Suche
Mein Konto
Tennant: Entrepreneurship is required”
James Tennant is managing director of the Reifenzentrum Süd in Klagenfurt and chairman of the VRÖ. The tire expert tells the automotive industry how the industry is dealing with the current crisis.
Tennant: Entrepreneurship is required”
The company is currently running on emergency operations. Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and by appointment only. The term “emergency” is very difficult to define, says James Tennant. Even if it means “cheating” is being done. It's about sticking to the fact that politicians have classified you as a "system maintainer" and you have to act accordingly, i.e. only in an emergency. The 18-person team has switched Tennant to short-time work, and the shifts to be worked are discussed and divided in a Whatsapp group. "We have 3,500 customer bikes in storage. It is important to us to proactively contact our customers and give them the best possible advice," explains Tennant.
In addition to his own business, Tennant is also required as chairman of the VRÖ (Association of Austrian Tire Specialists). What’s in store for tire retailers? "The primary problem is that many companies have no reserves. Entrepreneurship is now required." It's about being interested in bridging loans, deferrals, etc. The VRÖ provided its members with all available information from interest groups and sister associations. The current crisis poses huge challenges for all tire retailers. Companies that are already weak would have a very difficult time. What the current crisis brings with it in any case: “Digitalization will take off in full swing.” Companies that had previously rejected this would have quickly set up an online shop. “All of this is efficient and good,” says Tennant. However, there is no substitute for human contact and the best possible care.
Then when a certain normalization occurs again.