Apollo Tyres recently opened its first two-wheeler tyre manufacturing unit in India to cater to growing demand for the premium two-wheeler bikes. In an interview, Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman & MD, Apollo Tyres, spoke on the new plant and growth in the premium bike segment and the company’s readiness for the premium two-wheeler tyre market..

With the opening of its two-wheeler manufacturing facility, Apollo Tyres aims at having a “strong foothold” in the premium segment of two-wheeler tyres, which is the comparatively high-value and highly profitable segment, India.

With having a vision of to be a premier tyre company with a diversified and multinational presence, Apollo Tyres manufactures and supplies a wide range of tyres for trucks and buses, light trucks, passenger vehicles, off-highway vehicles and two-wheelers.

“We are known for offering technologically advanced products to our consumers in all the categories. Getting into the premium biking segment was a natural progression for us,” said Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman & MD, Apollo Tyres. 

With the new facility, Apollo Tyres now plans to have a strong foothold in premium motorcycle tyre market in India. Despite being a late entrant, Apollo Tyre has already grabbed a 7% market share in the replacement market in the two-wheeler tyre space due to a best-in-class and high-technology product portfolio.

The new two-wheeler tyre manufacturing unit is located within Apollo Tyres’ Limda plant in Vadodara, Gujarat, which has an initial capacity to produce 30,000 motorcycle radials and 60,000 cross-ply motorcycle tyres per month.  With a modular layout of the facility, the capacity can be replicated easily, as the demand increases.

“We now have a global portfolio of high-end bias and steel radial tyres for two-wheelers, which will be produced at our highly advanced and futuristic facility in Vadodara, Gujarat,” added Kanwar.

Apollo Tyres, in 2016, entered the two-wheeler tyre business by launching India’s first zero-degree steel radial tyres, a global gold standard for motorcycle tyres, and now commands a double-digit market share in this segment. “Being a late entrant into the two-wheeler tyre space, we wanted to create an impact in the market. In under four years, we have built an entire range for Indian and European market, grown at a CAGR of 35%, catered to market with a new last-mile distributor model and built a grounds-up connect with the biking community through our multiple brand initiatives,” said Kanwar.

Apollo Tyres is looking at selling our two-wheeler tyres from the Vadodara facility to all market segments, including exports. “In fact, we already have shipped the first consignment from this facility for the European market,” added Kanwar.

Premium bike segment

The premium bike segment, which constitutes nearly 20% of the motorcycle market in India, is the fastest growing one. According to a TechSci research report, the Indian premium motorcycles market is projected to reach $ 161 million by 2023, on account of rising Y Generation population and per capita income, and availability of a wide array of premium motorcycle models and easy financing options. The report also added that increasing number of CKD and SKD units, the launch of newer and advanced premium motorcycle brands and models, rising popularity of superbike clubs and communities, and increasing biking culture are among the key factors expected to drive the country’s premium motorcycles market in the coming years.

“India also is the largest market for two-wheelers, and it still has headroom for further growth. In the current pandemic era as well, there is the demand coming in as people are moving away from shared and public transport and gradually moving to own a personal vehicle, including a two-wheeler, further driving the demand for tyres in this category,” said Kanwar.

Though many tyre companies are betting high on the premium tyre segment, commuting bikes will continue to dominate the market. According to Kanwar, the economy segment bikes still drive volumes for Apollo Tyres’ two-wheeler tyre business. Instead of looking at this segment as a commodity business, the company caters to the segment with multiple product offerings according to various markets in India. “We have seen emerging trends in this segment like the rapid rise of delivery and courier services and have built specialised offerings for this space as well,” said Kanwar.

Along with having a leading position in India, Apollo Tyres is also expanding its business in the challenging and advanced automotive markets in Europe and the Americas. Apart from having five manufacturing plants- Chennai, Perambra, Limda, Kalamassery and most recently, Chittoor- in India, the company has established two manufacturing plants outside of India – The Netherlands and Hungary.

Having global R&D centres in India and Europe give distinctive advantages to Apollo Tyres to caters to all segments. Both R&D teams use their collaborative experience to come up with technologically advanced products for the premium bikes. “Entering the two-wheeler segment in 2016, we used the global knowhow, to come out with zero-degree steel-belted radials in 2018, a global gold standard for motorcycle tyres,” said Kanwar.

 Apollo Tyres has used the concept of ‘design to delivery’ while setting up this two-wheeler tyre facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. Most of the equipment used are special purpose machines, which have been conceptualised in-house and converted to reality.

