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Snap-OnVarta application database covers 99.6% of European car parc
VartaThe European car parc comprises more than 40,000 different models, which means – according to battery maker Varta – that not even workshop experts are able to identify the right battery for every single one of them. This is where the Varta Partner Portal comes in and provides assistance with finding the right fit. Varta has now updated its reference application database with an additional 7,176 vehicle models from 165 brands, representing 19.8 million additional vehicles on Europe’s roads. The database now covers 94 per cent of the models in the European market and no fewer than 99.6 per cent or 381 million of the registered vehicles. Customers and workshops can now search for 38,000 car models and their batteries on the industry leading Varta Partner Portal (www.varta-automotive.com/en-gb/business-portal).
Hella introduces new battery finder tool
Hella has launched a battery finder tool to easily source a replacement battery. The free tool can be accessed at: http://hellabatteryfinder.com where users can search for a battery using the registration number, vehicle model details or VIN number and can be used for motorcycles, cars and light commercial vehicles.
GRI launches new website
GRI has launched a new website featuring improved menu functionality and a responsive layout, making it easier to navigate on a wide range of web browsers and multiple devices.
Cooper Tire Europe launches new brand portal
Cooper Tire Europe has launched a new Cooper Brand Portal, providing online access to a host of digital assets for media and brand partner use. Product photography, event images and video content are now all readily available for download.
Michelin launches Click2Sell website solution to tyre dealerships
Michelin has launched Click2Sell – a website solution the company refers to as “a flexible ‘website in a box’ that helps dealers build their online presence and attract new customers with ease”.
While wholesalers have done similar things, Click2Sell is believed to be the only tyre manufacturer-backed website-building package to allow dealerships in the UK and Ireland the freedom to promote their chosen tyre range online. And, what’s more, the range can be either primarily Michelin tyres or a premium competitor. Click2Sell is open to any dealership.
Nexen launches redesigned nexentire.com
Nexen Tire has redesigned its global website, nexentire.com. The revised site offers information on Nexen Tire products, services, general tyre information, news and campaigns, and corporate information in a format that fits PCs, tablets and smartphones.
Micheldever launches 4site4x4tyres.co.uk
Micheldever Tyre Services has launched 4site4x4tyres.co.uk – a new website designed to help the firm’s customers sell more 4×4 tyres as well as provide expert advice and guidance to 4×4 and SUV owners. The site follows in the footsteps of Micheldever’s successful TyreClick venture, which in many ways is the passenger car orientated equivalent. However, company representatives told Tyres & Accessories that the 4×4/SUV tyre sector demanded a greater emphasis on quality impartial technical advice.
Goodyear implements direct online sales in US
Last January at its annual dealer conference, Goodyear unveiled plans to launch direct-to-consumer online sales across the US through its Goodyear.com website. Since then, Michelin has bought into two large European e-tailers and Apollo has acquired another. Clearly 2015 has been the year that tyre majors have allowed their online retail strategies surface. And while approaches differ between manufacturers and markets, Goodyear’s US approach is by far the most direct. At the moment, this approach centres on North America, however what we learn from Goodyear’s case is valuable in any market. In mid-November Tire Review editor Jim Smith met with Goodyear’s Mike Dauberman, senior director of marketing and interactive, and Bill Friel, general manager of consumer dealer retail, and here gives Tyres per cent Accessories readers access to their conversation.
Bosch revamps parts and workshop websites
Bosch has revamped its website offering, delivering two websites for parts and workshops. According to the company, the move reflects Bosch’s continual approach for “parts, bytes and services for the automotive aftermarket”.
Bosch Auto Parts (www.boschautoparts.co.uk) is aimed at both trade and consumers, recognising the desire for both workshops and the public to find out more about the comprehensive range of quality parts such as wiper blades and batteries.
TyreSafe launches partworn-tyres.co.uk
TyreSafe has launched partworn-tyres.co.uk, a website detailing “the dangers, real cost and legal regulations on the sale of part worn tyres”. Visitors to partworn-tyres.co.uk will find examples of tyres offered for sale by unscrupulous dealers and discovered during such investigations. The description of the sometimes horrifying faults includes tyres which would have been likely to suffer catastrophic failure on fitment, while unsafe repairs, cuts and objects in the tread are also revealed.
Autoparts website for independent garages
Autoparts UK has launched a brand-new website (www.workshopexpert.co.uk) to promote its ‘Workshop Expert Online’ management software to independent garages. Workshop Expert Online is a web-based tool that allows garages to complete key business functions that will help their business to run smoothly. Functions include accountancy tasks, managing workshop schedules, vehicle look up, parts ordering and customer relationship management (CRM).
Toyo relaunching European websites at Reifen 2014
Toyo Tire Europe GmbH, President Naoki Gonsui, has announced that all of the company’s websites will be re-launched on 27 May the opening day of the Reifen 2014 exhibition. Visitors to theexhibition will be able to explore the new website from the Toyo Tires booth in hall three.
