Sweating It Out: Continuing Tire Shortage Opens Supplier Doors, Puts Strain on Servicing Dealers
It’s been the best of times and the worst of times for OTR tire dealers. Over the past three years, mining, quarry and construction customers have been crying out for new tires. But all the orders in the world mean nothing without tires. As dealers know all too well, the real result of all that
Kumho’s Charles van Heusden Details New Dealer Training Program
To follow up on the “Sunny Days” article that appeared in this issue of Tire Review, we sat down with Charles van Heusden, manager of training and product development at Kumho Tire USA Inc., to uncover more details about EDGE the tiremaker’s new online dealer training and support program, slated for release in the
Full Steam Ahead: Amtel-Vredestein Executive Charts Course For Core Vredestein Brand
Robert H. Oudshoorn has been CEO of Vredestein Banden BV since 1994. Prior to that, he was director of commercial operations at a Michelin-Okamoto joint venture in Tokyo and also worked as representative director for Groupe Michelin in South Africa. In April 2005, Russian tiremaker Amtel Holdings officially completed its $245 million cash purchase of
Survival Mode: Significant Changes in Retreading Forcing Independents to Adapt
They expected it to happen eventually. It was just a matter of time, industry insiders said. So, it wasn’t a total surprise when Bridgestone Americas Holding (BAH) announced its intent to purchase retread giant Bandag. After all, BAH and Bandag have collaborated for decades. Bandag-owned Tire Distribution Systems (TDS) stores sell Bridgestone tires, and many
Super Wides: Can Super Wide Tires Cut Fuel Costs?
Smart fleets and progressive tire dealers opt for a symbiotic relationship one in which the dealer helps the fleet lower its operating costs, while the fleet ensures continued business for the dealer. After all, a supplier relationship in its ideal form should be a partnership, not just a sales contract. Still, commercial tire innovation
Adrenaline Push: Racing Academy Offers Extreme Thrills While Driving Bridgestone Brand
Racing Academy Offers Extreme Thrills While Driving Bridgestone Brand
Tiny Universe: Sharply Focused Sales Efforts Can Pinpoint Bias Light Truck Tire Market
Though we don’t see many on the road anymore, bias tires still have their uses. Today’s bias light truck tires, for example, are like any other niche product. Don’t expect them to fly off the shelves. Dewey Beach, director of product management at Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., says, “there’s just not much demand there
On the World’s Stage: Kumho Takes Tire Development to Extremes at 24 Hours of Le Mans
Kumho Takes Tire Development to Extremes at 24 Hours of Le Mans
Unstoppable!: Despite Concerns, Wheel Companies See a Bright, Shiny Future For the Aftermarket
Stratospheric fuel costs. Steep living costs. Erratic job market. Add that all up, and you’ve got one strapped consumer. The average, middle-class buyer these days is spending every last dime on necessities. John Q. Public is foregoing the fun stuff in favor of the staples. Just getting there in one piece has become more important
Sustainable Future: Groupe Michelin Dedicates Eighth Challenge Bibendum to Fallen Leader
Groupe Michelin Dedicates Eighth Challenge Bibendum to Fallen Leader
Partner in Growth: Focus on Cost Reduction, Service to Squeeze Profits Out of Ag Tire Market
The last two years set records in the agricultural history book. Unprecedented farm income growth, high commodity prices and unrelenting production demands in 2004 and 2005 resulted in strong equipment sales. And, those strong farm implement sales boosted the ag tire replacement market. But, the pendulum, now, is swinging the other way. According to the
Clear Distinction: BFNAT Unveils New Branding Strategy at 10th Annual Bizcon
BFNAT Unveils New Branding Strategy at 10th Annual Bizcon