It all started in early 2019 for TVS Srichakra to expand and concrete its position on the international turf. The tyre company opened its research and development facility in Milan, Italy in early 2019, and then in August, TVS Tyre rebranded to TVS Eurogrip with the introduction of 19 premium tyres. Since then, the company has been aggressive in enhancing its R&D and testing capabilities and market presence globally. According to V Sivaramakrishnan, CTO, TVS Srichakra, the new brand and new product launches such as zero-degree steel-belted radials, new product lines in tubeless bias have appealed to the trade and its customers alike with increasing traction in the market.

However, TVS Srichakra’s new product launch plans did get impacted due to Covid. As the industry started seeing a revival in demand, in March 2021, TVS Eurogrip launched 11 new products which cater to a wide range, from commute to high-performance bikes as well as electric three-wheelers. This year, the Indian two-wheeler major plans to introduce more products designed and developed in the company’s R&D centre in Milan, Italy for the Indian market. More than two dozen products are in the pipeline for future catering to ‘untapped opportunities’. The company will also start its business in APAC and MEA. “Our Milan R&D centre plays a vital role in defining product target performances, product concept design, technical features and organisation of testing sessions that are held on European roads and racetracks. The Milan team and our R&D centre in Madurai work closely in defining the product specifications and technical aspects while creating new products,” said Sivaramakrishnan.

“Establishing our direct presence in developed and growing markets is an important step for us towards building Eurogrip as a strong global brand. It goes hand in hand with the research studies we’ve been conducting on new technologies, which will benefit all markets, including India. With our expertise as a manufacturer of two-wheeler tyres for over three decades, we are confident of making a mark in developed markets, and we look forward to the future growth potential,” added Sivaramakrishnan.

Its recent offering – e-Conta and e-Durapro – for e-rickshaws, according to the company, has garnered a positive response. TVS is planning to introduce a set of new tyre patterns and sizes specially designed to cater to electric two-wheelers in the coming months.

“The company focuses on its research and development efforts in continuously improving the bike and scooter performance for India and global markets. We have developed a range of high-performance radial tyres suitable for the Indian market. TVS Srichakra  is the only company in India to have the entire range of radial technology such as textile cross belted, zero degree textile and zero degree steel,” said Sivaramakrishnan. 

TVS Eurogrip is also developing a range of high performance zero degree steel- belted radial tyres  for Europe and other markets.

Bounce Back With Changes In Trends

Covid has changed the dynamics of the two-wheeler industry. After a setback last year, the motorcycle industry is bouncing back, and a complete recovery is expected in the next three years.

In the luxury travel markets, the company sees an average gradual decrease of displacement and an increase of scooter and street models. In contrast, in the utility markets, there is a gradual increase in displacement and increased models variety and segmentation.

According to the company, the utility vehicle-driven market is growing in the fast-growing economies. It is predominant by personal two-wheelers, consisting mainly of scooters, mopeds and motorcycles with low average displacement and higher average mileage for commuting purposes, whereas in luxury vehicle markets, personal two-wheelers are used for commuting and leisure purposes and as a status symbol.

“Compared to the Indian bike market, bikes in the leisure market such as the US are used mainly for free time purposes by riders with a much higher and ever-increasing average age. As a result, the leisure markets have seen reduced usage and a lower propensity to buy a replacement bike. To tackle this, bike makers are focusing on less represented groups – young people and female riders. An increasing number of manufacturers have recently released various models in 200 to 450 cc range and electric mobility. Compared to the traditional 600 to 1200 cc  markets , these midsize motorcycles are lighter, less expensive, easier to ride and on par with their bigger brothers in terms of quality, style and tech equipment. While more and more manufacturers develop and release these models for leisure markets, we expect that their availability will also reach India and other Asian markets,” said a TVS Eurogrip official.

Push For Electric Mobility

Though slower compared to the e-passenger car industry, the electric two-wheeler industry is gaining traction worldwide. Banning ICE-driven two-wheelers in coming decades, stricter regulations on pollution and improving technologies like longer battery duration and charging infrastructure will further fuel demand for electric mobility in two-wheelers.

“To get behind this moment, an increasing number of motorcycles and scooters are being launched to satisfy customers’ expectations. Alongside, traditional manufacturers are enlarging the capability to include electric vehicles. Many new players are emerging with an exclusive focus on the segment,” added the official.

Eurogrip Product Development for Global Market

To boost its international growth, TVS Srichakra is launching several new products aimed to fit vehicles and riders worldwide. In 2021, the company has launched Bee Connect and Bee City. In 2022, the company will launch the Climber XC for the off-road segment, which will target Motocross and Enduro vehicles. The company will also launch the Road Hound. These tyres will be for the sport-touring segment, which will target naked, sports and tourers. It will also launch the BEE Sports for the sport commuting segment to cover scooters and underbones. Going forward, it will target super sports, medium & big trail and cruiser & heavy tourers.

