TVS Tyres has gradually transitioned to its new brand identity – TVS Eurogrip. This change includes substantial research and development investments across three of its centres in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Rudrapur, Uttarkhand and an international facility in Milan, Italy. The brand is the only one in India which focuses strictly on two-wheeler tyres.
In a recent roundtable meeting, leadership at TVS Eurogrip mentioned that after a two-month shutdown in the summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its research and development centres are now working at full swing, close to pre-pandemic levels. TVS’ factories in Madurai and Rudrapur supply rubber to TVS Motor Company, Bajaj and Royal Enfield motorcycles, among others. These plants roll of one new tyre every second, thanks to their operational efficiencies.
P Madhavan , Executive VP of Sales and Marketing for TVS Srichakra (which operates the plants), mentioned in the meeting that the company’s objective is to provide products to consumers which meet both their safety and spirited performance needs. Tyres play a pivotal role in the riding experience aboard any motorcycle or scooter, since they are the only point of contact between the bike and the road. However, tyre design deals with conflicting goals such as performance, long tread life and maximum rider safety, as indicated by V Sivaramakrishnan, CTO of TVS Srichakra. TVS Eurogrip’s R&D centres were set up to take on this challenge and deliver economical products to the Indian motorcycle market.
TVS Eurogrip is the only manufacturer to have a dedicated test track (in Madhurai) for tyre development in India. All of its products are DOT and CE certified to ensure global standards. It also utilizes technology such as artificial intelligence in order to understand the lateral forces exerted on the rubber compound during hard cornering and acceleration. The manufacturer also conducts road, track and off-road tests to ensure that quality standards are met.
The brand, which was launched in August last year, currently offers 36 tyre choices for motorcyclists, of which 17 are from the premium category, including a W-rated zero-degree steel-belted radial option known as Protorq Extreme, which comes in sizes suitable for bikes such as the KTM Duke and RC range, TVS’ Apache RR 310 and BMW Motorrad’s G 310 R. This option also comes with TVS’ patented Tri-polymer compound to maximize both riding feel and longevity.
TVS Eurogrip has been testing its top-line products on circuits across India and other European countries. It noted that upon using the Protorq Extreme radial tyres, racers in the TVS Apache RR 310 One Make Championship clocked two-second faster times in each lap at Kari Motor Speedway and Madras Motor Racetrack, as compared to Japanese brands.
The manufacturer also hinted at current developments in the dual sport tyre segment, which it plans to venture into soon. These products will be compatible with the Hero Xpulse 200, RE Himalayan and similar entry-level dual sport bikes in India. While the products aren’t on sale on TVS Eurogrip’s website, you can browse through the catalogue here and head to a local dealership to try out a new set of shoes for your motorcycle. However, TVS Eurogrip has indicated that it plans to make its products readily available to purchase online from its official website soon.