Yokohama Tire Corp. has launched SmartSolution, a new communication and promotion push targeting commercial tyre dealers, fleet owners and truck operators in the USA, reports Tire Review. “Now more than ever, fleet owners and truck operators are faced with the pressure of effectively managing tyres as assets in their business,” said John Cooney, Yokohama director of commercial sales.
HiQ has reported year-on-year increases in turnover and gross profit in its half-year report. Turnover has risen by more than 7 per cent, while gross profit increased by “a double digit figure”, the network reported. In addition, HiQ’s 145 centres welcomed more than 8 per cent additional customers. The fast fit network said its partnership-led franchise structure is a major factor behind the increases. The number of HiQ sites has increased by six since the end of April, suggesting this has had a strong role in the continued upward trend.
On July 16 Brian Anderson took over the positon of director of financial planning and analysis at Cooper Tire & Rubber, replacing Craig Durliat, who recently became director of credit for the North American Tire Organization. In his new role, Anderson will coordinate and consolidate global business plans and create the North American Tire Operations' financial plans. He will also partner with marketing and pricing to ensure strong customer relationships, and will oversee commercial analysis, working closely with sourcing, purchasing and manufacturing in all regions.
Starting 9 July, consumers with smart phones can see the recently introduced Michelin Primacy MXM4 in action, reports Tire Review. The mobile phone scan option is part of Michelin North America’s promotion effort behind the launch of the new premium segment tyre. MNA said consumers can download the free code reader app at upcode.mobi. The luxury touring tyre is now available in 12 market sizes covering 16- to 19-inch wheel diameters. The tyre carries a 55,000-mile warranty for H/V speed rated sizes and a 45,000-mile warranty for W-rated sizes.
Fast-Fit Tyres branch manager Darren Freeman, of Salhouse Road, Norwich, attended Ascot after winning a nationwide promotion run by Cooper Tires. Freeman’s branch was entered into the free draw along with all of the other Cooper Tires participating dealers, including the rest of the Fast-Fit chain.
Michelin has announced a new promotion for motorcyclists buying and fitting a pair of Michelin Power Pure or Pilot Road 2 motorcycle tyres. Between 1 June and 31 July, purchasers of these tyres will receive £20 of fuel vouchers from selected dealers throughout June and in all dealers throughout July.
Retail franchise network HiQ is using its marketing capabilities on a national level to emphasise “local service” this year, and one franchisee is using a poster campaign featuring staff working in his four Cornwall HiQ fast fit centres. Justin Roberton is unveiling posters advertising his stores in Truro, Bodmin, Helston and St Austell courtesy of the new marketing materials, which places his staff at the heart of his business.
ATS Euromaster has announced a new promotion o small businesses operating between five and 50 company cars or vans (up to 3.5 tonnes). The company will give the first 500 companies – who are not already ATS-E customers – to contact their local centre manager a complimentary tyre safety inspection for their fleet. The fast-fitter, which has over 380 centres and 1,000 mobile service vans operating across the UK, will also undertake the first tyre repair it identifies per fleet free of charge.
Tyres & Accessories has already reported online and in its May 2010 magazine on HiQ’s expansion plans, including the fast fitter’s intention to add 50 new sites to its network this year. According to the company’s franchise development manager, Peter Tye, HiQ is currently in “advanced negotiations” to open new HiQ outlets with fifteen new business partners.
Cooper Tire stockists are giving customers buying a set of four designated Cooper tyres between 2 April and 15 May the chance to win a trip for four to one of horse racing’s most glamorous events: Ladies Day at Ascot on 17 June. Purchasers of four qualifying tyres from Cooper’s high-performance or 4×4 ranges will be entered into the free draw to win the prize, which includes a full Royal Ascot hospitality package for four people, plus hotel accommodation and £50 worth of betting vouchers. In addition, the retail site providing the most competition entries will also receive a package for two people.
As part of its ongoing commitment to raising public awareness of tyre safety, TyreSafe is giving away 20 motorcycle tyre puncture repair kits as part of April’s bike tyre safety month. The promotion is open to all new subscribers to TyreSafe’s free monthly e-newsletter during April, with their details entered into the prize draw. Winners will be selected randomly at the end of the month.
The CRF Institute, an independent research organisation specialised in labour conditions, has certified the Brussels based Bridgestone Europe headquarters a “top employer” in its Top Employers Belgium 2010 ranking. According to CRF, Bridgestone’s most outstanding employer attributes are its internal promotion policy and the training it provides.
Russell Smith from Kent has won the £2,000 holiday of his dreams courtesy of Bridgestone and Guildford Tyre Company in Horley, Surrey, having won the manufacturer’s ‘Ultimate Winter Excursion’ competition. The competition was held in association with 500 dealers, to promote the benefits of having your tyres checked and encourage more motorists to carry them out. The vouchers allow Russell to choose from prizes such as a skiing holiday, husky safaris or an exotic getaway to a faraway shore.
Tenneco Inc. has launched a mail-in consumer rebate program to support its Monroe brake brand, reports Tire Review. In the Monroe “Brake 4 Gas” promotion, consumers buying Monroe Ceramics or Dynamics brake pads between 1 April and 31 May will receive rebates of $15 for buying one set and $30 for two sets, Tenneco said.
Grouptyre, the exclusive UK distributor of Federal brand tyres, has announced the prize winners of the first part of its 2009 Red Letter Day promotional campaign, in conjunction with the Taiwanese manufacturer. RIKFIT Tyres in Kings Norton, Birmingham, supplied by Grouptyre member Car Tyrestore was awarded first prize of a £500 Red Letter Day; Tyrecare of Kings Heath supplied by ETB and Top Tread of Rotherham supplied by NE Wholesale, claimed the runner-up prize of Red Letter Days to the value of £250 in the prize draw.
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