CEAT launches three new ‘Milaze’ radials for cars in Sri Lanka

Thursday, 17 May 2012 02:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s best-selling radial tyre brand CEAT has consolidated its position in the market by adding three new sizes with improved performance features.

The company said the introduction of three new CEAT radials sub-branded ‘Milaze’ increases the number of sizes in the brand’s car radial segment to eight, and more options are expected in the near future.

The new sizes joining the portfolio are 155/80 R12, 155/80 R13 and 185/65 R14, which fit a wide range of compact and mid-sized cars from popular Japanese, Korean and Indian manufactured cars in the local market, such as Suzuki Alto, Nissan March, Toyota Starlet, Honda Civic and Hyundai Accent.

“Our radial tyre segment grew 50 per cent in the last three years, maintaining CEAT’s position as the number one radial tyre in Sri Lanka,” said Ravi Dadlani, Vice President Sales and Marketing at CEAT Kelani Holdings. “We believe there is room for further growth with the widening of the range with more sizes and continuous value addition through improved attributes.”

He said the stylish tread pattern and improved compounds in the new CEAT Milaze tyres offer greater riding comfort and longer tyre life in addition to the attractive aesthetics. “We expect it to bridge the performance and the value-for-money segments and to be a strong competitor for other reputed international radial brands,” Mr. Dadlani said.

The other CEAT radial tyre sizes marketed in Sri Lanka for cars are 145/70 R12, 175/70 R13, 175/70 R14, 165/80 R13 and 185/70 R14. CEAT Kelani Holdings also produces a range of radial tyres in popular sizes for vans.

CEAT car radials are also now widely used in motor racing in Sri Lanka, in two race categories – the Ford Laser/Mazda 1300cc and 1500cc racing events at four tarmac meets, three hill climbs and three road races, conducted annually.

A National Business Excellence Award winner in 2010 and 2011, CEAT – Kelani Associated Holdings is an Indo-Sri Lanka joint venture between the RPG Group of India and Kelani Tyre – Sri Lanka. The company operates three manufacturing units manufacturing truck, light truck, radial, motorcycle, three-wheeler and agricultural tyres and employs a workforce of 900 people.

Besides its dominance in the radial tyre segment, CEAT’s market shares in the Truck & Light Truck, Three-wheeler and motorcycle tyre segments stand at 58 per cent, 40 per cent and 15 per cent respectively, making it the single highest selling brand in Sri Lanka in these categories.