Michelin Begins Direct Online Tire Sales in Europe

Michelin started off the year on the right note by beginning direct online tire sales in Europe. Consumers will be able to purchase tires directly from the well known tire manufacturer in the first quarter of the year. Michelin also further expanded its product range by launching the Michelin Pilot Sport 4, which will be the first tire to be sold through the Michelin website.

According to the company, the online sales will initially take place through a temporary pop-up store at www.michelin.fr. The purchase process will involve a four click process and the tires can be picked up from “a distribution partner” for delivery and fitment after the transaction is completed. The customer experience will be enhanced by the provision for “chatting” online for further advice prior to purchase and a money back guarantee. Michelin also said that the distribution partner will be providing customers with monthly pressure servicing.

Online sales will be initially held on a trial basis for a period of about three months. Michelin’s initiative marks the first attempt to launch online sales by a tire manufacturer in Europe and follows the launch of direct online sales by Goodyear in the United States last year. Both Michelin and Bridgestone have revealed plans for similar projects in the United States.

The latest initiative to launch online tire sales in Europe comes on the heels of Michelin’s recent acquisition of online tire retailers, Blackcircles and Allopneus. With the company strengthening its presence in the e-commerce sector, it looks like competition is hotting up among leading tire manufacturers in the online space.