RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — Sumitomo Rubber Industries North America's Falken brand is planning to launch a dedicated digital programming network for its dealers that will feature "adrenaline-fueled content" from top networks along with video of Falken's racing teams in action.
The network, Falken Digital TV, will debut in early April and include product overviews and training as well as general automotive shows and news of interest for dealer personnel and retail consumers to enjoy, Falken said.
"We're targeting to equip approximately 4,000 Falken tire dealers with Falken Digital TV in 2018 alone, enabling them to stream the content into their shops and waiting areas without any subscription or programming fees," Nick Fousekis, director, advertising and promotions, said.
"This initiative is designed to educate our retailers as well as their customers on Falken products, while entertaining them with a variety of automotive focused programming from open to close of business."
The system, developed exclusively for Falken's retail network and streamed through Falken's Digital TV device, will deliver fresh video daily to each store's connected TV, the company said.
Retailers can access it through their television's HDMI port by connect their WIFI internet.
Each morning, during the automotive news and training hour, a feature segment called "Falken Tire Tech" — hosted by Falken Product Training Supervisor Bakari Howard — will offer relevant information that educates both dealers and retail customers.
"Falken Digital TV will quickly become a new outlet for Falken to communicate with its customers — both retailers and consumers alike," Mr. Howard noted.
"It's the future of in-store entertainment," Mr. Fousekis said, "plus, it adds a whole new dimension to what Falken can offer its retail partners on a daily and immediate level in terms of education and training."