MRF Expands Presence in EV and Defence Tyre Markets.

MRF Ltd, India’s leading tyre manufacturer, is strengthening its position in the electric vehicle (EV) and defence tyre markets. The company has made significant inroads in the EV segment, catering to both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and replacement markets.

Arun Mammen, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of MRF Ltd, highlighted the company’s growing portfolio at the Bharat Mobility Expo. “We have established ourselves as a key player in the EV segment, supplying tyres to major manufacturers of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and cars like the Maruti eVitara,” he said.

MRF supplies tyres to popular EV models, including Tata Nexon, Mahindra EVs, Honda Activa Electric, Bajaj Chetak, HeroMoto Corp’s Vida, and emerging players like Ather, Ultraviolette, and Revolt. It also serves e-bus manufacturers JBM and Olectra and electric three-wheeler makers such as Piaggio.

The company’s EV-specific tyres feature advanced technologies like low rolling resistance for better battery efficiency and noise-absorbing foam to ensure quieter rides. Replacement demand for EV tyres is also on the rise, with early models such as Bajaj Chetak entering their replacement cycles.

MRF is also the exclusive supplier of tyres for Indian defence aircraft and helicopters, including Sukhoi jets, Tejas, Apache helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. It is expanding its range to cater to new defence aircraft and helicopters, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

“We have also begun exporting aircraft tyres through Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and are exploring further opportunities in global defence markets,” Mammen added.

Beyond defence, MRF is broadening its global footprint, with exports growing 20–25% in the past two quarters. Currently, exports contribute 10–12% of its revenue, with plans to raise this to 15% by tapping into markets in Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.

The company, with a revenue of ₹25,486 crore, is scaling up manufacturing capacity across its 10 Indian plants to meet rising demand. MRF invested ₹2,100 crore in capital expenditure last fiscal year and has allocated ₹700 crore in the first half of this fiscal.

With a robust strategy in place, MRF is poised to enhance its role as a key player in both the EV and defence sectors while expanding its presence in global markets.

HBL