In tyre circles the Kleber brand is a well-known name. And in mature European markets like France and Germany, the tyre is likely to be amongst the top ten brands that dealers call on. But what about the UK and the unique challenges that this market presents? With a new product set to be released in the early part of 2006, Tyres & Accessories took the opportunity to catch up with Kleber’s UK brand manager, Dominic Clark.
In the UK the implementation of nitrogen inflation is still a relatively new topic. But when ATS Euromaster began a nitrogen inflation trial at 25 of its UK outlets earlier this year, it stirred interest about the subject within the market.
ATS Euromaster is urging fleet managers to prepare their drivers for winter by placing orders for cold weather tyres before the end of July to ensure stock availability and delivery before the winter season sets in.
The retailer’s interest coincides with the UK tyre industry’s recent commitment to create a cold weather tyre market in the UK, as opposed to a winter tyre market.
‘Balanced Scorecard’ is a new customer and employee safety policy that has been rolled out by ATS Euromaster. The scheme rewards employees for meeting key performance indicators in all areas of the business operation with priority given to health and safety performance, customer satisfaction levels and operational excellence.
Nick Gregg, ATS Euromaster MD commented on the new scheme: “Balanced Scorecard will completely refocus our business on meeting the needs of our customers through a first class service delivered safely and efficiently. It is our aim to transform ATS Euromaster into the vehicle service sector leader with centres of excellence for customer and employee care across the UK.”
ATS Euromaster has lunched an on-line authorisation service for commercial vehicle fleet operators.
In the past, authorisation for work required, has been carried out over the phone, sometimes causing delays or carrying the risk of possible disputes later on. The new system, which is being piloted at the moment and will be available to all ATS Euromaster account holders, will eliminate these potential problems.
ATS Euromaster has made a tyre management service contract worth approximately £1 million with Days Contract Hire. The 8000 strong fleet of cars and LCVs will be supported by ATS Euromaster’s “Euromaster Car” online authorisation system, and a mobile fitting service.
“We considered various types of tyre fast fit companies and decided to go with ATS Euromaster because they offered a competitive price and because their tyre expenditure would be managed more efficiently from headquarters in Aston, through their central invoicing system,” commented Aled Williams, general manager at Days Contract Hire.
Viking International has announced the appointment of Phillip Dingley as business development manager for the Central Area. Mr Dingley has over 30 years worth of experience within the tyre industry and joins the company after spending 18 years with ATS Euromaster. During this time he became regional operations manager and area sales and service manager.
For Viking, he will be working from the Desborough warehouse and will be responsible for creating new business and developing sales in existing business. Commenting on his appointment, Phillip Dingley said: “As business development manager for the Central Region, it will be my job to ensure the continued growth and development in that area. It’s a big responsibility, but this is one of the main reasons why I was attracted to the position in the first place. I’m relishing the challenge in front of me.”
ATS Euromaster has introduced a new customer reward scheme in a bid to strengthen its support for managers of small to medium size fleets. The ‘In Roads’ scheme, which is being supported by Michelin, is designed to provide an extensive package of business and driver benefits, explains the company.
Dedicated support packages will be offered covering duty of care, specialist technical advice, a business fund redeemable against business products and services and a clear environmental policy. Regular reports and statements will also be provided together with fleet management software.
ATS Euromaster has launched a specialised industrial service that will allow customers to obtain almost any type of tyre, from wheelbarrows to forklifts to mobile cranes. Introduced in response to “customer demand”, the service will be available at 31 of its centres across the UK.
Michelin has confirmed that it will be injecting a multi-million pound investment package into its UK service chain ATS Euromaster this year, so that it can continue to develop its added value customer focus started in 2004. According to the company this 10-year programme is part of a wider investment schedule that will be introduced and rolled out throughout the coming years.
ATS Euromaster has begun a phase of trialling nitrogen filled tyres at 25 of its UK outlets through three companies, Pneu-Air, Parkers and Tyresafety, according to a Fleet Week report. The major selling point behind nitrogen inflation is that the gas does not leak through tyre materials as oxygen does. In theory, nitrogen-filled tyres can maintain pressure indefinitely.
Leigh Stote, business development manager at Pneu-Air, said: “Our Uniflate tyre installation will reduce tyre wear and increase tyre life by up to 25 per cent while improvements to miles per gallon figures will improve by 2 per cent.” The trial has been confined to retail customers, but ATS is reportedly keen to implement this scheme with major leasing companies.
The Malcolm Group, one of Scotland’s largest road transport companies, has signed a three year contract with Michelin for the supply of truck tyres for its fleet. The deal covers 335 tractor units and 1,000 trailers, all to be fitted with Michelin E type tyres.
Tyre fast fit chain ATS Euromaster has employed Nigel Robson as group customer service director to head up a completely new customer service function. Reporting to group managing director Nick Gregg, Mr Robson will manage ATS Euromaster’s CRM activity. Robson spent 11 years at Arval PHH, most recently as head of networks. Here he headed up procurement and supplier management, operating a fleet of 300,000 cars and managing a team of 47. Nigel Robson is the fourth senior management appointment to be made by ATS Euromaster this year, the other three being Martin Saint, national sales director car, Robert Blaikie, divisional sales director and Phil Payne, national sales director, Truck.
ATS Euromaster’s Holt centre has be granted a Royal Warrant. For the last five years the fast fit centre has supplied tyres for cars and lawnmowers at the Queen’s Sandringham residence.
ATS Euromaster has a new face leading its commercial vehicle sales operation, Phil Payne, who has joined the team from Michelin will now become the company’s national sales director truck.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Payne said: “I’m joining a business that is seeking to grow by building on the customer relationships it has already developed in the CV, agricultural and industrial markets. There is a new, extremely positive business philosophy evolving at ATS Euromaster and I look forward to helping drive this forward by delivering new levels of service and value to CV operators of all sizes.”
Mr Payne originally began his career with the Mars Group, but more recently moved to Michelin to perform the role of European car fleet manager.
The new appointment is the third senior management selection to be made by the company this year, the other two being Martin Saint, national sales director car and Robert Blaikie, divisional sales director. All three appointments are further steps in the company’s strategy to develop its products and services across the UK tyre and vehicle maintenance market.
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