In announcing details of its recently-signed fleet agreement with contract hire and direct rental firm Alltruck, Bridgestone UK comments that securing the deal was not achieved solely on cost. Rather, the combination of a state-of-the-art account system and the durability of its products were the major factors in helping land the contract.
Worldwide, more than 30,000 service partner workshops now co-operate with online tyre retailer Delticom AG. Reaching this milestone figure is, comments the German-based company, evidence that “the European internet tyre trading market leader remains at the top.” In addition to the aforementioned 30,000 service partners, Delticom now operates 125 online shops in 41 countries, including the British portal mytyres.co.uk, and offers more than 100 tyre brands and at least 25,000 individual types of tyre.
Devon based IT specialists TEAM Systems is offering a range of systems and services designed to incorporate November 2012's forthcoming tyre labelling legislative requirements. TEAM explained that a graphic (pictogram) is displayed at the point of sale so retail customers can view and be sure the tyre they are buying conforms to the new directive, plus they will receive the relevant information on their printed sales invoice.
Heuver Tyrewholesale has announced a new mobile website, allowing customers to place their orders anytime, anywhere. ‘The internet makes life so much easier. We already had a website and decided to expand it by adding a mobile feature, a kind of ‘app’, which can be used on a smartphone,” explains Bertus Heuver, director of Heuver Tyrewholesale.
New social network site Google+ expanded its social net to include brands and companies this week, and Falken Tire Corp. staked a claim to being the first tyre company to inhabit the online space, reports Tire Review. The company has already garnered 320,000 “Likes” on its Facebook page, and sees the addition of Google+ as “an extension of its consumer allegiance strategy.” The brand has been particularly vocal about its use of social networks in conjunction with motorsport activities to such an end this year.
On Friday the 2012 edition of the Michelin Eating Out in Pubs guide will appear on bookshop shelves and be available online, and pub food fans obtainin a copy will find more than 530 pubs covered in the new edition, including 86 new entries. The 2012 guide retails for £13.99 (€16.99 in Ireland).
CES (UK) Ltd recently launched Autosessive.com, a retail website which sells consumables, tools and gifts as well as ebeepbeep.com, a customer referral platform (designed in conjunction with The Parts Alliance) for garages to capture a share of the growing online market for car servicing and repairs. SecureTrading provided the online payment processing system.
Avon Tyres has revamped its website and the new version is now live at www.avon-tyres.co.uk. The updated site features “a completely re-designed layout to give improved access to information on products for cars, 4x4s, motorcycles and vans.” According to the company, the site points to local Avon Tyres outlets through the “Find A Dealer” section. It also links to Avon Motorsport’s website, which has also been enhanced as one of the company’s chief marketing tools.
David White, Kwik Fit Group customer services director, has announced that he will be leaving the company at the end of March 2012. White, who is also currently NTDA chairman, said: “I have had a long career at Kwik Fit and have hugely enjoyed my 24 years here. I’ve seen many changes and believe that the next phase of the company’s development will be one of the most exciting times in its history. However, I feel that the time is right for me to explore new opportunities and challenges outside the business.
The Tyrespot autocentre chain in the north east has upgraded its website with a new look, also offering a new online tyre ordering facility and MOT booking service. The updated website features increased functionality, including a tyre price check and the ability to book a fitting. Johnathon Shaw, retail director of Tyrespot comments: “The updated site offers a very polished look, is much easier to navigate and offers visitors many key benefits.
Delticom AG has published preliminary figures for the first nine months of the current year showing it increased revenues by 15.8 per cent to 297.7 million euros and pre-tax profits (EBIT) by 23.3 per cent to 28.2 million euros, despite the strong prior-year. Third quarter 2011 Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) improved by 51.5 per cent to 9.5 million euros (Q310: 6.3 million euros). This translates into an EBIT margin of 9.5 per cent up from 7.9 per cent in the comparable period last year. The company also confirmed anecdotal reports that early winter tyre sales have begun positively, saying: “[the] season has started off well.”
After more than 26 years serving the tyre breakdown business, ITDN staff continue to take pride in their reputation for reliability and service given to members and has announced the imminent launch of its “all new, completely revised live on-line system ‘ITDN Interactive’.”
ITDN operates a complete tyre breakdown network for the independent tyre dealer. Network representatives report that the network’s continuing goal is to ensure that members keep control of their own business, whilst benefiting from the back-up of a 600 plus strong team of independent dealers behind them.
Michelin has introduced a range of online tools for its US market consumers; these new additions to its michelinman.com website, the tyre maker comments, will make “the complicated and somewhat confusing process of tyre buying easier and more enjoyable.” The online tools include the Team Michelin Tire Selector Tool, a tyre selection guide based upon performance preferences rather than the standard year-make-model approach; Team Michelin Experts, which involves “face-to-face” advice from Michelin tyre experts; User Tire Ratings and Reviews, an archive of more than 12,000 user reviews; Tires 101, a resource the company says even non-Michelin tyre owners will find useful; and “Call Me Please”, which enables site users to arrange a call from a Michelin Certified Product Expert to discuss their tyre needs and answer their questions.
On 18 October 2011 Goodgrip.co.uk will weigh into the UK online tyre and wheel retail business. Goodgrip.co.uk is the UK name for Nordic firm Bythjul Norden AB, which is purportedly one of the largest online tyre retailers in Europe. The company reports that it will offer the UK motorist an “unrivalled range of products, level of experience and competitive pricing.”
Bibendum the Michelin Man celebrated his 113th birthday yesterday by being inducted into Advertising Week's ‘Walk of Fame’ as “Icon of the Year”. A ceremony acknowledging the rotund white one’s special day was held in New York as part of the annual event’s activities; Michelin’s famed mascot was chosen for the honour following an online voting contest.
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