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Taking Stock: Be Ready with Performance Upgrade Options for 2010
December 15, 2009
Many times over the years, the automotive aftermarket has been given a platform that has largely contributed to a $35+ billion industry. This year, that car was the 2010 Camaro. The paint hasn’t even cured on the production cars yet and there seems to be no limit as to the performance upgrades available. This is a result of SEMA’s Technology Transfer program that allows aftermarket... read more
 
Playing it Smart: Companies Adapt Wheel Trends in a Recovering Economy
November 23, 2009
The best thing about being at the bottom is that there is only one way to go: Up. 2009 has been a dismal year for the aftermarket industry, especially custom wheels. Manufacturers and distributors felt the downturn in 2008 and held off on new styles that required capital investment in molds and inventory. Going in to 2009, orders were cut, canceled or just not placed. Inventories were already fat... read more
 
R-Compound Tires Bring Dealers Recognition, Loyalty
October 14, 2009
Imagine a niche tire segment with relatively low profit margins, fewer consumers and a low-volume product line. At first glance, this may not seem like something a sane tire dealer would want to consider, especially in today’s economy. But a second look just may reveal that entering such a segment – R-compound (racing) tires, to be exact – could be the key to attracting new customers... read more
 
Top Shop Honorees Share More Keys to Success
October 14, 2009
I have written this column for several years now, many times discussing various aspects of performance, whether it is tires, wheels or suspensions. And I’ve tried to focus on tangible items we can touch and measure, one against another, to derive the best product for a given application. As we head to Las Vegas and the SEMA Show, we’ll be crowning the winner of this year’s Tire... read more
 
Prep Work: How Dealers Can Get a Jump on ESC Requirements
August 15, 2009
Overall traffic fatalities reported in 2008 hit their lowest level since 1961. The U.S. Department of Transportation released this statement in July. They went on to say, “that fatalities in the first three months of 2009 continued to decrease. The fatality rate, which accounts for variables like fewer miles traveled, also reached the lowest level ever recorded.” As difficult... read more
 
Track-Inspired: Racing Programs Help Dealers Make Real-World Recommendations
August 15, 2009
How many of us have heard how products designed for the street were developed on a race track? Many of the claims such as this are not much more than marketing hype. For the tire industry though, we can truly say that our products translate directly from the raceway to the highway. I recently had an opportunity to drive a Skip Barber prepped Formula 2000 car at the world-renowned Sebring... read more
 
Shifting Sizes: Keeping Up is Key as OEMs Roll Out New Models
July 15, 2009
Earlier this year, we spoke to a number of tire and wheel manufacturers to find out where the size trend is heading. What we found was while aftermarket wheel manufacturers are moving to smaller diameter wheels, OEMs are still pushing tire manufacturers to build larger diameter UHP tires that deliver style, performance and high treadwear in a complete package. Now that we have the 2009 production... read more
 
Buildin' It Up - Part 2: Putting the Finishing Touches on a True Original
June 15, 2009
Last month, we began to walk through the process of putting a true original back on the street with custom wheels and new tires. To pick up where we left off in May, Larry, the owner of the 1935 Chevy 3-Window coupe, had chosen BFGoodrich KDW II tires with the new tread pattern. The BFG tires are wider than what Larry had and sport a very contemporary look. Some of my clients favor a ... read more
 
Buildin' It Up - Part 1: Putting a True Original Back on the Street Takes a Studied Approach
May 14, 2009
Passion [pash-uh n] – noun. Any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling. That’s the definition of passion. In our world of tires and wheels, are you passionate about cars and trucks, or are they just utilitarian to you? If you view them in the former sense, you will appreciate and understand what we are going to cover in this month’s and next month’s articles... read more
 
Forward Thinking: New Models Mean New Customization Options
April 14, 2009
Over the last few months, we discussed what industry experts and retailers are predicting for the near future. In light of those views, this month we’ll focus on several new vehicles that are heading our way. As much as I love the growl of a V8 and respect the power of a forced induction 2.0 liter, I am preparing to embrace future (here today) economy technology, as well. For our industry... read more
 
