Mercedes-Benz selects Continental as ‘approved’ aftermarket brand in India

Original equipment tire approvals are highly sought after by tire manufacturers and is a common industry practice in the automotive industry. It is very rarely however that automotive companies recommend “approved” tires as an aftermarket purchase. Mercedes-Benz has however has decided to take a proactive approach and has decided to team up with Continental for offering a range of “approved” Continental tires in the Indian market. The company has also chosen to term Continental its ‘preferred tire supplier’ for replacement products at its dealerships across India in 2017.

Speaking about the partnership, Roland Folger, managing director and chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz India said that the company is committed to enhance the aftersales experience of its customers, as it believes that when it comes to the luxury car industry, service excellence will emerge as the key differentiator. This is why Mercedes-Benz introduced the innovative ‘My Mercedes, My Service’ program in 2016. The partnership with Continental to launch the range of ‘Mercedes-Benz Approved Tires’ will reinforce the company’s customer centricity.

He added that this strategic collaboration further highlights the company’s commitment towards achieving service excellence in the luxury automotive segment. The partnership with Continental will further enhance customer satisfaction and reduce the cost of ownership. Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for offering the lowest cost of ownership in the luxury car segment.

Commenting on the collaboration, Philipp von Hirschheydt, executive vice-president of Continental’s Replacement APAC PLT business unit said that the company was extremely proud and honored for being chosen as Preferred Tire Supplier by Mercedes Benz India. He said it reflected the company’s global collaboration and partnership with Mercedes Benz globally.

Continental is known for the excellence of its German Engineering and technological expertise in the production of high performance tires. This has been highlighted by the brand’s significant presence in the OEMs and replacement markets.

Von Hirschheydt concluded, “In an endeavor to meet the Mercedes-Benz’s customers’ needs and expectations in India, we will be bringing our expertise and experiences from other APAC and EU markets as we are already having similar arrangements with Mercedes Benz in these markets.”

Dealers of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in India will be set up to act as ‘one-shop stops’ for the tire purchase and fitting process, and Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the specifications of all Mercedes-Benz Approved Continental tires in these outlets will match those of the vehicles for which they are intended.