Category Archives: All Apollo/Vredestein Tyres Stuff

All Apollo/Vredestein Tyres Stuff

All Apollo/Vredestein Tyres Stuff

Because of the rise of the illegal part worn tyres. Then I think it important to explain “how to check the age” of your tyres. There are no strict rules about this subject. However it is thought that tyres start to deteriorate. Of course, when they are five year old and above.
This knowledge is specially important if you have recently purchased a second hand car. Or were tempted into buying some second hand tyres. Tyre date codes were changed in the year 2000. Hence, from three digits to four digits. Therefore, pre-2000 tyres would be as such. say the age code was 261. Then this tyre was made in the 26th week of 1991. Moreover, after 2000 a tyre code of 5110, would mean that the tyre was made in the 51st week of 2010.

Apollo Vredestein Tyres: brings out New Quatrac all-season Tyre

Apollo Vredestein Tyres

Apollo Vredestein Tyres
Apollo Vredestein Tyres

Apollo Vredestein Tyres

Vredestein has always made an outstanding tyre product. Thus, even in the days before they were bought out by Apollo tyres.

This is a new Quatrac tyre.

Therefore, there will be no exception to the rule. I have been fortunate enough to visit the factory in Holland. Where the Vredestein tyres are made. As a result, I was very impressed by the cleanliness of the tyre-making facilities. Cleanliness helps to make a better tyre  product without any warranty problems.


Alright, let’s dive into the story of Vredestein tyres

a familiar name on the roads of the UK, especially when the frost starts nipping at our toes. You know, tyres are a bit like a good cuppa—you don’t think about them much until you really need them, and then, well, they’re blooming essential, aren’t they?

So, Vredestein, that trusty old Dutch brand

has been around since your granddad’s days, making tyres since 1909. They’ve always had a bit of a reputation for quality, especially when it comes to winter tyres. You know the sort—those tyres that keep your motor gripping the road like a Yorkshire terrier holds onto a bone.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. In 2009, Vredestein got married to Apollo Tyres, a big player from India. It’s like when your local chippy. Hence, it gets taken over by that fancy new restaurant chain from London. You wonder, “Will my favourite fish and chips ever taste the same again?”

Well, the good news is

Apollo Tyres didn’t come to mess about. They had big plans. They wanted to get a foothold in Europe, and what better way than through an established name like Vredestein? So, they pumped in the cash—we’re talking serious investment here. It’s like they gave Vredestein a full MOT, new spark plugs, and the works.

What came out of this garage was quite something. Vredestein started rolling out new tyre ranges faster than you can say, ‘Bob’s your uncle’. There was the Ultrac range, proper high-performance tyres, perfect for giving your motor that extra bit of oomph on the motorway. Then came the Wintrac line—now, these are the winter tyres that could make a Siberian husky feel at home on a Halifax road in December.

But it’s not just about keeping your car straight

and narrow during a frosty morning. Vredestein, under Apollo’s wing, started getting a bit fancy. They brought out designer tyres; can you believe it? Teaming up with big names like Giugiaro, they started making tyres that weren’t just practical, but pretty darn stylish too. It’s like putting a Savile Row suit on your wheels!

And let’s not forget the green side of things. Vredestein has been working on more sustainable tyres because, let’s face it, we all want to keep the Yorkshire Dales looking lovely for our grandkids.

They’re using clever materials and designs to reduce rolling resistance, which means less fuel consumption and fewer emissions. It’s like having your cake and eating it—your car runs smoother, and you’re doing your bit for the planet.

So, there you have it.

Vredestein, with a bit of help from Apollo, has been keeping cars in the UK and beyond, steady on their feet (or should I say, wheels) through rain, sleet, and snow.

They’ve stayed true to their roots while adding a bit of spice to the mix. It’s a bit like your local chippy adding gourmet burgers to the menu—the classics are still there, but there’s something new and exciting for everyone. Keep an eye out on those roads, and you’ll see what I mean!

Vredestein also made other high-quality tyre products. Including the vredestein ultrac sessanta. Hence, for the SUV and 4×4 tyre markets,. Consequently, it has been proven to be very popular. Especially amongst the drivers of this type of vehicle.

The Vredestein Quatrac 3 SUV tyres were a very popular choice of all-weather tyres and have now been replaced by the Vredestein Quatrac 5 tyre, a worthy predecessor.

