Bridgestone has extended its existing relationship with Axis Fleet Management, signing a deal at last week’s CV Show to provide tyres and whole-life support for the hire firm’s entire fleet.
Previously, the tyre manufacturer had been responsible for 70% of the 3,000-plus-strong Axis fleet of MANs and Dafs.
The deal follows recent contract extensions with both Arla and Ryder.
Greg Ward, Bridgestone’s commercial sales director, said that while the company’s “industry leading tyre products played a big factor” in the decision to extend the agreement, the Total Tyre Care package was of equal importance to Axis.
He added: “We are thrilled with Axis’ decision to work even more closely with us, which we regard as a real coup, having seen off competition from a number of other highly respected tyre manufacturers.”
Total Tyre Care comprises three main elements: premium new tyres and retreads; tyre maintenance and assistance throughout Europe; and inspection tools, customised reports and new technologies.
Axis MD Dave Potter said: “We have been very satisfied with Bridgestone’s package of support until now and were happy to extend our existing agreement to include 100% of our fleet.”
Bridgestone said its high profile at this year’s CV Show, which it used to launch its Bridgestone Partner network, will result in a significant return on investment, with a number of new business opportunities presenting themselves at the NEC.
Ward said: “The CV Show always represents a huge opportunity for us, which is why we put so much work into making it a success. We’ve signed a hugely significant fleet deal during the show, have reacquainted with some close existing contacts and forged some new ones too.”
