Groupe Michelin will set up a research team in India to develop truck tyres for the Asian market, according to the company’s CEO.
Michelin CEO Jean Dominique Sennard announced the news when asked whether Michelin will respond to the country’s prime minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative during the Michelin Challenge Bibendum.
Sennard noted that manufacturing in India isn’t likely to be scaled up to a global production center anytime soon, but Michelin’s presence in the country is “just beginning,” the Hindu Business Line reported. Sennard added that infrastructure in the country is the biggest hurdle to expanding its presence in India.
The tyremaker already has a plant in Tamil Nadu, India, making TBR tyres. Michelin will continue to focus on truck tyres in India, where the tyremaker sees opportunity in converting the conventional-technology, cross-ply truck tyre market into a radial tyre market.