Pirelli and its retail chain DRIVER, which operates more than 1,200 points of sale in Europe, are consistently implementing their business strategy in Germany. Here the DRIVER story began ten years ago in Frankfurt am Main, with the opening of the first DRIVER Centre on Hanauer Landstrasse, celebrated this year with a successful event.
The nationwide network of DRIVER Centres now includes more than 200 branches. They offer customers a 'one-stop-shop' experience, providing a comprehensive range of tyre and vehicle services, as well as vehicle inspections in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's guidelines. Many also offer customer-friendly online booking facilities.
Engines for the local economy
Pirelli and DRIVER not only play a decisive role in the tyre and automotive service industry, but are also important economic factors. With over 3,000 employees, they are among the largest employers in the Frankfurt/Rhine-Main region. Every year, they help more than 100 young people enter the world of work, providing valuable training opportunities. The high retention rate of 95 per cent after training underlines the attractiveness of Pirelli and DRIVER as employers. As taxpayers and customers, they also make an important contribution to the regional economy and infrastructure.
Frankfurt am Main - the cradle of DRIVER's success
The DRIVER success story began ten years ago in Frankfurt am Main with the opening of the first DRIVER Centre on Hanauer Landstrasse. This flagship store set new standards and served as a model for more than 200 DRIVER Centres throughout Germany. In addition, around 600 partner companies have joined the DRIVER Fleet Solution to manage vehicle fleets and provide a first-class service for fleet operators.
Successful anniversary event at DRIVER Centre Frankfurt/Main
The DRIVER Center in Frankfurt am Main celebrated its 10th anniversary on 23 May. Around 200 guests attended on a beautiful sunny day, including many important customers, numerous journalists and representatives from the worlds of politics and business. Two-time rally world champion Walter Röhrl arrived in the spectacular Porsche 911 Dakar. In an interview with presenter Sarah Elsser, the rally ace looked back on the highlights of his rally career, in which Pirelli tyres have always played an important role. One of the many highlights of the programme was the presentation of the birthday cake for the DRIVER Center Frankfurt. Guests and hosts enjoyed a wonderful evening.
Steady growth
DRIVER is one of the fastest growing tyre and vehicle service providers in the German market. The Frankfurt/Rhine-Main region offers excellent prospects, with experts predicting population growth of more than 30 per cent by 2040. This positive development is attracting highly skilled workers and attractive companies to the region, opening up further opportunities for growth.
Focus on sustainability and e-mobility
Sustainability and the trend towards e-mobility are key success factors for the automotive industry. In Germany alone, the number of electric cars and plug-in hybrids will increase by an impressive 875 percent by 2020, according to experts at the Federal Motor Transport Authority in Flensburg. Pirelli and DRIVER are well prepared for this change. On the one hand, Pirelli's summer, winter and all-season tyres for electric vehicles are equipped with pioneering Elect technology. Secondly, the experts at the DRIVER Centres have the necessary expertise and equipment to provide professional services for electric vehicles.
Innovation for the future
Pirelli continues to invest in Germany, particularly in its Breuberg plant, which employs 2,500 people, including 250 development engineers. A recent example is the Virtual Development Centre (VDC), which opened in December and uses artificial intelligence to reduce tyre development time by up to 30 per cent. At the same time, the VDC reduces the need for tyre prototypes by around 30 per cent, protecting the environment and saving resources. Pirelli is thus strengthening its position as a leading original equipment partner to the German automotive industry. DRIVER also continues to invest in the quality of its products. Independent awards and collaborations with leading car dealers and leasing companies confirm the outstanding quality of its services.
Overall, Pirelli and DRIVER demonstrate their strong position in the German market through continuous investment and innovative approaches. With a focus on growth, sustainability and service excellence, they remain a key player in the tyre and automotive service industry.
