Asymmetric UHP Tyre From Apollo

Apollo Tyres Ltd has launched the Apollo Acelere Sportz – a premium V-speed rated tubeless car radial for the rapidly-growing range of premium and luxury cars. Acelere Sportz is India’s first complete range of asymmetric tyres, incorporating many performance, aesthetic, fuel efficiency and safety features.

This premium tyre can be fitted to a wide range of sedans and is an addition to the growing Acelere range of tubeless tyres, catering to the new generation of automobiles on Indian roads. Currently, Apollo commands a 15 per cent share of the tubeless radial market, and, with Acelere Sportz this is expected to grow to 20 per cent in a year’s time.

At a press conference in Mumbai, Mr Neeraj R S Kanwar, Joint Managing Director & COO, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said: “The only way the man on the street will identify with us is as a leader. And that’s the way we intend keeping it, by bringing in newer products that address our customer’s growing needs. Sportz is a high-end, technologically superior tyre, which will enable us to further consolidate our leadership position. The product has been tested extensively at the ATP in Papenberg, Germany, against others in the same category, with results that make us proud to have developed this on our own. While India will be the key market, Acerele Sportz will also be available to the demanding European customer.”

The Apollo Acelere Sportz’s asymmetric tread has three distinct zones which ensure best performance in varying road conditions. The outer zone of chunky blocks maximises dry traction and surer cornering. The deep grooves down the centre of the tyre ensure fast drainage of water from the contact patch, enhancing stability and driveability under wet conditions. The third zone provides excellent grip in wet conditions increasing traction, cornering and handling.

The eco-friendly silica compound used in the Acelere Sportz also contributes to a lower rolling resistance, translating directly into increased fuel efficiency. The tyre also has a rim protector that helps extend the life of alloy wheels by guarding them from damage on kerbs and sharp corners.

The Sportz will be marketed through a select number of Apollo Tyres’ exclusive channel partners in India and it will be backed by an advertising campaign – “Break The Pattern” – in print, television and the Internet, revolving around the theme of being unconventional, asymmetric and still completely in tune with its point of contact.

Apollo Tyres entered into the passenger car radial (PCR) tyre market as recently as 2000 with its Amazer XL brand – popularly known as the Long-Playing Radials. In 2004, Apollo introduced the first H speed rated tubeless Acelere range, followed by the superior Hawkz range of 4×4 all-terrain tyres. With a negligible share of the PCR market in the year 2000, by the end of FY 2005-06, Apollo Tyres had captured a 15 per cent market share. In terms of exports, the latest ATMA figures of April-July 2006 show that Apollo has a commanding 48 per cent of the Indian passenger car tyre exports. In the near future, the company plans to follow this high-profile launch with yet another premium ultra-high performance tyre for the discerning car user.