Apollo, you’ve heard of it. An established tire manufacturer that makes really good tires. However, it seems that Apollo wants to push its limits with better products.
what’s new
Apollo inaugurated an advanced tire testing facility, located in Chennai, India at its Global R&D Center, Asia. The new facility will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the product development cycle for passenger vehicle and two-wheeler tyres, including electric vehicles.
Key features of the advanced test facility include a custom-designed flat track machine and anechoic chamber, which will characterize the tire’s dynamics and acoustics performance, allowing for faster product testing for both the OE and aftermarket markets. There will be progress. The development of tires for high-end passenger vehicles, EV-specific tires for PV, and high-end motorcycle tires will be products that will directly benefit from this facility.
The CTO speaks.
Speaking at the inauguration, Daniel Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tires Limited, said, “We focus on continuous improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of product development, and this new facility is our next step for future vehicle models. will further enhance testing capabilities. We will be able to improve the performance of our products by closely simulating real-world conditions using this facility. This aligns with Apollo Tires’ 2026 vision, In which technology is an important pillar.
Flat track
A flat track machine, a key component of advanced tire testing, is used to measure tire force and moment (F&M) characteristics, handling parameters and tire models, in accordance with improved vehicle dynamics. The machine is customized to meet the tire simulation needs of future vehicles, such as EVs and autonomous vehicles. Unlike previous versions, this machine simulates real-life conditions, including emergency vehicle maneuvers such as high slip angle and high torque ramp-up. For two-wheelers, it simulates the most extreme lean, as is common among premium motorcyclists.
Another component of this testing facility is a high-speed uniformity machine coupled with an anechoic chamber. This helps simulate the NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) characteristics of tires, which are important for vehicles, especially EVs and premium vehicles. This machine combines the study of both mechanical and acoustic comfort parameters by creating different road profiles for tires to be tested.
Apollo Tires is also looking at reducing costly and time-consuming tests at various tracks around the world, with advanced testing capabilities being enhanced.