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The Man Behind the Wheel: How Onkar S. Kanwar Created a Global Giant [Jan 01, 2017] Bouquet, Tim
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296 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 5, 2017
Even before I bought it, my first instinct was to assume that this is a commissioned biography because the author Tim Bouquet is the journalist who wrote the gripping story of the Arcelor-Mittal transaction "Cold Steel". For a journalist of such standing to embark on a voluntary project of writing the biography of a $2 billion Indian company seems odd. The fact that Onkar Kanwar has just turned 75, the liberal quotes from every member of his family including kids giving tribute to Kanwar and the generally hagiographical style in which the book is written, reinforce my belief. The only reason I've bought and read it is that my current job profile involves clients mostly in the auto ancillary sector and Apollo Tyres is the country's numero uno tyre company. Also, there is no other book I am aware of that might provide insight into the Indian tyre industry. Having done my MBA valuation course project on MRF, I have a degree of familiarity with the industry and its issues.
The book chronicles the Apollo story and to that extent it enhanced my knowledge of the company and its evolution. What disappointed most was a lack of detail on the competitive landscape through Apollo's journey barring stray mentions of competing companies in a relevant context. I would have liked to see more detail on how Apollo won market share from companies like MRF or JK in a fragmented industry (besides Modi Tyres which is mentioned in the book but doesn't exist today) and what it did better than them. The author talks about the inverted duty structure of the industry but fails to mention the hypocrisy of tyre companies in hankering for higher import duties on Chinese tyres but wanting lower import duties on rubber. Kanwar's father Raunaq was the quintessential "connections" man but the book doesn't deep dive into how he managed various licenses in the license raj era, mostly claiming that all transactions was above board and that he used friendships rather than money to achieve his aims. If that's true, then I am Superman.
My rating of three stars is purely based on the chapters on the botched takeover transaction with Cooper Tyres that was in the media limelight for long. Here, Bouquet enters familiar territory as with his story-telling in "Cold Steel".
The book chronicles the Apollo story and to that extent it enhanced my knowledge of the company and its evolution. What disappointed most was a lack of detail on the competitive landscape through Apollo's journey barring stray mentions of competing companies in a relevant context. I would have liked to see more detail on how Apollo won market share from companies like MRF or JK in a fragmented industry (besides Modi Tyres which is mentioned in the book but doesn't exist today) and what it did better than them. The author talks about the inverted duty structure of the industry but fails to mention the hypocrisy of tyre companies in hankering for higher import duties on Chinese tyres but wanting lower import duties on rubber. Kanwar's father Raunaq was the quintessential "connections" man but the book doesn't deep dive into how he managed various licenses in the license raj era, mostly claiming that all transactions was above board and that he used friendships rather than money to achieve his aims. If that's true, then I am Superman.
My rating of three stars is purely based on the chapters on the botched takeover transaction with Cooper Tyres that was in the media limelight for long. Here, Bouquet enters familiar territory as with his story-telling in "Cold Steel".
December 25, 2019
A good read for those who dreams high
I will highly recommend this book for those who dreams high, to know about how the Indian industrialist can achieve greater heights globally.
This book shows that you can do anything if you have the total focus, grit, persistence and strong mental strength.
I will highly recommend this book for those who dreams high, to know about how the Indian industrialist can achieve greater heights globally.
This book shows that you can do anything if you have the total focus, grit, persistence and strong mental strength.
February 16, 2018
The Driving Force behind Apollo Tyres
“The Man Behind The Wheels” by Tim Bouquet, is the story of the visionary entrepreneur, who chased his dream and made Apollo Tyres the world’s 17th biggest tyre manufacturer. Onkar S Kanwar, Chairman and CEO of Apollo Tyres, led the organisation achieving phenomenal success for the group. The book takes you through the fascinating journey of Apollo Tyres from an Indian tyre manufacturing company to a global giant, with detailed description of the political and historical events, despite which Apollo Tyres rose, offering a wide gamut of products and global presence.
