..:: AUTO REPORT AFRICA ::..
Related Articles
By Emmanuel Yartey
After decades of departure from the Ghanaian market, the Firestone brand of tyres was re-launched into the country in February by Infinity Group, a global player in the manufacturing and distribution of Infinity tyres, batteries and allied automotive aftermarket products throughout West Africa. But there has been great expectations from the people of Ghana since the tyre brand was re-introduced into the local market.
In the Central business district of the capital city Accra, some car drivers, both commercial and private, who spoke with Auto Report Africa, welcomed the return of Firestone tyres to Ghana, acknowledging the quality of the tyre brand. They however prayed that the cost of the tyres should be affordable, taking into consideration the prevailing economic situation in the country. However, a few of the affluent ones among them appreciated the return and expressed willingness to pay any price charged for the tyres, hinging their resolve on Firestone’s hallmark of quality.
Tunde Bello, a Nigerian resident in Ghana, who spoke with this reporter, said, ”In our part of the continent of Africa, including Ghana, used car tyres are always in great demand, not because we just want to buy used tyres because we don’t appreciate quality. The problem has to do with the high prices of brand new tyres in the market,” even as he asked rhetorically, “If you find yourself in my situation, won’t you do the same thing by resorting to used car tyres?”
He said he expect Firestone to deliver quality the brand is noted for, and more importantly, exhibit affordability in the pricing.
Baba Salifu, another resident of Accra, was candid in his response.
“They (Firestone) should quote prices that are within our reach, otherwise, we will continue to patronise the used tyres on the market. My brother, times are hard. And many of us, taxi and mini commercial bus drivers, struggle to make daily sales to our car owners. So, they should come with durable and affordable tyre, then we shall be ready to be true partners with them in such a business,” Salifu said.
This is as Nii Lante Lamptey, a private car owner, wondered why the country’s only tyre manufacturing company, Bonsa Tyres, was not managed well by the state which led to its eventual collapse decades ago.
“Really, I don’t know what this country wants. And so, is the government happy that ours has collapsed and foreigners’ are coming back to supply our people with what we could have been delivering to our people? It’s a shame. Is this Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana?,” he quizzed.
He however added, “By the way, if their prices are exorbitant, they should count me out.”
But Mrs Araba Forson, an entrepreneur, was all for Firestone’s re – launch and was ever ready to buy the tyres at whatever cost.
“I know the brand. Every product of theirs is synonymous with quality. Once the quality is there, I won’t be too much bothered about the cost element, “ she said.
However, Sales Director, Firestone, Middle East and Africa, Mr. Stefano Sanchini, assuaged the fears of prospective customers on quality and pricing, saying ,”In partnership with Infinity Group, we promise to deliver valuable and reliable yet affordable tyres to the market,” adding, “ We are also committed to serving the society with superior quality at all times.”
