Bridgestone India, on June 3, opened its 500^th family channel store in India which marks a substantial expansion of its dealership network and in line with its growth strategy. The tyremaker’s network now spans over 200 cities in both urban and rural markets across India.

According to the company, the Bridgestone family channel stores aims to provide a platform of exclusivity, sophistication and progressiveness to customers. A customer-friendly environment with smart and stylised interiors leads the customer to the company’s varied product range, displays and designs. Wheel alignment, wheel balancing, tyre changing and alloy wheels are the other products and services available at the stores.

Commenting on the landmark store, Vaibhav Saraf, senior general manager (Sales & Marketing - PSR), said: “Launching our 500^th store is an immensely proud moment for us. We have worked hard to build a strong platform to connect with our customers and provide our full spectrum of tyre services valuable to a wider audience. Customers who visit our stores will be welcomed with a unique and improved buying experience backed by the well-informed staff that understands the nuances of consumer requirements.”

Last month, Bridgestone was ranked highest in customer satisfaction in JD Power’s 2016 India Original Equipment Tyre Customer Satisfaction Index (TCSI) Study. Bridgestone obtained a score of 881 points (on a 1,000 point scale) in the study which examined customer satisfaction with original tyres at 12-24 months of ownership, across four factors (listed in order of importance): appearance (876); ride (876); durability (870); and traction/ handling (872).

Bridgestone India began operations in 1996. In March 1998 with the setting up of its manufacturing facility in Kheda, Madhya Pradesh, its made-in-India tyres first began being run on Indian roads. The company later expanded its production capacity with a new plant in Chakan, Pune in 2013.