From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Letter to the India Tyre & Rubber Company about the potential loss of the Bentley tyre supply business due to pricing.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 157\6\ scan0191 | |
| Date | 1st February 1938 | |
| 1336 C O P Y. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}9/R.{Sir Henry Royce} 1st February, 1938. P. Worth, Esq., India Tyre & Rubber Company Ltd., Inchinnan, Scotland. Dear Worth, I do not know whether you are the person to write to on the question of price, but the present position is that the India Tyre Co. are likely to lose the Bentley business on price. A number of other Companyes are in the market, and have approached the firm through our Directors. They are prepared to supply 6.50 x 17 tyre and tube complete for 35/-. The position seems to be that they consider they can easily recoup themselves for any lack of profit on the original equipment owing to the fact that our customers will buy at least 5 or 6 sets of replacement tyres during the life of the car, and will pay full retail price for them. Furthermore, we are able to give them considerable information on tread design, cornerability, etc. Under the circumstances, it has been suggested that we go ahead with one of these firms with a view to obtaining tyres for the Bentley, but before doing so, I feel that we should give you the opportunity of saying whether you are prepared to re-consider the price you have recently quoted. Personally, I should be very reluctant to leave the India Co. with whom we have worked so amicably since the introduction of the Bentley. Yours sincerely, P.S. The actual price you quoted for the 6.50 x 17 equipment was 43/- inclusive of all discounts. | ||