Testing Capabilities

Today, the company has test tracks in Madurai for testing handling performance and grip in wet and dry conditions on various surfaces such as asphalt, concrete etc. with different friction coefficients. It has its own indoor durability laboratory for tyres, which is capable of testing tyres up to speeds of 300 kmph, and indoor tyre characteristics laboratory, which is capable of accurately measuring tyre rolling resistance, 3-axis stiffness, tyre force and moment characteristics, footprint pressure distribution etc.

“Finite Element Methods (FEM) and Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD) are two focus areas for us, where we use internally developed methods to predict the performance of the tyre on a standalone basis using FEM and simulate driveability performance using MBD. With such simulation tools, we can get the right tread pattern, tyre construction and compound combination to deliver precision performance,” said the company CTO.

The company’s research and development activities are focused on reducing the impact on the environment and maximising performance for end customers. “We continuously explore and adopt technologies which enable us to use recycled material, biodegradable material and reduce energy consumption in tyre production. We have many patents filed in this area,” added Sivaramakrishnan. (TT)

Bridgestone will supply tailored-made tyres for Lamborghini’s Huracán STO, which will be launched in 2021.

Bridgestone ensured the high-performance tyre can maximise the Huracán STO’s traction, handling, control, and extreme overall performance.

Key to the tyre’s success in maximising the super sports car’s performance is the combination of pattern and cavity design. The Potenza tyres apply an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

As well as the road-focused, custom-developed Potenza fitment, Bridgestone will also be providing a track-oriented, road-homologated version of the tyre that applies “race” technologies to maximise the vehicle’s track performance, especially in dry conditions.

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “It’s been a pleasure for our team to work so closely with Lamborghini for the first time, and on such an exciting project. The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfill its full potential. I can proudly say that Bridgestone has delivered such a high-performance tyre. It has been fantastic for the team to have worked on a project that is at the forefront of technology in so many ways.”

Hankook, one of the major global tyre brands, has started testing and development operations at its new ultra modern facility in Spain.

The testing facility has been set up on the premises of the Applus+ IDIADA Group and can also cater to European premium car manufacturers that have their own demanding tyre tests. The facility is completely automated and will host a 20-member team from the Spanish testing centre, which is affiliated to the Hankook Europe Technical Centre.

Klaus Krause, Head of European Research and Development Centre, said, "With the further expansion of our testing capacities in Spain, we are reaching the next level together with our local partner Applus+ IDIADA."

He also added, "We are confident that the newly installed testing facilities in particular will significantly improve our efforts to provide the best tyre testing conditions and services to our employees and customers. In addition, we will also be able to conduct significantly more tests on site." (TT)

ASCENSO introduced a construction tyre - BLB 730- which is used for boom lift vehicles used in construction and other industries. It comes with several features that cater to the unique needs of aerial lifting equipment.

The BLB 730 tyre is available in different sizes to fit various boom lift vehicles. This range of sizes provides versatility and compatibility with different types of aerial lift work platforms.

“ASCENSO's BLB 730 tyre is a significant advancement in specialised equipment for the construction industry. It focuses on load capacity, stability, traction, and durability to improve the performance and safety of boom lift vehicles. Whether working at heights or manoeuvring on tough terrains, this tyre offers reliability and durability for efficient operations,” said the company in a statement.

The BLB 730 tyre is built to handle heavy loads and stabilise boom lift vehicles. It has solid lugs and a more extended shoulder design, which ensures good traction and prevents slipping during operation. This is important for safely carrying heavy weights at high elevations. ASCENSO has used a special rubber compound in making the BLB 730 tyre, making it durable and long-lasting, resulting in less downtime and more productivity on construction sites.

To make the tyre even better, the company has optimised its inner volume to reduce tyre fill consumption, reducing the risk of tyre punctures, minimising the need for maintenance, and keep the vehicles running smoothly.

Falken Tyre Europe is an official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 partner for the upcoming tournament, the company has announced. The tournament is taking place at nine venues in Sweden and Poland from 11-29 January, 2023. Falken Tyre claims that the partnership was organised by the sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is responsible for exclusive marketing and media rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

Falken Tyre claims that this is its second agreement with the International Handball Federation. In addition to title and logo rights (Official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 Partner), the company has also secured advertising rights, including the Falken logo in each goal and centre circle of the courts, as well as the presence of Falken branding in the official tournament social media communications and print materials. According to Falken Tyre, this is complemented by 30-second video ads that will be shown on the big screens in the nine sports halls before the start of each match and at half-time.

Sharing his views, Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, said, “With Falken, the IHF World Handball Championships have secured a great partner who is positioned with far-reaching influence in the relevant core markets. We are delighted to have been able to bring two global partners together for one of the most exciting sporting events of next year.”

Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, explained, “Handball isn’t just of great importance in Europe, but all over the world, which has led us to partake in this top-level tournament once again. The fact that the international tournament is taking place in countries that are among our core markets is another great reason for our involvement. We can also look back on a long partnership with our colleagues at SPORTFIVE, who always offers us excellent opportunities that are an excellent fit for the Falken brand, which stands for enthusiasm, performance and achievement.”