Germany’s Netto to roll out bike servicing network
Continuing a trend of automotive manufacturers and service centres turning toward the cycling industry, Germany’s Netto – a specialist in car tyre replacements – will now open a network of bike and eBike service centres.
The first such centre has now officially opened in Munich, attended by decorated track cyclist Kristina Vogel. Initially the roll out was expected sooner, but the pandemic pushed the opening from October last year to just recently.
“We are very happy about the successful celebration and the prominent support that we received from Kristina Vogel. Now we would like to extend our concept to other bicycle-friendly cities in Germany,” says Thies Völke, Managing Director at REIFF Süddeutschland Reifen und KFZ -Technology Ltd.
REIFF is the parent group to Netto, but itself a component of the Bridgestone tyre group since May of 2020.
The Netto-Bikeservice.de site has now launched with an online booking system that clearly presents a price list and availability of mechanics. According to the site repairs are charged at cost, but within a package that accounts for labour required. Furthermore, it appears the business will operate a partnership with the Santander Consumer Bank to provide financing offers to customers. Services for bicycles begin at €59 and electric bikes €79. A premium service is offered at €89.
The repair centres will operate from the hours of 8Am to 6PM Monday to Friday and be closed on weekends.
The big reveal very quickly follows the news that, in the Netherlands, auto service giant KwikFit is to roll out a network of EV and eBike service centres.
