Schmitz Cargobull service for optimum tyre life-cycle management

As part of its "100% Schmitz Cargobull" premium strategy, Schmitz Cargobull now presents another element, with a tailor-made tyre and service concept. This was developed in cooperation with the renowned tyre manufacturer, Hankook. Schmitz Cargobull is regarded as the benchmark for highly efficient transport solutions because of its innovative manufacturing and intelligent production technologies. Schmitz Cargobull has fitted Hankook truck tyres as a premium product for all trailer types for many years. PNEUNET is a renowned service provider with more than 280 service stations throughout Germany.

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Schmitz Cargobull and Hankook recently concluded an extension of their supply contracts with each other on the back of a strategic partnership agreement for the international market. Schmitz Cargobull's original equipment business with the Hankook Tire Group will begin by concentrating on the European market and will include a total of nine different tyres with five tyre sizes for rims of 19.5 and 22.5 inches.

Trailer tyres need to fulfil two key requirements: as low a roll resistance and as high a service life as possible. In contrast to the tyres on the motor unit, trailer tyres are frequently subject to unique stresses, such as radial forces when driving around sharp corners or wear and tear from poor road surfaces. Shear and tear resistance are therefore important characteristics for trailer tyres. The height of trailer tyres also impacts on how much load height and hence how much load volume can be available in the trailer.

The new project team for tyre sales and service is managed by Alain Versace, Head of Business Development Tyres and Bernhard Schmitz, shareholder and Deputy General Manager - Purchasing, and Dr. Peter-Hendrik Kes, Managing Director, Cargobull Parts & Services GmbH, who is responsible for the service aspects.

Alain Versace states, "As the market's leading trailer manufacturer we maintain close contact with our customers. The increasing demand for complete solutions from a single supplier was one of the main reasons behind expanding our range of competencies. The strategic partnership with Hankook, an established premium tyre manufacturer, enables us to offer state-of-the-art products. The additional partnership with PNEUNET, together with the Schmitz Cargobull service partner network, guarantees comprehensive and high-quality tyre service."

As part of the value-added strategy, Schmitz Cargobull works with its partner, PNEUNET, and its extensive tyre fleet network to reinforce its own service network with true tyre experts. The tyre specialists provide the fleet operators with a comprehensive range of services: stationary and mobile mounting services, tyre repairs, regrooving of tyres, tyre storage and much more. PNEUNET partners work together with Schmitz Cargobull in the role of premium tyre partners. This includes being able to respond swiftly to customer requests, which can be handled rapidly thanks to optimised tyre stocks.

Accessing the tyre services is as simple as with the other services for Schmitz Cargobull contract customers. All PNEUNET agents have access to the Schmitz Cargobull Repair System (CRS) and utilise the system for billing. The CRS, however, is much more than a billing platform for services. It is also a powerful reporting system for monitoring tyre performance and, hence, it is a decisive element in the new tyre service offer for fleet customers. The combination of the CRS platform, PNEUNET and Hankook premium truck tyres creates a comprehensively competitive tyre offer for Schmitz Cargobull contract customers.

Dr. Peter-Hendrik Kes, Managing Director Cargobull Parts & Services, explains: "Schmitz Cargobull Tyre Life Cycle Management allows customers to choose between different modules. Firstly, there is the classic Full Service contract for tyres at especially attractive terms. Secondly, fleet operators with often more than 10 vehicles also require complete and consistently transparent tyre management. Thus, we have expanded our Cargobull Repair System to include system-supported tyre management. In the process, we offer customers standardised terms for both the tyres and the tyre services. This includes centralised invoice processing, schedule monitoring and fleet checks. We are also on hand to provide the fleet manager with extensive cost and operational performance analyses. Thirdly, 'second-life tyres' have been integrated into the tyre service. On request, the tyres can be retreaded or regrooved, and refitted. All these services, up to and including carcass repurchase, are available throughout the complete tyre life-cycle at fixed terms."