CEAT today unveiled CrossDrive, its all-terrain tyres for SUVs in India. CrossDrive has a claimed 3D sipe technology and robust shoulder design that helps the tyre adapt to all-terrain applications. The tyre’s new carbon black tread compounds offer better grip as well as improved fuel efficiency and have been extensively tested on the state-of-the-art auto testing track ‘NATRAX’ in Indore and mild off-roading sections near Indore.
Ceat claims, CrossDrive tyres have been specifically designed for usage across all 4X2 and 4X4 types of SUVs. CrossDrive is available in various sizes across all lead tyre shops including CEAT’s exclusive outlets; CEAT Shoppe and Tyre Stop. CEAT has already started partnering with OEMs like Mahindra to provide CrossDrive for their specialised all-terrain vehicles like Thar. CEAT also plans to launch CrossDrive tyres in the global market soon.
Commenting on the launch, Mr Arnab Banerjee, Chief Operating Officer, CEAT Tyres Ltd., said, “CrossDrive is one of our premium offerings in the all-terrain tyre segment for SUVs. The introduction of new technology and designs for CrossDrive tyres will help our consumers to conquer challenging and diverse terrains with safety, while also improving the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. We have extensively tested CrossDrive for off-roading capabilities and city use and it provides an experience which is the best of both worlds. The launch of CrossDrive is yet another step in our efforts to make mobility safer and smarter every day by enabling enthusiastic SUV owners in India to confidently cross all terrains. ‘Discovering the new you’ is the core promise of CEAT CrossDrive for SUV consumers
Ceat in a press conference today told that they will be exporting to this European market. USA markets are yet to be tapped. For the European market, this new Crossdrive AT will be a different tyre by a subtle margin, if not substantially. Ceat said that European consumer looks forward to more wet grip and does more off-road then Indian customers. Ceat is looking forward to a 20% market share in this category where the market isn’t big in the first place. Ceat officials also said that this tyre can go in every mid-size and full-size SUV. Compact monocoque SUV’s to full-size ladder on frame SUV.
Mileage is said to drop a bit but more grip on uneven and off-road surfaces means that the SUVs will truly perform like they should. These tyres still have the flexibility and softness required for a less bouncy ride over smooth roads too.
This new Crossdrive AT tyre seems ideal for SUVs which have AWD options right now such as the Toyota UC Hyrdyer and Maruti Grand Vitara, the Yester year’s Renault Duster and Mahindra XUV 700 can fit this and enjoy on-road performance and comfort along with more than enough off-road traction can be expected from these tyres over completely road-biased tyres that these SUV’s come with from the factory.
Ceat also has the CZAR AT tyres for off-road use, however, they are specific to the commercial vehicle market where they are said to be more focused on the life of the power and economy. The CrossDrive AT becomes the first premium tyre for SUVs with AWD or 4×4 to make in Ceat’s off-road portfolio. Ceat is working harder to gain market share in the car space as they are dominant in the two-wheeler space. Ceat says it is on its way to achieving that target by FY 2025.
