Chennai: A senior official of Apollo Tyres today expressed alarm over the rise in imports of Chinese tires, saying it was jeopardizing the center’s ‘Make in India’ activities.

Apollo Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa president satish “In the beginning, Chinese products did not have much of an impact on the lunch line of trucks and buses, but last year Chinese imports increased by 70% and this year by 40%.” Tire satish Sharma told reporters here.

He gave statistics, “The bus midday tire industry sells about 400,000 tires per month. We (Apollo Tyres) sell about 100,000 tires per month. China Tire sells 150,000 tires a month. “I am selling,” he said.

Sharma, who is also the vice-president of the Automotive Tire Manufacturers Association (ATMA), which represents the tire industry, said he has complained to the government.

He said, “After two years of concern and negotiations with the government, they (government) accepted the anti-dumping duty request in May 2016. They have started the process but it is a long process.” .

“Why do we need to open up predatory markets to domestic companies? The Prime Minister’s vision is ‘Make in India’.” But I think that vision is under threat. I am ready to compete with local manufacturers (not with Chinese imports). ‘ he said.

Responding to a question from a reporter, he said the biggest dilemma facing the industry is importing products from China and there is nothing better than importing products from China. Manufacturers can take action.

He also said that tire prices in India have fallen by 10 to 15 percent in the last two years and are still falling. On the other hand, Chinese tires are still about 30% cheaper.

He said that in the past the competition among the tire manufacturers was limited to three to four but now the situation is totally different. Many foreign manufacturers have entered the region, including Michelin, Yokohama and Horse Tire.

Sharma along with company executives at the launch of Apololo EnduRace RD HD, Apollo EnduMile LHD and Apollo EnduComfort CA for the truck radial market.