CEAT Expands Chennai Plant For 22-Inch SUV, TBR And Premium Two-Wheeler Tyres

CEAT has expanded manufacturing capabilities at its Chennai plant across passenger car and SUV, commercial vehicle and two-wheeler tyre categories. The expansion is aimed at supporting production of advanced tyre products for India, Europe and North America. 

The Chennai facility now manufactures products including CEAT's 4SeasonDrive+ all-season tyre, CrossDrive RT rugged terrain tyre and SportDrive SUV ZR22. The plant is also equipped to manufacture seven advanced Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) sizes and premium two-wheeler tyres.

The expansion includes manufacturing capability for the SportDrive SUV ZR22, making CEAT the first Indian tyre company to manufacture 22-inch tyres in India. The tyre is intended for large-rim, ultra-premium SUV applications and is being introduced for sale in India. 

CEAT Expands Truck And Bus Radial Tyre Manufacturing

CEAT has expanded TBR manufacturing at the Chennai plant to address fleet requirements in Europe, North America and other markets. The facility can manufacture seven advanced TBR sizes aimed at premium segments in Europe and North America.

According to CEAT, fleet requirements are increasingly extending beyond durability and mileage to areas such as fuel consumption, ride comfort, handling and compatibility with electric mobility. The newer wide-base tyres can replace the conventional two-tyre arrangement on each wheel, reducing vehicle weight and potentially improving fuel efficiency while increasing available load capacity. 

The low-profile TBR sizes are intended for applications including modern tractors, regional haulage, trailers and urban distribution fleets. CEAT is also increasing manufacturing capacity for light truck steel radial tyres in 15-inch, 16-inch and 17.5-inch sizes. 

Chennai Plant Adds Premium Two-Wheeler Tyre Capacity

The Chennai facility is also being used to expand CEAT's premium two-wheeler tyre manufacturing capabilities. Its portfolio includes the SportRad Racing Slick range, developed for racing applications, and the SportRad ST range for motorcycles above 650cc. 

The SportRad ST is designed for long-distance and high-performance touring, with an emphasis on high-speed stability and cornering grip, while the SportRad Racing Slick range is intended for racetrack applications. 

Located in Sriperumbudur in Kanchipuram, the 163-acre Chennai plant uses connected machinery, real-time data analytics and automation across its manufacturing operations. The facility also has a 9MW rooftop solar installation, 25 percent green cover and zero-liquid-discharge operations. 

CEAT said the expanded capabilities will increase the range of premium products that can be manufactured in India for domestic and international markets.