Apollo Tyres says it is in “quite advanced” development stages with several OEs as the Indian producer continues its push into European markets.
The manufacturer embarked on its European strategy last year, aiming to build on its 20%-25% OE market share in India, where it supplies Ford, Hyundai, General Motors, Renault and Toyota, while it also works with Honda on “several continents.”
Go deeper with GlobalData
Apollo has a relatively short history of just ten years with OEs, but is now eyeing Europe with a view to a new drive and will use its sponsorship of Manchester United for example.
“Last year we decided to deploy an establishment of an OE function in Europe,” Apollo Tyres chief marketing officer global, Marco Paracciani told just-auto at the recent Geneva International Motor Show.
“Right now we are in quite advanced development stages with several of the European-based OEs starting with the Volkswagen Group, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, Mercedes and BMW. We decided to approach the OEs also with our Vredestein [high performance] brand.
“To support OE penetration in Europe, we have set up R&D capabilities in the region. Also from a marketing set-up, we have continued to invest behind both brands.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData“We have two brands that work in parallel; Vredestein has a lot of credibility and very solid awareness particularly in Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavia. Apollo is new to the market and we continue to invest in the brand.”
Apollo Tyres posted turnover of US$2.2bn last year and employs around 16,000 staff around the world.
Its largest unit is in Limda in the Western Indian State of Gujarat, while two other sites are in Kerala, with a fourth near Chennai and the four plants having an output of 1,400t per day.
The product portfolio spans passenger cars, SUVs, MUVs, light trucks, truck-buses, agriculture, industrial, speciality, bicycles and off-the-road tyres as well as retreading material.
Apart from Apollo and Vredestein, other brands include Regal, Kaizen (truck-bus tyres), Maloya
(passenger car), DuraTyres (retreaded tyres) and DuraTread (retreading material).
Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa contribute 62% to consolidated revenue, while Europe and the Americas are 38%.
Exports are to more than 100 countries from India and Europe.
