New tyre firm opens shop in city

In the past, only a few popular tyre companies such as Bandag, among others, were known. Today, competition is high due to the increase in number of vehicles to the extent that some companies and tyre brands are hardly known. This also raises issues of quality. That aside, a new company has formalised its operations in the country.

With the increase in number of vehicles in the country as witnessed by the rise in numbers of car bonds, parts dealers too are weighing in on this trend. One would think that the tyres market is already overcrowded with so many brands all fighting for attention and a slice of the market. This may not be the case, according to Apollo International Limited (AIL).

Incorporated in 1994 in India, AIL has many business interests, including a tyre division, Tyre Tech Global. It procures automotive tyres, tubes and flaps. It is this distribution division that will be operating in Uganda and East Africa for the very first time. AIL, an internationally recognised brand, launched its operations last week at Metropole Hotel in Kampala.

Tyre Tech Global distributes motorcycle and scooter tyres, truck bus radial and bias tyres, earthmover, grader, passenger car and light truck tyres including those used in mining operations. The company exports to more than 70 countries worldwide, including some in South and Central America, Middle East, Africa and Asia. Tyres are sold through exclusive dealers in most of the countries.

Speaking at the launch event, Vishal Mehta, the country manager said,“For the first time, AIL is stepping in direct distribution of tyres in any country. We will be distributing radial and bias tyres from China and India respectively. We chose Uganda because it offers a good business environment. It may not be the biggest market in East Africa but the environment is conducive for business.” 
In Uganda, AIL will initially distribute the Ornet brand.

Mehta says Ornet is more than 15 years old on the international market and competes with other renowned brands.

With many tyre companies in Uganda, the company says they are ready to compete with the established brands. “We are still testing the market. What we have in place, few brands can offer,” argues Rajesh, head of sales and operation. He adds that in the two months the company has been in business, it has shown promising signs of growth. Julius Tinka from the Ministry of Works and Transport noted that there are many tyre companies in Uganda but few are officially known.

“When you launch, it makes your brand known to the market. This launch offers solutions to fleet managers, the mining industry and others,” he noted. Other players include City Tyres, Priamit Enterprises, JBS Investment, Kaka Investments, Super Service, Tyre World, Bandag Tyre Retread, Roc Enterprises, Roliat Tyre Centre and Translink among others.