It all started in early 2019 for TVS Srichakra to expand and concrete its position on the international turf. The tyre company opened its research and development facility in Milan, Italy in early 2019, and then in August, TVS Tyre rebranded to TVS Eurogrip with the introduction of 19 premium tyres. Since then, the company has been aggressive in enhancing its R&D and testing capabilities and market presence globally. According to V Sivaramakrishnan, CTO, TVS Srichakra, the new brand and new product launches such as zero-degree steel-belted radials, new product lines in tubeless bias have appealed to the trade and its customers alike with increasing traction in the market.

However, TVS Srichakra’s new product launch plans did get impacted due to Covid. As the industry started seeing a revival in demand, in March 2021, TVS Eurogrip launched 11 new products which cater to a wide range, from commute to high-performance bikes as well as electric three-wheelers. This year, the Indian two-wheeler major plans to introduce more products designed and developed in the company’s R&D centre in Milan, Italy for the Indian market. More than two dozen products are in the pipeline for future catering to ‘untapped opportunities’. The company will also start its business in APAC and MEA. “Our Milan R&D centre plays a vital role in defining product target performances, product concept design, technical features and organisation of testing sessions that are held on European roads and racetracks. The Milan team and our R&D centre in Madurai work closely in defining the product specifications and technical aspects while creating new products,” said Sivaramakrishnan.

“Establishing our direct presence in developed and growing markets is an important step for us towards building Eurogrip as a strong global brand. It goes hand in hand with the research studies we’ve been conducting on new technologies, which will benefit all markets, including India. With our expertise as a manufacturer of two-wheeler tyres for over three decades, we are confident of making a mark in developed markets, and we look forward to the future growth potential,” added Sivaramakrishnan.

Its recent offering – e-Conta and e-Durapro – for e-rickshaws, according to the company, has garnered a positive response. TVS is planning to introduce a set of new tyre patterns and sizes specially designed to cater to electric two-wheelers in the coming months.

“The company focuses on its research and development efforts in continuously improving the bike and scooter performance for India and global markets. We have developed a range of high-performance radial tyres suitable for the Indian market. TVS Srichakra  is the only company in India to have the entire range of radial technology such as textile cross belted, zero degree textile and zero degree steel,” said Sivaramakrishnan. 

TVS Eurogrip is also developing a range of high performance zero degree steel- belted radial tyres  for Europe and other markets.

Bounce Back With Changes In Trends

Covid has changed the dynamics of the two-wheeler industry. After a setback last year, the motorcycle industry is bouncing back, and a complete recovery is expected in the next three years.

In the luxury travel markets, the company sees an average gradual decrease of displacement and an increase of scooter and street models. In contrast, in the utility markets, there is a gradual increase in displacement and increased models variety and segmentation.

According to the company, the utility vehicle-driven market is growing in the fast-growing economies. It is predominant by personal two-wheelers, consisting mainly of scooters, mopeds and motorcycles with low average displacement and higher average mileage for commuting purposes, whereas in luxury vehicle markets, personal two-wheelers are used for commuting and leisure purposes and as a status symbol.

“Compared to the Indian bike market, bikes in the leisure market such as the US are used mainly for free time purposes by riders with a much higher and ever-increasing average age. As a result, the leisure markets have seen reduced usage and a lower propensity to buy a replacement bike. To tackle this, bike makers are focusing on less represented groups – young people and female riders. An increasing number of manufacturers have recently released various models in 200 to 450 cc range and electric mobility. Compared to the traditional 600 to 1200 cc  markets , these midsize motorcycles are lighter, less expensive, easier to ride and on par with their bigger brothers in terms of quality, style and tech equipment. While more and more manufacturers develop and release these models for leisure markets, we expect that their availability will also reach India and other Asian markets,” said a TVS Eurogrip official.

Push For Electric Mobility

Though slower compared to the e-passenger car industry, the electric two-wheeler industry is gaining traction worldwide. Banning ICE-driven two-wheelers in coming decades, stricter regulations on pollution and improving technologies like longer battery duration and charging infrastructure will further fuel demand for electric mobility in two-wheelers.

“To get behind this moment, an increasing number of motorcycles and scooters are being launched to satisfy customers’ expectations. Alongside, traditional manufacturers are enlarging the capability to include electric vehicles. Many new players are emerging with an exclusive focus on the segment,” added the official.

Eurogrip Product Development for Global Market

To boost its international growth, TVS Srichakra is launching several new products aimed to fit vehicles and riders worldwide. In 2021, the company has launched Bee Connect and Bee City. In 2022, the company will launch the Climber XC for the off-road segment, which will target Motocross and Enduro vehicles. The company will also launch the Road Hound. These tyres will be for the sport-touring segment, which will target naked, sports and tourers. It will also launch the BEE Sports for the sport commuting segment to cover scooters and underbones. Going forward, it will target super sports, medium & big trail and cruiser & heavy tourers.

Testing Capabilities

Today, the company has test tracks in Madurai for testing handling performance and grip in wet and dry conditions on various surfaces such as asphalt, concrete etc. with different friction coefficients. It has its own indoor durability laboratory for tyres, which is capable of testing tyres up to speeds of 300 kmph, and indoor tyre characteristics laboratory, which is capable of accurately measuring tyre rolling resistance, 3-axis stiffness, tyre force and moment characteristics, footprint pressure distribution etc.

“Finite Element Methods (FEM) and Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD) are two focus areas for us, where we use internally developed methods to predict the performance of the tyre on a standalone basis using FEM and simulate driveability performance using MBD. With such simulation tools, we can get the right tread pattern, tyre construction and compound combination to deliver precision performance,” said the company CTO.

The company’s research and development activities are focused on reducing the impact on the environment and maximising performance for end customers. “We continuously explore and adopt technologies which enable us to use recycled material, biodegradable material and reduce energy consumption in tyre production. We have many patents filed in this area,” added Sivaramakrishnan. (TT)

Bridgestone India has presented the European Alignment Certificate to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), recognising the successful completion of their Rolling Resistance (RR) Lab Alignment. The certificate was presented to Dr Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI, by Rajarshi Moitra, Deputy Managing Director of Bridgestone India, during a ceremony attended by senior leaders from both organisations.

This milestone strengthens the partnership between Bridgestone and ARAI, India’s leading automotive R&D institution for testing and standardisation. Rolling resistance plays a crucial role in enhancing fuel efficiency, aligning with both organisations’ commitment to advancing tyre technology. The certification underscores their shared dedication to fostering innovation, improving testing capabilities and promoting sustainable mobility solutions in India.

Yokohama Rubber has been recognised for its sustainability leadership with continued inclusion in three prestigious FTSE Russell ESG indexes. The company marks its 21st consecutive year on the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global benchmark for responsible investing. Additionally, it maintains its ninth straight year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Index and fourth year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index – both key indicators of Japanese ESG excellence endorsed by Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF).

These indexes, developed by London Stock Exchange Group's FTSE Russell, help investors identify companies with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Yokohama Rubber's sustained inclusion reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable business practices.

The fourth round of the 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series, a racing competition hosted by Italian supercar brand Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A and powered by Hankook Tire, will take place from 18 to 20 July at INJE SPEEDIUM in Gangwon Province. As the exclusive tyre supplier, Hankook Tire continues to elevate Korean motorsports through its partnership with Lamborghini, showcasing its high-performance Ventus racing tyres on the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2.

The 3.91-km INJE SPEEDIUM circuit, featuring 19 corners and a 40-metre elevation change, demands exceptional tyre performance under extreme conditions, including high-speed straights and scorching summer temperatures. Hankook’s Ventus tyres are engineered to deliver superior grip, durability and heat resistance, ensuring peak performance in challenging racing environments.

Beyond the races, Hankook will host the ‘Ventus Experience’, inviting European automotive influencers to test the Ventus Super Sports line and explore its advanced R&D facilities.

The 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo spans Asia, Europe and North America, with six rounds per series. Top contenders will advance to the Grand Final in Misano, Italy, this November, competing for the season championship.

Vaculug, Europe’s largest independent tyre retreader, has reached out to the Net Zero All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to offer its expertise in supporting the UK’s transition to net zero. In a formal letter, the company expressed its commitment to advancing sustainable transport solutions through its circular economy approach to tyre retreading.

As a leader in emission reduction, Vaculug highlighted how its retreading process significantly cuts waste and lowers the carbon footprint of commercial fleets. The company believes its scalable, eco-friendly solutions can play a key role in helping the UK meet its climate targets.

Vaculug has invited collaboration with the APPG to demonstrate how retreading supports sustainable transport and contributes to a greener future. The company looks forward to further discussions on how it can assist in the nation’s net zero transition.