BKT inaugurates vehicle dynamics and testing base at NATRAX to accelerate passenger vehicle tyre development!
By Ashutosh Arora
Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT), one of India’s leading tyre manufacturers, has taken a significant step forward in its diversification strategy by inaugurating its Vehicle Dynamics and Testing (VD&T) base at the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) facility in Indore. The move marks a major milestone in BKT’s expansion beyond its established leadership in the off-highway tyre sector and into the passenger vehicle segment, covering passenger car radial (PCR), commercial vehicle radial (CVR), and two-wheeler tyres.
The establishment of the VD&T base is aimed at strengthening BKT’s research and development ecosystem and enabling advanced testing and validation for its new range of tyres. By leveraging the extensive infrastructure of NATRAX, one of Asia’s largest automotive testing and validation centres, BKT will now be able to conduct comprehensive evaluations of its tyres under a wide variety of real-world conditions. These tests are expected to accelerate product development cycles, enhance the reliability and performance of tyres, and help the company meet the stringent quality standards demanded by both Indian and global consumers.
Speaking about the launch, Satish Sharma, Senior President and Director – Business Development and Strategy at BKT, emphasised the importance of this initiative in the company’s long-term growth plan. He noted that BKT is drawing on its decades of expertise in the off-highway tyre segment to enter the on-road vehicle market with a strong focus on consumer safety and trust. “At BKT, our commitment is clear—we aim to design tyres that deliver not only safety but also comfort, mileage, and reliability on every journey. The establishment of a dedicated Vehicle Dynamics and Testing base at NATRAX represents a pivotal step in this journey and underscores our vision of delivering world-class tyres across every vehicle segment,” Sharma said.
The new facility is equipped to simulate diverse operating conditions, ranging from high-speed performance testing to assessments of braking efficiency, ride comfort, and adaptability to different terrains. These simulations are essential not only for ensuring tyre safety and durability but also for addressing consumer expectations in terms of driving experience and longevity. With the rise of electric vehicles and increasing demand for high-performance tyres in India, the ability to test products extensively before market launch gives BKT a crucial competitive advantage.
The VD&T base also strengthens BKT’s broader innovation framework, integrating advanced machinery, skilled engineers, and sophisticated analytical systems to streamline the product validation process. By reducing the time taken from design to deployment, BKT can bring new products to market faster while ensuring that each tyre meets global benchmarks. This capability is expected to benefit both the OEM segment, where automakers demand consistency and compliance, and the replacement market, where consumers prioritise safety and cost-effectiveness.
Industry analysts view this development as a strategic step for BKT as it expands its portfolio into segments that demand higher consumer brand engagement and trust. The company’s decision to anchor its testing and validation base at NATRAX, which offers world-class facilities such as high-speed tracks, gradient testing zones, and durability tracks, reinforces its seriousness about competing on a global scale.
With the inauguration of the VD&T base, BKT is not only reinforcing its commitment to safety, quality, and innovation but also signalling its determination to become a strong player in the competitive passenger vehicle tyre space. As the company prepares to introduce its new range of PCR, CVR, and two-wheeler tyres, this initiative places it in a stronger position to meet the evolving mobility needs of India and international markets alike.
