Tyres Archives

April 19, 2024

Sri Lanka’s leading pneumatic tyre manufacturer CEAT-Kelani has introduced three new variants of high-performance radial tyres into the market, widening choice for a significant segment of vehicle owners.

Joining CEAT’s ‘Orion Brawo’ range, the new radials are in the sizes 155/65 R14, 165/70 R14 and 165 R13, with the first two sizes designated for popular models of compact and small cars, and the third for mid-sized vans, the company said.

The CEAT Orion Brawo 155/65 R14 and 165/70 R14 tyres both feature a tread pattern of a centre rib with three circumferential grooves and a high land area, which translate to improved tread life and higher resistance to impacts, cuts and other damage.

The 155/65 R14 is designed for Suzuki Wagon R, Daihatsu Mira ES, Daihatsu Hijet, Nissan Dayz and Honda N-WGN, while the 165/70 R14 fits Toyota Vitz, Toyota Aqua, Renault Kwid and Toyota Passo, seen in large numbers on Sri Lankan roads.

Meanwhile the CEAT Orion Brawo 165 R13 van radial sports a 4-rib high land design, angular notched rib pattern, a wide solid kerb rib and a highly reinforced belt that combine to deliver improved tread life, better durability, resistance to cutting and chipping and better load bearing. It is designed for Toyota Town Ace, Toyota Lite Ace and several other models of vans.

The addition of these three tyres takes CEAT’s radial tyre portfolio in Sri Lanka to 58 variants, the company said.

“The launch of these tyres reflects our continuing commitment to cater to the tyre requirements of the full spectrum of vehicles in Sri Lanka, from the high-end European sedans and SUVs to the smaller family cars and vans,” CEAT Kelani Chief Operating Officer Mr Shamal Gunawardene said. “The Orion range is priced to be affordable and competitive in the market, and is available at our dealer outlets island-wide.”

The largest domestic manufacturer of cross-ply and radial tyres in Sri Lanka, CEAT Kelani’s manufacturing operations encompass pneumatic tyres in the radial (passenger cars, vans and SUVs), commercial (Bias-ply and radial), motorcycle, three-wheeler and agricultural vehicle segments.

CEAT Kelani Holdings currently manufactures half of Sri Lanka’s pneumatic tyre requirements, exports about 20 per cent of its production to 16 countries and plays a significant role in helping the national economy conserve foreign exchange by reducing dependence on imported tyres.

October 26, 2022

A leading name in the Sri Lankan automotive sector, AMW, recently announced the unveiling of its improved tyre brand for passenger vehicles: AMW – EPIC. This is expected to cater to the mounting domestic demand for tyres. AMW has a rich heritage with rubber since the inception of the iconic Factory in 1949.

Through AMW’s renewed effort, motorists in both Consumer and Commercial categories are set to tremendously benefit, especially from the point of view of price & quality. AMW is hopeful that AMW – EPIC a tyre that’s Sri Lankan at heart fulfils a timely need of the local tyre market offering a premium quality product which the market currently lacks.

Catering to a wide spectrum of consumer and industrial needs, AMW harnesses modern manufacturing methodologies and management techniques to manufacture a range of tyres for scooters such as (Yamaha Ray ZR, Honda Dio, TVS Scooty Pept & Ntorq), motorbikes such as (Yamaha FZ, Suzuki GN 125, Bajaj Discovery, CT 100 & Pulsar) three-wheelers such as (Bajaj, TVS, Mahindra & Piaggio) & other light-vehicles such as (Tata Dimo Batta & Mahindra Maxximo).

A feature that sets AMW – EPIC apart is the tread pattern optimized to offer users the maximum mileage on the liter – this is particularly relevant & useful in the present context. The tyres are also 100% tested against vibration and wobbling & provides enhanced grip with superior cornering and braking ability. All AMW – EPIC tyres carry a 3-year warranty on a Pro rata basis.

Virann de Zoysa, representing, AMW Manufacturing noted: “AMW is excited to be stepping up as a local enterprise to cater to the rising demand for tyres which has been unavailable in the market in the past 2 years due to the market’s heavy dependence on imports. We are confident that our new, innovative product which is both affordable & premium in quality will be a much-needed respite for the local motorist community.”

AMW manufactures tyres for all industrial purposes, as well as other polymer products including automotive bushes, hoses, rubber seals & carpets. Over the decades, the Company has developed an unparalleled reputation for quality, reliability and customer orientation, making AMW not only the preferred choice for individual customers but a preferred vendor for many world-class clients.

