Michelin has launched the Primacy 5 in India, marking a major milestone for the French tyre manufacturer as its first locally produced passenger vehicle tyre in the country. Priced from Rs. 10,000, the new tyre is available in sizes ranging from 16 to 22 inches, catering to a wide variety of vehicles, from mainstream sedans and SUVs to premium luxury models.
While Michelin has been manufacturing truck and bus tyres in India for more than a decade, the Primacy 5 represents the company’s entry into locally produced passenger car tyres. The launch is also the first step in a broader localisation strategy, with products such as the Pilot Sport 4 SUV, Pilot Sport 5, and LTX Trail ST expected to join the made-in-India portfolio in phases.
According to Michelin, the Primacy 5 has been developed specifically for Indian driving conditions and extensively tested on some of the country’s most popular passenger vehicles. The company claims the tyre delivers significant improvements in safety, efficiency, durability, and comfort compared to both competitors and its predecessor.
One of the biggest highlights is its wet-weather performance. Michelin says the Primacy 5 offers up to an 8-metre shorter braking distance on wet roads when new compared to rival products. Even when worn, the tyre is claimed to stop up to 9 metres sooner. In dry conditions, Michelin claims a braking distance advantage of up to 4 metres over competing tyres.
The Primacy 5 also focuses on efficiency. Michelin states that the tyre improves fuel economy in internal combustion engine vehicles and can contribute to increased driving range in electric vehicles thanks to reduced rolling resistance. Compared to the outgoing Primacy 4ST, the new tyre is said to deliver a 6.5 per cent improvement in efficiency and an 8 per cent increase in overall lifespan, while also offering enhanced ride comfort.
Speaking at the launch event in Chennai, Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director of Michelin India, described the introduction of the Primacy 5 as a significant step for the company’s operations in the country. He noted that the tyre was developed, benchmarked, and independently validated with Indian customers and driving conditions in mind, reinforcing Michelin’s commitment to local manufacturing.
The Primacy 5 is now available through Michelin Tyres & Services stores as well as authorised dealers across India. Alongside the product launch, Michelin also announced plans to strengthen its retail presence beyond major metropolitan areas. Over the past year, the company has expanded its distribution network to more than 800 points of sale nationwide.
With demand for premium vehicles and mid-size SUVs continuing to grow, Michelin sees India as one of its most important growth markets globally. The company believes local manufacturing will help it better serve Indian customers while supporting its long-term expansion plans in the country.