Apollo vredestein has now become one tyre company with emerging products.

The Indian tyre makers made a very shrewd move when buying Vredestein. The Dutch tyre company is renowned for their winter tyre range, with many award winners.

Apollo tyre India is growing into one of the world’s top ten tyre manufacturers. From their base in India, they have a presence in South Africa, Europe, and the UK, and now I believe that they are ready to make a bid for the Chinese tyre company, BCT.

Apollo Vredestein is now making great efforts

to expand their tyres throughout the UK. In fact, they no longer support the tyre dealer network Point-S after the resignation of MD Eric Roberts. We also stock Falken tyres here in Halifax, Yorkshire, UK.

Consequently, to bring things up to date in 2021, we are now receiving poorer service from the Vredestein product. In my opinion, this is often the case after a company is taken over by a larger company.

Vredestein, at the present time, is suffering from supply problems. something that they were once very proud of. So, our main and most important winter tyre is from the Falken Tyre products that we now stock and supply in the Halifax area.

www.pellonautocentre.co/blog

Premium tyres- Budget tyres

Premium tyres- Budget tyres

Why are budget tyres cheaper than premium tyres?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions that we get from customers of any commercial tyre centre here in Halifax, Yorkshire, UK.
I have to admit that the answer is getting more complicated?


Recent years have brought many new tyre manufacturers onto the market, bringing greater choice and diversity of products. I have put together a few reasons that, in my opinion, are the most important.


My first reason stems back to when tyres were introduced and the major tyre companies that were first involved in the tyres development. These great tyre companies, starting with Michelin and closely followed by Pirelli, Dunlop, Goodyear and Continental are the ones

premium tyres
Premium tyres- Budget tyres

that are streets ahead in research and development.
Other tyre companies come a close second, but I prefer to stick to the main ones.

These are the giants

that I have been brought up with, over my past forty years as a tyre service centre.
When premium tyres are compared to budget tyre brands, you are talking about the difference between men and boys.

Premium tyres are made with over a century of research and development, are mademuch of has beenoldwhich is carried out by their use of motorsport. This enables them to test new products and tyre compounds on the test track before the tyres are used on the regular cars driven by Joe wellPublic.

Premium tyres- Budget tyres

Major tyre manufacturers use testing equipment that has developed with their tyres and is not accessible to the countries that are mass produce their tyres.

Compounds and ingredients are kept a secret. Budget tyre brands are from basic materials and are mass produced using technology that could be as much as 15 years old.
For the extra money that you pay for premium tyres, you will be getting a product that has been designed and will perform together with the cars of today.

Companies such as BMW work together with tyre manufacturers to improve the all-round performance of their vehicles. A top-class car will be fitted with premium tyres, not cheap car tyres.

Premium tyres- Budget tyrescontinued

If the car makers could use budget tyres. Of course, then they would. They know that a premium tyres brand. Naturally, is the only option to match their new car model.Thus, when it is to be launched in the marketplace.
In my opinion, if you have relatively new car. Then you should keep to the make and type of tyre. Hence, that was on your vehicle as original equipment.

premium tyres

Fitting a budget tyre would be no option in my opinion.
The premium tyres and the mid-range tyres
This has been the major development in the last ten years of my tyre retailing life.

The development, of the mid-range tyre.

These include brands such as Kumho tyres, Hankook, Apollo and General tyres.
These tyre companies. Therefore,  have stormed ahead .Having emulated the way that the premium tyre companies. Have been so successful over the years.

In my opinion.

This is through motorsport. Also, and probably TV and sports ground advertising. Most of these mid-range tyre companies.  Have pushed their products to enhance their competitiveness against the big boys.


And to be truthful, they are succeeding?

The mid-range tyres are bridging the gap between the premium tyres and the budget tyres and are becoming a cheaper option for the driver with a car above say three years old.


At the end of the day, you will pay for what you get.

There are thousands of economy tyre manufacturers, and the market is flooded with them. These tyres are great for the driver who does not do much mileage or drives an older car, with a small budget.


