Schrader introduces TPMS Expert centres to the UK

Describing TPMS as “a new market for tyre dealers in Europe”, leading valve sensor and system manufacturer Schrader has announced the introduction of TPMS Expert centres into the UK. As the apparent world leader in this specialist area (the company holds a reported 50 per cent market share) Schrader is already very much active in the aftermarket supply of these components. Nevertheless, this latest move sees the company move to extend and enhance its position in the market and sees Schrader offer “complete support to tyre specialists from technical training to products, tools, accessories and promotion of this new service.” In addition TPMS Expert Centre signage will enable customer recognition for the provision of this new expertise.

Describing the immediate impact of the TPMS Expert programme, UK sales manager Ross Eden told Tyres & Accessories: “We are starting to roll out with the first Expert Centres in Tadworth Tyres in Surrey and Merityre [which has two Expert Centres already in its network]. From march, Costco will have all their sites accredited as expert centres.” T&A also heard that the company is in talks with other national scale retail businesses, but those talks are said to be still in progress.

To become an expert centre dealers must have the Schrader programming tool, the correct hand tools and a selection of sensors and service packs so their trained personnel can efficienty go to work with the sensors. “We have not set a limit on the amount of expert centres as yet,” Eden continued, explaining that the company has no intention to saturate the market with them and rather plans to manage the size and development of the operation.

“TPMS equipment requires special expertise and tools for maintaining optimum performance and safety. At Schrader, we believe it is therefore natural that these services should be provided by specialists with technical knowledge and original parts. In Europe, the next big step…is the forthcoming implementation of…new European regulations due on the 1 November 2012, making it the perfect time to invest in this emerging market for maintenance,” company representatives said in a statement announcing the venture.

Therefore Schrader has developed a whole range of products and services to serve this market and respond to what the company describes as a “very rapidly growing demand.” These include: components for maintenance of all sensor types and brands; original sensors for replacement; special tools; storage cabinets; diagnosis and test tools; and information in the workshop.

Commitment to training

The training part of the initiative draws on Schrader’s knowledge of TPMS technologies as an OE manufacturer. And the company reports that it has designed all the training programmes for the benefit of TPMS maintenance technicians. This training will be provided in Schrader’s training centre or in dealers’ workshops by dedicated specialists. The courses cover all the knowledge requirements with respect to TPMS and are said to be “centred around a pragmatic and productive approach.”

So what’s a TPMS expert centre? Schrader describes the extra point of sale material TPMS expert centres will have access to, like this: “the means of displaying new expertise by way of a window display sticker at the entrance of workshops, on mini-posters or flyers intended for consumers.” The company also Schrader provides a dedicated TPMS web site intended to provide information for consumers in anticipation of the application of the European standard.

Publicity will also be supported by a “major public relations programme in mass market motoring magazines to promote the ‘Expert Centres’.”

Related news:

• Schrader Takes to Streets to Promote Sensor, Tool Line

• Maintaining pressure: what can we expect from the TPMS market in 2011?

• How Will TPMS Change the Tyre Retail Business?