HANAU, Germany – Goodyear has begun trials of an online tire retail program in Germany ahead of a planned Europewide rollout.
Building on Goodyear's cooperation with tire retailers, the program aims to simplify tire purchasing process and offer a "seamless transaction" from purchase to installation, the tire maker said.
The initiative will provide consumers the convenience of online shopping and the confidence of having the tires installed by a "trusted local retailer," Jürgen Titz, managing director consumer EU central and car dealer channel, said.
As part of this, Goodyear has built a "premium installer network," which covers over half of German households within a 30-minute drive.
A dedicated online platform — goodyear.de/shop — has been designed for consumers, where they can access tire options, along with clear information for selection, Goodyear said.
The platform allows online shoppers to schedule an appointment for tire installation at a retailer of their choice and pay all tire and installation costs online and upfront.
Goodyear launched its e-commerce platform in the U.S. in 2015 and has adapted the model to the requirements of the European market for this pilot in Germany.
The company said it aims to extend the program gradually across other parts of Europe.