In this book, Tim Bouquet has revealed an interesting interpretation of the religious violence that swamped the Sikh community and this allows the reader to discover how that period was crucial in shaping Onkar’s entrepreneurial drive. Onkar’s family survived the traumatic events post Mrs Indira Gandhi’s assassination and he got back into action just after a few days despite the violence on the streets. 1990 was a landmark year for Apollo tyres and there was no looking back after that. One can dig deep into the negotiations that Onkar was involved with the major tire manufacturers outside India – Michelin, Dunlop and one of the most important being Cooper Tires, which he sealed at the age of 70, that being the biggest deal of his business career. Not only was it bigger than Tata’s takeover of Jaguar Land Rover, but there was a lot of controversy and friction which it had caused in China.
There are great learnings from three generations in this book starting with Raunaq Singh, his son Onkar and his son Neeraj. The climax is when Onkar had to fallout with his father, who was his role model. Onkar describes this as the darkest and bleakest period in his life and though he was not happy to see his family divided and the company suffer, he did what he believed was the right thing for the stakeholders and for the company.
Tim Bouquet, author and journalist for leading publications such as The Telegraph and Time magazine, describes his experience of writing this book as a very enriching journey. Not only is the book an insightful and exciting story of Apollo Tires but it also tells us the story of fathers, sons and family businesses and the responsibilities and emotions involved.
“The Man Behind The Wheels” by Tim Bouquet, is the story of the visionary entrepreneur, who chased his dream and made Apollo Tyres the world’s 17th biggest tyre manufacturer. Onkar S Kanwar, Chairman and CEO of Apollo Tyres, led the organisation achieving phenomenal success for the group. The book takes you through the fascinating journey of Apollo Tyres from an Indian tyre manufacturing company to a global giant, with detailed description of the political and historical events, despite which Apollo Tyres rose, offering a wide gamut of products and global presence.
In this book, Tim Bouquet has revealed an interesting interpretation of the religious violence that swamped the Sikh community and this allows the reader to discover how that period was crucial in shaping Onkar’s entrepreneurial drive. Onkar’s family survived the traumatic events post Mrs Indira Gandhi’s assassination and he got back into action just after a few days despite the violence on the streets. 1990 was a landmark year for Apollo tyres and there was no looking back after that. One can dig deep into the negotiations that Onkar was involved with the major tire manufacturers outside India – Michelin, Dunlop and one of the most important being Cooper Tires, which he sealed at the age of 70, that being the biggest deal of his business career. Not only was it bigger than Tata’s takeover of Jaguar Land Rover, but there was a lot of controversy and friction which it had caused in China.
There are great learnings from three generations in this book starting with Raunaq Singh, his son Onkar and his son Neeraj. The climax is when Onkar had to fallout with his father, who was his role model. Onkar describes this as the darkest and bleakest period in his life and though he was not happy to see his family divided and the company suffer, he did what he believed was the right thing for the stakeholders and for the company.
Tim Bouquet, author and journalist for leading publications such as The Telegraph and Time magazine, describes his experience of writing this book as a very enriching journey. Not only is the book an insightful and exciting story of Apollo Tires but it also tells us the story of fathers, sons and family businesses and the responsibilities and emotions involved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2017
The book is practically an ode to Onkar Kanwar. It is a uni-dimensional picture of a rather controversial effort to build Apollo Tyres. There is no denying that Apollo Tyres is indeed an institution worth admiration, but there have been concerns regarding how it has been managed, especially with respect to corporate governance. Therefore, the reader will be best placed making the effort to read between the lines and also to do some independent homework before beginning to read this book.
In terms of writing, the book needs effort to read. One has to have some motivation to read about Apollo Tyres or Onkar Kanwar. It is not a book that entices me; it does not make me wait for the first possible opportunity to continue reading. I am surprised to learn that Tim Bouquet also wrote Cold Steel - I thoroughly enjoyed that one.
In terms of writing, the book needs effort to read. One has to have some motivation to read about Apollo Tyres or Onkar Kanwar. It is not a book that entices me; it does not make me wait for the first possible opportunity to continue reading. I am surprised to learn that Tim Bouquet also wrote Cold Steel - I thoroughly enjoyed that one.
June 7, 2018
One of the better Indian business biographies written on a remarkable business family. The author shows well the difference in personality traits of father Raunaq (networked, impulsive, and stubborn) to OSK (calculated, religious and focused) to son, Neeraj (dynamic and forward thinking). While the story extols the virtues of the founding family and the institution that was built, it misses any comparative parameters with other domestic or global players in a highly price competitive, commoditised business. Nevertheless, having read Cold Steel and now this one, Bouquet is inching towards the pantheons of biographers like Isaacson. Would definitely recommend reading both books of Bouquet.
