Bridgestone invests in US mobile car service company Wrench

Nashville, Tennessee – Bridgestone Americas has made a 10% minority investment in mobile vehicle services and technology company, Wrench, which it claims to be ‘the largest automotive services marketplace in the US.’

Under the new partnership, announced 15 Sept, Bridgestone and Seattle-based Wrench will explore synergies in their service offerings, including pairing Bridgestone America's 2,200 automotive service stores with Wrench's complementary mobile services marketplace. 

Offerings currently available through the Wrench platform include on-site automotive maintenance, access to roadside and towing, vehicle detailing, and used-vehicle inspection service. 

"With the rise of ecommerce and on-demand services, consumer preferences for car maintenance and car care are changing," said Brian Goldstine, president of mobility solutions, Bridgestone Americas. 

The partnership, he added, will create “a truly world-class service platform” that gives “trusted automotive service with added convenience and flexibility."

Bridgestone and Wrench will launch their initial integration plans later this year, allowing Bridgestone retail stores to plug into Wrench as a referral business. 

Through the partnership, Wrench customers will be able to book advanced vehicle service appointments at their local Firestone Complete Auto Care store.

Furthermore, existing Bridgestone retail customers will also have the opportunity to book future mobile service appointments, powered by Wrench.

Bridgestone said the investment was an example its pursuit of “concierge services” for personal mobility and fleet customers.

These also include the recently launched Resolv platform for subscription-based vehicle maintenance, and the company's Firestone Direct mobile tire and service business.