CEAT expands Chennai plant, boosts premium tyre manufacturing in India

CEAT Limited has expanded the manufacturing capabilities of its Chennai plant across passenger car and SUV, commercial vehicle and two-wheeler tyre categories, strengthening its ability to produce advanced, premium products for India and key international markets, including Europe and North America.

The expansion underscores CEAT’s focus on technology-led manufacturing and its growing presence in premium tyre segments, with the Sriperumbudur facility supporting products engineered for diverse driving conditions and evolving customer requirements.

Among the key products manufactured at the plant is the 4SeasonDrive+, which brings European-standard all-season tyre capability to India. Designed to perform across changing weather conditions, the tyre places particular emphasis on wet grip. The facility also manufactures the CrossDrive RT, a rugged-terrain tyre developed for the US rugged and off-road tyre market. Combining off-road capability with versatility for regular road use, it further strengthens CEAT’s premium SUV portfolio in India.

In another significant development, CEAT has established manufacturing capability for the SportDrive SUV ZR22, becoming the first Indian tyre company to manufacture 22-inch tyres in India. Designed for large-rim, ultra-premium SUV applications, the range incorporates CEAT CALM technology and is being introduced for sale in the domestic market.

Arnab Banerjee, Managing Director & CEO, CEAT Limited, said, “The Chennai plant is an important part of CEAT’s growth in India and international markets. The expanded capabilities allow us to manufacture increasingly sophisticated products across passenger vehicles, two wheelers and commercial vehicles, while responding to the distinct requirements of customers in markets such as Europe and North America. This investment strengthens our ability to compete in premium segments with products developed and manufactured in India.”

CEAT has also expanded its Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) manufacturing capabilities at Chennai, with seven advanced sizes targeting premium segments in Europe and North America. As fleet operators increasingly prioritise fuel efficiency, ride comfort, handling and electric mobility readiness alongside durability and mileage, the new capabilities address evolving commercial transport requirements.

The wider-base tyres can replace the traditional twin-tyre arrangement at each wheel, reducing vehicle weight, improving fuel efficiency and freeing up additional load-carrying capacity. Low-profile sizes cater to modern tractors, regional haulage, trailers and urban distribution fleets. Meanwhile, production of light truck steel radial tyres in 15-inch, 16-inch and 17.5-inch sizes is being scaled up as adoption grows in India and overseas.

The Chennai plant also supports CEAT’s premium motorcycle tyre ambitions. Its SportRad Racing Slick range is developed for racing applications and tested by expert riders under demanding track conditions, while the SportRad ST caters to motorcycles above 650cc, focusing on long-distance touring, high-speed stability and cornering grip.

Spread across 163 acres in Sriperumbudur, Kanchipuram, the facility features connected machinery, real-time data analytics and advanced automation. It is the second CEAT factory and one of only four tyre factories worldwide to receive the Lighthouse designation from WHO. The plant has also earned the British Safety Council 5-Star Award and Sword of Honour.

With 25% green cover, a 9 MW rooftop solar installation, significant renewable energy sourcing and zero-liquid-discharge operations, the Chennai facility combines manufacturing expansion with sustainability initiatives. Its enhanced capabilities reinforce CEAT’s ambition to develop and manufacture increasingly sophisticated tyres in India for domestic and international markets.