However, the competition in the two-wheeler tyre segment in India is very high, and few companies have dominated the segment. The segment is expected to be more crowded with new entrants. Apollo Tyres has set its focus on the premium segment of two-wheelers, which is 20% of the entire two-wheelers while supplying to the mass market segment. “We are looking at servicing this segment with our zero-degree steel belted radials and high-end bias tyres. Our strategy is to build the brand and create a pull for our products across categories. We have been actively engaging with several biking communities and enthusiastic and passionate riders,” explained Kanwar.

In FY 2020, in the two-wheeler segment, the company launched 17 new SKUs for the higher premium bikes and scooters and extended its steel radial portfolio with the launch of two new SKUs – Alpha S1 140/60 R17 and 130/70 R17. For its two-wheeler business, the company executed the Alpha sustenance campaign earlier in 2020 to make it one of the most viewed brands by the end of the campaign.

Talking on the recent imposition in Chinese tyres, Kanwar said, “We are definitely better placed than before.”

Hyderabad-based manufacturer targets 2 million monthly units within five years

In recent years, Hyderabad-based ARL Tyres has proven to be a versatile and innovative player with ambitious strategic goals. From providing specialised rubber items to the Indian military to creating innovative solutions for the emerging electric vehicle segment, ARL Tyres has shown remarkable resilience since its inception as a family enterprise in 1983.

With production levels now crossing 150,000 units per month and ambitious goals to reach two million units per month in five years, ARL is placing itself at the cusp of conventional industrial manufacturing and future mobility solutions. Its recent appearance at the Ride Asia EV Expo showcased the company’s wide range of products and its dedication to supporting India’s developing transportation infrastructure with niche products such as Smart Tyres and terrain-specific Mud Master range.

Hyderabad-based ARL Tyres, a division of Agarwal Rubber Limited, recently showcased its products, including tyres and tubes, at the Ride Asia EV Expo held at Bharat Mandapam this year. The company has established itself as a trusted partner for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. It offers a comprehensive range of products, including tyres for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs). It is also known for manufacturing Smart Tyres.

Growth Plans

The types of tyres being produced at this company include those for ultra-light trucks, two-wheelers, forklifts, tractors and light trucks. The company manufactures approximately 12,000 tyres daily at its production facility, selling across different areas of the country due to a 400-strong network of exclusive dealers.

According to Gautam Ghosh, Head-West Zone at ARL Tyres, “We are very optimistic about tyre sales in 2025 as there is tremendous potential in the EV sector. So far, in 2025, we have been averaging close to 150,000 units per month. Expect us to touch 0.2 to 0.25 million units a month by the end of this year.”

Continuing the expansion plan, the company intends to touch at least two million monthly units in five years. This growth is supported by its extensive network of exclusive dealers distributed across various regions of India.

Technical Expertise and Manufacturing Capabilities

In 2000, ARL Tyres gathered in-depth knowledge about all the major tyre technologies, manufacturing processes and industry standards. Apart from tyres, this ISO 9001:2015-certified company is also known for manufacturing high-quality flaps, envelopes, curing bags, bladders and butyl tubes.

Today, the company boasts an ultra-modern tube manufacturing unit that produces roughly 50,000 high-grade butyl rubber automotive tubes. While the range begins with two-wheeler sizes, it also extends to the aviation and OTR (Off-The-Road) sectors

Defence Sector Connection

Since 1996, ARL’s technical expertise in rubber has enabled it to supply tubes to the Indian defence sector. The durability and performance of its products have made ARL a preferred OEM supplier for the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited), and HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited).

Products for E3W Segment

For the electric three-wheeler market, which includes auto-rickshaws (passenger and commercial) and e-rickshaws, ARL offers both tube-type and tubeless tyres in sizes 4.00-12 and 4.50-12. The company markets two brands for this vehicle category: the Savera and the Xtreme.

According to the company, individuals should choose the Savera for its performance, safety, and durability on urban and semi-urban roads. Its non-skid Depth (NSD) ranges from 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm, which gives it good grip and safety. It would be useful as a passenger and cargo tyre.

On the other hand, ARL Xtreme is a tube-type tyre that optimises long-lasting performance, grip and safety on various roads. It differs from the Savera in terms of design and safety. Unlike the Savera, an NSD of 9mm is available here. Engineers at ARL have created a stylish design for the Xtreme that balances aesthetics and functionality with advanced technology.

