Bridgestone, Pitstop to collaborate in 'mobility' services

Brussels – Bridgestone Corp. and German automotive service chain Pitstop (pitstop.de GmbH) have announced plans to collaborate in mobility solutions, tire and workshop services.

Bridgestone holds a minority stake in Kulas Holding GmbH, which is 100% owner of Pitstop, and has been a long-term partner of the German workshop chain.

A 15 Nov statement by the Japanese tire and rubber company did not specify the details of the “targeted investment” but said it was subject to German antitrust approval.

The aim of the partnership is to provide Pitstop customers with better service, efficiency and convenience, considering the rapid developments in the mobility sector.

“In addition to traditional workshop and tire services, we want to be active in the market of mobility solutions. Bridgestone is the ideal partner to bring this vision to life,” explained managing director Stefan Kulas.

“Our core business is the traditional tire trade, but we are expanding into new opportunities in the mobility sector,” said Christian Mühlhäuser, managing director Bridgestone Central Region.

Pitstop, said Mühlhäuser, can provide a “platform” for Bridgestone to establish its mobility solutions in the market.

Founded in 1970, Pitstop has nearly 300 branches in 230 cities across Germany.