Bridgestone, a leading tyre manufacturer is fast evolving itself to become a mobility solution provider instead of remaining as just a tyre maker, says Rajarshi Moitra, chief commercial officer at Bridgestone India. 

He elaborated saying that with changing consumer behaviour, business models are evolving rapidly too making it imperative for organisations to be adaptive and agile. " In the past two years, the working model has completely transformed," he said during a panel discussion 2022-2023 Global Aftermarket Trends organised by S&P Global Mobility in association with Autocar Professional. 

Moitra noted that as part of the changing mobility trends, many of the large vehicle manufacturers are syncing their business strategies towards shared mobility and subscription segments. On similar lines, even ancillary suppliers such as tyre manufacturers with intention of enhancing consumer experience are increasingly getting into doorstep tyre delivery and roadside assistance. "There will be a sea change in consumer trends going forward," he continued emphasising that convenience and solution providing are going to be key drivers going forward. 

Further, talking about collaboration opportunities amongst the auto companies, Moitra pointed out that it is required in the growing dynamics of the current seamless operational context." There is a growing need to build a diverse team to take advantage of the open innovation ecosystem, "Moitra explains, highlighting that there is a need for solution-oriented companies in contrast to the earlier approach of being content just being a product-first company. 

Bridgestone in Europe, Russia, Middle East, India and Africa (Bridgestone EMIA) is the regional Strategic Business Unit of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tyres and rubber building. Headquartered in Zaventem (Belgium), Bridgestone EMIA employs more than 20,000 people and conducts business in 40 countries across the region.

The company in April launched Bengaluru's first walk-through educative tyre store that allows customers to pick from a wide range of Bridgestone tyre products, based on their requirements via digital-led features at the store. The store also has live demonstrations for customers to understand how each of the tyre services can benefit them. The Select Plus concept store aims to provide customers with a better understanding of tyre selection and its maintenance.

Bridgestone India plans to open more stores in a number of cities across the country. Deepak Gulati, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer, Bridgestone India while inaugurating the store said “We want to enable our dealers to have more walk-ins via this differentiated in store experience.”

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