Nokian Tyres plc is increasing the number of its Vianor tire outlets in Russia and Sweden.
Nokian has opened new Vianor stores in Rostov and St. Petersburg, Russia, and has acquired two existing tire shops in Sweden.
Nokian wants to open 30 Vianor outlets in Russia during 2005, most of them franchise locations.
"The expansion of the Vianor chain will boost Nokian's sales in Russia and give the company direct contacts with Russian consumers," say Nokian officials.
The Finnish tiremaker plans to grow in Sweden via franchising and more acquisitions.
