European tyre manufacturer Apollo Vredestein has been awarded ‘Silver’ partnership status by the Freight Transport Association (FTA). 

Less than a year after joining the Van Excellence scheme as a supporting partner, Apollo Vredestein has achieved the ‘Silver’ status in recognition of the role played by the brand within a scheme promoting compliance, road safety and self-regulation among van operators. 

Apollo Vredestein says it is well-placed to support the innovative initiative, designed to recognise excellence within the commercial vehicle sector and improve operational standards, having recently earned the top place in German test body ADAC's latest summer tyre test, which looked at commercial van tyres for the first time.

The Apollo Altrust was given the highest score out of 16 tyre models tested in this category, using 13 criteria including performance on dry and wet surfaces, as well as durability, noise and fuel consumption. 

Karl Naylor, Apollo Vredestein UK country manager, said: “The enhanced partnership with the FTA draws on our substantial technical knowledge and expertise to benefit commercial vehicle operators; the recent recognition by ADAC reinforces our position in the smaller commercial vehicle sector.” 

European brand Vredestein, acquired by Apollo Tyres in 2009, is the latter’s premium marque.

With four R&D centres across the world and six factories globally, Apollo Vredestein has bold growth plans in Europe and has recently been appointed as OE supplier to major European vehicle marques and models.