Vianor Aims to Open 30 Russian Outlets

Nokian Tyres’ Vianor tyre chain has announced that it is aiming to open a total of 30, mainly franchised based outlets in Russia during 2005. The company says it will invest approximately 10 million euros in establishing the operation. The news follows the chain’s opening of outlets in Rostov and St Petersburg, and its acquisition of two tyre shops in Sweden. The company says the expansion of the Vianor chain will boost Nokian Tyres’ sales in Russia and give the company direct contacts with Russian consumers. “Tyre distribution is increasingly taken care of by the tyre shops and Nokian Tyres wants to be in the lead of this development,” said Kim Gran, president and CEO of Nokian Tyres.

In Sweden the chain has acquired two new shops Sjögrens Vulk AB and Degerfors Vulkcentral. All Vianor outlets share the same operational model and marketing concept. Vianor outlets sell mainly Nokian branded tyres, but also other well-known tyre brands. In addition, Vianor provides its customers with selected car related products and services, such as tyre hotels.