Epyx has launched Tyreserve as a new e-commerce service designed to help franchise dealers compete with fast-fits for fleet tyre business.

Tyreserve is available to any garage or fleet that is registered as a supplier on epyx’s 1link Service Network platform.

A complete tyre catalogue is available through 1link Service Network that will be charged at agreed prices. Dealers can draw tyres from their own stock or order them from distributors via epyx.

Head of business development at epyx David Goodyear (pictured) said: “At launch, we will have around 1,000 dealers signed up to offer Tyreserve from across a wide variety of franchises, which gives us a strong initial base of suppliers.

“Many franchise dealers do not really attempt to compete with fast-fits for tyre business at all but Tyreserve provides a mechanism for them to offer competitive pricing and a high level of customer service.

“It is relatively common practice for a dealer to carry out a service on a company car or van, spot that tyres need replacing, and then advise the driver to take it to the nearest fast-fit.

“This is a waste of time for the driver and is not really a very good customer service offering. It makes much more sense for the vehicle to have its tyres replaced in the same workshop.

“We are seeing considerable fleet interest but really everything depends on franchise dealers coming on board and recognising the profit and service potential that exists.”

Epyx specialises in IT solutions for the automotive sector. Its 1link products aim to improve the efficiency of major fleets and their suppliers, covering functions including vehicle procurement, maintenance, hire, disposals and relicensing.