For a market estimated to be worth close to P25 billion annually, the local tire industry is seeing a surge in competition with new brands entering the scene. While no official sales data is yet available, this rough estimate points out the significant demand for tires. The market is currently dominated by motorcycles, which consume over 16 million tires a year. Commercial vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and vans, account for over 6 million, while trucks use more than 2 million.
To stay ahead in this competitive landscape, AP Blue Whale Corporation, led by Chief Operations Officer Ronald L. Ang, recently unveiled seven new tires from its popular brands – Maxxis and CST.
Both Maxxis International and CST Tires are well-known to car owners. Maxxis is recognized for offering a great balance of performance and value, while CST is a global leader in manufacturing tires that provide good value across various vehicle types.
“These tire brands represent a significant advancement in our tire technology and our response to the continuously expanding electric vehicle market,” said Ang. “We are happy to offer drivers an unparalleled experience on both dry and wet roads, whether for conventional or electric vehicles.”
The launch, held last Tuesday at the Conrad Hotel, introduced four new tires from Maxxis:
- Maxxis RAZR HT780: A refined All-Terrain tire for crossovers, pickups, and SUVs.
- Maxxis RAZR AT781: An all-weather tire for light-duty vehicles that balances traction, durability, and a quiet ride.
- Maxxis Victra Sport EV: A tire specifically designed for electric vehicles.
- Maxxis Victra S98 CT: An urban-ready scooter tire for smooth and stable city riding.
CST also debuted three new tires models:
- Sahara AT318: An all-terrain tire designed for both on-road and off-road use.
- SALEKS E.X1: A tire for electric vehicles.
- CST Ride Scoop: A scooter tire engineered for ultra-high performance.
Responding to the EV Revolution
With the increasing number of electric and hybrid vehicles, there is a growing need for specialized tires that can handle the extra weight and torque. According to Jaybee Atanacio, director of product management at AP Blue Whale Corp., the new Maxxis Victra Sport EV and CST SALEKS E.X1 are designed to meet this demand. The Maxxis Victra Sport EV, which previously won a SEMA Best New Product Award, and the CST SALEKS E.X1 are built for ultra-high-performance and all-season capability.
