The contract runs until 2020 and sees Bridgestone supplying its Blizzak W810 tyres, with maintenance provided at 20 sites across the tyre maker’s partner network. The ability to provide rapid breakdown response was cited as a key factor in the decision.
The deal is Bridgestone’s largest UK van tyre fleet win to date and was secured after Ocado trialled the all-season tyres over several months. The tyre is said to have performed well in all conditions and its light weight enables maximum payload for each van.
“Bridgestone impressed us from our first discussions as they had a team who paid particularly close attention to detail and the weight of their Blizzak W810 product is ideal for us, too, as it helps maintain maximum payload for our 3.5-tonne van fleet,” says Graham Thomas, Ocado’s fleet service manager (pictured, with Bridgestone national fleet executive Neil Collison).
He adds: “The performance of the tyre was very good. Staying with a tyre all year round was desirable, following our own reviews and the nature of the journeys we make.
“The flexibility of the Bridgestone partner network also worked well for us. When you work with local dealers you see real entrepreneurs at work, making sure each job is done to the very highest standard. This resonated with us.”