Bridgestone Americas will acquire TireConnect Systems, a software company that supports tyre dealers and distributors in North America with a turn-key, online tyre sales tool featuring ecommerce capabilities.
The acquisition, which is expected to close within the next 30 days, will allow Bridgestone, its dealer network and distributors to better meet the needs of today’s digitally-minded consumers by providing a simple and fully-integrated tyre buying experience from online to in-store.
“As the world’s largest tyre and rubber company, we know that we need to be active and aggressive in the increasingly digital marketplace. The acquisition of TireConnect will allow Bridgestone to create a direct path to online tyre buying that collectively benefits our dealers, distributors and consumers.” Said John Baratta, president, consumer replacement, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations.
The TireConnect software tool allows dealers to get full credit for online tyre sales, while also remaining in control of their inventory, pricing and labor/installation costs. A plug-and-play solution, the TireConnect tool works with Bridgestone dealers’ current websites, providing a seamless research and purchasing experience between consumers and their preferred local dealers. The tool also improves efficiency, saves time and delivers enhanced speed-to-market for dealers and distributors.
The Bridgestone TireConnect online sales and ecommerce solution will be available to Bridgestone dealers and distributors in the first quarter of 2016.