MICHELIN ASKS NATIONAL TYRE DISTRIBUTORS HOW THEY PLAN TO DEAL WITH TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS
Stoke-on-Trent – June 26, 2012
Michelin has written to ATS Euromaster, Kwik Fit and National Tyres to ask how the three companies will deal with the introduction of Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), following concern from members of Michelin’s Fleet Panel.
Panel members, who represent some of the biggest leasing companies in the UK, shared their views on the introduction of TPMS at a recent meeting and several said they do not believe they have been given enough information about the equipment which will be fitted to all new models of car from November this year.
Some expressed shock that valves could cost between £75 and £100 each to be replaced, and service and repair charges could be as much as £15 every time a tyre is removed. One member labelled it a ‘flat tax on tyres’.
As a result of the discussion, Michelin’s Head of Fleet Sales Dave Crinson has written to tyre distributors asking to explain how they will manage TPMS.
He said: “It became clear at our recent Michelin Fleet Panel meeting that all of our members would like more information about the system so they can fully understand the implications for their individual businesses, and the industry as a whole.
“Many issues were raised including how much service and repair will cost per tyre, how much replacement valves will cost and how much training will be given to staff on TPMS.
“We have spoken to TPMS manufacturers and got some idea but really it is speculation until we hear from the distributors themselves.”
Michelin will report back to its Fleet Panel with comments from the three tyre distributors at its next meeting at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week.
To find out more about the Michelin Fleet Panel visit http://mymichelin.co.uk/michelin-fleet-panel.
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Michelin (www.michelin.co.uk)
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tyres for every type of vehicle, including aircraft, bicycles, cars, earthmoving machines, farm equipment, trucks and motorcycles. Michelin employs 115,000 people, has sales organisations in more than 170 countries and operates 69 production sites in 18 countries throughout five continents. The Company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases and offers electronic mobility support services on ViaMichelin.com. Research and development is undertaken in technology centres in Asia, Europe and North America.
For further press information please contact:
Paul Cordle, Michelin Press Office
Tel: + 44 (0) 1782 402341 Email: paul-m.cordle@uk.michelin.com
Lucy Harvey or James Keeler at Garnett Keeler PR, Inver House, 37-39 Pound Street,
Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3PG
Tel: +44 (0)20 8647 4467 Fax: +44 (0)20 8544 4711 E-mail: lucy.harvey@garnettkeeler.com
MICHF/044/12
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