Michelin Expands Online Tire Sales Program to Southeast Markets

    Dec. 16, 2016
    1673378273083 Michelinexpandsonlinetiresalesprogramtosoutheastmarkets

    Michelin North America Inc. has expanded its online tire sales program. The company is selling Michelin and BFGoodrich brand tires online direct to consumers in Southeast markets.

    Both brands are available for retail purchase from the www.michelinman.com and  www.bfgoodrichtires.com websites.

    Michelin began selling BFGoodrich brand tires online at the bfgoodrichtires.com website in Sept. 2016. At the time, the company said it would expand its online tire sales program nationally in phases.

    Michelin says the michelinman.com website aims to simplify the tire-buying process so that consumers can research, select and purchase tires, as well as schedule installation with a local Michelin service partner all in one location.

    “Michelin does not own any retail stores, so our close relationship with dealers is critical for the success of this program,” says Scott Clark, chief operating officer, Michelin North America. “We have worked very closely with our retail partners to ensure we have an offer that promotes their business while also offering consumers the convenience of researching and buying online.”

    When an order is placed online, consumers will schedule an installation appointment with a local service provider based on proximity. Tires will be shipped directly to the service provider.

    The company says tire dealers who sign onto the program will be able to provide service for consumers who purchase either BFGoodrich or Michelin brand tires. Both the BFGoodrichTires.com and MichelinMan.com websites will aim to sell nationally by mid-2017.

    Michelin's announcement of the pilot program last fall generated a significant response from independent tire dealers, much of it negative. MTD published comments from dealers as well as a response from Scott Clark. Follow the links below and add your comments.

    Bob Ulrich's blogs: "Michelin: 'Online Tire Sales Can't Be Completed Without a Respected Local Servcie Partner'" and "Michelin Dealer Says Enough Is Enough"

    Dealers' comments: "Readers Respond to Michelin Selling BFG Tires Online"