owth underpinned by the launch of key products such as its first high performance summer tire for Europe, the Aspire 4G; and the inauguration of a new technical center in Enschede, The Netherlands, a site that has taken on global responsibility for passenger car tire research and development.
Announcing Apollo’s selection as Tire Manufacturer of the year, Tire Technology International noted the company’s “impressive” financial growth; in 2011-12, Apollo’s revenue exceeded $2.5 billion for the first time.
“This is a deserved first win for Apollo Tyres,” stated Graham Heeps, editor of Tire Technology International. “The company’s rapid growth over the past decade has been impressive, but for me it’s Apollo’s commitment to meeting the specific challenges of local markets – exemplified by the newly opened R&D center in Europe – that really stands out.”Neeraj Kanwar, vice chairman and managing director of Apollo Tyres Ltd., added: “The Tire Manufacturer of the Year Award is a recognition of Apollo’s tireless efforts to continuously improve upon every single detail that matters to our customers, in order to give them a safe and comfortable driving experience. At Apollo Tyres, the new reality is sustainable business practices, through which we will continue to create lasting value for our stakeholders.”Green innovation was covered by the “Environmental Achievement of the Year” award, which went to the Bridgestone Americas Technical Center, a brand new facility in Akron, Ohio, built at a cost of $100 million and home to 450 staff.
The 265,000-square-foot complex was designed to reach LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification and has a multitude of eco-friendly features: bio-swales control and manage storm water run-off while recharging aquifers; a large rainwater cistern collects roof water for later ground irrigation; a vegetative roof covers some portions of below-ground laboratories, reducing cooling requirements; and native plants such as prairie grass dot the building’s landscape. (Tyres & Accessories)