Global Reach and Partnerships

Beyond the domestic market, ARL exports its products to more than 60 countries worldwide. Over the years, ARL Tyres has forged a few partnerships with top brands and continues to do so. For example, the company partnered with Chandu Champion, cheered India at the Paris Olympics through its ‘Jeet ki Aur’ campaign, and sponsored RCB during IPL 2025.

Innovative Offerings

Among its unique propositions, ARL offers OEM test drives with new tyres at specific locations, allowing auto manufacturers to fine-tune vehicle designs according to tyres and provide targeted inputs. It also sells Smart Tyres with scientific tread designs for efficient movement. The cross sipes on these tyres differ greatly from regular tyres and help grip wet and muddy surfaces. Instead of relying on vehicle technologies, these tyres are themselves available with real-time monitoring capabilities.

Company History and Client Base

ARL was founded as a family business in 1983 and became a tyre manufacturing company. Mobility companies such as Maa Luxmi India and Ferranza Electric Vehicle Private Limited, which were present at the Ride Asia Expo EV, are clients of ARL, as are the OEM manufacturers Omaha, Arel and Yakuza. While ARL’s trials for the Thukral Electric Bike have already commenced, the dispatches have not yet begun.

The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has promoted Stella Mathioudaki to Director, Product Stewardship & Sustainability of the association.

Mathioudaki has a PhD in Physics – Materials Science from Université de Namur and has been associated with ETRMA since November 2023, working in the capacity of Senior Manager – Materials Stewardship. Before joining ETRMA, she worked as Senior Chemicals Policy Consultant at Acumen Public Affairs. Mathioudaki will spearhead important projects on tyre sustainability, including recycling, retreading and the wider shift to a circular economy, in addition to supervising the industry's efforts on responsible material usage and regulatory compliance in her new position at ETRMA.

Radar Tires announced the appointment of Casey Hill as Territory Sales Manager for North America, bolstering the company’s leadership team as it continues its market expansion strategy.

Hill brings more than ten years of sales leadership experience to the role, where responsibilities will include strengthening brand presence, enhancing sales performance and developing strategic initiatives across regional markets.

The appointment comes amidst what industry analysts describe as a particularly competitive period in the North American tyre market, with manufacturers vying for greater market share through enhanced dealer networks and customer-focused innovations.

“We’re excited to welcome Casey to the Radar Tires family," said Rob Montasser, Vice President of Radar Tire, North America. "Casey's proven success in sales leadership and innovative strategy development aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional, affordable products to our customers. We're confident that Casey's expertise will be instrumental in further strengthening Radar Tires’ footprint across North America."

Before joining Radar, Hill specialised in team mentorship, performance metrics development and customised client solutions, consistently driving sales teams to exceed targets whilst building strong industry relationships.

“I am honoured to join the Radar brand and to help in the growth of Radar Tires in North America,” said Hill. “I am passionate about creating value through strong partnerships and helping independent tyre dealers to grow their business profitably. I look forward to building on Radar Tires’ legacy of innovation and excellence.”

Titan International, a major global manufacturer of wheels and tyres for off-highway equipment, has secured expanded production rights for the Goodyear brand across multiple segments while renewing its existing farm tyre licensing agreement.

The deal extends Titan’s Goodyear brand manufacturing rights to include light construction, industrial, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), lawn and garden and golf tyre categories, significantly broadening the company's market reach.

The Illinois-based firm will continue to produce agricultural tyres under the Goodyear Farm Tyres brand, maintaining its presence in a sector where it manufactures products ranging from small implement tyres to the massive Goodyear Optitrac LSW1400/30R46, which features the company's proprietary Low Sidewall Technology.

"We are excited to expand our rights into new segments, as this positions us to serve our customers better and seize emerging market opportunities. Our research and product development teams are already working on new tyre designs incorporating innovative tyre technologies for the lawn and garden segment," said Paul Reitz, President & CEO of Titan International, Inc. "In addition to our newly acquired rights, we are reaffirming our commitment to the farm tyres segment, a vital part of our business."

Industry analysts note the expansion comes as demand for specialised off-highway tyres remains robust across construction, agriculture and recreational sectors despite broader economic headwinds.

Strategic growth initiative

The licensing expansion aligns with Titan's strategy to offer comprehensive wheel and tyre solutions across forestry, powersports, outdoor power equipment, agricultural, earthmoving, and light construction markets throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa and Oceania.

The company did not disclose the financial terms of the licensing agreement with Goodyear.

Titan International has manufactured Goodyear-branded farm tyres since 2005, when it acquired Goodyear's North American farm tyre business. It has gradually expanded these rights to other regions, including Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Russia, and Australia.