Tire Tariffs and Other Ways to Kill Retail Tire Sales
September is coming, as does the question: "What’s going to happen with the China tariff?" Specifically, people want to know what will become of the punitive added tariff that has impacted all U.S. consumer tire pricing for the last three years. The Obama Administration, in an obvious move to placate the USW – though it
BKT Get Together Helps Dealers, Tiremaker Grow Together
It would seem counterintuitive that an Indian tiremaker would entertain a large group of North American tire dealers for a week in northern Italy. Oh, and call it a "day out."“At BKT, we believe in ‘Getting Together,’ which is a process that helps us in ‘Growing Together,’” said Arvind Poddar in his welcome letter to
Trying to Get to the Bottom of World-Class Customer Service
Thanks to our annual search for the "best of the best" tire dealers through the Top Shop Award program, we often are asked for tips on how to win this honor. To which we respond: "The best dealerships are those that are very good at everything. More than anything, though, they have an obvious world-class
On the Farm and in the Air
Eight decades ago, farmers rode on all-steel tires. No, not steel-belted. All steel. Metal on dirt, with no rubber in between. 2012 is the 80th anniversary of Firestone Tire & Rubber Co.’s introduction of the very first pneumatic rubber tractor tire, an invention that brought increased comfort and productivity to farm fields in every corner
Canadian Mystery, Expensive Repairs and New Car Sales
What exactly is happening in Nova Scotia? Is Michelin North America really looking to expand its Waterville plant? Is another major manufacturer moving into town? Perhaps another company wants more plant floor space? Or is it all just much ado about nothing? For months, provincial and Kings County officials have been meeting and discussing and
Tire Models Strip, Gators Get Got & Click and Clack Bow Out
Under the headline "Bikini Time," Peoria Star Journal photog Fred Zwicky posted a series of pictures and captions depicting an annual rite of spring – the undressing of Vanna Whitewall. Vanna is a rather tall brunette, and is far more shapely than her 450-pound official weight might suggest. She is the 20-foot tall mascot for
WWYD?
Repair or Not Repair (and Under What Law), That is The Question
Tonight…Jeremy Busts on Tires, Canada Gets Older and Hamster Finds Cheaper Raw Materials
There is only one Top Gear, internationally acclaimed as the best car show ever. The U.S. version isn’t even close. Top Gear Australia? Nice scenery, that’s it. The original U.K. show is the ONLY version that works. And the main reason is that they call it as they see – rather, drive – it. Top
Staying Off the Radar Screen – Literally
Many of you – perhaps most of you, perhaps few of you – will be traveling this holiday weekend. That is if gas prices don’t force you into yet another "Stay-cation." (BTW: Loved the pics from your last Stay-cation. The couch looked SO comfortable, and those pre-made frozen hamburger thingys must have been de-lish!!!!!) Anyway,
Could We Pass a Law Requiring Newer (and Worthwhile) Studies?
Mr. Obvious and the rest of the NHTSA staff put out a press release last week warning of untold horrors should drivers drive on underinflated tires. Mayhem! Death! Worse! NHTSA said that 5% of all on-road accidents in America were caused by tire problems. 5%! Further, NHTSA said that vehicles with tires underinflated by 25%
Reading Between the Lines, It’s Cheaper to Just Walk
The AAA recently decreed that the cost of owning and operating a motor vehicle in the U.S. rose just 1.9% in its 2012 Driving Your Costs Study. Actually that was the increase rate for the "average" sedan. The numbers are a bit higher for minivans and SUVs. And lower for “small sedans” and “medium sedans.”
Tire Aging Issue Needs Attention, Not Excuses – Now
Would you knowingly install four "new" tires that are actually six to 10 years old – or older – on your son or daughter’s car? I already know your answer. Neither would I. And while most of you would never consider putting old tires on your children’s vehicles, I find it a bit disconcerting that