Page 23 - CTB N18 - 2017-02

CV SHOW
April 25 - 27th NEC BIRMINGHAM
Long haul tyres are not currently in the range, but the company says it will expand into this area over time.
In developing the new range for the European market, Apollo says it enlisted the help of over 50 European fleets over a period of several months (in some cases years), testing almost 2500 tyres and driving 250 million kilometres across six European countries. A range of different fleet types were used from different parts of Europe. The results, says the company, have been impressive with Apollo TBR tyres achieving 90%-110% mileage versus the best-in-class tyres.
This, however, is no surprise to Apollo as Group Head of Global Product Management Commercial Vehicles Benoit Rivallant explains; “Apollo TBR is a premium performance product designed and developed to provide performance on a par with the best in class. These results,” he adds, “have been achieved by focusing on a number of important aspects: the rubber compound is designed for specific usage, driving conditions and axle position. Apollo tyres have a large contact patch with uniform distribution, self-cleaning blocks and high tread stability ensuring an even wear. These features ensure that the tyres offer maximum life, making them a low breakdown risk (when used in the recommended application).”
All tyres in the range are re- grooveable and re-treadable, with each tyre having a potential of up to four lives. With this in mind, the company is introducing retreading programmes in conjunction with Vacu-Lug in the UK and the Kargro Group in continental Europe. For customers who do not wish to re- tread, there is a guaranteed casing
buy-back option.
The new tyres will initially be supplied from Apollo’s plant in
Chennai but from 2018 they will also be supplied from Apollo’s new plant in Hungary.
Clearly launching new tyre rage entirely via the web is a unique and challenging process – so how is Apollo attempting to get its message across to fleets and tyre dealers alike? According to Marco Paracciani, Apollo will be conducting a mail campaign to promote the new range and will aslo be contacting both fleets and retailers by digital methods. They will also be sending out coupons offering promotions on initial orders. The company will also be trying to make the best use of its branding partnership with Manchester United in order to raise awareness of the brand.
Apollo Tyres is currently the official ‘Global Tyre Partner’ for Manchester United football club. Apollo’s new truck and bus range focuses on the most popular and essential sizes in the Regional and Mixed segments, points out the company, but more investment has been made in new sizes and ranges which will be added in the near future. “The majority of truck and bus needs are covered by the range,” concludes the company, “yet such a lean strategy ensures that the tyres are cost-effective to produce, stock and deliver: all benefits which are then passed on to the customer. The result is high performance, for a competitive price.”