The Indian tyre industry consisting of 39 tyre manufacturers, having 60 production plants, and a market size of Rs. 45,000 crores, makes India one of the largest markets for all kinds of tyres. Tyrexpo India, organized by ECI International, continued its strong run with a successful second edition of the show which was held in Chennai during July 9-11, as it brought together the country’s tyre industry and exhibitors and visitors from around the globe. The turnout of exhibitors and visitors at Tyrexpo India 2013 showed a healthy increase of 11 per cent against the first exhibition held in 2011 and were consistent with expectations, especially taking local market conditions into account.
A major advantage of the show is its pulling power to bring important export markets within the reach of Indian producers. As proof of this, Tyrexpo India 2013 drew visitors from 67 countries, representing the majority of global tyre-buying economies, to Chennai. The show highlighted a number of market trends, including its special focus on new products from tyre manufacturers targeting the OHT, OTR and TBR sectors in particular, an active retreading market, which is set to grow substantially as India moves towards greater radialisation in truck tyres, and a renewed focus on the Indian market by a number of large Chinese tyre makers.
The show highlights
The retreading supplier Elgi introduced a new monorail tyre handling system developed by its Brazilian subsidiary Armonas. Chinese tyre makers targeted the Indian market. Hangzhou Zhonce made its first appearance at the show using its Chao Yang brand to spearhead sales in India, with particular emphasis on its CM 913 10.00 R20 and CM914 10.00 R20 retreadable truck tyres. HZ is an OE supplier to a number of major Indian OEMs, including Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and Ashok Leyland.
Aeolus displayed two new truck tyre sizes – 10.00 R20-18/20 and 11.00 R20-18 – as it seeks to establish its presence in the Indian market where it ultimately aspires to become a top supplier of OTR tyres.
Wanda Boto is also looking to increase brand awareness and establish a strong regional distribution network in India. A full range of PCR, TBR, OHT and OTR tyres is being marketed, with particular emphasis on TBR radials in popular sizes, 10.00 R20 and 295/80/222.5.
BKT presented three new specialist tyres at the show targeted at popular applications for high-speed crane, port and mining machinery. TVS Tyres, part of the $6 billion turnover TVS Group, displayed its new 14.00-25 EM18 20 DR TL tyre for backhoe loader applications and a 23.1-26 TM09 12 PR TL tyre for compactors, under the TVS Eurogrip brand.
C10 Tyres is a leading retreader of OHT mining and construction tyres imported from Japan and China. The company Director, Mr. K. Muralidharan, said that C10 retreads have an expected operational life of 2,500 hours, comparing favourably to the 3,000 hours of an equivalent new tyre.
PRS Tyres launched additions to its industrial and agricultural ranges with two sizes for Bobcat equipment in the 12-16.5 Skid Force and 10.0/75-15.3 loadstar products. A new 12.5/80-18 bias ply tyre for backhoe loader applications was also on display.
Tyrexpo India 2013 also marked the public launch of the joint venture between Myers Tire Supply International, America’s largest wholesale distributor of tools, supplies and equipment, and TVS Automobile Solutions, part of the TVS & Sons. The agreement makes up to 15,000 lines available to trade customers in India, covering all tyre and wheel service requirements.
Based on the success of Tyrexpo India 2013, the show organisers have decided to arrange the next event in Chennai in July 2015. The Managing Director of ECI International, Mr. Paul Farrant, said: “This was our second exhibition in India and we were greatly encouraged by the reaction received from both exhibitors and visitors. There is enormous potential in the tyre sector, and we are very confident that the show will continue to grow and develop into a significant event for the tyre and equipment aftermarket.”
Mr. Farrant’s confidence is backed by the announcement of date for the event to return to the Chennai Trade Centre during July 7-9, 2015. Both halls 1 and 2 have been booked in order to allow for the show’s anticipated expansion.