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BELGIUM
The training centre also offers packages of training for fleets on truck and tyre knowledge with a view to improving understanding of tyres and how to improve performance and get the best out of their tyre stock. “We consider the tyre only being a “semi-product”, since the tyre (new or retread) only gets its full and true value when mounted on a vehicle. We focus on the interaction of the vehicle, and its components with the tyre. All our training – but this training in particular – is built around our Total Tyre Care concept, that is based on 3 pillars: Total Tyre Life (new and retread) – Total Tyre Services (tyre pressure and loads, tyre characteristics, tyre rotation, tyre balancing, optimising tyre product performance, ... but also vehicle related components like vehicle alignment, brake systems, suspension systems, wheels, axles, ...) – Total Tyre Systems (fleet reporting tools, TPMS, ...). So it’s essential that we know and understand the business needs of our customers in order to be able to consult and offer them solutions that will help them solve their direct and indirect tyre related worries and needs. This kind of training is split into 2 phases, each phase consisting of 3.5 days training, adds Rudi.
The sales training starts with the sales people but we want the sales teams to have a better understanding of the technical issues and we give them an introduction to the technical background of the tyres they are selling. We want our sales people to behave as consultants, rather than sales person “pure sang”. Purchase/Sales price cannot be the only concern. We rather want to build our sales arguments around customers’ needs, Return on investment/assets (ROI/ROA) and Genbutsu-Genba (= Japanese for Decision making based on verified, on-site observations) . We are convinced that investing in the beginning of whatever business process and/or product (premium new tyre and retread) will result in a cost reduction and profit increase in whatever business.
Total Tyre Life (first pillar of the Total Tyre Care concept) is based around the concept of the new Bridgestone tyre built to the highest standards followed by a Bandag retread to maximise the performance of the casing and so adding to the lowest cost per kilometre for the fleet customer. Total Tyre Services revolves around a Europe-wide professional tyre service with 2,400 professional Truck Point dealers in 29 countries. This network of trained specialists ensures the correct fitment and regular tyre checking with preventative maintenance. The service offers care free casing
management where only the best casings meet Bandag standards and unsuitable casings are sent for proper disposal. The Pan European service network has a record of getting 81 per cent of trucks back on the road in less than 3 hours. Total Tyre Systems allows the client to concentrate on his core business whilst the Bridgestone/ Bandag partner looks after the tyres on his fleet. This involves the use of the Bridgestone T2i interactive inspection tool that records accurate tread depths and tyre pressures and gives real time updates on the tyre stock, with instant tyre reports where needed. The Total Tyre Systems TPMS is fully integrated with Bridgestone’s Total Tyre Care software and gives on the spot pressure checks.
Total Tyre Systems issue customised
reports and keep fleet operators advised on the tyre spend, and all tyre related data, at the touch of a button.
Rudi continued, “All the training that we offer is centred on the concept of the Total Tyre Care package; the mix of training, the theory and the practice, is all built around the concept of Total Tyre Care.
“The training is not only about what we do, more important is why we do it. We don’t offer a “jump to” solution. The technical processes lead to consistency of the end product and in all processes in the chain. The emphasis is on higher management of the tyres and on better training so that the management understand what is happening so that they can ensure that their employees are following
the rules. Everything is related to Bridgestone strategy, moving to Total Tyre Care, adding value to all our customers balancing “inside out” with “outside in” selling. We need our people to be consultants operating with our values and our understanding to help resolve the challenges presented by the market. We are looking for a situation where everyone wins. In any contract, if one person does not see that they are winning, they will become disenfranchised and their loyalty will be lost. So we want to work to ensure that everyone is going to gain from a partnership with Bridgestone Bandag.”