Pre-Show Exhibitor Interview with APOLLO TYRES

Tyrexpo Asia 2024 Bangkok caught up with Manish Maharaj, Business Head ASEAN at Apollo Tyres for an initial reaction on what visitors can expect from this leading global tyre manufacturer at the show.

Can you give us some factual information about your company?

Apollo Tyres was initially launched in 1972 and over the past five decades has progressively evolved into one of the industry’s leading and dynamic tyre designers and manufacturers. Our corporate headquarters are based in Gurgaon, India and we currently supply over one hundred countries around the world.

In 2009 Apollo Tyres acquired Netherlands based producer, Vredestein Banden B.V. which eventually was renamed Apollo Vredestein B.V. and the company currently operates five manufacturing facilities in India and additional sites in the Netherlands and Hungary.

Our two key brands are Apollo and Vredestein, which cater for specific consumer segments within a product portfolio covering passenger, commercial vehicles, off-highway vehicles, and two wheelers.

The Apollo brand offers tyre patterns for the passenger car, commercial vehicles, industrial, agricultural and two-wheeler market sectors. Whilst the Vredestein brand, which is recognized as one of the oldest tyre brands in the world dating back over 110 years concentrates on passenger car, agricultural, industrial and bicycle tyre market sectors.

Our ASEAN business operation is confidentially expected to become one of Apollo’s strongest export markets in the future and we firmly intend to stay ‘ahead of the progressive curve’ through our two dedicated research and development centres in both Europe and India.

Is this the first time Apollo Tyres has exhibited at Tyrexpo Asia?

Yes, this is our first time at the Tyrexpo Asia show and we view the event as an important stage to meet up and discuss future business with all our existing customers and new potential customers and suppliers across ASEAN.

What sets your company apart from your competitors in the industry, and how does exhibiting at Tyrexpo Asia contribute towards Apollo’s overall business strategy?

The entire journey of sustainability is very important, and Apollo is currently looking at ways to use sustainable raw materials and are setting a target by 2030 to further develop our ongoing raw material procurement strategy. At the moment, we are working with universities from around the world to work on this valuable project.

When it comes to our products ,we also specialize in providing low rolling resistance across our range, which includes electric (EV) vehicles which Apollo has a very clear focus on going forward.

Although India and Europe are our two main home markets we are also now concentrating on the US. Which will be our next growth market. Whilst in the ASEAN market our products continue to gather ongoing momentum. In Thailand we have currently the fourth of the Apollo Truck Tyre Zone (ATTZ) and have made a tactical investment in the ATTZ (Branded Shop for Commercial Vehicles) with an objective to meet the rising demand for radial truck tyres.

Finally, looking ahead Apollo Tyres plans to heavily invest in digitalization over the next two years. Increasing productivity through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, with two technical innovation hubs already operational in Hydrabad and London.

What innovative technologies and advancements can visitors to your booth look forward to experiencing?

We will be showcasing our recently launched Apollo Amperion EV tyre which presents superior rolling resistance, an electric tread pattern design, low noise, and an aerodynamic sidewall. Amperion is the first Indian tyre to be appointed a five star rating fuel savings label for the PV category by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). Apollo are currently in discussions with multiple OEM’s, in India to supply Amperion EV tyres for electric vehicles in the hatchback, compact SUV and car segments in India.

The Amperion tyre’s design takes inspiration from Jellyfish which are considered to be, among the most energy efficient and silent creatures and is equipped with AQuT Tech (Apollo Quiet Tyre Technology) which works on tyre cavity, tread pattern and construction to reduce noise. Whilst a stiffer and larger footprint with multiple pitch sequences adds to noise performance and assists in low rolling resistance and high traction.

We are also showcasing our 110 years old Dutch Brand. Vredestein is getting launched in Thailand very soon. The customer will get The Face Of Beauty and Heart Of The Beast!

Do you have a message for visitors and partners before the event?

We are excited to be part of the Tyrexpo Asia 2024 show and guarantee a booth full of technological innovations in new product designs. Our dedicated sales team at our booth look forward to discussing your tyre needs for the future.