BKT expands footprint with advanced testing and R&D at NATRAX

By Staff Report September 29, 2025 5:09 pm IST

BKT will use India’s premier automotive testing facility to enhance product testing across 2W, PVR and CVR segments.

Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT), a manufacturer of the Off-Highway Tyre (OHT) industry, inaugurated a dedicated Vehicle Dynamics & Testing (VD&T) base at the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Indore, Asia’s second-largest and longest test track facility. The inauguration took place in the presence of Satish Sharma, Sr President & Director – Business Development and Strategy, BKT. This expands BKT into the passenger vehicle tyre segment, including Passenger Car Radial (PCR), Commercial Vehicle Radial (CVR), and 2-Wheeler tyre categories. BKT will thus bring world-class products to Indian consumers and global markets through workshops equipped with advanced machinery and an expert R&D team for real-world testing.

The VD&T base will serve as a hub for advanced testing and validation, allowing BKT to accelerate product development, ensure reliability, enhance performance, and address the evolving needs of both Indian and global consumers. With NATRAX’s world-class infrastructure, BKT can deliver high-quality, innovative tyres across all mobility segments.

With access to NATRAX, BKT can test tyres across real-world scenarios, from ride and handling to comfort, braking, durability, and even off-road terrain. These capabilities are critical for both Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the replacement market, ensuring tyres meet stringent global benchmarks while giving everyday consumers the confidence of world-class quality.

Commenting on the development, Satish Sharma, Sr President & Director – Business Development and Strategy, BKT said: “The establishment of a dedicated VD&T base at NATRAX marks a pivotal step in our journey to deliver world-class tyres across segments. This facility empowers us to simulate real-world conditions and rigorously test our products for performance, safety, and durability. By addressing key consumer pain points, be it ride comfort, braking efficiency, or terrain adaptability, we are committed to engineering solutions that truly elevate the driving experience.”

With this initiative, BKT strengthens its on-road vehicle segment capabilities with state-of-the-art machinery and experienced teams. The new VT&D base strengthens R&D and testing capabilities, enabling the development of passenger tyres that are safer, more durable, and deliver exceptional value products made in India, for India and to the world.