Apollo Tires Ltd has launched the European tire brand — Vredestein in India in a move to strengthen its product offering further in the Indian market.

According to the Indian tire manufacturer, the Vredestein brand of tires will be produced at its manufacturing facilities in India and will serve the luxury and premium segments in passenger cars. On the other hand, the two-wheeler tires of the brand are designed to serve the growing superbiking market in India.

Neeraj Kanwar — Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Apollo Tyres said: “India has been witnessing a high growth in the premium and luxury segment of cars, and also in the superbiking segment.

“This has prompted us to introduce this 100+ years old brand, Vredestein for the Indian customers. Vredestein is synonymous with premium styling and ultra high performance, which are the two most important factors considered by owners of luxury cars and superbikes.

“I am confident that, with Vredestein, a domestic international brand, we will become the dominant player in the luxury segment in India.”

The Vredestein brand is foraying into India with tire sizes of 15″ to 20″ in the segment of passenger vehicles.

Vredestein Ultrac Vorti will serve luxury sedans such as Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Volvo, and Land Rover. On the other hand, Vredestein Ultrac will be used in hatchbacks and sedans such as Honda City, Baleno, and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.

The two-wheeler tires from the Vredestein, Centauro NS and ST brands will be able to serve the entire super sports and sport touring range of motorcycles such as BMW, Aprilia, Ducati, Kawasaki, Triumph, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Hon.

The range of passenger vehicles of Vredestein is said to have a distinctive design from the renowned designer of automobiles, Giorgetto Giugiaro, while the two-wheeler range was created by the famed Italian design studio – Frascoli Design.

The new tires that are being released in the Indian market are said to have been tested on major tracks across Europe and India.

Apollo Tires said that it will use its existing business partner network including premium tier I counters to market its Vredestein brand of tires.

Vredestein has been in operation in the replacement market, mainly in Europe as well as in the US markets. The tire company had recently begun providing Vredestein tires to Europe-based OEMs such as Audi, SEAT, VW, and Ford.

In India, Apollo Tires would be selling Vredestein brand of tires on the initial market for replacement market; however, Apollo Tires would make use of its relationships with international OEMs to offer Vredestein ultra-high performance tires for OE fitting.

Vredestein, which was founded in the Netherlands in 1909, was acquired by Apollo Tires in 2009.

Satish Sharma — President of Apollo Tyres Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) said: “The introduction of Vredestein brand will definitely strengthen our offerings in the passenger vehicle and two-wheeler segments in India.

“The import restrictions on tyres imposed by the Indian Govt recently, had made a strong business case for us to bring in Vredestein brand of tyres into India for the high-end cars and motorcycles. Our R&D Teams have customised these tyres to provide the best safety and driving experience for the Indian conditions.”

  Apollo Tires, India, Neeraj Kanwar, Satish Sharma, Vredestein