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 ec - 02.png)
onomy 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.”
Sabrina Soussan Nominated To Succeed Reitzle As Chair Of Continental’s Supervisory Board
- By TT News
- September 20, 2025
Continental AG’s Supervisory Board is experiencing a significant transformation in the wake of its Aumovio spin-off. This restructuring involves several high-profile departures and new appointments. Stefan E Buchner resigned on 4 September 2025 to assume the role of Chairman of the Supervisory Board at the newly independent Aumovio SE. Shortly thereafter, on 17 September, Dr Gunter Dunkel also stepped down.
The most significant new appointment is that of Sabrina Soussan, who is slated to join as a shareholder representative. Subject to her anticipated formal appointment by the local court at the end of September 2025, Soussan will then be nominated for election at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on 30 April 2026. Following that meeting, the Supervisory Board is expected to elect her as its new Chairperson. She will succeed the long-serving Prof Wolfgang Reitzle, who is scheduled to conclude his 16-year tenure at the close of the 2026 meeting.
Soussan is a German-French executive with over 25 years of experience in the automotive and transport sectors. Her extensive background includes leadership roles such as CEO of Siemens Mobility, senior positions at Siemens VDO and Continental, and most recently, serving as CEO and Chair of the French SUEZ Group. She also holds a position on the Shareholders’ Committee at Henkel.
Substantial changes are also occurring among the employee representatives. Petra Hartwig, Sabine Kühn, Michael Linnartz and Nicole Werner have been nominated for appointment, which is also expected to be finalised by the court in late September. Their appointments follow the resignations of several individuals, including Christiane Benner and Dr Matthias Ebenau, who stepped down because their roles at IG Metall no longer encompass responsibility for Continental. Furthermore, the employee representatives from the spun-off automotive business have also departed.
Assuming all anticipated court appointments proceed, the reconstituted Supervisory Board will comprise a blend of continuing and new members, including Prof Reitzle until his departure, and the newly appointed representatives.
Wolfgang Reitzle, Chairman of the Continental Supervisory Board, said, “Following the successful spin-off of Aumovio, we are now paving the way for an orderly succession. In Sabrina Soussan, the Nomination Committee has secured a highly qualified candidate for this role. I look forward to working with her and the other new Supervisory Board members. I would also like to thank the departing members for their commitment during this intense phase of transformation and for many years of trusted collaboration on the board.”
Soussan said, “Being nominated to the Continental Supervisory Board is a great honour for me. I look forward to becoming part of this outstanding team and supporting the Executive Board in implementing its strategy.”
BKT Tires Appoints Paolo Mantovani As Head Of OEM Industrial & OTR Europe
- By TT News
- September 19, 2025
BKT Tires has reinforced its organisational structure with the strategic appointment of Paolo Mantovani as its Head of OEM Industrial & OTR Europe. This move signifies a key development for the European division of Balkrishna Industries Ltd as it pursues an elevated position within the global Original Equipment sector.
Mantovani is positioned to play a critical role in this expansion, leveraging his 15 years of comprehensive experience across various European tyre industry segments, including passenger vehicles, trucks, retreading and off-road machinery. His established commercial expertise and strategic insight into original equipment manufacturer requirements are anticipated to be instrumental in driving growth for BKT within the industrial and off-the-road tyre markets.
His primary responsibilities will involve implementing a defined strategy to enhance the company's OEM channel, solidifying its international presence. This will entail nurturing and expanding partnerships with equipment manufacturers, championing innovative initiatives and advancing the company's overarching objective of achieving sustainable and profitable worldwide growth.
Hankook Tyre UK Expands Truck And Bus Team With Two Key Appointments
- By TT News
- September 14, 2025
Hankook Tyre UK has expanded its Truck and Bus team with two key appointments. Jason Bloor has been appointed as National Account Manager, while Peter Hatton has been appointed as Regional Sales Manager for the combined Midlands and Northwest region.
Bloor, who will be overseeing national fleets activities, brings with him 34 years of experience in the tyre industry, while Hatton, who joined Hankook Tyre UK in May, has over three decades of expertise in the tyre and transport industry.
Chang-Yool Han, Managing Director, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “Following the opening of Hankook House, our new UK headquarters, we are pursuing ambitious growth plans for the UK market. We are delighted to welcome Jason Bloor and Peter Hatton to the team. Their extensive industry experience will undoubtedly make an immediate impact on the company’s continued success."
Bloor said, “I joined the tyre industry straight out of school in 1991 starting as a fitter where I discovered a passion for fleet management. Over the last 20 years, I have managed mileage contracts and key accounts, taking on responsibility in both sales and operations. I am excited to bring my decades of experience to Hankook and help drive brand awareness and strengthen customer relationships.”
Hatton said, “Having spent 30+ years working in the tyre and transport industry, I am privileged to be part of the Hankook UK team. The company offers an excellent range of tyre products across its premium Hankook brand and associate brand Laufenn. I look forward to applying my skills and experience in supporting both current and new customers while working alongside a brilliant team.”
CAMSO Construction Appoints Steffen Sahl As Sales Director Europe
- By TT News
- September 13, 2025
CAMSO Construction has appointed Steffen Sahl as Director of Sales for Europe. Sahl brings with him 25 years of experience in the European OTR mobility sector.
The company statement read: “With over 25 years of experience in the European OTR mobility sector, and a successful entrepreneurial journey in distribution, Steffen combines deep market insight with a customer-first mindset.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity, and I am filled with gratitude for everyone who has been part of my professional path so far. A huge thank you to my previous colleagues, mentors and teams – I carry your lessons and support with me. I am deeply honoured by the trust of the CEAT leadership, and am immensely looking forward to building on Camso's strong foundation, driving growth across European markets and collaborating with the talented team in the CEAT speciality family,” said Sahl on his appointment.
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