Monday, September 01, 2008 Tire maker launches new models, one-stop shop
AS it introduces its latest tire models in Cebu, Goodyear Philippines is urging its dealers to transition into one-stop auto care and maintenance shops.
David Morin, Goodyear Philippines president and managing director, said the Goodyear “Autocare” setup is “good for dealers and customers.”
Morin, who was in Cebu last week to launch the Goodyear Assurance and Wrangler HPAW tire models, cited a consumer research report that identified trust and convenience as the main consideration of vehicle owners when looking for a place to handle the maintenance of their cars.
To address these concerns, Goodyear developed the “Autocare” concept and forged partnerships with Bosch to provide vehicle diagnostic equipment and parts, and Shell—for lubricants—to its dealers nationwide.
Goodyear Autocare is a one-stop total car care service shop, an upgraded version of the Goodyear Servitek. All Goodyear Autocare stores are equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment and specialized tools to service all vehicles.
In Cebu, the EBR-SN Tire Plaza in Maguikay, Mandaue City is the first shop to transition into the Goodyear Autocare program.
Morin announced that Goodyear will be launching another shop under the Autocare retail brand in Cebu next month.
Other Goodyear service centers in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region are also expected to transition into the Autocare brand.
Goodyear officials said, though, that while they encourage partner service centers to convert to the Autocare program, it would be an individual choice among retailers who may have existing supply agreements with other lubricant and equipment providers.
More than 20 years ago, Goodyear introduced the Goodyear Servitek concept. There are about 124 Serviteks in different areas in the country.
“Now, we are taking this to the next level as consumers are becoming more discerning in the maintenance of their vehicles. As such, there is a need for us to continue to take the lead in providing them the best service possible,” Morin said.
“We believe that the enhanced retail offering will not only reinforce Goodyear’s position as the leader in the tire industry, but in complete auto care as well. It is set to deliver first-class automotive services from established brands like Shell and Bosch, thus ensuring that vehicles will always leave our outlets in top-notch condition,” he added.
Ernesto Rizarri, dealer and owner of EBR-SN Tire Plaza, said the Autocare concept is an “excellent business opportunity,” that allows his company to provide better service.
“The partnership with Goodyear Philippines, Bosch and Shell gives credibility and assurance to customers that our products and services will cater to all their motoring needs and will keep their vehicles running reliably and safely,” he added.
Morin said Goodyear continues to be the leader in branded tires, “way ahead of the competition.”
However, without giving figures, he said the company will keep its production volume level as it given the present state of the Philippine and global economy.
Aside from other Goodyear tires, the EBR-SN Tire Plaza also offers Assurance and Wrangler HPAW.
The Wrangler HPAW tire model is designed for off-road vehicles like sports utility vehicles. Goodyear Assurance, on the other hand, is designed for passenger cars.
JP Tuason of Tuason Racing School (TRS) said, though, Goodyear Assurance is used by TRS race cars.
Tuason said Assurance, which are race track-inspired street tires, provide good racing performance on any road situation.
TRS, he said, has been using Goodyear tires for six years. It uses Goodyear tires for car drifting that involves heavy braking and high-speed cornering.
The Goodyear Assurance tire has AmorGrip Technology, which is designed to provide “superior grip” even on wet roads. (LAP)
