Apollo Tyres launches India's first range of ultra-high performance asymmetric tyres

Apollo Tyres Ltd, India's leading tyre manufacturer, today launched Apollo Acelere Sportz "� a premium V-speed rated (safe up to 240 km/hour) tubeless car radial -- for the rapidly-growing A3 and above range of premium and luxury cars. Acelere Sportz is India's first complete range of asymmetric tyres, known for their performance, aesthetics, fuel efficiency and safety features. Meant for the young-at-heart and those looking to break stereotypes, Sportz gives them an innovative, technologically-savvy product for their car.

This premium tyre can be fitted in an entire range of sedans like the Hyundai Sonata, Verna, Accent and Getz; the Ford Mondeo, Fiesta and Icon; Honda City and Accord; GM Aveo and Corsa; Toyota Camry and Corolla; Skoda Octavia and Superb; Mercedes C, E and S Class; and the Audi A4 and A6. Sportz is an addition to the growing Acelere range of premium tubeless tyres, catering to the new generation of automobiles on Indian roads. Currently, Apollo commands a 15% share of the tubeless radial market, with Acelere Sportz this is expected to grow to 20% in a year's time.

At a press conference in Mumbai, Mr Neeraj R S Kanwar, Joint Managing Director & COO, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said: "The only way the man on the street will identify with us is as a leader. And that's the way we intend keeping it, by bringing in newer products that address our customer's growing needs. Sportz is a high-end, technologically superior tyre, which will enable us to further consolidate our leadership position.

The product has been tested extensively at the ATP in Papenberg, Germany, against others in the same category, with results that make us proud to have developed this on our own. While India will be the key market, Acerele Sportz will also be available to the demanding European customer."

Tyres usually have a symmetric tread pattern allowing them to 'optimise' capabilities, where the right and the left halves are mirror images. Apollo Acelere Sportz's uniqueness lies in its asymmetric tread which allows it to 'maximise' performance. The tread has three distinct zones which ensure best performance in varying road conditions.

The outer zone of chunky blocks maximise dry traction and surer cornering. The deep grooves down the centre of the tyre, ensure fast drainage of water from the contact patch, enhancing stability and drivability under wet conditions. The third zone provides excellent grip in wet conditions increasing traction, cornering and handling. The eco-friendly silica compound used in the Acelere Sportz also contributes to a lower rolling resistance, translating directly into increased fuel efficiency.

The tyre also has a rim protector that helps extend the life of alloy wheels by guarding them from damage on kerbs and sharp corners. Taken together, Acelere Sportz enhances the entire driving experience.

The Sportz will be marketed through a select number of Apollo Tyres' exclusive channel partners in all the metros and mini-metros. It will be backed by an advertising campaign "� "Break The Pattern" -- in print, television and the internet, revolving around the theme of being unconventional, asymmetric and still completely in tune with its point of contact.

Apollo Tyres entered into the passenger car radial (PCR) tyre market as recently as 2000 with its Amazer XL brand "� popularly known as the Long-Playing Radials. In 2004, Apollo introduced the first Hspeed rated tubeless Acelere range, followed by the superior Hawkz range of 4x4 all-terrain tyres.

With a negligible share of the PCR market in the year 2000, by the end of FY 2005-06, Apollo Tyres had captured a 15% market share. In terms of exports, the latest ATMA figures of April-July 2006 show Apollo has a commanding 48% of the Indian passenger car tyre exports. In the coming days, the company plans to follow this high-profile launch with yet another premium ultra-high performance tyre for the discerning car user.

About Apollo Tyres Ltd:

Apollo Tyres Ltd. is a high-performance company and the leading Indian tyre manufacturer. Apollo is built around the core principles of creating shareholder value through reliability in its products and dependability in its relationships with stakeholders.

The company has four manufacturing units in India, two in South Africa and two in Zimbabwe. It has a network of over 4,000 dealerships in India, of which over 2,000 are exclusive outlets and nearly 230 multi-brand Dunlop Accredited Dealers in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Website: www.apollotyres.com