Nokian’s Vianor network grows, new ‘softer’ franchise model rolled out

During the first nine months of 2013, Finnish tyre maker Nokian Tyres added 124 outlets to its Vianor dealer network. As of 30 September 2013 the Vianor network operates 1,161 centres in 26 countries. Vianor outlets in Finnland, Sweden, Norway, the US, Switzerland and Russia belong to the company while the remaining 978 are bound to Vianor/Nokian through franchise agreements. Nokian says its market share improved as a result of this expansion, and it aims to have more than 1,180 Vianor outlets by the end of 2013.

The company also reports the rollout a new softer partner franchise model, Nokian Authorized Dealer (NAD), with first 262 shops contracted inItaly,Germany andChina.