Of the eight stores recently acquired, three will be converted into FIT&GO and four into Best Drive with one store trading by the name, Jody’s Tyres.

The Jody’s Tyre Group has been operating since 1991 and is now 100% owned by ContiTrade Africa. According to Rolf Lensch, chief executive officer of ContiTrade Africa, Jody’s Tyres staff will retain their jobs and will now benefit from the development and training opportunities offered by the company.

Lensch added that Conti Trade Africa stores offer a full and diverse range of services for passenger and light commercial vehicles. “Our stores services extend beyond the fitment of tyres. They will have access to Continental Tyre South Africa’s product offering for passenger, 4x4, light truck (radial and bias), truck radial and speciality tyres. In addition to tyres, the product assortment will extend to car parts and related fitment services,” said Lensch.

Since opening the first franchise store in December 2012, ContiTrade Africa will have close to 20 outlets by the end of 2013. “We have been strengthening our distribution network throughout South Africa and we are pleased with the overwhelming response from interested business owners in this new concept,” said Lensch.

As subsidiaries of German-based Company, Continental AG, ContiTrade Africa will work closely with Continental Tyre South Africa. The latter will continue to run the ContiPartner loyalty programme as a key distribution channel.