With consumer-driven needs at the center of its tyre innovations, Goodyear India has rolled out the Assurance TripleMax, the first tyre to boast of the company’s latest HYDROGRIP technology that gives drivers maximum grip for maximum assurance. The tyre reduces braking distance by more than 2 metres on wet roads, thereby taking the worry out of driving.
Driving on Indian roads can be a challenge due to a variety of uncontrollable factors. Uncertainties faced include wet road, rough surface and unforeseen pot holes, speed bumps and breakers, and pedestrians suddenly crossing the road. Designed especially for mid and premium passenger vehicles, keeping the Indian road conditions and local consumer needs in mind, the new Goodyear Assurance TripleMax tyre provides drivers with peace of mind and power braking, particularly when driving in the rain or on wet roads.
“Setting a new standard in tyre innovation, the technology allows drivers to reduce braking distance by more than 2 metres on wet roads compared to other tyres in the market today,” said Mr. P.K. Walia, Vice President – Consumer Business, Goodyear India. “HYDROGRIP Technology provides maximum wet grip through an innovative new tread compound, maximum control via a larger surface area contact patch, meaning there is more rubber on the road, and maximum braking ability by way of biting edges with large block elements. All of this combined results in a safer and more comfortable ride,” he added.
Assurance TripleMax sets a new standard in tyre innovation and safety in India
By Avishek Banerjee
On the side lines of the Goodyear Assurance TripleMax tyre launch recently, Motorindia caught up with Mr. P.K. Walia, Vice President – Consumer Tire Business for Goodyear India. He has confirmed that the international tyre major sees some green shoots in the industry.
How is business for Goodyear in India? How was 2014 and how has the current year begun?
The market is going to turn for the better. 2014 was a good year for us and that reflects in our results too. The year 2015 has also begun on a good note although the first few months were slow in terms of industry volumes. We are seeing some improvement in the trend. As the government policies unfold and people’s sentiments improve, the recovery in the tyre market will be gradual, then progressively increase.
Could you give an outline on your presence in different segments in the Indian market? Do you have any major plans for the truck and bus segment in particular?
We are already present in the farm equipment (tractors) tyre segment in a major manner. For tractors, we are the market leader for both the OEM and replacement markets. We are also a significant player in the consumer tyre segment and are growing in that space. New product introductions for passenger cars such as the Assurance TripleMax – which sets a new standard in tyre innovation and safety – are contributing to our success in this segment. As far as the CV segment is concerned, we do not currently operate in this segment in India. We do though continually evaluate the market for opportunities, and it is one we are actively monitoring. Given Goodyear’s global technologies and leadership in commercial segment tyres, it would be a logical progression for us to tap the burgeoning CV radial tyres in the domestic market as it matures in the future – but no decision has been made at this point in time on it.
What is the annual capacity at your existing plant in India? Are you planning to expand further post the Make-in-India initiative by the government? If yes, will your exports also be enhanced?
We are not authorised to disclose the annual capacity. What I can tell you is that we are making a lot of our bias tyres at our Ballabgarh facility and both radial and bias tyres at our Aurangabad facility. We have some interchangability between the factories, and that is more of a strategic choice. What I can also confirm that we are here for the long haul and are gearing up (our production) to ensure that we grow our market share in the target segments. We will always have capacities to meet the demand in the right segments. We are predominantly focussed on the domestic market because being a global company, we have many facilities around the world. But from a product rationalisation perspective and supply chain simplification, we do exchange products between various Goodyear affiliates. In the past, we have exported to countries such as Australia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Japan, New Zealand, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and the USA.
In terms of performance with regard to low rolling resistance, fuel economy, passenger safety and comfort, where does Goodyear stand? What is the core USP of your products?
Talking specifically about the product we launched today – the Assurance TripleMax – safety is its strongest USP. Setting a new standard in tyre innovation, the Assurance TripleMax allows drivers to reduce braking distances by more than 2 meters on wet roads compared to other tyres in the market today. On a rainy day, you need wet grip the most. When suddenly somebody darts across the road, you want to apply emergency brakes and that is when you want to stop really shorter. It’s like insurance – you may not need it every day. But the day you most need it, you must have it.
How are sales split between OEs and aftermarket? Could you name your OE customers in the country and do you have any specific strategy to penetrate further in the space?
OE is the cornerstone of our business and we are associated with virtually all the leading vehicle brands as our customers. We are proud to be the preferred brand for various automakers. In our future course of action, our strategy will be to continue to be aggressive in this space. The percentage split, however, cannot be revealed by us.
The aftermarket tyre segment is quite crowded with a number of players – quality domestic ones, globally-acclaimed international players and also the cost-competitive brands. What is Goodyear’s position in the aftermarket and how have you tackled competition in this segment?
Our focus has always been to sell premium branded tyres and become the leaders in the targeted market segments where our technologies and benefits are preferred by customers, and we are doing very well there. While the market is crowded with both international and domestic players, we compete on delivering product innovations that our customers want and need. We are very happy with the value our consumer-centric strategy brings to the market and the way the last couple of years have been for us. We are in a good position in the industry and are improving.
What is Goodyear’s long-term vision for the Indian tyre segment? Where would you like to be in around 3-5 years’ time?
India occupies a very important position in our overall Asia Pacific strategy. By that logic, India is very important in the global scheme of things. In the next three-five years, we want to attain the leadership position in our targeted market segments and to create sustainable economic value—which can be achieved by being first with customers, the leader in our targeted segments, continuing to set the pace for innovation in our industry, and being competitively advantaged in everything we do.