Leading Indian Tyre maker JK Tyre & Industries had set up world-class, state-of-the-art Research and development center (JK Tyre R&D Center)- the Raghupati Singhania Centre of Excellence (RPSCOE) in Mysuru, in 2018. The company has confirmed that it has plans to further add additional equipment to increase and improve the infrastructure of the JK Tyre R&D center. The R&D facility houses one of the best laboratories used for tyre testing. Dr. Rabindra Mukhopadhyay, director, R&D, JK Tyre & Industries, in an interview has spoken about the company's capabilities.
With the facility capable of carrying out tests to national and international standards such as AIS, ECE and SASO, Mukhopadhyay highlighted, “The rolling resistance measurement facility is aligned with European reference laboratory to carry out RR test as per R117 and obtained Candidate Laboratory status. We are continuously upgrading our test facilities that includes modernization of existing equipment and new equipment to meet the emerging needs of OEMs.”
Interestingly, JK Tyre uses state-owned testing centers under NATRiP (National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project) across India for vehicle level evaluation, that is for conducting NVH and vehicle dynamics tests. “We are also exploring possibilities to develop a dedicated test track or joining hands with established test track agencies to cater to our outdoor test requirements,” said Mukhopadhyay.
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At the overseas facilities, many important tests are conducted to ensure that the tyres perform the best. “We use overseas testing facilities extensively for various product applications, like Finland- and New Zealand-based sites to develop winter tyres. We will shortly debut ultra-high-performance tyres, and ATP Germany’s test tracks for conducting high-speed test, crossing 300 km/h, are being used,” noted Mukhopadhyay.
“Similarly, for our various requirements and certifications, Idiada facilities in Spain and China are regularly being used. In addition, for UTQG (Uniform Tyre Quality Grading), we also use Smithers’ testing laboratories in the USA. We consider it as an ongoing activity and it is prudent to utilize international facilities based on the needs.”
Mukhopadhyay added, “In the current technology arena, a major and continuous improvement is happening in terms of simulation and predictive technology as well as sensors and connected mobility technology. Therefore, with the development in the infrastructure, automobile industry and the expectations of customers, there will be continuous improvements in this field.”
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