A generation ahead in tyre servicing
An exclusive interview by MOTORINDIA
Today the transport industry is facing a major challenge with the ever-increasing cost of fuel and other materials like tyres, spareparts, etc. It is therefore of paramount importance for fleet operators to understand the importance of tyre care and maintenance in order to achieve cost saving.
There is enormous potential for cost saving if the life of tyres is somehow increased by proper maintenance.
Though there are several tyre dealers all over the country, the Chennai-based Siremull Hirachand is one among the few outlets that offer complete solution for the benefit of automobile and fleet owners.
Siremull Hirachand’s Tyrestore has been in tyre retailing business in Chennai since 1949. The business offers the most comprehensive Indian and imported tyre brands, directly sourced from the manufacturers, with the help of its long-standing relationship with them. Initially the store dealt with major brands like Goodyear, Dunlop, Ceat, Firestone and India Super. However, since 1955, Tyrestore became the whole and sole seller of Michelin products in Chennai called the “Michellin all metallic tyres”. So far, the tyre retailer has sold more than two lakh quality tyres of all major brands.
Mr. T. Loon Chand Chordia, who is currently managing the show very effectively, joined this patriarchal business in 1970.
In an informal discussion on the general growth strategy of his business, Mr. Loon Chand told MOTORINDIA that out of the total sales of all the different brands by Tyrestore: “More than 30 per cent of our turnover is from Michelin, and thanks to our good relationship with the company, they take care of the dealer very well, provide us the technical know-how and give adequate training to our technicians.”
The products Tyrestore deals with range from Indian and imported alloy wheels of specific makes and sizes, automotive batteries, air filters and car accessories.
It may be noted that Tyrestore pioneered the nitrogen inflation concept in India and thus became the first tyre dealer to offer nitrogen in the country in 2000. It is also one of the first dealers to offer radial tyres in the Indian market, for Maruti 800 in late 1980s.
Michelin India has chosen Tyrestore as its priority partner for Chennai. It is the first to introduce the run flat tyre changing equipment imported from Italy specially designed to ensure that there is no damage to the tyres or wheels during tyre fitment and removal.
Siremull Hirachand’s Tyrestore on Greams Road in Chennai was the first to introduce the revolutionary Italian robotic tyre fitting equipment specially designed to prevent damage to the tyres and alloy wheels during fitment. This innovative, new-concept tyre-changer on the international scene is recommended by Michelin and Bridgestone worldwide for fitment of the new generation tubeless, runflat, low and ultra-low profile, hi-performance tyres. It has now been customised to Tyrestore’s requirements to suit the Indian operating conditions. The main advantage of the equipment is prevention of tyre and side wall damage.
Mr. Loon Chand incidentally started the wheel alignment business in association with Mr. B.M. Ravi of Madhus Garage Equipment, the sole supplier of wheel alignment machines to Tyrestore.
“Since we want to be very systematic in doing business and provide quality service to our customers, we service only 12-15 vehicles per day for wheel alignment”, he added.