As sales of electric vehicles (EVs) grow in the lead up to the 2030 ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, replacement tyres could help fill the gap left by diminishing oil sales for many dealers.
New consumer research by EMaC, conducted by ICDP, the independent automotive consultancy, identified high levels of interest among EV buyers for bespoke aftersales packages covering the replacement of tyres due to faster wear because of the additional weight of EVs.
EMaC believes dealers have an opportunity to offer EV customers more personalised pick and mix style ownership packages, which will help protect them against additional running costs, while maintaining workshop utilisation and offsetting some of the revenue shortfall caused by diminishing oil and filter sales.
Liam Finney, director of commercial partnerships at EMaC, said: “The message from our focus group sessions was clear, customers are receptive to ownership packages geared to their specific needs as EV users.
“For them it’s all about peace of mind and reducing their running costs.
“We believe this presents dealers with an unmissable opportunity to position their workshops as the go-to places for EV tyre replacements.
“Offering convenient monthly tyre subscription plans is a way to claw back sales traditionally lost to fast fit operators.
“As car buyers transition from ICE to EV then tyres will become the new oil, but dealers need to act now by offering customers ownership plans to cover their replacement needs.”