Indian launch for Apollo’s ‘4G’ range

Apollo Tyres unveiled the first of its fourth generation, or 4G tyres at the Geneva motor show in March 2012, and since the release of the Aspire 4G it has introduced further products into this latest generation line-up in Europe. Now the Indian tyre maker is releasing three 4G ranges in its domestic market, and it intends to use these to increase its share of India’s replacement passenger car tyre market.

Speaking at a product presentation at the Zaandvoort Circuit in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Neeraj Kanwar, vice-chairman & managing director, Apollo Tyres Ltd stated: “These tyres are a result of cross-geography collaboration between our R&D, manufacturing and sales & marketing teams in India and Europe. In line with Apollo’s commitment towards customer’s safety, the R&D team has given extra attention to the safety aspect of these tyres. To keep up with the introduction of newer and bigger cars in India, we would be adding ten to twelve new products in the passenger vehicle category in the next two years.” 

In the past year, Apollo’s market share in the Indian passenger car tyre replacement segment has increased from 13.5 per cent to 16 per cent. With the introduction of these new tyres, Apollo plans to increase its market share further. “We are the largest producers of passenger vehicle tyres in India with a capacity of approx 35,000 tyres per day,” commented Satish Sharma, chief, India Operations, Apollo Tyres Ltd, “With the addition of three new passenger vehicle tyres to our portfolio, which will cater to cars starting from an [Maruti Suzuki] Alto to an Audi A4, we are working towards gaining the leadership position in this category as well.” 

Apollo describes its 4G products as having “a minimalistic design to cater to superior handling in wet and dry conditions; shorter braking distance and low noise.” It says the tyres’ wide outer shoulders with narrow intermediate grooves lead to better contact for dry handling. “These tyres have reduced aquaplaning and enhanced grip in wet conditions,” the tyre maker writes in a statement announcing the products’ Indian launch. “The centre rib which is optimised for stiffness, lends higher steering precision. Apollo’s 4G range of tyres easily and precisely respond to any unexpected steering corrections, providing maximum driving safety. The unique mix of raw materials ensures maximum traction and shorter braking distances on wet and dry surfaces. These tyres have been extensively tested at IDIADA, Spain and ATP Papenburg, Germany, with some excellent results.”

Aspire 4G 

This UHP tyre has been introduced in India with W and Y speed ratings and is available in 16 and 17-inch sizes. The Aspire 4G is targeted towards the growing premium and luxury cars segment in India, such as the Mercedes C & E Class, BMW 5 series, Audi A4, Honda Accord and Volkswagen Passat. 

Apollo Alnac 4G 

This new high performance tyre is designed for mid-size and executive car segments in India and will be available in V and H speed ratings 15 and 16-inch sizes, suited for cars like Hyundai Verna & Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Skoda Superb, Chevrolet Cruze and Renault Fluence. 

Amazer 4G 

This T speed-rated standard tyre is available in 12 to 14-inch rim diameter sizes. This tyre is targeted towards cars in the mini, compact and premium compact segments in India, such as the Maruti Suzuki Alto, Hyundai Santro, Hyundai Accent, Tata Indica, Volkswagen Polo & Vento and Swift Dzire.