UK fleets advised to book ahead for 2011/12 winter tyres

ERJ staff report (LMH)

London -- A UK tyre fitting company has advised customers to make winter tyre bookings for the end of the year after selling out of its stock this year.

Kwik-Fit, an independent British fast-fit company, said in a 21 Jan statement that it has had its entire 50 000 strong allocation snapped up by corporate and retail customers.

The company launched its first comprehensive winter tyre programme in September last year and said demand for cold weather tyres immediately rocketed in the wake of the snow and ice experienced across the UK.

Although car tyre supplies have now run out, Kwik-Fit still has in stock around 5000 winter tyres for light commercial vehicles.

Kwik-Fit Fleet sales director Peter Lambert said: “Demand has significantly exceeded supply this winter particularly on cars.

“We would urge fleets that require cold weather tyres for winter 2011/12 to inform us of their requirements as soon as possible to enable orders to be placed with tyre manufacturers. Placing orders with Kwik-Fit Fleet in the first quarter of this year for supply in September or October is not too early.

Lambert believes that Kwik-Fit could more than double its supply of cold weather tyres for 2011/12 based on sales this winter, particularly with contract hire and leasing companies actively analysing how they can meet client demand.

Kwik-Fit Fleet offers a 'hotel' facility that sees it remove, pack, label and store each company car and van's standard tyres in its Northamptonshire National Distribution Centre at a per season charge of £40. In the spring, the standard tyres will be returned to each customer's centre of choice for fitment with the cold weather tyres removed and stored until required again.

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Press release from Kwik-Fit