JK Tyre to ramp up presence in Gujarat

To set up six more exclusive branded outlets in the state.

Having launched its second exclusive branded outlet in Gujarat, JK Tyre & Industries now plans to expand its retail presence at the earliest. After Vapi and Ahmedabad, the company is looking to open six more ‘JK Tyre Steel Wheels’ in Gujarat by the end of the financial year 2010.

“Our dealership network is continually on the rise in Gujarat. However, we now intend to expand our exclusive branded outlets in the state as well. Through our retail expansion, we will be penetrating the interiors of Gujarat as well. At an investment of Rs 15 lakh each, we will be opening six more ‘JK Tyre Steel Wheels’ showrooms in cities like Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, Gandhidham and Disa,” said Ajoy Shah, chief product manager at JK Tyre & Industries.

Nationally, the compnay has a chain of over 100 such outlets.

“JK Tyre Steel Wheels is a strategic marketing initiative from us. The showrooms would provide specialised services in terms of maintenance. Also, there are certain automated facilities provided by the skilled personnel at these stores,” said Shah.

The outlets also provide services like computerised wheel alignment, computerised wheel balancing, automated tyre changing, tyre care and maintenance. Of the 4.8 million passenger radials per annum sold by JK Tyre, Gujarat contributes around 6-7 per cent. However, in the truck tyre business, which amounts to 2,80,000 units per month, Gujarat accounts for around 10 per cent, said Shah.