Corporate image and brand awareness have always been regarded as important by those involved in marketing. In the fiercely competitive automotive industry getting potential customers to instantly recognise a company’s products and services is a key factor to securing more business.
Four members of Truck Point, the network of independent truck tyre dealers, won awards at the first-ever Truck Point conference. The awards were made by major customers that use the tyres and services on offer from Bridgestone and the Truck Point network.
Chris Deevey, head of purchasing for Ryder Europe, presented the Ryder award to Glyn Cainey, of Dexel Tyres, saying that the company had exhibited levels of service “second to none” and had been pro-active in reducing Ryder’s costs and downtime.
It is hard to imagine a today’s working world without any of the computers and electronic ordering systems that have become so common in the tyre business. These so-called B2B-platforms can save time and overheads. But at the same time the number of consumers buying their tyres via the various B2C websites has also increased. What are the consequences for the conventional way of selling tyres and what is the future of this distribution channel?
The discussion of tyre distribution channels continues in the October issue of Tyres & Accessories, but this time on a more international level. How do the methods by which companies get their tyres to market differ on a European level, and can the UK tyre industry learn anything from studying other markets’ dealer to end user relationship?
Interstate Tire & Rubber Co. is to officially launch a new high performance tyre – the Interstate Sport IXT-1 – at Tyrexpo Asia, which is being held in Singapore from September 13-15. The new tyre will fit rims up to 18″ and the range contains all popular tuning sizes.
Semperit has extended its product portfolio by adding a 70 series truck tyre range. Designed as a front-axle fitment for heavy trucks, and as an all-wheel fitment for buses the products are an extension of the recently introduced Semperit M350 Euro-Front 80-series range.
A new compound has been developed for the M350 Euro-Front to improve driver safety. The enhanced flexibility of the rubber maximises grip in wet weather, aided by the design of the tread, which has been created to improve wet braking behaviour.
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The Hofmann 2.0 Monolift, the company’s original single post lift, first manufactured 30 years ago, has felt a resurgence in sales, according to Maywood’s director Gavin Masterton.
“When I was MD of Hofmann we sold regularly at least one each week for many years but in more recent times sales had fallen to just a handful. Now under Maywood’s sole distribution of the Hofmann range of lifts, sales are rocketing to unprecedented levels.
“The great thing about the Monolift is that where you can park a car you can fit a Monolift and it can handle virtually every car available from a mini to a Rolls Royce!”
Four members of Truck Point, the network of independent truck tyre dealers, won awards at the first-ever Truck Point conference. The awards were made by major customers that use the tyres and services on offer from Bridgestone and the Truck Point network.
SmarTire Systems Inc. (Richmond, BC, Canada) has recruited David Warkentin as its new Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Warkentin brings over 25 years of sales, sales management and marketing experience in emerging technology sectors to the company.
Tyre Pressure Monitor (UK) Ltd. has signed an exclusive deal with Automotive Aftermarket Products, of Coral Springs, Florida, for the distribution of the “Quik-Chek” Tire Pressure Monitor for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
When the tyre has been inflated to the desired pressure, Quik Chek fits on to the tyre valve. To check pressure, the button on the Quik Chek is depressed and a colour-code indicates whether the tyre is at the correct pressure, or over- or under-inflated. It works at pressures from 20-44 p.s.i. (1.4- 3.0 bar).
In a quest to constantly improve levels of service and as part of their overall reinforcement of the BENDIX and JURID brands in Europe for 2005, Honeywell Aftermarket UK has formed a partnership with G.P. Automotive, starting the beginning of August 2005, G.P. Automotive will become a warehouse distributor for all BENDIX products (friction materials, hydraulics, brake discs and drums, brake fluid…) with a capacity to serve all BENDIX customers on a next-day delivery basis.
Bendix products are shipped to the UK directly from the two European Honeywell platforms located in France and Germany. G.P. Automotive will carry a very wide range of stock at their Kidderminster warehouse, which will accept stock orders up until 4.00pm and emergency orders until 5.00pm. The aim is to increase the penetration of the Bendix brand in a controlled and targeted manner through G.P. Automotives vast knowledge of the U.K. aftermarket which is covered by their widely experienced sales team.
(Akron/Tire Review) Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is set to open a new 400,000-square-foot distribution center in Grand Prairie, Texas. The new facility, said Cooper, will improve its service to customers in the Southwest, South and Midwest regions of the US.
UK wholesaler, Viking International, has invested more than £500,000 in distribution by replacing 34 of its vehicles with new Mercedes Sprinters vans for its nine warehouse distribution centres.
This investment further strengthens its fleet that already consists of 100 vehicles. Mike Curry, managing director for Viking International, explained: “We need to guarantee at all times that our customers get the best possible service and that means we have to continually invest in our company.
“These vans are our face to the customer and they cover considerable distances each year. It is essential that they remain in top condition to ensure that we can continue to maintain our reputation for service delivery.”
In 2000, Guy Carter, co-owner of Haweka UK with Dave Smith, obtained full distribution rights outside the USA for Pro-Cut machines and started Pro-Cut Europe. Now the company is aiming to improve its already widespread coverage in the UK and across Europe.
SmarTire Systems Inc has agreed a major financing programme with Cornell Capital Partners LP that has resulted in net proceeds of $11 million plus a $160 million standby equity distribution agreement. According to the company the funds will be used to expand the company’s business strategy beyond tyre pressure monitoring and into the field of wireless sensing and control applications.
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