So you pay your money and make your choice, but in the tyre world, you do get what you pay for.

http://www.pellontyres.co.uk/TyreInfo/BuyingPremiumVsBudgetTyres

Apollo Tyres- Manufacturing Facility

Apollo Tyres
Apollo Tyres

A Day At Apollo Tyres Manufacturing Facility In Chennai – Plant Visit Report

An absorbing article about one of the world’s up-and-coming tyre manufacturers The Indian tyre giant Apollo Tyres is now expanding across the world via various buyouts.

www.pellontyres.co.uk

When I first read this article, I was reminded of my past visits to tyre factories here in the UK. I now know that the tyre-making facilities are very modern and hygienic.

As expected, far from the days in the 70’s and 80’s.
The very first tyre plant that I visited was at Fort Dunlop. On the outskirts of Birmingham in the West Midlands, UK.

Fort Dunlop was a massive tyre making facility. For this reason, it was one of the area’s largest employers. You could see the huge factory from the M6 motorway, with its massive “Dunlop” sign on the top of the building;

it was a landmark that you would never forget once you saw it.

You could see the huge factory from the M6 motorway. Thus, with its massive “Dunlop” sign on the top of the building, it was a landmark that you would never forget once you saw it.


I was a young man at the time.  I can remember seeing the motorsport division as we approached the main factory. It was a very exciting time for me. As it was to be the first time.

Apollo Tyres

I knew that this would increase my knowledge.Naturally, about the product and that it would give me a better understanding.especially of the tyres that would give me a decent standard of living for the rest of my life.
Strangely enough, the thing that stuck in my mind was at the end of the production process.

With all the tyres hung onto a conveyor belt, ready for checking by an inspector, I also remember that mixed brands were coming off the final inspection line.

Apart from Dunlop tyres, I saw Indian tyres being made. I knew that Dunlop made India tyres, but now that I had seen it myself, it gave me greater confidence when I returned to my depot in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, UK.

Apollo Tyres would buy out Vredestein Tyres from Holland

Later on in my career When I owned my tyre centre. I had the pleasure to become a dealer for the excellent Vredestein tyres. Vredestein is a Dutch company.

Naturally, they have a reputation second to none for quality and value and build their tyres in a factory that I had the pleasure of visiting on three occasions in Enschede, Holland.


They became a vital supplier to me and helped build the business into what it is today.

Vredestein was to be eventually bought out by Apollo Tyres, but before that, I enjoyed many trips to their factory in Holland.
The Vredestein factory was to be the cleanest and most efficient tyre company that I had ever seen.

I was always given the best treatment, and this only cemented our business relationship and my enthusiasm for Vredestein tyres.

apollo tyres
Apollo Tyres

However, like many smaller companies, Vredestein Tyres started to grow and sort of left the little guys a bit behind.

They became more aggressive with their marketing tactics, and as a small tyre retailer in Halifax, we started to drift apart, and I could not get the right deal from them.

The Vredestein sales manager, whom I had known for some years, retired, and I used this particular time to change my main supplier of mid-range tyres to Toyo Tyres of Japan.


Vredestein makes some of the best winter tyres in Europe and can sell all that they make.

They were to become a prime target for Apollo tyres.

Vredestein had used proclaimed star car designer Giorgetto Giugiao to design their tyres in the late 90’s, and the brand of Vredestein had become much sought after in the tyre world.
Thus, Vredestein was now making up to six million winter and summer car tyres and was to become a prime target for the Indian tyre company Apollo Tyres, and the acquisition took place in 1999.


The company is now known as Apollo Vredestein Tyres, and some of the production of things like cycle tyres and tubes has to be done at an Apollo Tyres factory in East Asia.

Also, Vredestein is renowned for their tractor tyres, and some of these will now be made in the Apollo tyre factory in India.
Finally, I am very pleased that I once again have access to the Vredestein products. 

Source: www.motorbeam.com

Winter Tyres tested

Winter Tyres tested

Winter Tyres tested

Winter Tyres tested
Winter Tyres tested

Winter Tyres tested

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again and again: If you live in a state that experiences winter, you should invest in a good set of Snow Tyres tested. Yes, even if you’ve been …

This is a great article

That shows the length that tyre companies take to test their tyre products before they are released to the public for road use.

This particular article is about .

the new tyres tested by Hankook Tyres. The same also applies to other tyre companies, which rigorously test their tyre products in real-world conditions, taking the cars to their extreme limits.

I am lucky enough to experience such extreme testing conditions. I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Austrian Alps to witness winter tyres tested, at first hand.

