Micheldever to end distribution partnership with Kumho Tire

Sutton Coldfield, UK – Micheldever Tyre Services is ending an exclusive distribution agreement with Kumho Tire in the UK by the end of May.

In a 3 Jan statement, the retailer group said the mutual agreement would end a 15-year partnership in the UK.

The decision, said MTS, was been prompted by a “clash of long-term ambition” for the Kumho brand in the UK.

“This is a disappointing conclusion to what’s been a longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership,” said Micheldever CEO Duncan Wilkes.

MTS was largely responsible for the growth of the Kumho brand in the UK for over 15 years, said Wilkes.

“However, more recently, and particularly since Kumho established its own direct sales organisation in the UK, it has become increasingly difficult to work effectively in partnership with them,” the CEO added.

Wilkes went on to say that MTS did not share Kumho’s vision for the future and the “view of what’s in their best interests in the UK.”

This, he added, no longer allowed MTS to “adequately position the brand or support our Kumho dealers”.

“This clash of long-term ambition has led to the decision to terminate our agreement,” he noted.

Over the next six months, MTS said it will transition out of the relationship and move its business and customers’ business to other brands.