Michelin, the French tyre giant renowned for its cutting-edge technology and premium performance, has taken a major step forward in its India journey by launching its first Made-in-India passenger car tyres. Manufactured at its state-of-the-art facility in Chennai, this move marks a significant milestone in Michelin’s localisation strategy and signals its deepening commitment to the Indian automotive market.
With an investment of ₹686 crore dedicated to the new car tyre production line—on top of the ₹2,800 crore already invested in the Chennai plant since its inauguration in 2009—Michelin is betting big on India’s growing appetite for premium mobility solutions.
🏭 A Manufacturing Milestone in Chennai
The new production line at Michelin’s Chennai plant was completed in a record 12 months, underscoring the company’s agility and long-term vision. The facility will produce tyres ranging from 16 to 22 inches, catering primarily to premium cars and SUVs. The first model to roll out is the Primacy 5, followed by other globally acclaimed variants like the Pilot Sport 4 SUV, Pilot Sport 5, and LTX Trail ST2.
These tyres are designed to deliver superior grip, comfort, and durability—qualities that align perfectly with India’s improving road infrastructure and rising travel speeds.
🚗 Why India, Why Now?
India’s passenger vehicle tyre market was valued at $18 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $34 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of nearly 11%. This growth is driven by several factors:
- Rising disposable income
- Expanding middle class
- Improved road infrastructure
- Increasing preference for premium and feature-rich vehicles
SUVs and large cars now account for over 50% of the Indian market, making it an ideal time for Michelin to introduce its high-performance tyres locally.
Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director of Michelin India, emphasized that the company’s journey mirrors India’s own growth story. “With better roads, distances have shortened and expectations of performance and safety heightened,” he said. “Our focus is on SUVs and big cars with tyres above 16 inches, and we’re excited to offer high-quality Made-in-India Michelin tyres”.
🌱 Sustainability at the Core
Michelin’s Chennai plant isn’t just about scale—it’s a model of sustainable manufacturing. The 22,000 sq. m. facility operates with:
- Zero carbon footprint
- Zero liquid discharge
- 100% recycling
- 80% water usage met through rainwater harvesting
- Nearly 45% of energy needs fulfilled through renewable sources
The company also aims to increase the use of recycled materials in tyre production from 45% today to 50% by 2030, with a long-term goal of achieving 100% sustainable tyres by 2050.
🧠 Innovation Powered by Pune
While Chennai handles manufacturing, Pune has emerged as a strategic hub for Michelin’s global operations. The city houses:
- A global R&D centre with 350 employees
- A digital and IT centre with over 1,300 professionals
- AI and data transformation teams supporting operations across 33 countries
This dual-city setup allows Michelin to combine global technology with local expertise, ensuring that its products are tailored to the unique demands of Indian roads and drivers.
🛒 Availability and Market Strategy
The Made-in-India Michelin tyres are currently undergoing testing and certification and are expected to be commercially available across India by the first half of 2026. Despite local production, Michelin has confirmed that prices will remain unchanged, maintaining its premium positioning in the market2.
To support this rollout, Michelin is expanding its retail footprint. The company currently operates 75 sales and service points across India and recently opened its first Michelin Experience Store in Nashik, Maharashtra.
🏁 Final Thoughts: A Premium Future for Indian Mobility
Michelin’s decision to manufacture car tyres in India is more than a business move—it’s a vote of confidence in the country’s evolving automotive landscape. By localizing production, the brand is better positioned to meet the growing demand for premium tyres that offer performance, safety, and sustainability.
For Indian consumers, this means easier access to world-class products tailored for local conditions. For the industry, it signals a shift toward higher standards and global integration.
Hello, my name is Muskan Kumari and I am an experienced Digital Marketer. I have been blogging for the last 3 years and I have special interest in SEO. Here I give you easy bikes and writes easy-to-understand reviews and news about the latest bikes, helping readers choose the best options.. My aim is to always provide you with accurate, new and useful information.