October 4, 2017
The book started really great. How the OSK's dad Raunak Singh came to India after the partition with nothing in hand and how the build an empire of Tyre business from scratch was really inspiring. I really loved the book halfway through. But after that, the book starts to lose steam. Complicated details on court cases and who told what was not really something interesting and adds any value to me personally.
So overall I would still recommend this book. Do read the first 50%. The next 50% is your choice.
So overall I would still recommend this book. Do read the first 50%. The next 50% is your choice.
October 30, 2018
A great entrepreneurial story of a man, who established such a granduier empire from nothing, when you read such stories the fulcrum is just always - treating people with respect, understanding the playing field and being smart and decisive
As rightly said empires are built by people not machines. This man is live example of this, took Indian name to global front and made Apollo Global brand. The vision is imbibed in family and can be seen in the way the trio has taken decisions whilst in action. Hope that India generates more of Kanwars and such great brands.
Indeed recommended !!
As rightly said empires are built by people not machines. This man is live example of this, took Indian name to global front and made Apollo Global brand. The vision is imbibed in family and can be seen in the way the trio has taken decisions whilst in action. Hope that India generates more of Kanwars and such great brands.
Indeed recommended !!
January 27, 2019
I was stunned by some small details mentioned in the book from entrepreneur perspective, which adds value to my decision making process. The best part was to make us understand growth story and how you can grow exponentially. Running a small company, it inspires me a lot. It also adds effects of political vendetta on each stage to organisation. It covers era of partition to former pm Indira Gandhi's death sequence and riots to modern India, which was gripping. Those who have DNA
of entrepreneur should read this book.
of entrepreneur should read this book.
December 31, 2018
Only two things can be said about the book.
1) The most suitable title for the book was “The History of Apollo Tyres”.
2) Though exhilarating in reading, it is clear that, the book was written to showcase the leadership from Kanwar family towards Apollo Tyres (and thereby influencing the current and possible future shareholders).
1) The most suitable title for the book was “The History of Apollo Tyres”.
2) Though exhilarating in reading, it is clear that, the book was written to showcase the leadership from Kanwar family towards Apollo Tyres (and thereby influencing the current and possible future shareholders).
January 10, 2019
Writer has tried to connect the stories of three generations in a lucid manner but it could have been more smooth to read. More than Mr. Onkar Kanwar, book is about Apollo. I didn't enjoy the reading that much but growth of Apollo is something to learn about.
Writer missed the detailed analysis of important cases along with the competitiveness of Apollo to reach at this level.
Writer missed the detailed analysis of important cases along with the competitiveness of Apollo to reach at this level.
March 2, 2019
It looked kind of forced or you can say a peer pressure driven biography.. I don't discount what OSK has achieved in his life and what efforts he has put in to build Apollo Tyres. However, this book it filled with "Too Much Information", even though the author has done a good job, the editor has done a bad one.
November 2, 2021
The way the Kanwar's have handled family issues and dynamics is well explained in the book. The timeline of various could have been a bit more clear as it became confusing sometimes. The setbacks faced by Apollo have been explained in detail which gives a fresh perspective and an inspiration of sorts to small business owners like myself.
December 24, 2021
Good Autobiography
This book had lot of insights from the days of licence Raj , madam era emergency.
Learnt few good things:
How a corporate M&A works.
How a person should concentrate on
his core concept of passion.
Shortcomings:
Elaborated family information especially last chapter which was irrelevant for a reader whose main focus was on key people.
This book had lot of insights from the days of licence Raj , madam era emergency.
Learnt few good things:
How a corporate M&A works.
How a person should concentrate on
his core concept of passion.
Shortcomings:
Elaborated family information especially last chapter which was irrelevant for a reader whose main focus was on key people.
June 23, 2017
A tribute to Mr. Onkar S. Kanwar, this book gives an account of various challenges Apollo encountered to expand to the world stage. Parallelly, it beautifully outlines how the business scenario changed as India marched from License Raj to the post liberalisation era.
