TBRs to be rolled out soon
Bridgestone, the Japanese tyre giant and also the world’s largest tyre & rubber manufacturer, has recently announced the launch of the new B-290 tyre for passenger cars in the Indian market. The newly-developed tyre, with modern design and attractive sidewalls and specially made for the Indian market, promises to provide a great driving experience for consumers.
Speaking at the launch function, Mr. Tomio Fukuzumi, Managing Director, Bridgestone India Pvt. Ltd., said: “We are happy to offer the 
B-290 to the Indian consumers as the product has great features that allow better tyre life and fuel efficiency. With the B-290, we assure the customers an excellent driving experience”.
The B-290, coming in 25 sizes, from 12”-16”, and mostly manufactured at the company’s Chakan plant, will be made available at all its authorized retail outlets across the country. Its wide grooves and sipes help facilitate better handling in wet conditions, while its bigger and stiffer blocks enable good braking. With its closed shoulders producing less noise, the tyre’s deep tread and wear-resistant compound accounts for better fuel efficiency and superior product life.
With a vast network of more than 2,700 dealers in India, efforts are made by Bridgestone to have 50 per cent penetration in the retail market and make its tyres available even in the remotest corners of the country. By 2018, the company is confident that it will be able to cover most of the metros and towns in India.
In the passenger car segment the company tyres enjoy 20-22 per cent market share and are considered No.1 in the replacement market, with one-third market share, and 10-12 per cent in the TBR segment.
TBR production to commence soon
Bridgestone India Pvt. Ltd. is setting up an exclusive truck and bus radial tyre production line close to the existing facilities at Chakan in Pune. This plant which will go on stream soon will meet the growing tyre demand from the commercial vehicle segment. The company is already in discussion with major OEMs in this segment and is expecting a sizeable order before long.
This was learnt from the company sources at the recent press conference in Mumbai.