The Tyre Tale of India’s Two Wheeler's Growth!

 

The Tyre Tale of India’s Two Wheeler's Growth!

 

What is the tyre tale of India’s Two-Wheeler's Growth? It  begins with amazing facts that will inspire you to read this whole blog. India is the largest two-wheeler market in the world, with millions of motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds and the new trend in shape of e rickshaws zipping across its cities and rural roads. But behind every smooth ride lies a crucial component— 92 lakh (9.2 million) two-wheeler tyres are sold every month in India. This figure not only reflects India’s love for two-wheelers but also showcases the massive scale of its growing automotive tire industry.

In this blog post, we will explore

·         The monthly tyre consumption by two-wheelers in India

·         The OEM vs. replacement market share

·         Leading tyre manufacturers and their segments

·         Market trends and future growth

·         Why this matters to the economy, environment, and consumers

Let’s roll into new excitement.

 

The game of the numbers behind the ride makes it a fast-moving giant..

India currently has more than 28 crore registered two-wheelers (as of 2025)—and is number is rising continuously with every passing day. Whether it's a Hero Splendor in Rajasthan or a Honda Activa in Chennai, two-wheelers dominate Indian roads due to their

·         Affordability

·         Fuel efficiency

·         Ease of mobility in traffic-heavy cities. 

 

🔢 Breakup of 92 Lakh Two-Wheeler Tyres monthly

·   OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Market Share:
Approximately 22–25 lakh tires  per month (24–27%) are sold through OEMs. These tyres are fitted on newly manufactured bikes and scooters that roll out of company plants such as Hero MotoCorp, Honda, Bajaj, TVS, etc. 

· Replacement Market Share:
The remaining 67–70 lakh tyres per month (73–76%) are sold in the replacement segment, where vehicle owners change their worn-out tires.

This shows that the replacement market is 3X larger than the OEM market—trend common in mature automotive markets where the number of vehicles already on the road outpaces new vehicle sales.

 

🏭 Major Two-Wheeler Tyre Manufacturers in India

India has several key players in the tyre industry, each contributing to the OEM and replacement segments in different ways.

1. MRF Tyres

·         Market Leader in India.

·         Supplies to Hero, TVS, Bajaj, and Honda (OEM).

·         Strong presence in replacement segment via its dealership network.

2. CEAT Tyres

·         Aggressive in both OEM and aftermarket.

·         Key supplier to Bajaj Auto and Royal Enfield.

·         High demand in replacement due to pricing and performance balance.

3. Apollo Tyres

·         Strong in radial technology and expanding OEM reach.

·         Robust after-sales tyre lineup in metros and rural markets.

4. TVS Eurogrip

·         A specialist in two- and three-wheelers tyres.

·         Original equipment supplier for TVS Motors, expanding to scooters and commuter bikes.

·         Large footprint in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities for replacement sales.

5. JK Tyre

·         Noted for its radial tires and performance range.

·         Supplies to some mid-segment and premium bike brands.

6. Ralco Tyres (Ralson Group)

·         Strong in the affordable and budget segment.

·         High-volume sales in rural and small-town markets.

7. Michelin, Pirelli, Maxxis, Metzeler (International Brands)

·         Mostly active in premium motorcycles and performance bikes.

·         OEMs: KTM, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Royal Enfield (certain models).

·         Smaller share in total volume but important for niche growth.

 

📊 Estimated Market Share in OEM & Replacement

Brand	OEM Share (%)	Replacement Share (%)
MRF	32%	27%
CEAT	21%	24%
TVS Eurogrip	18%	17%
Apollo	12%	11%
JK Tyre	6%	8%
Ralco/Ralson	3%	7%
Others	8%	6%

(Estimates as per 2024-25 data; POSSIBILITY can vary slightly by month or region )

 

🚦 OEM vs Replacement Market – Key Differences

Factor	OEM Segment	Replacement Segment
Customer	Two-wheeler manufacturers (e.g. Honda)	Individual vehicle owners
Price Sensitivity	Medium	High
Quality Focus	Consistent OE-tested tyres	Performance, durability, cost
Distribution	Direct to factory	Through retailers and service centers
Brand Loyalty	Low (manufacturer-decided)	High (customer experience based)

 

📈 Why is the Replacement Market Booming?

1.      Huge Base of Existing Two-Wheelers
With more than 28 crore two-wheelers on the road, the need for tyre replacements is constant.

2.      Rough Road Conditions
India’s varying road quality and weather lead to faster wear and tear of tyres.

3.      Increased Awareness
More riders now understand the importance of tyre condition for safety and fuel efficiency.

4. E-commerce Growth
Buying tires online has made it easier and more transparent for customers convenience.

 

🔮 Future Trends: What Lies Ahead

1.      EV Two-Wheelers Will Drive Tire Innovation
Electric scooters (Ola, Ather, TVS iQube) are demanding low-rolling resistance and quieter tires.

2.      Smart Tires
Sensors, puncture resistance, and improved tread tech are being integrated in premium models.

3. Radial vs. Bias Tires
Radial tires are gaining popularity in bikes above 150cc due to better performance and comfort.

4.      Eco-Friendly Tires
Focus on sustainable materials and green rubber compounds is growing.

 

🧾 Conclusion: Tires are the Backbone of India’s Two-Wheeler Movement

Selling 92 lakh two-wheeler tires a month is more than just a number—it reflects a deep-seated dependence on two-wheelers in India’s mobility ecosystem. From bustling metros to remote villages, tires keep India moving. The clear dominance of the replacement market shows the potential for growth, innovation, and investment in this space.

For the consumer, understanding tire types, brands, and performance metrics is key to staying safe and getting the best ride experience. For manufacturers, the focus now must shift to

·         Durability

·         Sustainability

·         Smart innovation.

 

⚠️ Disclaimer:

All figures mentioned in this blog post are approximate estimates based on industry reports, market research, and auto publications as of 2024–25. Actual monthly sales may vary due to seasonality, regional factors, and brand strategies. This blog is for general information only and does not endorse any specific tire brand or manufacturer.