Bridgestone plans to more than double its company-owned retail network in India. It plans to increase the number of stores from 13 currently to 27 by end-2012. “We are the number one player in the aftermarket space. By September, we will launch MY 02, a new tyre for aftermarket fitment,” says VaibhavSaraf, GM – PSR sales and marketing.

Saraf says Bridgestone has a 27 percent share in the tyre aftermarket. Currently, the company’s business is tilted towards the OE business with 55 percent of sales coming from OEMs.

The world’s largest tyre maker is gearing up for a more aggressive presence in the OE fitment business. Its Chakan plant, which is set to begin operations in January 2013, is expected to provide that extra traction.

The company has invested Rs 2,600 crore to set up the plant, which will cater to OEs in the west and south. Bridgestone's existing Indore plant, which rolls out around 15,000 tyres a day, supplies to OEMs in the north.

The Chakan plant will have an installed capacity for 10,000 tyres annually. This will mark Bridgestone’s entry into the Indian radial truck tyre market by October 2013.

SUMANTRA BAROOAH