LAS VEGAS — India's Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has released a tire designed specifically for the ATV market, the AT 171.
The Indian-based tire maker showcased the tire among its portfolio of mining and agricultural tires at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.
Company officials said the decision to build the tire was made when its agricultural customers began using its ag tires for ATV applications, which the company couldn't support.
The AT 171, designed for on- and off-the-road applications with ATV, has the ability to move with agility and traction on wet or muddy terrain, thanks to the special directional and extra-deep tread design.
BKT said the tire's other distinctive features are its self-cleaning properties along with cut-and-chip resistance. According to the company, the robust casing features superior durability, ensuring an extended product life-cycle.
The release of the new tire is part of BKT's strategy to increase sales globally by 20 percent. Sales have increased around 17.5 percent thus far in 2017, according to Arvind Poddar, chairman and managing director of BKT, who attended the SEMA Show.
"We think we can get to 18- to 20-percent [growth], considering that most of our capacity is already accounted for," Mr. Poddar said.
BKT sees great growth potential in the ATV, lawn and garden and small equipment segment, Mr. Poddar said, but the company's focus continues to be to provide high-quality, high-performing tires for the mining and agricultural segments.