Operating under stringent quality controls & with considerable investments made to state-of-the art manufacturing, AMW’s 23-acre iconic production facility in Nagoda, Kalutara, Sri Lanka, fully complies with ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management Systems as well as ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification.

Proactively responding to the challenges brought about by COVID-19, AMW’s manufacturing facilities are certified by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute as a COVID-19 Safe Working Environment. REACH compliant, and meeting international safety standards, AMW Products carry the guarantee of reliability.

June 16, 2022

A series of gruelling field tests commissioned by CEAT Kelani Holdings for some of its top-selling motorcycle tyres has concluded that they hold their own against those of the two biggest competing brands, one from Sri Lanka and the other from India.

The benchmarking exercise was conducted at India’s state-of-the-art National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) of the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP) in Indore, and at CEAT India’s corporate R&D facility in Halol, the Company said.

Matching tyres from a leading Sri Lankan motorcycle tyre brand and a top Indian brand were tested alongside five motorcycle tyres manufactured in Sri Lanka by CEAT, on multiple key value propositions (KVPs) – handling stability, ride comfort, straight line stability, character curves, limit handling, brake stability, dry and wet braking index and distance.

The final test scores indicated that the CEAT 140/70-17 Zoom XL, 90/100-10 Gripp X3, and 100/90-17 Gripp tyres were superior in some aspects, and on par in terms of other features with the products of the competitor brands, the Company disclosed. The tested tyres are those that fit the Yamaha FZ, Honda Activa, Bajaj Pulsar, Bajaj Platina and Hero HF Deluxe motorcycles.

Commenting on this exercise, CEAT Kelani Managing Director Mr Ravi Dadlani said: “Lives literally ride on motorcycle tyre, and we periodically invest in rigorous testing of key aspects of our products on purpose-built tracks. This is part of CEAT’s continuous product development strategy that is closely integrated with consumer insights and research findings. Insights suggested that tyre pattern features that support ride and handling, traction and grip, and better cornering capability are some of the key requirements of motorcycle tyre users. These requirements defined the parameters of our latest KVP tests. The test results drive our product development and performance enhancement processes and lead to the introduction of a new and improved tread patterns.”

The latest KVP test report revealed that overall, the CEAT motorcycle tyres excel in dry and wet grip features when compared with the leading competitor brands. Specifically, the CEAT Gripp and Gripp X3 patterns are superior in their dry and wet grip features, ride and handling and breaking stability, and display exceptional wheel balance in comparison to the two leading brands they were benchmarked against.

Furthermore, the Zoom XL tyre pattern emerged on par in performance with the two competitors with regards to ride and handling, braking stability, dry and wet grip, and wheel balance.

Meanwhile, it was observed that the Secura Zoom and Milaze tyre patterns could improve in the ‘ride and handling’ parameter which has prompted CEAT to develop a new product by adapting a superior pattern technology based on the findings. Subsequently, the improved Zoom X3 tyre pattern was launched which shows enhanced performance in ‘ride and handling.’ Additionally, CEAT is also in the process of developing another product for this segment with a new variant of compound that promises further improvement in performance, Mr Dadlani disclosed.

The manufacturer of half of the Sri Lanka’s pneumatic tyre requirements, CEAT Kelani Holdings is considered one of the most successful India – Sri Lanka joint ventures. The joint venture’s cumulative investment in Sri Lanka to date exceeds Rs 8 billion, and another Rs 3.2 billion has been committed in 2022 for expansion of volumes, technology upgrades and new product development. The company’s manufacturing operations in Sri Lanka encompass tyres in the radial (passenger cars, vans and SUVs), commercial (nylon and radial), motorcycle, three-wheeler and agricultural vehicle segments.

The CEAT brand accounts for market shares in Sri Lanka of 48 per cent in the Radial segment, 80 per cent in the Truck category, 84 per cent Light Truck tyre category, 51 per cent in the Three-Wheeler tyre segment, 36 per cent in the Motorcycle tyre segment and 72 per cent in the Agricultural vehicle tyre category. CEAT Kelani exports about 20 per cent of its production to 16 countries in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Far East.

January 20, 2022

1000 locally-assembled Lanka Ashok Leyland heavy-duty trucks to be fitted with CEAT tyres annually under OEM agreement

CEAT Kelani Holdings has moved into the new year with the added impetus of its appointment as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for a range of heavy-duty trucks, tippers and light commercial vehicles assembled in Sri Lanka by Lanka Ashok Leyland PLC (LAL), a joint venture company of Ashok Leyland India.

