Apollo launches Vredestein brand of premium tyres in India
Apollo Tyres has launched its high-end European tyre brand, Vredestein, in the Indian market. Vredestein is one of the oldest tyre brands in the world, having been founded in 1908 in the Netherlands. The company was acquired by Apollo Tyres in 2009 and has numerous innovations in all-season tyres to its credit. The launch in India comes in the wake of rising sales in the premium car and two-wheeler market post the pandemic and is in line with a global expansion of the Vredestein brand.
The Vredestein brand will launch in India with its Ultrac range of tyres for the premium passenger car market. Available in sizes from 15 to 20 inches, the Ultrac Vorti is aimed at premium sedan offerings from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Land Rover etc while the Ultrac range is aimed at more mass-market sedan and hatchback offerings from Maruti Suzuki, Honda and Hyundai. The Centauro NS and ST range is being launched for two-wheelers and will cater to touring and super-sport offerings in the 600cc to 1,200cc category from brands like BMW, Ducati,
Aprilia, Triumph, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha. The offerings for India have been tested for our conditions and come with sidewall and tread designs from noted design houses, Giorgetto Giugiaro for the car tyres and Frascoli Design for the two-wheeler range.
Apollo Tyres has already been manufacturing Vredestein tyres in India for export, and the sea offerings will be sold here. The brand is being launched in the replacement market first while the company will look to leverage its global relationships with OEMs to provide tyres for OE fitment. These tyres will be available across 18 Tier I markets in India at launch, through Apollo Tyres existing network of business partners, which may later expand to 25 regions. The company will use its existing sales and service network, although dedicated Vredestein outlets may be opened in the future.
Neeraj Kanwar, vice chairman and MD of Apollo Tyres Ltd 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."
