“This is an important milestone for the partnership,” said Mike Knipe, senior group manager, customer satisfaction and service business development, Hyundai Motor America. “This rapid and sustained success provides a good indication that there will be many more significant achievements in the future.”
Mr. Knipe went on to say Hyundai dealers have increased their tire sales thus far in 2014 by more than 20 percent over 2013, whereas the industry has grown by only about 5 percent.
Hyundai said expanding the dealers' tire sales also is helping to boost parts-and-service sales nationwide. The car maker figures 1 million tires sold translates to 330,000 vehicles serviced, based on an average of three tires sold per vehicle.
The company said each Hyundai vehicle undergoes “extensive evaluations to determine which tires are best suited for each vehicle.” The goal of Hyundai and Dealer Tire, Hyundai said, is to provide tires that meet or exceed the performance and safety standards set by the car maker for each vehicle.
Among the brands handled by the Hyundai network are Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, Hankook, Kumho, Michelin, Nexen and Pirelli, according to a survey of dealer websites.
Fountain Valley-based Hyundai Motor America is the U.S. sales and service subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of South Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the U.S. by a network of more than 820 dealerships nationwide.
The company does not have a tire program in Canada.