French tyre major Michelin is making a strong bid to acquire a sizeable market share in the premium motorcycle tyre segment in India. This segment constitutes about 15 per cent of all motorcycles sold in India.
The company, which introduced two-wheeler tyres in India five years ago, said it would focus on the premium segment, which has a potential for growth.
“More and more Indians are buying premium bikes and super bikes. And their numbers will only grow. We are focusing on this segment even though we also supply commuter bike tyres in the Indian market,” said Pradeep G. Thampy, Commercial Director, Two Wheeler, Tyres, Michelin India.
The company sells its tyres through 3,000 outlets in India and will double this number by the end of 2017.
While the commuter bike tyres are produced locally at TVS Tyres’ facility in India, the premium radial motorcycle tyres are imported.
The locally produced ones are sold 10 to 15 per cent premium than its competitors while the imported tyres are priced in the range of Rs.8,000 to Rs.25,000 for a pair due to the better safety features of the tyres, the company official said.
Top cities“Currently, our tyres are sold in 63 top cities which have a population of more that 10 million and now we have decided to go down to smaller towns,” Mr. Thampy said. To popularise its brand in India the company has decided to get the popular “Michelin Man “it’s mascot to Indian homes through a TV commercial that will go live soon.
