Domestic tyre major Apollo Tyres has topped the JD Power 2018 India Original Equipment Tyre Customer Satisfaction Index (TCSI) Study, which has ranked its tyres highest in the small car segment which translates into all the hatchbacks sold in India.

The JD Power’s TCSI Study also ranked Apollo Tyres #2 in the midsize car segment, along with  receiving 5-star 'Power Circle Ratings' from JD Power in both the small and midsize car tyre segment. 

The 2018 India Original Equipment Tyre Customer Satisfaction Index (TCSI) study findings are based on 3,620 responses from new vehicle owners who purchased their vehicle between May 2015 and August 2016.

The study was conducted between May and August 2017. The Study, now in its 18th year, measures satisfaction among original equipment tyre owners across three segments -- small cars, midsize cars and utility vehicles. The survey covered 12 to 24 months of ownership across four factors (listed in order of importance): appearance, durability, ride and traction/handling. 

Commenting on the JD Power TCSI Study, Satish Sharma, president, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA), Apollo Tyres said, “This ranking is a testimony of our consistent efforts towards improvement in product quality across categories. The numero uno ranking in small cars is a great achievement, considering that the hatchbacks translate into more than 50 percent of all the cars sold in India.” 

When it comes to OE fitted cars sold in India, Apollo Tyres claims its tyres are fitted on eight of the top 10 cars being sold in India, and has a share of nearly 30 percent in the OE segment in India for small and midsized cars. Apart from the OE fitment in domestic models of several cars, the company’s tyres are also OE fitted for multiple export models, as it has secured the global supplier status with various car makers. 

Kaustav Roy, regional director, JD Power, Singapore said “Sustained efforts in quality improvement among tyre brands, is being reflected in the voice of the customers. A positive product experience, coupled with end-customer engagement, is likely to help drive replacement demand.” 

Key findings of the JD Power TCSI study: 
- Customer’s perception of brand image is strongly influenced by the tyre quality 
- Preference of the OE tyre brand during replacement has increased to 54 percent in 2018 from 48 percent in 2017 
- The replacement of tyres during the first 12-24 months of ownership is declining 
- Customer’s satisfaction with tyres is higher in the small car segment than others 
- Customers who are highly satisfied with their OE tyres, are more likely to recommend their tyres to others