Cheap tires for minivan drivers

BOGOR (JP): The Organization of Land Transportation Company Owners (Organda) here has sold cheap tires to thousands of minivans drivers since November in a bid to ease financial stress caused by skyrocketing prices of automobile spare parts.

Local office head, A. Chotib Malik, said on Tuesday the tires were discounted by up to 20 percent from the usual price.

"We directly order the tires from the manufacturer to obtain cheaper prices," Chotib said, referring to tire manufacturing company PT Good Year which is also located in Bogor.

To obtain the discounted tires, drivers were asked to register at the Organda office, as it ordered tires based on demand.

"We don't want the tires to pile up at our office," Chotib said.

He said that during the months his office had received requests mainly for public minivan tires, adding there was only a limited number of bus tire orders.

He explained that his office was also considering the possibility of selling other automotive spare parts such as brake pads and clutch plates.

The office has reportedly invited several automotive spare part manufacturers in Bekasi to cooperate in the venture. (24/emf)