Apollo Tyres to launch Vredestein tires in India

Apollo Tyres plans to launch Vredestein tires in India. The brand's lightweight radial tires are reportedly set to hit the country's market this year in sizes from R16 to R20.

“We are working to launch local production of Vredestein brand tires so that we can offer locally produced Apollo and Vredestein tires for the premium segment, primarily for Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW,” Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Apollo Tyres said in August Neeraj Kanwar.

Vredestein tires were introduced by Apollo Tyres in India back in 2013, but so far they have been imported into the country from Europe. Apollo Tyres is changing its strategy against the backdrop of the Indian government restricting tire imports to the country.

“In fact, our new strategy is related to the restrictions on tire imports,” said Niraj Kanwar. “A significant share of imports comes from the premium segment of the market, which is now open to us.” According to him, the level of the Indian factories of the company allows them to produce tires of the Vredestein brand.

Apollo Tyres also intends to import Vredestein passenger car tires produced in India to other markets in Asia, including Thailand and Dubai, as well as southern Africa.

The locally produced Vredestein range of tires will be available in India in the coming months. It will include frame sizes R16 to R20.