COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Continental Tire the Americas' BestDrive L.L.C. commercial service unit has celebrated the grand opening of its Commerce City location, its 22nd location across the U.S.
The 18,400-sq.-ft. facility, which opened earlier this year, is the first in Colorado and brings to 13 the number of states where BestDrive has a location. The business unit said it has plans to expand into eight more states by year-end 2018.
The site, northeast of Denver proper, is expected to generate between $4 million and $5 million in sales annually. It is situated near the intersection of I-25, I-76, I-70 and I-270, which the company said is ideal for access by its long-haul, regional haul and on/off-road fleet customers.
"Our growth strategy requires that we have an appropriate national footprint capable of providing continuous and seamless coverage across the nation," said Sonny Simpson, managing director of BestDrive.
The location will offer new tires and mechanical services, as well distribute ContiTread retreads manufactured in the BestDrive Salt Lake City plant. Continental designs its commercial tire casings for retreading, which the company claims lowers cost for fleets and owner-operators.
The Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB) calculates that retreading truck tires in the U.S. reduces carbon emissions by 396,000 tons annually, as the retreading process generates 70 percent less emissions than production of a new tire.
T.J. Atwood, Commere City's general manager, said he is excited about bringing the Continental retread product ContiTread to the market
"This gives customers an option for retreading that they've never had before," he said.
The store also offers truck tires from the Continental, General Tire and Ameri*Steel brands, as well as other supplemental brands. It also features ContiPressureCheck tire monitoring, and RoadLog ELD.
BestDrive stores also offer passenger and light truck tires, but, it is focused primarily on commercial truck service and OTR.
"We have a great staff of employees with over 150 years of combined tire experience," Mr. Atwood said. "My crew and I pride ourselves on providing world class customer service, while lowering the customer's overall driving cost."
Conti said it selected the Denver area because of its prominence as a commercial fleet hub, as four of the U.S.' largest private fleets as ranked in the "2017 Fleet Owner 500" from Fleet Owner magazine call Denver home.
"Commerce City and Denver sit at the natural crossroads in the region," Mr. Atwood said. "Our dealership location places us in the best possible position to service our national fleet customers while also servicing the local fleets that operate there."
Steve Postel, Continental's director of retail for the Americas, said the company sees opportunities for BestDrive to offer sales and service at more locations convenient for fleet operators.
BestDrive recently opened a location in Boise, Idaho, its first in that state.