Leading Indian tyre manufacturer Apollo Tyres' chairman Onkar S Kanwar has been awarded the Officers Cross (Civilian Division) of the ‘Order of Merit’ of Hungary. The award was given in recognition of his work towards strengthening economic ties between India and Hungary.

Kanwar was first awarded with the decoration by the president of the Republic of Hungary, Janos Ader, on the recommendation of the Hungarian prime minister. The ambassador of Hungary to India, Gyula Petho officially handed over the ‘Order of Merit’ to Kanwar in Delhi at a special event.  

The Apollo Tyres chairman was honoured in recognition of the company's investment in the country, which helped create new jobs in Hungary.

Apollo Tyres has invested Euro 475 million (Rs 3,977 crore) to set up the greenfield facility in Gyongyoshalasz, Hungary, which manufactures passenger car and commercial vehicle tyres including both the Apollo and Vredestein brand of tyres for the European market. At present, the facility employs around 800 people, of which nearly 95 percent are locals. This is Apollo Tyres’ second production facility in Europe, and the sixth one worldwide.