Collaboration, Not Consolation, Should Guide Tire Regulations
The European tire industry did not wait until the legislator forced them to make progress on safer or cleaner tires. The industry voluntarily announced in November 2006 that it wanted to contribute to the global efforts for reducing CO2 emission while securing the safest tires on the market.” – European Tire & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association
‘Big Company’ Marketing Savvy Can be Great for Tire Dealers
In very basic terms, marketers consider two primary groups: Leaders and Followers. Because most consumer goods and services evolve over time, Leaders can become Followers and vice versa. So these targets are regularly sifted, sought and catered to. Leaders seek out the latest technology or design or performance, constantly seeking an edge in their lives.
The New Frugality: Consumer Withdrawal Runs Deep, May Last the Decade
The last tumultuous decade was the 1980s, which opened with hyper-inflation, high unemployment and astronomical interest rates, and closed as the “Me Decade” when dollars flowed easy and greed was good. The decade we just laid to rest – The Aughts – by contrast, will likely be remembered as the “Decade of Benign Neglect.” Coming
Missed Communications?: TIA Government Relations Efforts Plain, But Perhaps Not Seen
It is difficult to express the disappointment I feel in regard to the recent letter to the editor from Alpio Barbara (TR, October 2009) concerning TIA and its government relations activities. He questioned our activities on a number of important legislative issues, and I’d like to take this opportunity to present to him – and
How Should Government Help?
President Obama recently announced a new emphasis on helping small business by shifting bank bailout money to programs designed to assist entrepreneurs survive and grow. So what should the president do? If you had the chance, what would you recommend be done to help small businesses? Tell us what you’d say in the comment section
Outline Your 2010 Plans!
As we approach the new year, what changes are you planning to make to your business in 2010? Everyone hunkered down in 2009. Businesses large and small cut expenses and focused on new ways to attract and retain business. As the economy seems to be improving, what changes are you planning to make to your
Reality Check: How Was the Show? Some Straight Talk About SEMA 2009
So, how was the show? In the past, that conversational query required minimal response. Kinda like, “So, how was vacation?” or “So, how was the movie?” the inquirer assumed the best and really wasn’t asking for any other reason than to be, well, politely interested. Today, post SEMA 2009, “So, how was the show?” is
How Many Stars Would You Have?
A number of years ago, TIA proposed creating a certification system for tire dealers. Unfortunately, nothing has come of that plan. But do you think independent tire dealers would benefit from such a program? Perhaps a star rating system similar to that used by the hospitality industry? Do you think such a program would be
Give Us Your Two Cents!
Dealers receive many requests for donations and assistance from local community groups. Tell us what criteria you apply in considering these requests.
Fixing a Hole: Total Tariff Fallout Still TBD, But Wrong Parties Were Wronged
The dust still isn’t settled on the president’s ill-advised smackdown of China-made consumer tires. There have been plenty of claims, counterclaims, predictions, wringing of hands and well-moistened crying towels, but few tangibles to date. Despite all of the Chicken Little-ing, the sky has yet to fall and we are no closer to having a handle
Lack of Support? Dealer Says ‘We Don’t Know How to Make Our Voices Heard’
I’m usually the type of dealer that sits back and watches as events happen in our industry. That doesn’t mean I don’t care, it’s just that as an independent dealer I don’t really know how or what I can do to change things. That was until today, when I read the New York Times article
Tell us Your ‘Green’ Story
What kinds of things are you doing to make your business “green?” Everywhere you look today, someone or some company is going "green." Whether it is to save the planet or savesome money, households and businesses – even your suppliers – areengaging in a variety of eco-friendly activities. So what are you – asa tire