TVS Srichakra Ltd., part of the largest auto ancillary conglomerate in India TVS Group with a group turnover of over $8 billion, is the leading manufacturer of two- & three-wheeler tyres and off-road tyres in India. Incorporated in 1982, the company manufactures and markets its products under the ‘TVS TYRES and ‘EUROGRIP’ brands. It has two manufacturing units located in Madurai (Tamil Nadu) and Pantnagar (Uttarkhand). TVS rolls out 2.3 million tyres every month from these two facilities.
During a visit to its factory in Madurai, we got a first-hand experience of the company’s excellent manufacturing, testing and R&D capabilities. We hit the test track at the company’s plant to get the ‘TVS TYRES’ experience which was certainly exciting and gave us a good feel of its newly-developed tyres. Apart from the in-house track, the company uses various other test tracks in Europe, Italy and Chennai for testing its products. TVS is in the process of developing, lower aspect ratio tyres, high performance tyres like ‘S’ and ‘H’ rated, tyres with reduced rolling resistance, agri and flotation tyres & radial tyres.
Product development
Product innovation, quality performance and a constant watch on the market to cater to the local sensibilities makes TVS TYRES what it is today. With a built-up area of 35,000 sq. ft. the R&D block has excellent infrastructure, recognized by the Department of Science & Technology. The company employs highly qualified and experienced engineers and technologists. Apart from this it consults with Japanese & European consultants, tyre institutions for compounding, processing and machinery improvements. The products go through intensive field evaluations and test rides at its test track in Madurai. Some of the products are also sent to Japan to undergo further tests, to offer the best performing tyres.
TVS TYRES shares a strong relationship with all the leading OEMs like Bajaj Auto, Hero Moto Corp, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, Suzuki Motorcycles India, TVS Motors, Yamaha Motor to name a few. Besides its R&D, testing and design capabilities, the team works closely with its partners to introduce customized products to suit specific brand and variant fits.
Robust aftermarket presence
Being a specialist and leader in two-wheeler tyres, the company has always been in the forefront, by developing tyres not only for vehicle manufacturers but also aftermarket, suiting requirements of individual models and terrains, with latest innovation. Enjoying the highest market share with the OEMs, and significantly increasing the output of tubeless tyres for motorcycles and scooters, the company will be releasing new tyre patterns to keep pace with market dynamics.
The company has created a strong customer base in the two-wheeler aftermarket where it rides on the back of a strong nationwide network of distributors, dealers and mechanics who ensure its presence across the length and breadth of the country covering all major urban and rural markets. TVS carries out strong on-ground activities to ensure it stays connected to customers. Several educative workshops, safety demonstrations, mechanic campaigns have ensured that TVS TYRES stays a preferred brand amongst its customers.
Apart from two and three wheeler tyres, the company also produces a wide range of off-Road tyres like Industrial Pneumatic tyres, Skid Steer & Multi-Purpose tyres, Farm & Implement tyres, Motorgrader & Agricultural tyres which are exported to more than 70 countries. In its off-Road program, the company has been expanding its presence globally by launching Tractor Rear Radial tyres in Europe, which was well received at the Agritechnica and Reifen Shows in Germany.
Mr. P. Vijayaraghavan, Director, TVS Srichakra Ltd., has been the driving force behind the TVS Tyres brand attaining a global level. It is only because of his dedicated and sincere efforts that the company has emerged a market leader in the two-wheeler tyre category in the country.