Magazine for the professional tire industry
Issue link: https://mtd.epubxp.com/i/714120
MTD August 2016 P Zero World of wonder Pirelli targets the prestige market in a unique way By Bob Ulrich I magine a dealership where only Pirelli tires are sold. In this world, customers receive white-glove treatment — literally. And million-dollar cars decorate the showroom. at dealership is a reality in Los Angeles. It is called P Zero World, and despite its focus on Pirelli P Zero tires, it is owned by Claus Eensberger, who is no stranger to the prestige side of the tire and wheel business. As owner of CEC W heels, he has been selling wheels and tires, including the Pirelli brand, for 25 years. As owner of P Zero World, he will continue to sell wheels and tires, but only one tire brand. And as much as possible, only one line. "My goal is to make sure the end consumer is riding on P Zero's," he says. Leveraging the brand P Zero World is the company's first tire shop in the world focused on prestige products and services. Los Angeles was chosen because, according to Pirelli, it is "the global capital of cinema, car design, technical innovation and a focal point in fashion and the arts." e highest concentration of luxury and sports cars in the world are located in the Los Angeles metro area. Future locations also will be decided using sophisticated geo-marketing tools. e site for the next store already has been determined, says Paul Hembery, global motorsports and prestige project director. e big reveal will come at a later date. "Los Angeles serves as the perfect backdrop for the launch of this project, as it provides the perfect mix of business related strategic elements — such as the high concentration of prestige vehicles — with an exciting and active car culture which produces passionate consumers and tastemakers," says Hembery. at clientele most appreciate the services and products that Pirelli offers, he adds. e store itself e 8,000-square-foot location is located on the site of Eens- berger's previous CEC Wheels Tuning Center. (His warehouse remains a profit center under the Claus Ettensberger Corp. umbrella.) e store features the following: • state-of-the-art retail design by architect Pierluigi Bonvicini, who also designed the CEC Wheels Tuning Center; • three service bays for full-service repair (the previous store had two); • an inventory of 400 Pirelli tires. If a customer wants a line of Pirelli tires not in inventory, there is a Pirelli warehouse 45 minutes away in Fontana, Calif. • an espresso bar and deluxe waiting area; and • a display of Pirelli's full range of product. Guests also will experience "a full brand immersion," with the store showcasing Pirelli's motorsports history, original equipment partnerships, the Pirelli Calendar, exotic vehicles and vintage advertising. P Zero World, located close to Beverly Hills on Santa Monica Boulevard, marks a new stage in Pirelli's "prestige strategy," which is centered on what the company Focus on industry Matt LeBlanc has some fun at P Zero World owner Claus Ettensberger's expense. At the same time, LeBlanc's Top Gear co-host, Chris Harris, right, enjoys the give and take. Pierluigi Dinelli, right, chairman and CEO of Pirelli North America Inc., talks with Adam Goldston, founder of Athletic Propulsion Labs, at the grand opening of Pirelli's P Zero World store in Los Angeles. The estimated growth of prestige car registrations in 2016 is 11%, while the total market is more or less flat, says Dinelli. 60