National Tyres, Iverson garages to be re-branded as Halfords Autocentres

In light of the news of Halfords acquisition of National Tyres and Iverson Tyres, Tyres & Accessories contacted various National Tyres and Halfords executives for comment on the subjects of branding and branch closures. In response, company spokesperson confirmed that the bulk of Axle Group businesses will be rebranded under the Halfords moniker with one or two exceptions.

Specifically, National Tyres and Autocare bricks and mortar locations will be rebranded as Halfords Autocentres. The four Iverson Tyres branches the company purchased at the same time will also be re-branded as Halfords. Likewise, National.co.uk will be folded into the Halfords online offering. Rebranding won’t exactly be immediate, but will rather take place “in the medium term”.

TyreShopper’s e-tail operation, on the other hand, is seen as something of an exception and will continue to plough its own furrow within the Halfords Group, keeping its present name.

Similarly, the Viking tyre wholesale operation is likely to keep its name on the basis that is a business-to-business enterprise.

On the subject of potential branch closures, T&A understands that the vast majority of existing locations will remain post-acquisition and – crucially – post rebrand. A company spokesperson told us that minimal closures will take place, even though that means that some branches within a mile of each other will remain open. According to the company, this fits with the goal of having a branch within 20 minutes of most motorists.

Follow our ongoing Halfords/National Tyres integration coverage here: https://www.tyrepress.com/tag/national-tyres-and-autocare/