Indian Truck and Bus Tyre Customer Survey

The Indian Truck and Bus Tyre customer Survey is the latest study based on primary interactions with customers, and products differ in many ways from traditional buying habits. ACG has expertise to check the pulse and track the Tyre market and insight dynamics. We are in touch with 30K truck fleet owners across various types.

The application of the Truck and Bus is the key to selecting the tyre type and brand. The Truck Application-wise data covers Overload and payload truck-use pattern data.

The survey discloses the brand image and reputation of the Tyre brands like

• MRF Tyre
• JK Tyre
• CEAT Tyre
• Bridgestone Tyre
• Michelin Tyre
• Apollo Tyre
• BKT Tyre, and
• Chinese Brands

Indian Tyre Brand and Go-To-Market Strategy:

This tyre brand image directly affects purchase decisions across the various fleet-owner segments. BKT tyres Brand is highly relevant among fleet owners, especially in the Tipper segment. Below is the Brand relevance map of BKT Tyre:

This survey helps to define the target segment for various tyre sizes and types. Most of the fleet owners tried to find new entrants like BKT Tyre in this segment. BKT Tyre is already the leading player in off-road heavy vehicles. Leading players like MRF and Apollo Tyre are also facing image issues, as most fleet owners have been using these tyres for a long time.

Tyre Buying Behaviour: Tyre Brand Identity and Image

Since use, Replacement cycle, Business model,  and load patterns differ, the purchase journey is also different for the Truck and Bus segments.

JK Tyre has a strong identity for its quality in the radial Tyre segment. Apollo and MRF are known for a balance between Price and performance. The Truck Tyre replacement market is evolving rapidly. Customers are looking for a competitive price, but long life and after-sales support from the tyre manufacturer. Companies like Continental Tyre decided to leave this segment due to high costs, dealer networks, and limited engagement with fleet owners.

It is key to understand the challenges, buying criteria, customer engagement, relationship-building, and competitive offerings across various customer segments. Our latest survey decoded it.

Willingness to Pay:

Brand reputation and trust play a significant role in fleet owners’ willingness to pay. Price is an essential attribute in the Tyre segment, as multiple tyres need to be replaced during a specific cycle. However, for Small and Medium fleet owners, payment terms and customer relations are highly valuable in the Indian Tyre Industry.

Fleet owners with premium fleets, such as Volvo long-haulage, prefer Michelin Tubeless Tyres because they offer better returns and a strong value proposition, even though they are more expensive than other brands. The customer still believes they could prefer Bridgestone tyres or consider it under the first filter, Brand relevance, if this brand meets certain expectations.

Only 20% of fleet owners consider driver opinion before buying tyres; however, drivers have a fair idea of tyre quality and performance. But they do not have price and discount information.

Tyre Dealers are one of the most influential if they they a multi-brand dealership and the owner type is driver cum owner.  Some dealers are heavily promoting Chinese brands in India by offering attractive discounts and guaranteeing tyre reliability and durability.

The challenges and opportunities have been identified through this survey for Tyre Brands companies.

Some of the questions as part of the Indian Truck Tyre survey:

• Why fleet owners buy: MRF Tyre, JK Tire, CEAT Tyre, Bridgestone Tyre, Michelin Tyre, Apollo Tyre, BKT Tyre, and Chinese Brands
• What is the price point they are expecting
• Who is the decision maker
• Application of the vehicle and load pattern
• Choosing between Radial and Bias tyres
• Brand perception of the different tyre brands
• Customer loyalty
• Tyre purchase plan

Survey Participation:

• Fleet Owners – Truck and Bus: Owner cum drivers, Small, Medium, Large, and Corporate
• Truck drivers: All types of drivers
• Types of Trucks: Tipper, Rigid Haulage, Tractor Trailer, and Special Truck Type
• Truck segment: Mini, Pick up, Light Duty Truck, medium Duty Truck, and heavy Duty Truck
• Other: Procurement managers of Fleet or logistic companies and OEMs procurement managers
• Tyre Dealers of all major cities