In what has already been a tough year, dealers may now need to brace themselves for a shortage in winter tires, tire storage, and delays in deliveries of certain brands and sizes.
That is according to PMCtire, which anticipates a range of issues the auto industry is likely to face where tires are concerned. First, the COVID-19 crisis paired with Canadian “snowbirds” spending their winter months in the country rather than abroad this year may lead to an increase in online shopping and demand for winter tire installation.
The situation is further enhanced by the precautions and measures put in place in various provinces due to the second wave of the pandemic, and a global slowdown in tire production at the beginning of the pandemic that prematurely reduced inventories.
“The volume of online sales achieved in 2020 represents twice the level of growth of the last few years, which was already very significant,” said Pascal Boutin, President of PMCtire. “From the outset in 2008, we have relied on a personalized online tire sales service, free delivery almost everywhere in Canada, excellent prices, and a very large selection of tires and wheels.”
Dealers may need to up their game this season if they want to avoid having third parties chip away at their target clientele. And with businesses facing a labour shortage, PMCtire says the season is “shaping up to be a difficult one.”
