Tyre
major Apollo Tyres has introduced a breakthrough product in cross-ply
technology. The launch of Apollo Abhimanyu, a cross-ply rib tyre for steer
axles in CVs, will help the company capitalise on the upsurge in the cross-ply industry
in recent months in India.
In
India radialisation on steer axles is still being at lower levels compared to
drive axles. This rib tyre has been launched basis the customers’ feedback, and
many man hours of research and development to perfect the product to deliver
the best performance to the end consumers across applications.
Before
the launch, Apollo Abhimanyu has been tested for more than 2.5 million
kilometres, both at the company’s indoor testing facilities, as well as, in
real time conditions across all applications. Designed and developed at Apollo
Tyres Global R&D Centre Asia, in Chennai, this tyre is currently being
produced at the company’s manufacturing unit in Perambra, Kerala. The company
intends to create a new benchmark in performance with Apollo Abhimanyu in the
steer tyre space, where the radialisation is still to catch-up, and bias tyres
still account for over 60% of the overall steer tyre category.
Apollo
Abhimanyu is a quantum leap in cross-ply technology, made possible by host of
innovations on the product design and compound technology. The company promises
to deliver 15% better Initial Tread Mileage (ITM) to ensure the maximum
profitability for the customers, while the heat ageing resistant casing with HEART
platform ensures best in class durability, retreadability and casing value.
These tyres are best suited for carrying rated to moderate loads and fitment on
steer axles in the Regional Cargo, Tippers, PMST applications and on all
positions in passenger buses.
Commenting
on the launch, Satish Sharma, President, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa
(APMEA), Apollo
Tyres
Ltd said “The steer position is the most critical on any commercial vehicle,
and the tyre used on its steer axle position demands highest design precision
and manufacturing controls. To continue our leadership position in the CV
segment and create a benchmark in the cross-ply category, even when the
radialisation is happening at a fast pace, it is important for us to have such
differentiating products.”
The
optimised tread compound of Apollo Abhimanyu with higher wear resistance and
better distribution of rubber at wearing zones, along with innovative cavity
design that ensures uniform pressure distribution across footprint provides
maximum mileage. Abhimanyu tyres have a robust casing due to the specially
designed carcass architecture which provides better sidewall stiffness, the new
generation off-shoulder design improves heat dissipation and reduces stress
marks, thereby keeping the carcass cooler and safer in these tyres. The tread
cap compound is 10% cooler than other tyres for faster and longer distances.
Source: Apollo Tyres