The company was not Hankook,

but one of the worlds top winter tyre producers, Apollo-Vredestein.

The winter tyres tested  were new winter tyres to sell to the SUV winter market.

I was in a group made up from other independent tyre dealers from across the UK. We were all allocated to an SUV vehicle that were fitted out with the new tyres. The drivers were all test drivers from the world of motorsport. These drivers took the vehicles up the Austrian Alps and the new winter tyres were put through their paces.

We drove on snow and ice,

and I must admit to having been a little frightened by the extreme conditions in which these vehicles were driven. In fact, I was glad when the thing finished and we got back to the hotel in one piece?

It was a great experience and showed that the  winter tyres tested were put through their extreme paces.

This winter, we have decided to stock

some Apollo/Vredestein winter tyres, along with the excellent Yokohama winter tyres.

Pellon Tyres is now a member or tyresafe.org

http://www.pellonautocentre.com/winter-tyres-were-gripping/

Sourced through Scoop.it from: autoweek.com

Vredestein Winter Campaign 2016: 2024 Update

Vredestein Winter Campaign 2016

Vredestein Winter Campaign 2016
Vredestein Winter Campaign 2016

Why are winter tyres necessary? And what is the difference between discount winter tyres and Vredestein premium tyres? Vredestein joined forces with Autoblog to create a video to find out the answers. The video is part of this year’s winter campaign ‘driving safely below seven degrees’, which aims to […]

Vredestein Winter Campaign 2016

Although we are now half way through the 2016 winter. Hence, I would like to comment about the Vredestein supply chain. Of course, as far as I am concerned, there has not been one?

Here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax Yorkshire, UK. As a result, made the right decision to start to sell the Mother brand of Vredestein, Apollo tyres. This decision meant that I have had a good supply situation. Especially of winter tyres.

However, my friend in Huddersfield

decided to continue selling the excellent Vredestein tyre brand. As stated, Apollo bought out Vredestein a couple of years ago. I did fear that things would change?

Apollo tyres changed the Vredestein management, making some redundancies. Things like this always happen as the mother company starts to throw their weight about and make changes.

As I have said, things like this always happen. As a result of the takeover, Vredestein tyre supplies began to run short. Tyre retailers, such as my friend in Huddersfield, were very badly let down. Thus, there is a lack of Vredestein stock available.


Apollo Tyres’ Acquisition of Vredestein Tyres: What It Means for 2024 and Beyond


Strategic acquisitions have the potential to transform market landscapes and reinvent company trajectories in the fast-paced world of tyre manufacturing.

One such noteworthy move was the acquisition of Vredestein Tyres by Apollo Tyres, a prominent participant in the worldwide tyre market based in India. This acquisition not only strengthened Apollo’s position in European markets, but also laid the groundwork for exciting developments as we approach 2024.

Background of the acquisition, Vredestein Winter Campaign 2016


Vredestein Tyres, a company with a rich history dating back to 1909 in the Netherlands, has long been known for producing high-quality tyres, particularly in the premium and high-performance categories. Apollo Tyres’ buyout, announced in 2009, was part of Apollo’s strategic aim to strengthen its position in Europe and capitalise on Vredestein’s strong brand and technological strengths.


Strategic Advantages for Apollo Tyres


The acquisition has given Apollo Tyres a key entry point into the European market, allowing them to leverage Vredestein’s strong distribution networks and client base.

It also allowed Apollo to broaden its product line by combining Vredestein’s experience in the development of high-performance winter tyres, an area where Apollo had previously been less prominent.

Furthermore, the acquisition enabled Apollo to expand its R&D capabilities by incorporating Vredestein’s innovative approach to tyre technology, notably in developing tyres tailored to the specific needs of European consumers and weather conditions.

This strategic shift has helped Apollo match with industry trends centred on sustainability and efficiency, which is critical in today’s environmentally sensitive market.


Ramifications for 2024, Vredestein Winter Campaign 2016


As we approach 2024, the implications of this takeover become more serious in numerous critical areas:

Market Expansion: Apollo Tyres plans to expand into other European countries, leveraging the Vredestein brand. This expansion is not only global in scope, but also includes deeper penetration into specialist areas such as electric car tyres and sustainable tyre solutions.

