Apollo Tyres expands truck and trailer ranges
Apollo Tyres has announced that it is expanding its range of EnduRace RD2 truck and bus tyres with the launch of a new 295/80 size option.
Available across Europe as of April, the new product is the latest addition to Apollo Tyres’ Regional Drive tyre portfolio, complementing the 315/70 and 315/80 variants of its second-generation EnduRace RD2.
Available for 22.5-inch wheels, the standard for most modern commercial truck and bus tyres, the EnduRace RD2 is said to excel in all weather conditions and to offer optimal rolling resistance, extended mileage and durability.
Manufactured in Europe, the EnduRace RD2 sets the benchmark for quality and performance at an attractive price point, says Apollo Tyres. Suitable for operators involved in medium- and long-distance transport, the tyre is B-rated for its performance in the wet and is certified for snow grip, bearing the ‘three peak mountain and snowflake’ symbol.
A unique groove tread pattern incorporates Apollo Tyres’ ‘Invisible Groove Technology’ and ‘Multi-Edge’ shoulder blocks for optimised performance on slippery surfaces. A wider contact area affords uniform pressure distribution across the tread to enhance durability and minimise rolling resistance. The reinforced casing surpasses European regulatory requirements, and is said to offer durability 1.7 times greater than the industry standard, as well as impressive tear resistance qualities.
Yves Pouliquen, group head of sales and marketing at Apollo Tyres Europe, said: “We’re proud to offer a tyre that not only performs exceptionally well in diverse conditions but also ensures a cost-effective, long-term solution for operators. Our third size extension underlines our commitment to the Regional Drive market; we look forward to delivering further choice and new technical innovations to cater to the evolving needs of our expanding customer base.”
The original 315/80 R22.5 EnduRace RD2 received critical acclaim across the European truck and bus sector when it launched in August 2021, says Apollo. It was followed in July 2022 with the introduction of the 315/70 R22.5 variant.
Meanwhile, the company has also launched a new 385/55 R22.5 variant of its popular EnduMile LHT long-haul trailer (LHT) tyre, said to be its most fuel-efficient truck trailer product. The new product is available now across Europe, complementing the debut EnduMile LHT which was launched in 385/65 R22.5 format in October last year.
Apollo Tyres’ first dedicated LHT tyre sets new benchmarks in the segment for performance and efficiency, the firm says. It is A-rated for rolling resistance and for road noise, emitting just 70dB during industry-standard test procedures.
The innovative ‘free-rolling’ tread pattern has been specifically developed for trailer axles and integrates a compact centre rib that maximises roadholding, curb noise and ensures efficient operation.
The tyre’s broad and stable contact patch optimises pressure distribution for improved performance, fuel efficiency and wear. A new blend of polymers and fillers contributes to the low rolling resistance, while also ensuring consistent levels of grip on wet surfaces. The advanced tread compound manages fluctuations in temperature during prolonged use to preserve performance and improve durability.
The tyre’s strong carcass facilitates retreadability for lower whole-life costs, adds Apollo, a critical requirement for many European long-haul customers.
The EnduMile LHT underwent an extensive two-year testing process, comprising virtual and real-life tests. Designed and developed by Apollo Tyres’ global R&D team in the Netherlands, it is being manufactured at the company’s production facility in Hungary.
Yves Pouliquen added: “We’ve seen strong demand for our first LHT product since it was launched last year, and we look forward to building on that momentum with this new size option. The expanding EnduMile range represents our ongoing commitment to innovation and performance, and we will continue to invest in products tailored to the needs of the long-haul sector.”
