MIAMI—Off-road automotive com-ponents specialist Pro Comp USA has assigned distribution rights to Pro Comp-branded tires and wheels in Colombia to Tire Group International L.L.C., which will offer direct factory shipments to customers in Colombia as well as fill-in shipments from Miami.
The agreement with TGI is the first of what Pro Comp expects will be more distribution deals throughout Latin America, where the Compton, Calif.-based company has had only limited distribution, according to Eileen Duran, international sales manager for Pro Comp.
This is TGI's first business relationship with Pro Comp USA, a TGI representative said. For now the agreement is limited to Colombia, but representatives for both companies left open the possibility for expanding their relationship to other markets.
“TGI is the type of company we look to partner with. It has a solid reputation for building brands in Latin America through a dedicated dealer network and excellent customer service,” Ms. Duran said.
Selling in Latin America is part of Pro Comp's plan to expand its tire and wheel brand through broader distribution, Ms. Duran said. Pro Comp is starting in Colombia because the opportunity arose and TGI presented itself as the “right partner to team up with.”
Joaquin Gonzalez Jr., TGI's chief marketing officer, described the Pro Comp product as “one of the best quality light truck tire brands” in the market.
“We feel this brand is a perfect complement to our existing product portfolio for the Colombian market and will further solidify our position as a leader in the distribution of quality tires in the country.”
Earlier this year TGI hired Luis Betancur as a territory manager covering sales efforts for Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Pro Comp has been offering aftermarket products for on- and off-road enthusiasts since 1992. It branched into tires in 1998 and into steel and cast wheels in 2001.
It is a business unit of Transamerican Auto Parts, whose other brands include Smittybilt, G2 Axle & Gear, Rubicon Express, LRG Rims and Trail Master, according to the group's LinkedIn page.