Metzeler Tyres

Origin and Expansion

Metzeler is a Milan, Italy based German tyre manufacturing company producing tyres for motorcycles. Established in 1892 in Munich city of Germany and named after Robert Friedrich Metzeler, the company was originally involved in making a variety of plastic and rubber products, but later expanded its business in aviation in 1890, and motorcycles and automotive tyres in 1892. 

From 1979, the company once again started focusing on the motorcycles tyre alone and was acquired by Italian tyre manufacturing giant Pirelli in 1986. The headquarter of the company has now been shifted to Milan, Italy.

The company is keen on developing quality and performance-oriented products using cutting-edge technology to meet contemporary standards and motorcyclists’ needs. The German brand has always been at the forefront of technical development by using new techniques, materials and innovative design to produce advanced rubber compounds. 

The tyremaker’s history of manufacturing tyres goes parallel to the history of motorcycles. One of the early achievements of the company in its history of tyre manufacturing was the ‘Prismator’ motorcycle tyre that became the best-seller in no time during the peak of bike production in the 1920s.

In 1945, the first factory in Munich was destroyed in World War II and reconstructed for producing other products besides tyres. In 1978, the factory produced the first tubeless motorcycle tyre ever manufactured in Europe. Due to economic crises, the Munich factory was merged into the second factory located in Breuberg. 

In the late eighties, motorcycle manufacturers started tailoring their models to individual market segments, further differentiating their products. To meet the increasing demands for powerful sports bikes, the company in 1992, introduced the first radial rear motorcycle tyre in the world with steel belt technology named ME Z1.

Following years, Metzeler proved superior performance ability of its technological solutions by setting a new 24 hrs world record with ME Z1 and ME Z2. Four years later, the company introduced the world's first zero-degree steel-belted complete set in the form of the ME Z4 touring sport tyre. 

In 2004, the brand launched its latest technical innovation with Racetec, which was the first Metzeler tyre built using a revolutionary, fully automated robotized manufacturing system. Since then, the tyremaker has been producing tyres for every segment of motorcycles right from scooter & moped, off-road, adventure and touring, racing sport to cruising and heavy tourers.

Metzeler has always kept technological improvement and research on priority. The company has developed Interact, a multi-tension steel cord technology that offers tailored performance, providing maximum adaptability to various riding styles. The tyremaker has introduced unique tyre technologies including Multiple Radius Contour, Metzeler Advanced Winding, Contour Modelling technology, Dymatec and Hyperbase, for enhanced dynamic performance. 

Metzeler is the OEM partner of the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy since 2008. The tyremaker has supplied Metzeler Karoo 3 for this international bike adventure. The brand became the official sponsor of the 2019 Mama Tried Show. It has also sponsored the Irish Ulster Grand Prix motorcycle race for three years since 2013.

Achievements

• Won MCN 2015 Tyre of the Year Award
• Metzeler Roadtec™ 01 was chosen the "2017 Tyre of the Year" by the UK publication Motorcycle News.
• Won Motorrad’s Best Tyre Brand award
• Metzeler Roadtec™ 01 SE got the "TEST WINNER" award in Sport Touring Tyre Comparison by Motorrad

Passenger Car Tyre

The German tyremaker has got immense fame across the world for its quality products in the motorcycle category. It has not yet ventured into the passenger car tyre segment due to its commitment towards the two-wheeler segment.

Motorcycle and Scooter Tyre

Metzeler has a large catalogue when it comes to motorcycle tyres. Each product is versatile, tested thoroughly to deliver consistent performance, combined with the latest evolved engines, ABS and traction control. 

The Indian product portfolio consists of some of the popular names including Karoo 3, Karoo Street, Lasertec, M5, M7, ME 880, ME Speed, Racetec RR K2, Roadtec 01, Sportec Street and Tourance, among others.

Manufacturing facilities in India and abroad

Metzeler tyres are currently being produced by Pirelli, alongside its exclusive products for passenger cars, motorcycles and trucks. Pirelli has 19 manufacturing facilities spread in 12 countries along with a solid commercial presence in over 160 countries worldwide. The manufacturer has a production capacity of about 77 million as of 2019. In India, it currently imports tyres manufactured in its factories located in other countries.

Metzeler Sales Network

In 2016, Pirelli tied up with CEAT for distributing its tyres across their dealerships in India. CEAT has a pan India distribution network with over 4,000 dealers involved in the sales of a wide range of products. The vast distribution network not only benefits Pirelli but also Metzeler tyres, which are available across the CEAT showrooms.