Although radial tyres are increasing their share of India’s light commercial vehicle sector, Apollo Tyres points out that around 165,000 cross-ply/bias light commercial tyres are sold throughout India every month. The tyre maker states it is “looking to get a share of this market” and has thus introduced a new cross-ply range, Apollo Bhim. It is offering two SKUs and says these will cater to nearly 80 per cent of the market in this segment.
A further 25 new dimensions are joining the Vredestein all-season tyre portfolio in response to fast-growing demand for these products. These fitments for 15- to 22-inch rim diameters expand three ranges, the Vredestein Quatrac line for compact and family cars and SUVs, Quatrac Pro for high-performance cars and SUVs and Comtrac 2 all-season+ for commercial vehicles.
Hankook Tire and Apollo Tyres are the latest tyre manufacturers to align their natural rubber procurement policies with the framework adopted by the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) in September 2020. Indian firm Apollo has released its first natural rubber policy document, while South Korea’s Hankook has updated the policy it introduced in 2018. Earlier this week, Yokohama Rubber announced it had altered its natural rubber procurement policy to accommodate the GPSNR policy framework.
Vredestein is chuffed that its Quatrac is joint winner of the latest Autozeitung all-season tyre test. The Vredestein tyre tied for first place in the test of nine 205/55 R16 all-season tyres, and was also named Autozeitung’s price-performance recommendation.
Apollo Tyres (UK) has appointed a new specialist to oversee sales of its growing off-highway tyres (OHT) range and support existing and new customers. Darren Longstaff becomes Apollo Tyres’ OHT Specialist and brings over 35 years of experience in the tyre industry.
Apollo Tyres reported substantially improved key results at the start of its new financial year, which runs from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022. The Indian tyre maker, owner of the Vredestein brand since 2009, reported a 59.5 per cent increase in sales during the three months to 30 June.
Apollo Tyres is launching its first coach tyre, the all-new EnduComfort CA. It says the tyre “delivers premium levels of mileage, durability and all-weather grip” as well as “superior standards of comfort for passengers and drivers.” The Apollo EnduComfort CA is available in size 295/80 R22.5.
Apollo Tyres Europe has launched an all-new truck trailer tyre, the new EnduRace RT2. This second-generation range builds on the success of the EnduRace RT predecessor, and Apollo says it “provides excellent all-weather performance, reduced rolling resistance, and enhanced mileage and durability,” representing a “premium yet affordable solution for truck operators.” The tyre maker has also introduced a new generation regional drive axle fitment.
The Hyundai Alcazar was launched recently on Apollo Apterra Cross tyres. Within few months of its launch, Apollo Apterra Cross has been chosen as the standard fitment tyre for the Hyundai Alcazar in 18-inch tyre size. This is also the first OE fitment approval received for Apterra Cross tyres, which was launched in March this year.
Apollo Tyres Ltd has unveiled a new corporate identity and vision “Driving Progress, Together”, which is designed to set the company’s course for the next five years. As the parent company for both the Apollo and Vredestein tyre brands commented in a statement: “Apollo Tyres Ltd is committed to bringing together a global community and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, that powers innovation to transport, both its business and society forward.”
Several days ago, Apollo Tyres informed the BSE stock exchange regarding the temporary closure of its Perambra factory in India’s Kerala state. The company said it had paused production in Perambra and closed the facility in order to comply with the current pandemic situation and directives issued by local authorities. The tyre maker reports that the plant will remain closed until 23 May.
Apollo Tyres has recorded strong growth in the fourth quarter of its 2020/21 financial year (April 2020 to March 2021). Consolidated revenues from global operations grew 39 per cent to close at 50.26 billion rupees (£486 million – all conversions based on rates on 14 May) in quarter four. For the full year of FY21, it grew 6 per cent to close at 173.97 billion rupees (£1.68 billion). Apollo reports that operating profit (EBITDA excluding other income) was up 70 per cent in Q4, while for the full year, it was up 44 per cent.
Apollo Tyres aims to gain a foothold in the North American commercial vehicle market with tyres produced at its plants in Europe and India. The roll-out of commercial vehicle tyres in the USA and Canada follows the introduction of a comprehensive passenger vehicle range, but this time the tyre maker will market its products under the Apollo brand rather than as Vredestein tyres. Apollo Tyres says the launches of both ranges have been preceded by years of in-market research and planning.
Following the inaugural edition in Goa two years back as well as thousands of smaller editions in different locations over the last 24 months, Apollo Tyres’ #BadRoadBuddies concept returns in a digital format. Since most of the activations have moved to the virtual space, the company has also chosen to build the community of enthusiasts online and is opening this event to SUV owners/drivers and the two-wheeler riders, who enjoy drives during the weekend or on leisure/adventure trips.
Apollo Vredestein is enhancing its European agricultural tyre production activities at its Enschede factory in the Netherlands by bringing a new 104-inch tyre press into service in mid-March. The newly-installed tyre press will mainly produce tractor tyres for the XL segment (up to 2.30 metres in diameter and weighing up to 550 kg), products suitable for tractors between 200 and 500 hp. The tyre maker says the commissioning of the press represents a “significant increase in capacity” for this tyre segment.
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