CONTITRADE Africa, the retail division of Continental Tyre South Africa, is continuing its expansion of the BestDrive dealer network across South Africa and the Sub-Saharan Africa region, and plans to welcome 17 new dealers during 2018.
“Our aggressive network expansion supports our own growth plan objectives, as well as the growth of the Continental business in the retail market,” said Robert Harris, Head of Franchise at ContiTrade Africa.
“This is important for our business as we focus on increasing our penetration in the crucial replacement tyre market, supported by the extensive range of aftermarket services offered by BestDrive stores.”
Three new BestDrive dealers have been opened during the first half of 2018, with the balance scheduled for the remainder of the year. A new BestDrive store was launched this year in George along the scenic Garden Route in the Western Cape, along with two new dealers in Johannesburg.
One of the Johannesburg BestDrive stores that recently opened its doors is Viking Armadale, located next to a well-known landmark in Devland, near Soweto, which is famous for the Viking aeroplane positioned on the roof of the adjacent fuel station.
“We currently have a total of 135 BestDrive dealers of which 127 are independent franchised BestDrive fitment centres across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, along with eight equity stores in SA and the flagship company-owned store in Port Elizabeth,” Harris added.
“By the end of the year we are scheduled to have 148 BestDrive stores across the SSA region as we expand our reach and improve accessibility for customers.”
BestDrive focuses on delivering an exceptional service experience underpinned by quality products and has been a leading tyre retail brand in Europe and in Asia since 2006.
The first BestDrive fitment centre opened in South Africa in 2014, and the latest additions to the growing dealer network join the drive to become the world’s leading tyre service network through a commitment to the best service, quality workmanship and supply of respected brands at affordable prices.
BestDrive stores provide a comprehensive range of products and services, including tyres from top brands such as Continental and General Tire, along with most other well-known makes. Tyre fitment, rotation and puncture repair services are offered, along with wheel balancing and alignment – all of which uses the latest high-tech equipment for maximum precision and quality.
The stores also supply and fit aftermarket wheels, shock absorbers, exhausts, batteries, tow bars, brake components and accessories that are covered by the national manufacturers’ warranties.