GOLDEN, Colo. (Aug. 25, 2006) — Independent Tire Dealers Group L.L.C. (ITDG) is adding Sonsio Inc.'s road hazard warranty program to its member benefits package.
Golden-based Sonsio's road hazard coverage is available through a network 26,407 independent and company-owned automotive repair centers in the U.S. and Canada. Sonsio said its road hazard protection plans cover 32 million tires, and it offers a parts and labor warranty program that covers more than 57 million repairs annually.
“As the Independent Tire Dealers Group continues to grow nationally our program fits perfectly with its coast-to-coast coverage,” said Michael Jones, Sonsio president and CEO. “Our mission at Sonsio is to help dealers create a safety net that catches inconvenienced customers who have a problem with their tires.”
ITDG President and CEO Michael Cox said he has used Sonsio's services on a number of occasions and called the company's road hazard protection program “the most comprehensive tire road hazard plan in the market today” and the only one ITDG endorses.
Sonsio's road hazard coverage offers different levels of coverage, ranging up to free tire replacement during the first 25 percent of tread life, free flat tire changing assistance for two years and $10 toward flat repair, according to Sonsio documents. Sonsio also offers separate protection plans for wheels and provides dealerships training on how to sell the coverage.
Goodyear Canada Inc., Bridgestone Firestone Canada Inc. and Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. all offer Sonsio road hazard protection through their dealer networks, Sonsio states on its Web site.
ITDG and Friend Tire Co. recently formed a combined marketing group, bringing together Friend's Nationwide Tire Dealers group with ITDG. The resultant group, ITDG/NTD, covers up to 400 dealer members representing more than 800 locations.