ATD taps U.K. firm's software to enhance mobile services

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — American Tire Distributors Inc. (ATD) is the first customer of a new business-to-business software offering by Halfords Group P.L.C., a provider of motoring and cycling products and services in the United Kingdom.

Halfords is launching Avayler, a new business that offers the company's proprietary software "to streamline service delivery for companies that operate in multiple locations."

"As the trend toward mobile tire installation continues to grow, ATD is looking forward to accelerating access to best-in-class technology for our customers that are interested in entering the mobile tire installation business. We're excited to partner with Avayler to bring this offering to our tire retailers," ATD CEO Stuart Schuette said.

Avayler's platform will "underpin" ATD operations, the company said. ATD also becomes the exclusive provider of Avayler's mobile platform in the North America.

Redditch, England-based Halfords originally developed the software for its own operations, including garages, mobile vans and retail stores.

"The Avayler mobile product uses algorithms to calculate the available time slots for the customer according to where the nearest van is located and the parts available," Halfords said.

"It then uses dynamic pricing to value those slots accurately. The customer can track where the van is and receive notifications and updates while the colleague is en route."

Halfords provides automotive and cycling products and services through 404 stores, 374 garages, 185 commercial vans and 143 mobile service vans in the United Kingdom.

Huntersville-based ATD considers itself one of the largest independent suppliers of tires to the replacement tire market in North America. The company has more than 130 distribution centers serving about 80,000 customers in the U.S. and Canada.