Tag: Tyre retail
2019 UK car tyre stagnation, but strong all-season and SUV tyre growth
The combination of political disruption and Brexit uncertainty made 2019 a tough year for the UK economy in general, so it is not surprising to learn that this was reflected in the overall passenger car tyre replacement market. According to the latest sell-out UK tyre replacement market data collated by analysts at GfK, the headline news is that both the value and the volume of the decreased in 2019. But there are reasons for hope, with signs of growth remaining in the value-rich SUV tyre sub-segment and with evidence of strong growth in sales of all-season tyres.
New CEO for US tyre retail giant Discount Tire
The world's largest independent retailer of tyres and wheels has a new chief executive officer. US-based company Discount Tire has promoted Dean Muglia to the role. He succeeds Michael Zuieback, who will retain the role of executive chairman.
Kumho hosts dealers for conference at Tottenham Hotspur
Kumho recently utilised its role as Official Tyre Partner to Tottenham Hotspur by holding a key customer conference at the Premier League football club’s new stadium.
First Stop joins NTDA
Bridgestone tyre retail network First Stop has announced that, as of 2020, First Stop UK has joined the NTDA in its own right. It is the first time First Stop UK has joined the NTDA. As a result of its membership, First Stop is including NTDA membership as part of its new value proposition.
US tyre retailer Les Schwab for sale
USA-based tyre retailer Les Schwab Tire Centers has confirmed it is seeking new ownership. In a statement issued on 24 December, the shareholder family of founder Les Schwab shared that “given the complexities of a fifth-generation family business and managing a company of our size, we are at an important point in the life of Les Schwab Tire Center.
Goodyear starts direct online tyre retail in Europe
Goodyear has launched a direct to consumer online tyre retail solution in the European market. The roll-out begins with a pilot project in Germany. The direct-to-consumer approach is said to be in addition to existing distribution channels. Based at goodyear.com/shop, the site aims to “seamlessly plan the purchase from choosing the right tyre to assembling with a local trading partner”.
Pirelli takes tyre hotel concept to Dubai
In mid-October Pirelli introduced its Pirelli Tyre Hotel concept to Dubai. The temperature-controlled facility at Pirelli’s P Zero World in Dubai is fitted with custom-designed racks designed to enhance health and longevity of tyres. The concept was first introduced by Pirelli at its Tyre Performance Centre in Burton-on-Trent, England.
Point S collaborating with BCC Automotive in Singapore
Point S is expanding in Singapore thanks to closer cooperation with BCC Automotive group, which specializes in car care. According to the company, this collaboration provides consumers with access to a network of sales outlets that can meet all their car needs including maintenance, repair and tyres.
What keeps drivers visiting the same garage?
The UK aftermarket is a competitive environment, comprised of tens of thousands of repairers, roughly half of whom are independent garages. With an estimated car parc of 32.5 million passenger cars, garage visits that will be made in the UK this year create a valuable marketplace. Local, regional and national agents need to understand how to fine-tune their workshops and services to build client loyalty.
Quick Lane opens new Colchester centre
Quick Lane Tyre & Autocentre opened its new Colchester branch today as the brand continues its UK and European growth.
Pirelli opens fifth P Zero World in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Australia has become the fifth location for Pirelli’s global flagship P Zero World retail store. The new opening follows Los Angeles (2016), Munich (2017), Monaco (2018), and Dubai (2019) as the latest site for the brand’s “boutique store for tyres” concept. P Zero World stocks Pirelli’s most exclusive products alongside bespoke services for owners of sports and luxury cars.
McConechy’s Tyre Service Ltd sold to Halfords for £8.5 million
Halfords Group plc bought McConechy's Tyre Service Limited, the sixth-largest tyre retail business in the UK, on 7 November 2019 for £8.5 million. This makes the newly-expanded Halfords Autocentres the second largest tyre retailer in the UK.
Halfords and Mobivia forge long term sourcing alliance
Halfords and Mobivia have forged a joint purchasing alliance relating to own-brand products. The idea is to offer “more effective joint product development and greater innovation in both companies' motoring and cycling ranges”.
New Bridgegate Tyres expands with Odyssey
Tyre retailer and autocentre New Bridgegate Tyres Ltd, which is based in Barnard Castle and Newton Aycliffe, recently opened a new depot on Tyneside to maintain its fast breakdown response times throughout the North East. To assist its aim, Odyssey, the Tees Valley-based telecommunications and technology company, installed a fully hosted telephone system at its Gateshead facility.
Goodyear and Halfords moves represent the virtualization of the tyre distribution chain
The ongoing effects of import tariffs, Brexit uncertainty and structural changes in the distribution chain have all affected the tyre business this year. As well as featuring the latest motorsport news and covering market developments in our regular features, this month’s Tyres & Accessories focuses on a number of key examples of changes in the marketplace in our Review of the Year feature. But one trend stands out above the others – virtualization. In short, increasing moves towards electric and autonomous vehicles (complete with their inherent sensorisation tendencies), coupled with changes in vehicle (and tyre) ownership models such as MaaS (Mobility as a Service) are driving changes in the tyre market that are resulting in the virtualizing of parts of the distribution chain.
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