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Apollo Tyres, a leading tyre major, has opened its first branded retail outlet in Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Christened as Apollo Zone, this outlet is designed to provide customers with an enhanced retail experience and a better feel of the brand and products. Apollo Zone is located in the up-market area of Galle Road in Colombo, and is operated by Apollo’s Business Partners, Ideal Wheels & Tyres (Pvt) Limited.
Sri Lanka has become one of the fast growing exports market for Apollo Tyres, with sales increasing by more than 50% a on year-on-year basis. Since its introduction in the Sri Lankan market in June 2011, Apollo branded tyres -- both passenger and commercial vehicle -- have been well received by the consumers.
Satish Sharma, Chief, India Operations, Apollo Tyres said that Sri Lanka is at the cusp of growth, especially the regions which were most affected by war. Also, there is enough movement of commercial vehicles due to the rapid infrastructure development across the country; this in turn leads to increased demand for tyres. Branded retail outlets will result in an higher visibility for the Apollo brand.”
Apollo Zone follows a modern up-market retail format for selling tyres -- ensuring ample visual appeal, comfort and convenience to customers, and providing an opportunity to learn about the product’s applications and performance before making the final purchase. They, thus, bridge the gap between tyres being a low involvement category product and the need for expert guidance, to enable customers to buy the right tyres, suited to their vehicle and driving style.
Ideal Wheels & Tyres is lead by Nalin Welgama, Chairman and ex-Captain of Sri Lankan Cricket Team, Aravinda De Silva, is the Deputy Chairman. They are the sole distributor of Apollo’s tyres in Sri Lanka.
