GT Radial enters Iceland with new distributor agreement

Giti Tire has agreed its first GT Radial distribution deal in Iceland, with Solning already reporting high demand for the initial stock of Champiro IcePro and IcePro SUV.

The deal, which commenced at the start of November, is initially for extreme winter weather tyres with the parties already discussing summer stock, including the Adventuro A/T light mud and M/T maximum traction tyres, and the brand’s extensive truck and bus range.

Solning operates a countrywide wholesale distribution network, which includes passenger car, 4×4, SUV, light truck, truck and bus and agriculture tyres, and also runs six own-branded workshops across Iceland from their head office in Reykjavik.

Brian McDermott, Country Manager for Giti Tire, manufacturer of GT Radial tyres, said: “This is an agreement that has really piqued interest in the company as we’ll learn even more about how our extreme weather tyres perform in the very harshest of European conditions.

“We hope to build quickly on our extensive range to suit Solning’s needs and are committed to a true partnership approach. The IcePro for instance usually come with factory fitted studs, but these were left out for Iceland as they prefer to use their own studding machines. Listening to the customer is key.”

Gunnar Gunnarsson, CEO of Solning added: “GT Radial is a brand we have been aware of for years, and when the economic situation in the country felt right we approached Giti Tire to open up a supply route. The company moved quickly and efficiently to make the first delivery in only three months.

“The initial supply of Champiro IcePro and IcePro SUV has almost sold out already, proving our research which shows GT Radial to be a high quality brand in the mid-tier segment of the marketplace. It has proved popular already, and we will build on this over the coming months and years with new lines.”