August 23, 2017
Resolute Journey of OSK
The book outlines the how OSK went innovating to challenges within India and outside. His vision to build the Apollo dream has manifested itself in multiple initiatives for those associated. Worthy read
The book outlines the how OSK went innovating to challenges within India and outside. His vision to build the Apollo dream has manifested itself in multiple initiatives for those associated. Worthy read
August 2, 2021
It share inspiring story of Onkar S kanwar how he build Apollo tyres & how his Son Neeraj Kanwar is making it a Global leader.
Some very great principles which Kanwars follow amon those Amazing quote which i think evry one should follow is #Analysis leads to paralysis.
Some very great principles which Kanwars follow amon those Amazing quote which i think evry one should follow is #Analysis leads to paralysis.
February 16, 2024
Read for: The inspiring story of persistence, courage and vision that led to the building of the Apollo empire. "Go the distance" is not just a brand tag-line, but also an underlying philosophy that the entity has followed to reach its respectable position.
March 27, 2017
Go the distance - suits for kanvars too.. fast read and inspirational..
July 24, 2017
Good book which details the great journey of OSK. As pointed out in other comments, offers a bit one-sided view when it doesn't talk about MRF
October 19, 2017
Quite to the point in terms of stating the events, but there seemed to be a severe lag in describing the actual specifics of onkar kanwwar to actually make sense of the events.
July 29, 2018
The story of a business giant who dreams big and works for it. Story of Apollo tyres and the journey in the Making.
April 29, 2023
Hagiographic but a quick read.
An Apollo brochure with some part fun to read.
An Apollo brochure with some part fun to read.
March 12, 2017
This is a book I would recommend for anyone interested in knowing India’s businesses. The author captures various events in India’s history like partition, death of Mrs Indira Gandhi, the riot that followed it and how Indian companies adapted to a post-liberalization era. It also gives a clear account of various challenges Apollo faced while trying to build partnership with international leaders in tyre technology.
At the same time, there is also a sense of self promotion in the whole book and a lot of print space towards the later part of the book is dedicated to Apollo’s courtroom drama with a US tyre company. The book could have been lot more impacting had the author provided more technical and business background of tyre industry.
But overall, this is a good book for people to read. Story of Mr Onkar Singh Kanwar should be known as he is a person who made India proud by expanding Apollo to the world stage
At the same time, there is also a sense of self promotion in the whole book and a lot of print space towards the later part of the book is dedicated to Apollo’s courtroom drama with a US tyre company. The book could have been lot more impacting had the author provided more technical and business background of tyre industry.
But overall, this is a good book for people to read. Story of Mr Onkar Singh Kanwar should be known as he is a person who made India proud by expanding Apollo to the world stage
March 11, 2017
Very fast read! Provides good insights to tyre industry in general and how the founding father Raunaq singh was so good at relationship building and managing to create opportunities.
Insights in to why Copper deal failed was exciting and how deals with Dunlop SA and vredestein Holland really put them on center stage.
There is something called Luck and perseverance which one gets to see.
What is commendable though is how Onkar Kanwar focussed on tyres only to build a global company when Raunaq singh was getting into new business almost every other day. One of the major reasons why Apollo is big name in the industry
Great read! Why i wanted to read?
I was at the welcome party when Dunlop team came to India at Kanwar's farmhouse.
Insights in to why Copper deal failed was exciting and how deals with Dunlop SA and vredestein Holland really put them on center stage.
There is something called Luck and perseverance which one gets to see.
What is commendable though is how Onkar Kanwar focussed on tyres only to build a global company when Raunaq singh was getting into new business almost every other day. One of the major reasons why Apollo is big name in the industry
Great read! Why i wanted to read?
I was at the welcome party when Dunlop team came to India at Kanwar's farmhouse.
January 14, 2017
Great book. Finished in 2 sittings. Well paced and well articulated. Have read other biographies about Indian industrialists but nothing comes close to the way this has been written.
June 21, 2020
Good one. Well explained.
May 1, 2017
Truly Inspiring. The last words , where OSK's steel pipe selling is co-related to his grandson @some school in UK, that 1 line sums up the whole journey in just 1 sentence.
April 28, 2017
Must read for all enterprenurial spirits
November 18, 2018
Amazing story of a successful tyre maker Indian to boot, shows the prowess of Indians & their industriousness & innovations.
Kinda longish, but then the book covers 3 generations, undivided India to the 21st century India.
Kinda longish, but then the book covers 3 generations, undivided India to the 21st century India.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews