Tyre manufacturer expands retail footprint in southern India through partnerships with local dealers in Kerala and Karnataka markets.
30 May 2025 | 5179 Views | By Angitha Suresh
Michelin India has opened two new Tyres & Services stores in Bengaluru and Kochi within two days, marking the company's continued expansion in southern India's growing automotive market. The French tyre manufacturer inaugurated its Bengaluru store on May 28 and its first standalone Kochi outlet on May 29.
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Michelin India has opened two new Tyres & Services stores in Bengaluru and Kochi within two days, marking the company's continued expansion in southern India's growing automotive market. The French tyre manufacturer inaugurated its Bengaluru store on May 28 and its first standalone Kochi outlet on May 29.
The Bengaluru store, located in Indiranagar and spanning 3,000 square feet, operates in partnership with Cherry Tyre Park, India's largest tyre retail network. The facility offers tyre fitment, wheel balancing, and alignment services for the city's growing number of premium vehicle owners. Cherry Tyre Park has maintained a partnership with Michelin for over 12 years.
In Kochi, Michelin launched its first standalone store in partnership with Global Tyres at Palarivattom, Ernakulam. The 5,500 square feet facility provides tyre sales, fitment, wheel balancing, alignment, nitrogen inflation, and alloy wheel upgrades. Global Tyres currently operates three retail outlets in Kochi and is led by founder Philip George.
Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director of Michelin India, said both cities represent important markets for the company. He noted Bengaluru's consumers value quality and performance, while Kochi represents a fast-evolving mobility market with growing automotive enthusiasm.
The Bengaluru store was inaugurated by Siddharth Mehta, Marketing Director at Michelin India, while the Kochi outlet was opened by Prashant Sharma, National Sales Manager. Both locations target the increasing demand for high-performance tyres in India's premium vehicle segment.
Michelin's expansion reflects broader trends in India's automotive market, where premium and luxury car ownership has grown steadily. Both Bengaluru and Kochi have experienced rising personal mobility and increased purchasing power among urban consumers.
The company, headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, operates in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people globally. Beyond tyres, Michelin produces components for construction, aeronautics, and healthcare sectors, and operates the Michelin Guide restaurant rating system.
These openings are part of Michelin's strategy to strengthen its retail network in southern India, where it sees potential for growth in the premium automotive segment. The company has focused on partnerships with established local dealers to expand its service capabilities and market reach.