Apollo launches new range of cross-ply drive tyres for trucks

ERJ staff report (DS)

Gurgaon, India, -- Apollo Tyres has introduced a new range of cross ply commercial vehicle tyres with the XT-100K. The drive-axle tyre is designed to run for over 100,000 km, in a segment where the average cross ply tyre gives a mileage between 75,000 to 80,000 kms. Apollo said the product is expected to dramatically change customer expectations and set new performance definitions for the cross ply segment. The extra mileage will bring down a customer's tyre purchase cost - which is second only to fuel -- in the Indian market which has witnessed radialisation of only 5 to 7%.

Apollo said the XT-100K uses advanced tread material, which facilitates the distribution of a multi-layered compound at the 'wearing zones' (areas of high erosion at the edges of a tyre). The compound itself comprises new-age carbon black ensuring resistance to cuts and abrasions while generating minimum heat. This directly translates into lower maintenance cost and leads to optimal fuel consumption.

Over 65 percent of revenues in the Indian tyre industry comes from commercial vehicle tyres, where Apollo claims to be the clear market leader. The Indian subcontinent is witnessing a gradual shift in usage trends, with radialisation coming in and customers keen to focus on reaping the benefits of the cost-per-kilometre ratio through better products and lower product and vehicle maintenance costs.