Vredestein, a brand under Apollo Tyres, has launched new 21/22 inch tyres specifically designed for premium SUVs. This introduction comes as India’s SUV market continues to mirror global growth trends, driven by a surge in demand for luxury and super-luxury vehicles.
The Indian SUV segment has seen a remarkable 50.4% growth between 2019 and 2023, according to Apollo Tyres. This growth is reflected in the FY24 sales data from JATO Dynamics India, which shows a 20.5% increase in luxury car sales, with seven luxury carmakers selling 45,311 units, up from 37,615 units in FY23.
While the Indian market has seen many SUVs being manufactured locally by brands like Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW Group, Lamborghini, and Porsche, the challenge for owners has been finding suitable replacement tyres due to the 2020 ban on tyre imports by the Indian government. This ban led to a supply-demand mismatch, often forcing consumers to rely on older, imported tyres with no warranties.
To address this, Apollo Tyres offers a range of 16-18 inch tyres under the Vredestein Pinza brand and has now expanded its offerings with the Ultrac Vorti tyres for premium SUVs. These new 21/22 inch tyres cater to high-end models such as the Lamborghini Urus, Mercedes-Benz G Wagen, Aston Martin DBX, Porsche Macan, and Range Rover Sport.
The development of these large-sized tyres involved significant engineering challenges, requiring advanced technology and extensive testing to meet global standards. Apollo’s R&D centers in Chennai and Europe played crucial roles in this process. The tyres underwent rigorous testing in diverse conditions, including high speeds and varying noise levels, to ensure optimal performance.
The Vredestein Pinza HT tyres are designed with features like Silent Groove and multi-pitch technology for quieter operation, stone ejectors, and a three-ply triplex casing for enhanced durability. The fifth-generation polymer blends used in these tyres offer outstanding wet weather stability and increased tread stiffness. The design and development have also been influenced by renowned automobile designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, adding a touch of signature style.
Pricing for the new Vredestein Ultrac Vorti tyres is competitive, ranging between ₹30,000 and ₹40,000, with an unprecedented warranty package and free replacements if faults are found. The Pinza range is priced between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000, offering an attractive option for the aftermarket.
Apollo Tyres organized a hands-on experience of the Vredestein Ultrac on a racetrack and the Pinza H/T tyres on off-road trails. Performance SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, GLS, and BMW X5 M showcased the tyres’ grip and handling on the CoASTT High Performance Centre track in Coimbatore, while the Toyota Fortuner demonstrated their road capabilities. Off-road trails tested the tyres’ traction and durability with vehicles like the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max V-Cross.
This launch marks a significant step forward in meeting the demands of premium SUV owners in India, providing them with reliable, high-performance tyres that are locally manufactured and tailored to Indian conditions.
