OTR Conference: Celebrating the Past, Looking Forward
The Tire Industry Association’s 60th annual Off-the-Road Tire Conference allowed attendees to reflect on the OTR industry’s past while understanding its present and looking to where it’s headed in the future. The OTR Tire Conference hosted more than 500 attendees from around the world in Tucson on Feb. 18-21. Attendees heard presentations from industry professionals
Conti Offering New Products, Consumer Warranty
It was a big year for Continental Tire the Americas’ Gold Dealer program with a record number of tire dealers qualifying for its 10th annual incentive trip. This year 304 dealers, including 31 new Elite dealers, sold more than 2,000 units in 2014 to attend a cruise through the Caribbean with a guest on March
BFGoodrich Launches New UHP Tire
Michelin North America is looking to position its latest BFGoodrich brand tire, the G-Force Comp-2 A/S, as the go-to tire for Tier 2 ultra-high performance tire shoppers. Replacing the G-Force Super Sport A/S, the Comp-2 A/S rounds out the BFGoodrich G-Force family of performance tires, the tiremaker said. Michelin unveiled its newest BFG branded UHP
Using Personality Testing to Fill Positions and Develop Employee Strengths
Picture a tire store. You have one guy working alone in the back stacking tires who always seems to be on his phone. Or he’s walking around the shop distracting other employees. He never seems to get anything done and is seen as a drain on your business. Then one day you ask him to
Light Truck Tires For Work or Play
January 2015 gasoline and diesel prices were nearly a dollar lower than they were in late 2014, with prices hovering around $2 for regular grade gas and $2.90 for diesel fuel. Lower fuel prices and a stronger economy are positive indicators for the automotive market, and the light truck tire segment is no exception. In
TIA Introduces Certified ETS Program
The Tire Industry Association introduced an all-new certified Earthmover Tire Service (ETS) training program during its OTR Tire Conference in Tucson, Ariz. The program will follow the same “train the trainer” model that has been successfully used in its commercial tire service (CTS) and automotive programs, according to Kevin Rohlwing, senior vice president of training
Attn: Women (and Shops that Employ Females)
Being a female in the tire industry, and even auto care industry, you can often feel alone in a sea of men. Not that working with men isn’t great, but sometimes it’s nice to interact with other females. I’m here to reiterate to all the females in the industry that you’re not alone. There are
Kumho Tire Works on House
Kumho Tire USA Inc. is building its house, according to Harry Choi, its president. Its current focus is on constructing a strong foundation, focusing on some major Ps – price, product, promotion, and people – Choi told dealers and distributors at the tiremaker’s annual dealer meeting, held in early December 2014, in Vieques, Puerto Rico.
Secret Shopping: A Tire Dealer’s Secret Weapon
Every time someone walks into your shop or calls your dealership they’re judging your business. Are your employees helpful? Polite? Knowledgeable? Are they taking care of the customer’s true needs? Is your store clean and well organized? Or does it look tired, filthy and disheveled? A failing grade from a consumer on any of these
Kumho Refreshes Offerings
Kumho Tire USA is working hard on building the foundation for a new “house.” As part of its efforts the tiremaker is refreshing its product offerings, said Kumho during its recent dealer meeting in Vieques, Puerto Rico. The tiremaker announced six new tires are to be rolled out in 2015. Additionally, the company said it
Tire Dealers, Auto Shops Participate In Brakes For Breasts Campaign
The SEMA show was an exciting week for me. While the long days and endless walking left my body exhausted and feet aching, I’d be lying if I said I had a terrible time. I got out from behind my desk and got to learn about the industry from both manufacturers and, more importantly, you.
Small OTR: Rising Tire Demand Offers New Opportunities
Commercial tire dealers looking to explore other business opportunities shouldn’t overlook the small OTR market. Small OTR tires – which typically cover wheel fitments up to 25-inch wheel diameters – are outfitted on a number of vehicles. Equipment fitted with small OTR tires include backhoes, utility loaders, graders, forklifts, small earthmovers and dumps, and more.
