5 Questions With – Marc Bujold
During Nokian Tyres’ recent introduction of the Hakkapeliitta 7, Tire Review sat down with Marc Bujold, business development manager for the tiremaker’s North American operations. How do you plan to market the Nokian brand to North American consumers? We already have a devout fan base that we need to start tapping into more. While we
Cooper Launches Weather-Master WSC
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.’s newest tire – the Weather-Master WSC – targets the growing CUV and SUV markets, providing superior winter performance and a premium design, according to the tiremaker. In February, Cooper introduced the new winter tire to a select group of dealers and media in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Participants tested the
Supply Nearly Meets Demand in OTR Segment, Market Loosening
The OTR tire market has gone through drastic supply and demand changes over the last several years, making it tough for dealers – and manufacturers – to adapt. The good news is things are forecasted to stabilize in the near future, even in the hard-to-produce 57- and 63-inch sizes. In the earlier part of the
Goodyear Execs Discuss Follow-up Strategy After Successful 2009
At the 2010 Goodyear Dealer Conference in Orlando, Fla., Tire Review had the opportunity to sit down with key company executives to see what Goodyear is planning moving forward. Participating in the interview were the following North American Tire leaders: Rich Kramer, COO and president; Steve McClellan, president of consumer tires; Scott Rodgers, CMO; and
Detective Work: Forensic Accountants Track Down Clues to Save Your Business
The tedious number crunching involved with keeping a tire dealership on track is something most dealers don’t mind passing off to an accountant – in fact, the majority are glad to have their time freed up to manage other areas of the business. But if you assume the only times you need an accountant are
Uphill Climb: Road to Recovery is Steep for Medium Truck Segment
Although 2009 was a tough year across the entire industry, the medium truck tire segment was hit particularly hard. The economic tailspin saw consumers tightening their budgets, which in turn resulted in diminished orders and less shipping. Trucks and other types of freight haulers sat idle, and demand for new tires plummeted. Freight tonnage was
Specialized Selling: Smart Dealers Can Stack Up Profits in Skid-Steer Market
In work sites across the country, one can find the versatile skid-steer loader. Because of its convenient size and capacity for special attachments, the machine can be used by consumers and pros in a multitude of applications, including construction, farming, excavation, recycling, landscaping, mining and snow removal. The skid-steer tire niche has changed quite a
Dealers Share Tips for Success at TIA Roundtable
As usual, this year’s SEMA Show was an ideal place to see the latest trends, catch up with old friends, network with business associates and, above all else, look for ways to improve your dealership. Along those lines, the Tire Industry Association’s International Roundtable featured a new segment dedicated to helping dealers gather ideas to
Moving Business: Container Handling Niche Offers Dealers Unique Opportunities
In a global economy where products are imported and exported worldwide, it takes a multitude of resources to keep things moving and on track. From load docks to loading bays, container handling equipment is everywhere products are being shipped, moved and inventoried. And vital to that equipment’s operation is – you guessed it – tires.
Getting ‘Green:’ Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to Reignite Your Business
By now it’s clear that the whole "green" movement is more than just a fad. In fact, successful businesses everywhere have adapted their operations to cater to consumers who are looking for more environmentally friendly products and services. While consumers may not base their purchasing decisions solely on this aspect, it does come into consideration
2009 Top Shop Finalist: Curry’s Automotive
When Matt and Judy Curry opened Curry’s Auto Service in 1998, the couple knew they were taking a risk. With one child at home and another on the way, the Currys opened their shop in Chantilly, Va., with 13 credit cards and $103,000 worth of debt. “Every last penny to our name was in this
R-Compound Tires Bring Dealers Recognition, Loyalty
– R-compound (racing) tires, to be exact – could be the key to attracting new customers, bringing in added sales opportunities and boosting a dealership’s brand recognition. R-compound tires – AKA street-legal, DOT-compliant tires – are used primarily by weekend racers for autocross, racetrack or rally performance. Because they were never intended to be driven