The 600th Vianor tyre outlet was opened in Kharkov, Ukraine

Another milestone in the rapid growth of Nokian Tyres’ retail chain, the 600th Vianor outlet was opened in Kharkov, Ukraine, in December 2009. This entrepreneur-led partner outlet in the second biggest Ukrainian city further strengthens the expansion of Vianor, one of the biggest and most widely present tyre chain of the Nordic countries. Ukraine already ranks second, after Russia, in terms of countries with the largest number of Vianor tyre outlets.

- The expansion of Vianor has a major role in achieving the Group’s growth targets. The Ukrainian Vianor network is an exemplary demonstration of how the carefully conceptualised co-operation model between Nokian Tyres and the Vianor shopkeepers works and is mutually profitable. I warmly welcome Vianor Kharkov to the efficient distribution network of Nokian Tyres! The new Vianor outlets allow us to take our industry-leading product selection and high-quality services closer to our customers, says Kim Gran, President and CEO of Nokian Tyres.

Nokian Tyres is the only tyre manufacturer in the world that focuses on products and services that facilitate safe transportation in Nordic conditions. The company has four key market areas: the Nordic countries, Russia and other CIS states, North America, and Central and Eastern Europe. The Vianor tyre chain aims at establishing a solid foothold in the market areas strategically important for Nokian Tyres, and expands its international franchising and partner network in a decisive manner. The objective is to spearhead Nokian Tyres’ growth and to be the leading tyre chain in its market areas. The Vianor chain comprises outlets in 19 different countries, with most covering networks in the Nordic countries, Russia and Ukraine. Most of the Vianor outlets are based on the franchising or partner principle, whereas some are owned by Nokian Tyres.

Vianor offers passenger car, delivery van and truck tyres, as well as heavy tyres. In addition to Nokian branded tyres, the chain sells other leading tyre brands and a variety of motoring products, such as rims, batteries, and shock absorbers. Vianor’s service range includes tyre changes and mounting, oil changes, fast-fit services and tyre hotels, depending on the outlet.

For further information:

Seppo Kupi, Managing Director, Vianor Holding Oy, tel. +358 10 401 7634, seppo.kupi(at)vianor.com

Olli Nuutila, Director, Franchising, Vianor Holding Oy, tel. +358 10 401 7166, olli.nuutila(at)vianor.com

www.nokiantyres.com and www.vianor.com