Groupe Michelin is rolling out a new digital platform for all of its global websites. Does an established platform goal of “simplifying and enhancing online tire shopping,” according to a press release, mean online sales are around the corner?
While the tiremaker doesn’t say the new global Web platform will allow for e-commerce, recent acquisitions of online retailers and this verbiage hints at the direction the tiremaker may be heading.
The new platform will feature an open search engine allowing customers to find the right tires for their vehicle by simply typing into a search box, the tiremaker said. Additionally, the site will allow visitors easy one-click access to tire safety and performance features as well as the ability to communicate directly with a Michelin tire expert.
“Our ambition is to streamline and make our websites much easier for people to shop Michelin tires. We want to assure the experience is gratifying for all consumers, whether they have a lot of tire knowledge or not,” said Olivier Chenevez, global marketing director for the company’s passenger car and light truck business unit. “This is why we designed the new platform to be customer-centric, not a tire-centric.”
The U.S. will be first to go online with the new online platform at www.michelinman.com.