Grouptyre Launches 2009 Pirelli Promotion

Following the success of its exclusive Pirelli promotion last summer Grouptyre, is launching another national incentive in conjunction with the premium brand to build retail sales through the independent sector. The new Pirelli promotion runs from 1 May to 30 June inclusive and the top prize is once again an all-expenses paid VIP trip for two people to the WRC Rally of Spain (October 2-4), the penultimate round of the 2009 World Rally Championship whose sweeping asphalt roads provide the fastest sealed-surface stages the teams will encounter all season.

The winners will be able to compare notes with Aaron Bothamley, manager of Rickmansworth-based Fairway Tyre and Auto Services, and his brother-in-law Paul who were VIP guests of Pirelli and Ford at the Spanish round of the 2008 World Rally Championship. “The flights, hotel, food and overall organisation were superb, in fact the whole weekend was absolutely fantastic and I can’t stress enough how well we were looked after by Pirelli and Ford,” said Aaron, who is supplied by Grouptyre member Broadway Tyres.

The prize includes flights to Barcelona, first class hotel accommodation with meals and exclusive access to the Pirelli and Ford technical areas. Finding out what goes on behind the scenes with the team principal and drivers of the BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team was one of the highlights for Aaron, along with the VIP helicopter flight along a couple of the stages, which enables the prize winners to see professional rally driving at the highest level as they track the progress of the world’s top teams.

In addition, independent tyre retailers and auto servicing businesses who buy Pirelli tyres from their local Grouptyre member during the two-month long promotion are in with the chance of winning one of four runner-up prizes comprising a VIP day out at the Wales Rally GB (21 October).

This ever-popular event brings the 2009 WRC calendar to a close and will see Mikko Hirvonen, Jari-Matti Latvala and Emirati Khalid Al Qassimi tackle gravel forest and moorland stages as well as the Cardiff-based fan-friendly Super Special stage as they bid to help Ford reclaim the world title it won in 2007.

To take part in the promotion retailers need to register by visiting Grouptyre’s website – www.grouptyre.co.uk/pirelliwrc and answering a simple question. Then, every purchase of Pirelli car, van and 4×4 tyres they make during the promotional period will count as a single entry into the prize draw.

“We’re looking to build on achievements of last summer’s promotion, which resulted in a 10.7% increase in Pirelli sales by comparison with the previous average sales of participating dealers and helped us develop relationships throughout the independent sector,” says Grouptyre sales director Paul Hollows.