Wholesalers show new Chinese-produced tyre lines

While the 2011 CV Show was well-attended by tyre majors and equipment suppliers alike, there was also a surprising number of tyre wholesale and distribution companies present. These included Kirkby Tyres & Wheels Ltd and RH Claydon Ltd as well as Tyreline OE Ltd and TD Tyres. What the two well-known wholesalers (Kirkby and RH Claydon) had in common was the fact that both firms were showing the latest Chinese-produced additions to their respective tyre product portfolios.

In RH Claydon’s case the wholesaler was trumpeting the fact that it was appointed as Infinity’s UK truck tyre distributor partner last May. However, despite the fact that Infinity-brand tyres are indeed made in the People’s Republic, the company representatives Tyres & Accessories spoke to were keen to point out their view that these products are “right at the top of” this segment.

RH Claydon promotes Infinity truck tyres

For them the latest addition to the firm’s truck tyre offering (which is now almost entirely based on Chinese-produced tyres, with the exception of the Matador products it distributes) is a high quality product that is worth investing marketing clout into. As well as the products competitive price positioning, the fact that RH Claydon has product available and offers preferential service of this brand to partners, is also said to be making the deal attractive.

Apart from RH Claydon’s show presence, which literally put the new Infinity-brand tyres front and centre of the exhibit, marketing clout means establishing and developing a key dealer network across the country. So far progress is moving swiftly with around 21 relatively evenly spread partners signing up since the firm kicked off its membership drive on 4 March. The ultimate goal is for 60 partners stretching  up and down the UK (there are already two in Northern Ireland and several across Scotland for example) as soon as possible. Judging by the speed of development so far, it is unlikely to take too much longer for the company to meet its goal. Estimates of three to four months before making the 60 partner mark look quite reasonable in the light of this.

Kirkby promotes Double Coin and Sailun ranges

Chinese-produced products were also prioritised on Kikrby Tyres & Wheel’s stand. Other products were no doubt there, but the displays promoting the Double Coin and Sailun truck tyre ranges were by far the most prominent. Kirkby Tyres has been distributing Double Coin for some time and with not inconsiderable success, so it is no surprise that these well-recognised truck products held a prominent position on the firm’s stand. However, the company’s decision to promote its latest addition, Sailun is arguably more remarkable. Judging by the firm’s promotional literature, the relative newcomer in the UK market is offering a wide range of products in steer, drive and super single fitments and regional, long haul, metropolitan and off-road applications.