Experian Launches UK “Tyre Identifier”

Experian, the global information solutions company, has launched a unique new service for the UK tyre industry in partnership with DriveRight, the global supplier of wheel and tyre data. Tyre Identifier is a new development allowing the UK automotive industry to access comprehensive tyre data instantly and accurately so that it can identify the correct replacement tyre for any given UK passenger car.

DriveRight holds an extensive database of over 9,000 specific vehicle platforms for aftermarket wheel and tyre retailers, distributors and manufacturers, which has been incorporated into Experian’s comprehensive vehicle database to create Tyre Identifier.

The system is designed to be especially useful in certain environments, such as Internet enquiries and point-of-sale systems where mistakes can occur because of relying on the consumer to provide the tyre size.

DriveRight and Experian collaborated to consider ways of simplifying the process of accessing tyre data and linking that data to a specific vehicle by simply entering the Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) or the Vehicle Identity Number (VIN). As a result, the new Tyre Identifier was developed.

Experian and DriveRight first joined forces in 2004 to develop a special data set linking demographic information with vehicle parc data. It was the first data set that enabled the sector to strategically plan the best location in which to set up business and find out which vehicles are registered in that particular area, in order to determine what tyres to stock.

Richard Bailey, Co–Director of DriveRight, said: “Experian has the sophisticated infrastructure and experience to complement ours, as well as the ability to evolve with market requirements. After a review of all possible partners, Experian was able to meet all our criteria and was the best choice for a long-term relationship.”

Tyre Identifier is a development of Experian’s Vehicle Identity Reports (VIR), one of the leading products of its kind on the market, used by the aftermarket sector to assist in identifying the correct vehicle part for any given vehicle. By simply typing in the Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) or the Vehicle Identity Number (VIN), all relevant details associated with that vehicle will appear, reducing the time spent trying to identify the right tyre for the right vehicle as well as the risk of selecting an inappropriate tyre.

Tyre Identifier provides information on the original standard tyre size as fitted to the vehicle when manufactured; additional tyre sizes to cover any upgrades and optional wheels sizes offered by the vehicle manufacturer; other tyre brands and designs recommended by the vehicle manufacturer; and alternative tyre sizes that will also fit the existing wheels.

Rob Whalley, managing director of Experian’s Automotive division, said: “Experian’s Automotive division is continuously developing relationships with key players in order to meet the needs of the industry and ensure that the most appropriate services are available through the most effective channels.

“In this case, we carried out in-depth research into the needs of retailers, distributors and manufacturers in the tyre industry and found that the industry has been very keen to see a product like this. DriveRight has been developing its database since 2001 and is considered the aftermarket industry standard, so it was the ideal company to work with for the tyre industry. Coupled with Experian’s market leading Vehicle Identity Reports, the product will play a key role in improving consumer confidence and productivity.”