Porsche Cars Great Britain has awarded Group Tyre an exclusive contract to supply OE stock to its UK retailers.

Same-day delivery, technical support and stock management control were key factors in clinching the deal, which gives the network's specialist dealer division its first prestige marque foothold.

The arrangement operates through all 26 Group Tyre member outlets which, combined, operate 170 delivery vans.

“In terms of the provision of OE rubber, particularly in the high performance area, nothing other than immediate supply and a total service to the dealership is acceptable,” says Group Tyre chairman John Church. “We've been able to exceed the demands of Porsche, just as we have with other manufacturers.”

Church declines to say whether the group is talking to other VMs, but admits there is “considerable potential” among prestige dealerships and niche manufacturers.

As part of its dealer support programme, the tyre network offers what it claims is a unique diagnostics package.

Developed by group member Oak Tyres UK, the Formula One-inspired system is capable of providing a complete analysis of any tyre, covering wear in both the inner and outer shoulders as well as the footprint, feedback on tread pattern, wet-weather performance and projections on future mileage or the need for replacement.