The Indian multinational tyre manufacturing giant is set to launch locally produced Vredestein tyres, which they acquired in 2009. The company has planned to manufacture Vredestein tyres in their own plants located in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Apollo Tyres have set target segments such as premium 4-wheelers and super bikes that will be catered by the Vredestein brand
Apollo tyres have decided to strengthen their product profile by introducing indigenously manufactured Vredestein tyres. Apollo acquired the Netherlands based tyre manufacturing brand from the then bankrupt Russian tyre manufacturing giant Amtel-Vredestein NV in 2009.
Apollo had previously launched the Vredestein brand in Indian market in 2013 as a pilot project. Later, after gauging the response, the company decided to postpone the launch plans.
Commenting on the launch, Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Apollo Tyres said that Indian automobile market has witnessed a significant growth in the premium, and luxury 4-wheeler segments as well as in the superbiking segment. The company thus decided to launch the Vredestein brand for Indian customers.
Sharing his views, Satish Sharma, President Apollo Tyres, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) said that import restrictions on tyres also played a pivotal role for the company on decision to bring in the locally manufactured Vredestein brand of tyres into India for high-end cars and motorcycles. Speaking about sales volume, Mr. Sharma said that the company is expecting to capitalise on 30% market share of targeted segments in the next two years.
Vredestein, which is known for its high-quality tyres, will be launched in the 15- to 20-inch size for the passenger vehicle segment. The locally manufactured Vredestein tyres will carry signature touch of renowned automobile designers such as Gioregetto Giugiaro, and Frascoli Design house for 4-wheelers and 2-wheelers respectively.
Under the Vredestein brand, the Ultrac Vorti series of tyres would cater to premium luxury sedans such as Mercedes, BMW, Audi, etc.
The Ultrac Vorti series would also serve the premium sedan and hatchback segments which supports the vechiles like Honda City, Suzuki Ciaz, Suzuki Baleno etc. Centauro NS and ST series of tyres specially designed for 2-wheelers will cater to the entire sport touring and super sports range of motorcycles like BMW Motorad, Ducati, Aprilia, Triumph, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha.
Initially, the Vredestein tyres would be made available in 18 cities pan India through Apollo’s existing network and expand to 25 locations in the coming years. The company is expected to consider setting up special counters for the Vredestein brand down the road. Initially, Apollo Tyres will sell Vredestein tyres in the replacement market, and will later associate with global OEMs to have Vredestein ultra-high performance tyres as OE fitment.