHD: This is a long haul drive tire that provides 20 per cent more mileage when compared to its predecessor and is suitable for high speed operations. It has a ventilated block design that improves heat dissipation for cooler running and an ACTO (Apollo Cord Tension Optimised) casing design that extends the life of the tire by making it more durable and can support multiple retreads. The use of the superior mileage compound and the optimised contact pressure patch are the two factors that make the tire more durable.

Apollo EnduRace RD HD: This is a regional drive tyre with ACTO (Apollo Cord Tension Optimised) Casing. It has been reinforced with 25% higher strength in the Belt & Body Ply and also has stronger sidewalls, making it ideal for heavyduty applications. Heat dissipation is higher due to the open and wide tread design resulting in faster turnaround. The hexagonal tread block design with tie-bars gives the tire higher resistance to irregular wear.

Apollo EnduComfort CA: This all-wheel pattern tire is meant specifically for luxury coaches. The optimized contact pressure and balanced rubber mass distribution with new age compound provides excellent handling (comfort) and mileage. The special tread design reduces in-cabin noise too.