Yokohama, the 8th largest tyre manufacturer has started commercial production of tyres from the first phase of the company’s first tyre manufacturing unit in India at HSIIDC Bahadurgarh, Haryana.
The Phase 1 of the plant, which is now operational, has a production capacity of 2,000 units per day. This will later on be increased with introduction of more phases depending on the demand and customer response. The maximum capacity, when the full plant is operational, will be 8,000 units per day.
The Japanese tyre manufacturer took the opportunity to introduce the Earth 1 range of tires, which would be their new range of tires catering to B, B+ and C segment. The company claims that though the tyres are meant primarily for comfort, they would not falter in the average rough terrains (read average roads in India). The range boasts of advanced Wear Control Shoulder Design which uses vertical and horizontal grooves, reducing uneven wear and reduces tarmac induced noise.
The bold side bar design and thicker side rubber helps the Earth 1 to give better durability than its predecessor. The Centre Rib present in the tread pattern maximizes handling capabilities while the wide straight groves control hydroplaning on wet surfaces for improved performance and safety. The company has designed these tires using Japanese technologies especially for India. They shall introduce 25 sizes in the Earth 1 range in 13, 14 and 15 inch rim size.
They will also be manufacturing S-Drive range of tires which caters to the Sports segment, bought primarily by the enthusiasts. Of this the company intends to sell tires in 10 sizes with rim size of 14 and 15 inch.
The company, along with S-Drive and Earth 1 tires, will also be selling Geolander range of tires for SUVs which they import from Japan. They currently have 23 Yokohama Club Network outlets and 600 point of sales which they intend to increase by 100 new ones by the end of next year.