Innovation and Product Development:

As the world evolves towards more sustainable modes of transportation, both firms are likely to focus more on manufacturing environmentally friendly and technologically innovative tyres. Apollo and Vredestein’s combined R&D competence is anticipated to catapult them forward in the innovation race.

Competitive Dynamics: Vredestein Winter Campaign 2016

Apollo’s acquisition of Vredestein has increased rivalry among European tyre makers, challenging other firms to improve their innovation and customer involvement. This is intended to result in better products and services for customers, but it may reduce producers’ profit margins.

Supply Chain and Manufacturing Efficiency:

By integrating Apollo and Vredestein’s activities, manufacturing and supply chain management have become more efficient. By 2024, these advancements are predicted to result in cost savings and a shorter time-to-market for new tyre designs.

Branding and Consumer Perception: Vredestein Winter Campaign 2016

Keeping the Vredestein brand strong while incorporating it into Apollo’s overall corporate identity is a key problem. The management’s approach to branding initiatives will be critical to maintaining consumer loyalty and acquiring new customers.


FINALLY


The acquisition of Vredestein by Apollo Tyres marks a watershed moment in the tyre business, distinguished by strategic growth and new challenges. As 2024 approaches, the entire impact of this transaction will become clear, potentially setting new benchmarks in the tyre manufacturing sector.

Apollo’s continuous integration of Vredestein not only offers increased market reach, but also positions them at the forefront of the transition to more sustainable and creative tyre solutions. This enterprise is more than simply about growth; it is also about creating a vision for the future of mobility.

Eric Roberts   writer of the Pellonautocentre blog

Apollo Tyres Presentation

Apollo Tyres Presentation

Cars today are more advanced than ever, but they still depend on tyres to use their power and technology. In this episode of The Art of Driving, presented by Apollo Tyres, tyre experts share why it’s time the tyre got its due. For more, visit autocarindia.in/ApolloTyres and www.apollotyres.com Follow […]

Apollo Tyres Presentation

Since their acquisition of Vredestein Tyre, the large Dutch tyre manufacturer. As expected, they are establishing a strong foothold here in the UK. As many of my customers already know, we are Apollo Tyres stockists for the Halifax area of Yorkshire, here in the UK.

 Apollo also makes a winter tyre.

The winter tyre is also of good quality, although not as good as the Vredestein products. These series of pieces of information about “fitting the correct tyres” are part of the big picture about the drive from tyre manufacturers for better tyre safety.

Cars today are more advanced than ever, but they still depend on tyres to use their power and technology. In this episode of The Art of Driving, presented by Apollo Tyres, tyre experts share why it’s time the tyre got its due.

Apollo Tyres Presentation
Apollo Tyres Presentation

Going forward to 2024,. Apollo Tyres Presentation

The acquisition of Vredestein Tyres by Apollo Tyres is expected to have a significant impact on the tyre industry and have a ripple effect in Halifax.


Today, let’s discuss a topic that has been causing significant impact in the tyre industry. Apollo Tyres, a prominent industry leader, has acquired Vredestein Tyres. This decision has had a significant impact, not just on a worldwide level but also in our local area of Halifax. It has particularly affected us at Pellon Tyres.

Vredestein winter tyres were a great favourite of ours

Going back perhaps thirty years. Even longer, I remember building up a good following for the winter tyre products in my previous business, Kut-Kost Tyres. It was a shock to hear the buyout news.

In my opinion, takeovers of businesses always end up as disasters, one way or another. Vredestein was a very family-oriented business. Now they were in the hands of a giant, ambitious Indian tyre company.

To begin, let’s familiarise ourselves with Apollo Tyres. Apollo Tyres Presentation

This Indian tyre conglomerate has been experiencing consistent success for a prolonged period. Renowned for their dependable and durable tyres, they have been a preferred choice for customers seeking high-quality products at an affordable price.

 Subsequently, as I have said, they disrupted the market by procuring Vredestein Tyres, a renowned Dutch brand established in 1909. Discuss the process of integrating traditional elements with modern ones.

Now, what implications does this have for our group?

 Vredestein has consistently been known for producing high-quality winter tyres, which are essential for us in Halifax. In the face of the capricious Yorkshire climate, it is imperative to own dependable tyres, much like a satisfying cup of Yorkshire tea.

