Hunter partnering with van converter on mobile tire vehicles

ST. LOUIS — Commercial vehicle customizer Bush Specialty Vehicles Inc. is teaming up with Hunter Engineering Co. to offer purpose-built mobile tire service and repair vehicles equipped with Hunter tire-servicing equipment.

Bush Specialty Vehicles will have a mobile tire service-prepped van, featuring a Hunter TC37 tire changer and SmartWeight Pro wheel balancer, in its booth at the upcoming Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nov. 5-8. The company also has posted a video online, showing its conversion options and process.

The partnership reflects what Hunter calls an "escalating number" of service providers that are incorporating mobile service and repair vans to provide services at a customer's home or workplace, a convenience that better can serve customers' tire needs, enhance customer retention and differentiate a service provider from the competition.

According to the Auto Care Factbook 2020 and IMR Inc., when motorists were asked about the reason for delayed maintenance on their vehicles, "Couldn't find a convenient time" was the second highest response given on average at 20.2% of the time.

"We're extremely excited to partner with Hunter Engineering to bring this mobile tire and repair van solution to the marketplace," Larry Vanover, president of Wilmington, Ohio-based Bush Specialty Vehicles, said, noting that his company offers lease-to-own options for the full solution — van, upfit and equipment.

Bush Specialty Vehicles, a division of Bush Trucks, works with Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit vans, as well as box trucks, the company says on its website.