“Our growth this year is over double digits for the second year in a row,” John Hagan, sales executive vice president for Nexen Tire America Inc., told Modern Tire Dealer during this week’s Specialty Equipment Market Association Show.
Hagan attributes Nexen’s growth to a number of initiatives, including standardization of the company’s sales and marketing programs, a process that started last year, as well as continued utilization of its Next Level associate dealer program, which “has been received very well by our dealers.”
“We also have been more active with our customer base,” including participating in Nexen dealer-sponsored events, such as open houses.
And a distribution arrangement with MOPAR, the parts and service organization within Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, is paying big dividends, he added. Through the deal, MOPAR network members can now source Nexen brand tires from Nexen tire distributors and dealers. “A lot of our associate dealers have picked up new business” as a result of the MOPAR partnership, said Hagan. “MOPAR is doing a lot of advertising on our behalf. It’s like we have another marketing arm” that costs Nexen and its dealers nothing.
Heading into 2020, Nexen will continue to promote its Next Level program while strengthening its distribution and dealer network.
The new Roadian GTX all-season touring SUV/CUV tire will play a major role in Nexen’s 2020 strategy, as well. The tire, which covers more than 90% of small CUV to mid-size SUV fitments, comes with a 70,000-mile tread wear warranty, and is an “ideal complement” for CUVS like the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V, as well as mid-size SUVs like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, BMW X5 and others.
