TRENTON, NJ (BRAIN)—Hutchinson Tires has taken the next step in a quest to position itself at the forefront of the North American bicycle tire market.
On the heels of opening a new warehouse in New Jersey last year, Hutchinson continues the push by hiring an experienced independent sales rep force that covers much of the United States.
“We’re listening to our dealers and bringing the next level of service and support that they have asked of us," said Adam Micklin, Hutchinson Tires sales and marketing manager. “Tires are changing so quickly in technology and specifications and we strongly believe that only an expert sales force can bring this critical information.”
In addition to informing dealers on technical points, the new sales groups will manage fall preseason bookings, distribution of Hutchinson sales and marketing materials and sampling of the latest rubber from Hutchinson.
After an extensive year long search, the initial eight rep groups have been chosen to represent the French tire brand. At a recent sales meeting this group convened in Irvine, California for an intensive briefing on Hutchinson’s history, technology, product line and pricing.
Although these groups don’t represent the entire North American market, they are the first phase of a comprehensive plan which includes the addition of new rep groups over the next year with the ultimate goal being complete coverage of North America. The new independent sales rep groups that will be representing Hutchinson are:
1) Ptarmigan Associates
2) Modus Sport Group
3) Pacific Coast Rep Group
4) RideRep Group
5) Chris Watson & Associates
6) Creagh / Keller Sales
7) Diversified Cycling
8) Northeast Sales Group
While tire and accessory sales will continue to be placed with Hutchinson’s core distributors, the sales rep team will be Hutchinson’s expert voice on the ground. The new reps will begin writing ’08 preseason orders within the next few weeks and will be on hand, at Hutchinson’s booth #3377 at Interbike, meeting with key accounts to unveil an aggressive sales program that is sure to spark interest among IBDs.
Dealers can contact Hutchinson Tire North America at (888) 664-8824 to find out who their representative is for their territory and for any other additional information on this new sales organization.
