Blackcircles.com Unveils New Web site

Peebles-based Blackcircles.com said it launched a new version of its Web site in order to make the buying process more straightforward and to complement the launch of its new online servicing business.

The company launched its servicing facility in December 2009, joining up with national car parts distributer Unipart, with the aim of saving motorists up to 60% compared to manufacturers’ dealerships. This services is provided via a number plate recognition system that assists consumers in booking their service. According to the new site, a similar number plate/tire database system is due to be added to the site in “early 2010.”

Mike Welch, managing director of Blackcircles.com, said, “As an online business, having a Web site that reflects our brand and the quality of our offering is essential and the team has worked hard to develop a consumer-focused retail platform. We wanted to revamp the Web site to make sure it was easier for our customers to buy tires and allow us to deal with the increase in site traffic. It’s now far more user-friendly and reinforces our price and servicing advantages, ensuring we really stand out from our competitors.”

Blackcircles.com was launched in 2001 by Welch and has since grown to a turnover of £15 million and 300,000 customers. The site enables customers to buy their tires or servicing online or over the phone and have work carried out at one of more than 1,300 independent garages across the country. According to the company, customer retention rates are three times higher than that of high street fast-fits and satisfaction rates are said to reach 95% or higher. (Tyres & Accessories)

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Ryan Waldron as president of the company's Americas business unit, reporting to Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart. He succeeds Steven R. McClellan, who retired on April 1.

"At Goodyear, our customers are at the center of everything we do, and in Ryan Waldron, we have a customer-centric, execution-focused business leader with a deep understanding of both the marketplace and all aspects of our business, as well as a proven track record of delivering results," Stewart said. "I am thrilled to announce him as president of Goodyear's Americas business and have enormous confidence that under his leadership, both the company and our customers will reach even greater levels of success."