Where to Next?: Part III: Performance Trends at the Dealer Level
March 13, 2009
The last two months have provided much insight into the UHP tires being produced and the subtle swing toward lightweight forged wheels at the OE level. Now, at the conclusion of our three-part series on the future of the UHP tire and custom wheel industry, it’s time to hear from the people on the front lines that sell and install the products. From my own viewpoint, I see diminished demand... read more
 
Where to Next?: Part II: Wheel Trends and Forecasts
February 12, 2009
Last month, we started a three-part series on the future of the tire and wheel industry. Tire manufacturers told us UHP demand is still rising and will continue to outpace other segments for the foreseeable future. The quest is now for the ultimate tire that can “do it all,” according to one tire manufacturer. Sounds like the tire industry is moving toward its goals, so now we turn our... read more
 
Where to Next?: Tire Trends and TPMS Forecasts for Changing Times
January 13, 2009
Where do we go from here? To find out, we begin a three-part series to see where tire and wheel manufacturers, along with retail dealers, believe the performance market is heading. First up: tires. We have all questioned the proliferation of sizes over the past two decades. The UHP market has steadily increased in volume, and is crowded with competing brands and styles. In recent years, vehicle... read more
 
Looking Ahead: SEMA Show Trends Point to Vehicle Customization Future
December 15, 2008
Last month, we ended the article with the prediction of a growing number of color and designs that allow for several years of production. Well, we hit it on the head. I haven’t seen that many color variations at the SEMA Show since the Tuner revolution of the early 1990s. Take a look at this display at the right. Chrome plated wheels are in the minority here. The colored portion of the lip... read more
 
Smaller Demand: With Vehicle Downsizing, Large Wheels Are Tough to Sell
October 31, 2008
A few years ago, you could buy a 20-inch chrome-plated wheel from China for $125. Now that the Chinese government has reduced or removed subsidies to those wheel manufacturers and the U.S. dollar has lost value, those days are about gone. This article was planned a year ago, but I had no idea how much of an impact the economic climate was going to have on our industry. A number of companies pulled... read more
 
Gaining Grip: With Added Demand, All-Season UHP Market Going Nowhere But Up
October 09, 2008
It’s no secret that sales of performance tires have been steadily increasing for the last decade, but one segment in particular – all-season UHP tires – has seen particularly rapid growth. Most likely, OE fitments and customer demands have already caused a huge majority of tire dealers to address this segment. With the ever-increasing popularity and potential profit margin of all-season... read more
 
Making Waves: This Year’s SEMA Styles are Sure to Impress
October 09, 2008
In a few days, the 2008 SEMA Show will get underway. In spite of the current economic climate, there is still a lot to be gained by attending the show. New vehicles are still arriving and consumers are still looking for ideas on how to improve upon OE parts. One of the most anticipated cars to arrive is the 2009 Dodge Challenger. I have looked closely at the preproduction version of this one for... read more
 
Keeping Up: Ever-Changing Market Challenges Custom Wheel Segment
August 08, 2008
If you’re one of the tire dealers out there who already has a reputable custom wheel business, consider yourself lucky. Choosing to enter this market segment now is more challenging than in years past, due to a fairly heavy upfront investment, trying economic times, constantly evolving sizes and styles, and required expertise in the areas of service and TPMS. It’s not impossible, and... read more
 
Staying Safer: Knowing Lug Nuts Can Help Avoid Costly Wheel-Off Accidents
August 08, 2008
Settlement in case where a defective tire blew and vehicle roof crushed the driver because of a defective weld, causing multiple injuries: $3 million. Settlement when wheel came off of a moving truck and struck a driver in the chest, killing him: $1,875,000. Do I have your attention? The preceding statements were taken directly from a law firm’s Web site. Reading further down the list of ... read more
 
Fitment 411: Staying On Top Of Popular New Vehicle Sizes
July 14, 2008
At a time when we all need to reduce operating costs and squeeze as much profit out of every sale as we can, I’ve assembled several of the latest offerings that have a good potential of providing you with a canvas on which to add tire and wheel packages. Keep in mind there are a number of technical concerns regarding the lug stud size on several models. Take note of these so you don’t... read more
 
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Coats ProGuard Leverless Tire Changer 
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Coats Model 1250 Wheel Balancer