Under this OEM agreement, CEAT tyres in nine sizes are to be fitted on about 1,800 Ashok Leyland vehicles rolling off the LAL assembly line at the state-of-the-art plant in Panagoda, Homagama annually. Of these, 1,000 will be heavy-duty trucks which are positioned as the first choice and the driving force in the Sri Lankan economy.

CEAT has undertaken to equip LAL’s ECOMET 1212 mini trucks, TAURUS 2518 10-wheeler trucks, TAURUS 1618 six-wheeler trucks, all types of flat-beds and container bodies, ECOMET 1012 tippers, and DOST light commercial vehicle range with CEAT tyres such as the 8.25-20 XL Super,8.25-20 HCL Super, Winmile AW 10.00 R20, 10.00-20 XL Super, 10.00-20 Brawo Orion, 8.25-16 FM, 8.25-16 Stamina, 185 R14 Rhino Plus, and 195 R15 Rhino Plus.

Commenting on this latest OEM agreement, CEAT Kelani Managing Director Mr Ravi Dadlani said:“CEAT’s appointment as an OEM for Lanka Ashok Leyland is extremely timely, especially in the context of the national effort to conserve foreign currency. CEAT is delighted to support LAL’s local assembly operations as it represents an extension of the role the brand plays in meeting Sri Lanka’s tyre requirements. Our appointment as an OEM demonstrates the trust LAL has placed on CEAT, and is a testament to the robustness, reliability and value proposition of our tyres, which are engineered for local conditions.”

Defining features of the nine types of tyres to be supplied by CEAT as original equipment to LAL include high-mileage tread compound, high Denier fabric construction, energy-saving and dual-layer tread compound with heat-dissipating lug geometry, robust tread designs with wider footprint and block strong kerbs design, natural equilibrium carcass designs, cooler tread compounds, balanced combination of rib, high bonding belt compound and bead consolidated with rubber and steel, zig-zag circumferential grooves, and ribs with lateral notches.

These tyres are designed and built to offer durability, high threshold of loadability, remarkable fuel efficiency, uniform tread wear, excellent traction, steering stability, enhanced crown durability and increased mileage with cut and chip resistance, among others, the company said.

Notably, in November 2021, CEAT was also appointed as an OEM for Bolero City Pik-up vehicles assembled in Sri Lanka by Mahindra & Mahindra India in collaboration with Ideal Motors. CEAT has committed to supply up to 720 tyres per month from January 2022 onwards for a targeted maximum of 144 vehicles to be produced monthly by the Mahindra Ideal Lanka joint venture.

CEAT Kelani Holdings has also been the exclusive original equipment tyre supplier for Mahindra KUV100 compact SUVs assembled in Sri Lanka since 2019. All locally-assembled Mahindra KUV100 vehicles are fitted with CEAT FUELSMARRT 185/60 R 15 tyres.

CEAT Kelani Holdings increased capacity utilisation across all its manufacturing plants last year, to supply the additional domestic requirements of truck, bus, three-wheeler, car and van tyres. In August last year, the Company increased production to supply 100 per cent of the passenger bus and goods transport sectors’ tyre needs through domestic production, potentially saving Sri Lanka Rs 11 billion a year in foreign exchange.

CEAT Kelani Holdings is considered one of the most successful India – Sri Lanka joint ventures. The joint venture’s cumulative investment in Sri Lanka to date totals Rs 8 billion, inclusive of Rs 3 billion invested since January 2018 for expansion of volumes, technology upgrades and new product development. The company’s manufacturing operations in Sri Lanka encompass pneumatic tyres in the radial (passenger cars, vans and SUVs), commercial (nylon and radial), motorcycle, three-wheeler and agricultural vehicle segments.

September 7, 2017

CEAT Kelani Managing Director Vijay Gambhire, Vice President Sales, Marketing & Exports Ravi Dadlani (second left and second right respectively) with Wasantha Perera of U&H Wheel Services Pvt Ltd., Eraj Fernando, Director CEAT Kelani Holdings Pvt Ltd. and S. Udayachander, Deputy General Manager Sales, at the launch of the CEAT Premium Range of radial tyres.

CEAT Kelani launches 3 new radial tyre variants in ‘Orion Brawo’ range

AMW Manufacturing unveils “AMW – EPIC”: Premium Sri Lankan-made tyres for mounting local demand

CEAT pits its motorcycle tyres against competitors’ at Indian test track

CEAT tyres chosen as original equipment for Lanka Ashok Leyland commercial vehicles

CEAT scales new heights with premium tyres for luxury segment