Coimbatore : CEAT Limited announced an expansion of the manufacturing capabilities at its Chennai plant across passenger car and SUV, commercial vehicle and two wheeler tyre categories. The expansion strengthens the plant’s ability to manufacture advanced, premium products for customers in India as well as key international markets including Europe and North America. Among the key products manufactured at the plant is 4SeasonDrive+, which brings European standard all season tyre capability to India, with performance designed around changing weather conditions and a particular focus on wet grip.The plant also manufactures CrossDrive RT, CEAT’s rugged terrain tyre developed around the requirements of the US rugged and off road tyre market. The product combines rugged terrain capability with the versatility required for regular road use and expands CEAT’s premium SUV offering for Indian customers. CEAT has also developed the manufacturing capability for SportDrive SUV ZR22, making it the first Indian tyre company to manufacture 22 inch tyres in India. Designed for large rim, ultra premium SUV applications, the range also features CEAT CALM technology and is being introduced for sale in India.

Arnab Banerjee, Managing Director & CEO, CEAT Limited, said, “The Chennai plant is an important part of CEAT’s growth in India and international markets. The expanded capabilities allow us to manufacture increasingly sophisticated products across passenger vehicles, two wheelers and commercial vehicles, while responding to the distinct requirements of customers in markets such as Europe and North America. This investment strengthens our ability to compete in premium segments with products developed and manufactured in India.”

Alongside its heavy commercial vehicle portfolio, the Chennai facility is scaling up manufacturing capacity for CEAT’s light truck steel radial tyres in 15 inch, 16 inch and 17.5 inch sizes. The segment is seeing increased adoption in India and overseas as vehicle manufacturers introduce newer-generation light trucks and buses.

The Chennai facility also supports CEAT’s investment in advanced two wheeler tyre technology and premium performance segments. CEAT’s latest SportRad Racing Slick range has been developed for racing applications and tested under demanding track conditions by expert riders. The tyres are engineered to deliver high levels of grip and performance on the racetrack.The company’s premium portfolio also includes SportRad ST, a sport touring range designed for motorcycles above 650cc. The tyres are developed for long distance and high performance touring, with a focus on high speed stability and cornering grip.

Located in Sriperumbudur, Kanchipuram, the 163 acre Chennai plant incorporates connected machinery, real time data analytics and advanced automation across its manufacturing operations. The facility is the second CEAT factory and one among the only four tyre factories in the world to be awarded the Lighthouse designation from WHO. It has also received the British Safety Council 5-Star Award and Sword of Honour for its safety practices.

The plant has a 25% green cover and sources a significant share of its energy from renewable sources, including a 9 MW rooftop solar installation. It is also a zero liquid discharge facility. The expanded capabilities across categories strengthen the Chennai plant’s role in CEAT’s manufacturing operations and increase the range of premium, technology led products that can be developed and manufactured in India for domestic and international markets.