Michelin India has entered a new phase of its India strategy with the launch of the Primacy 5, the company’s first passenger car tyre to be manufactured locally. Produced at Michelin’s Chennai facility, the premium touring tyre is designed for sedans, SUVs, hybrids, electric vehicles (EVs), and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, reinforcing the French tyre maker’s long-term commitment to the Indian market.
The Primacy 5 will be available across Michelin Tyres & Service outlets and nearly 800 authorised dealers nationwide from August. Initially, Michelin will focus on the replacement tyre market before gradually expanding into the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) segment.
Replacement Market Takes Priority
Speaking at the launch, Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said the company will first strengthen its position in the replacement market before targeting OEM partnerships.
“We will start and focus on getting our share together in the replacement market. As we grow and opportunities emerge, the OEM business will also follow,” he said.
The Primacy 5 will be offered in sizes ranging from 16 to 22 inches, with prices starting at around ₹10,000, depending on the tyre size.
Deshpande also highlighted that local production fulfills Michelin’s commitment made nearly 18 months ago.
“It is no longer a promise. It is actually happening. The tyres are being manufactured as we speak now in our factory in Chennai.”
Engineered for Indian Roads
Michelin says the Primacy 5 has been specifically validated on vehicles commonly used in India and incorporates the company’s EverGrip and EverTread technologies alongside an optimised tread design and advanced rubber compounds.
The locally manufactured tyre uses the same production processes, machinery, and quality standards as Michelin’s global products. However, engineers have reinforced the Indian-spec tyre with additional material to improve durability against rough road conditions.
According to Jean-François Rene, Executive Director, Michelin Chennai, the additional reinforcement makes the Indian version slightly heavier while improving resistance to road hazards.
Claims Shorter Braking Distances
Safety remains the primary focus of the Primacy 5.
Michelin claims the tyre delivers significantly shorter braking distances than competing premium tyres.
Independent tests commissioned by Michelin and conducted by Applus+ IDIADA at NATRAX, Indore, using a Hyundai Creta fitted with 205/65 R16 tyres, produced the following results:
Wet Braking (80 kmph to 20 kmph)
- Primacy 5 (new): 30.5 metres
- Competitor average: 38.6 metres
With tyres worn to 2 mm tread depth:
- Primacy 5: 37.6 metres
- Competitor average: 46.5 metres
Michelin says this translates to braking distances that are up to eight metres shorter when new and nine metres shorter when worn.
Dry Braking (100 kmph to Standstill)
- Primacy 5: 38.1 metres
- Competitor average: 42.2 metres
These performance figures are based on tests commissioned by Michelin.
Better Comfort and Longer Tyre Life
Beyond safety, Michelin says the Primacy 5 improves ride quality by reducing road noise and vibrations.
According to the company:
- Ride comfort is 9% better than the average of rival tyres tested.
- Tyre life is 8% longer than the outgoing Primacy 4ST.
- Rolling resistance has been reduced by 6.5%, helping improve fuel efficiency in ICE vehicles and extend driving range in EVs.
The tyre has also been developed to cope with the higher torque and additional weight of electric vehicles.
“Primacy 5 is going to be good for ICE vehicles and it is going to be great for EVs as well,” Deshpande said.
Rivals in India’s Premium Tyre Segment
Michelin is positioning the Primacy 5 against established premium touring tyres, including:
- Bridgestone Turanza 6i
- Continental UltraContact UC6
- Yokohama BluEarth-GT Max AE51
The company also expects competition from Indian premium offerings such as:
- CEAT SportDrive
- Apollo Aspire 4G+
- MRF Perfinza
These products compete across parameters such as comfort, grip, braking performance, durability, and low rolling resistance.
Growing Demand for Premium Tyres
Michelin’s local manufacturing strategy comes as Indian buyers increasingly prefer larger SUVs and premium passenger vehicles requiring bigger tyres.
According to SIAM, utility vehicles accounted for around 68% of domestic passenger vehicle sales during the first quarter of FY2026-27, with UV sales rising 28.6% year-on-year.
The premium vehicle segment has also continued its upward trajectory:
- Mercedes-Benz India’s top-end vehicle sales grew 16% in FY2025-26.
- BMW India reported a 14% increase in annual sales to 17,299 units.
- Luxury electric vehicle sales in India climbed 61% to 5,404 units.
Michelin believes improving highways, longer-distance travel, and rising customer expectations for safety and comfort are driving stronger demand for premium tyres.
Chennai Plant to Expand Portfolio
Michelin plans to gradually increase passenger car tyre production at its Chennai plant through 2027, adding new sizes and product lines, including the Pilot Sport 5 and LTX Trail.
The Chennai facility currently has a combined annual production capacity of around 54,000 tonnes for truck, bus, and passenger car tyres.
While the company remains focused on serving the domestic market, it also sees export opportunities for passenger car tyres from Chennai in the future. The plant already exports truck tyres to regions including Europe, North America, Africa, and the Middle East.
On the retail front, Michelin currently operates around 150 Michelin Tyres & Service outlets across India and plans to strengthen its presence further by expanding into Tier-II and Tier-III cities as demand for premium tyres continues to grow.
