Lydia Limited, the company behind tyre price comparison site Motokiki, called in the administrators on 24 October 2019. Simon Girling and Chris Marsden of BDO LLP were appointed Joint Administrators on the same day. Tyres & Accessories understands that the administrators are seeking to sell the technology assets of the company and is seeking offers before a Friday 15 November 2019 deadline.
We are all familiar with the likes of MoneySuperMarket, CompareTheMarket and Confused.com. Beginning with financial and insurance products, these sites set out to give consumers more choice and the ability to compare the prices. Owing to the fact that tyres are arguably more complex, the tyre industry has moved a bit slower when it comes to comparison. During the last year or so, however, tyre comparison has come of age. So, who are the main players, what are the differences and where did tyre comparison all begin?
Diagnostics expert, Hella Gutmann Solutions (HGS) has partnered with online car repair marketplace, WhoCanFixMyCar.com. The supplier of the mega macs range of diagnostic systems states that the arrangement means drivers using WhoCanFixMyCar.com to find a workshop will now be able to differentiate between those that utilise HGS tools and those who don’t. The HGS logo will appear on relevant workshop profiles.
Starter is launching what it describes as “the first price comparison platform for global use” in the automotive vehicle and parts marketplace. Offering a wide product catalogue with more than 5 million parts, it is said to be the largest and most comprehensive website to unite consumers and businesses via a global marketplace.
Online car repair marketplace, ClickMechanic.com has added tyre replacements to its service offering, partnering with wholesaler Bond International. The website states that the new addition will enable both existing mechanics as well as new tyre specialists to register their services on the site. Bond will supply tyres to the site’s network at what ClickMechanic describes as “an extremely competitive trade price,” based on high volumes promised by the site.
CEAT has launched a new website – www.ceatspecilaty.com. Writing in a statement announcing the news, CEAT representatives said: “Moving with the times, we have developed our website to serve you better. Browse through it and stay connected with us at all times.”
Founders of new car repair comparison site AutoAdvisor.co.uk have outlined their vision for a modern automotive aftermarket and called on other sites to be more transparent about their practices. AutoAdvisor.co.uk has been set up by motor factor personnel, supplying garages on a daily basis for more than 30 years.
Stapleton’s has worked with Nottingham-based digital marketing agency, Adtrak, to “improve the brand’s digital presence, create a more efficient tyre booking system, and expand its audience reach.” Specifically this means Adtrak has developed a new corporate site, refreshed branding and brand guidelines, new stationery and promotional folders as well as making a new social media presence and strategy.
Davanti Tyres has relaunched its website. The new site offers users more detail, including 4K animations demonstrating its products’ performance characteristics, a new tyre-matching system, and an updated Davanti dealer locator. Visitors can also register for Davanti’s Accidental Damage Guarantee and access exclusive content from Davanti’s partners, including Everton Football Club and the AIA Racing School at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.
Vipal Rubber’s European branch has launched a new web. According to the company, the page underwent a design makeover to make it responsive and extend it into four different languages.
PitStopArabia.com, a UAE-based online tyre retailer, has announced that Mitsubishi Corporation has become a strategic partner and a shareholder in the company. The e-tailer described the investment as a “significant milestone” that will be used to bolster market share by expanding regionally. The value of the investment has not been disclosed.
B&J Rocket has redesigned and updated its website. The retreading tools specialist says the new bj-rocket.com site is more user-friendly and includes more product and technical information.
Exol has announced the launch of its new website www.exol-lubricants.com. Fully optimised and mobile responsive, the site features a responsive layout and simplified navigational structure, which will also be multi-lingual for the company’s growing export client base, boosting its global appeal.
Autoparts Garage Equipment (AGE) has expanded its new website, GarageEquipmentUK.com, offering workshops a wide range of parts and equipment, as well as a full comprehensive service offering, overseeing the designing, planning and installation of vehicle workshops. The website features an Equipment section with various product categories, including vehicle lifts, wheel alignment, emissions testers and diagnostic machines.
One of the South West Region’s largest independent motor factors, Melksham Motor Spares, has launched a new website, offering garage customers key information on its business activities as well as latest products and services available. The mobile-responsive website, www.melkshammotorspares.co.uk, is designed to project a fresh, modern feel and user-friendly functionality, featuring various sections and demonstrating the factor’s extensive aftermarket portfolio.
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