At first, the merger resulted in an expanded selection of high-quality tyres at Pellon Tyres, since it combines Apollo’s cost-effectiveness with
Vredestein’s premium European craftsmanship.

However, the matter at hand extends beyond the tyres. Apollo Tyres Presentation

It looked at first as if this combination was introducing some impressive
advancements. We were discussing state-of-the-art technology in tyres
production, which results in improved safety, efficiency, and environmental friendliness. That is a mutually beneficial outcome in my perspective,
particularly as we all strive to contribute to the preservation of the
environment.

Here is a touch of local allure for you.

 Were you aware that Halifax has been a longstanding centre for transport and innovation? Since the establishment of the Halifax Piece Hall in 1779 to cater to handloom weavers, our town has consistently demonstrated a talent for being at the forefront of progress. our
trend continues with contemporary enterprises like ours. We are upholding the tradition by introducing these Apollo-Vredestein tyres to our local community.

Additionally, I would like to present a notion. As the number of people in the UK opt for staycations Instead of travelling abroad, the importance of dependable tyres for road trips across the beautiful Yorkshire landscapes has never been greater.

 Furthermore, we must not overlook the individuals

who have a keen interest in history. Vredestein, with its extensive  European heritage, offers a unique experience equivalent to embarking on a historical journey with every road trip. It is bridging the gap between the
past and present, directly beneath us!

It looked at first light as if the merger between Apollo and Vredestein transcended being a just financial transaction. In my mind, things were going to be much the same. Our goal was to bring the finest aspects of two different worlds directly to Halifax.

At Pellon Tyres, we were delighted to be involved in this thrilling endeavour, providing you with tyres that combine excellence, ingenuity, and a hint of heritage. Apolo tyres were to be sold in the regular niche of summer tyres. Thus, keeping the Vredestein brand for their excellent winter tyre range.

with Apollo Tyres. Apollo Tyres Presentation

Now, what implications does this have for my tyre business? Vredestein has consistently been known for producing high-quality winter tyres, which are essentially important for us in Halifax. In the face of the capricious Yorkshire climate, it is sensible to own dependable winter tyres, much like the need for a satisfying cup of tea.

 Would the merger result in an expanded selection of high-quality tyres at Pellon Tyres? On the surface, it looked good, since it combined Apollo’s cost-effectiveness with Vredestein’s premium European craftsmanship.

Only time could tell. Apollo Tyres Presentation

Apollo became very aggressive in the advertising of Apollo Tyres. I remember well an all expenses paid day visit to Old Trafford, home of Manchester United. Apollo became one of the sponsors of this giant football club. Of course, this is soon to be followed by other large tyre companies sponsoring football clubs here in the UK.

As expected, things would be changing at a fast rate. Vredestein in my
Opinions were beginning to take a backseat. The closure of the Vredestein distribution warehouse in the south of England made deliveries of the product more difficult. Trading terms were altered, and the Vredestein products became more difficult to source.

In fact, at this time. Apollo Tyres Presentation

 I started to trade with Nokian for another good quality winter tyre. Apollo was also starting to get a little more aggressive concerning their sales tactics. The tyre industry can move along very quickly with a constant supply of tyre products from various tyre manufacturers. In my business, a small independent fast-fit centre in Halifax, things can’t stand still.

Apollo was looking for bigger fish to fry, supplying much larger companies who were so happy to undercut the smaller guys. Believe me one thing I have learned in business as a tyre dealer is to move quickly and not hang around.

Change tyre suppliers and brands to suit your own business.

We have found over the years that our customers visit us for the all-round package. If the customer has an open mind about which tyre brand to buy, then they will accept our recommendations.

We are always looking for a niche brand. Apollo tyres were being offered to “Tom Dick and Harry!”, This, of course, did not fit into the way of running a good tyre business.

Here is a touch of local allure for you.

As a tyre guy working in the industry all my life, I find Halifax a great
place to do business. Consequently, like many UK towns and cities, we are always battling with larger multinational tyre companies. However, because of the climate and geography, we are not reliant on having to sell one type of tyre.

In fact, we sell every type of car tyre for summer and winter use. Apollo
tyre came and went, unfortunately, they took away the excellent Vredestein brand. Vredestein is still a great tyre, but it is not easy to access. 

 

https://www.pellonautocentre.com/?s=Apollo+Winter+Tyres