Bath Council “delighted” with Michelin, ATS-E tyre contract

Bath and North East Somerset Council is the latest to sign up to a Michelin and ATS Euromaster tyre contract, designed to reduce the monthly cost of tyre maintenance and replacement on its 200-strong mixed fleet. The Council used a public sector tyre sourcing initiative via the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) to hook up with the French manufacturer and retailer, fitting Michelin products to its 50 cars, 100 vans, 30 buses (ranging from minibuses to 24 seaters) and 25 trucks – including 8X4 hookloaders and the council’s refuse collection and recycling vehicles. All tyre servicing and supply is provided by ATS Euromaster.

The council’s tyre budget in 2009 was running at £8-10k per month, but after moving to the OGC deal in 2010, the Council says it is benefiting from reductions of nearly 50 per cent in some months. Fleet manager Barry Richards says he is so far delighted with the outcome: “It is early days for us on a scheme of this sort but on the strength of what we have seen so far we’re very pleased,” he said. “If it continues like this we’ll be happy. All local authorities are working hard to maximise value from their budgets and this scheme has allowed us to do that.”

In addition to fitting quality Michelin tyres across the fleet, the Council also benefits from access to ATS Euromaster’s mobile fitment service and rapid response breakdown cover, for prompt 24/7 assistance in the event of a tyre-related breakdown at the roadside. Also included in the contract is ATS Euromaster’s Web Reporter service, which provides secure online access to data including a complete tyre history, measuring the actual tyres fitted versus brand policy, and tyre spend per vehicle, per vehicle type and across the fleet. The contract also includes six weekly tyre safety inspections carried out by experienced technicians utilising ATS Euromaster’s proven Electronic Data Capture (EDC2) system.

Ben Herridge, the ATS Euromaster Key Account manager, has worked together with both Michelin and the Council to ensure that tyres on vehicles being de-fleeted are not new, while tyres fitted to hire vehicles are budget brands. There is also a special inspection programme for vehicles involved in operations where tyre damage or excessive wear is more likely.

“It’s not news to anyone that public service is under pressure to deliver high quality services and to absorb expenditure cuts,” said Herridge. “It’s a difficult and challenging environment and ATS Euromaster is able to provide advice, data and services which can be invaluable to managers in trying to hit their targets.”