Product Spotlight: TPMS Tools
The Tire Industry Association estimates that there are more than 50 million vehicles equipped with TPMS already on America’s roadways, making TPMS service one of the fastest-growing business opportunities for tire dealers. However, with more than 150 SKUs of TPMS sensors fitted to vehicles in North America, it can be a challenge to maintain sensor
January 2011 Sales Intelligence
Covering Charleston, W.V.; Houston, Texas; Mobile, Ala.; Pierre, S.D.; Providence, R.I.; and Tacoma, Wash., retail tire markets during the period of Jan. 1-2. Tire Review and InteliChek present up-to-date tire and service price information from U.S. metropolitan areas. For this monthly feature, InteliChek directly contacts a selection of independent tire dealers, mass merchants and
Whatever You Call It, It Can Turn Things Around
I don’t really know Joe Collier any more than I know any tire dealer. Spoke to him on the phone the other day when he called to say he appreciated my last column about momentum; one of several calls and e-mails I received on that same subject. Joe was different than the rest, though. The
After a Year of Introspection, Alliance Ready for Growth
When Tire Review last met with Yogesh Mahansaria, CEO of Alliance Tire Group, the company had recently built a greenfield plant in India and bought portions of the bankrupt GPX International Tire. After spending most of 2010 examining its goals and how the newly-acquired assets fit into the company’s overall strategy, Mahansaria says ATG is
Taking a Closer Look at Modern Rotors
When you compare the rotors side-by-side, they may look the same. But, the difference between a comeback and a satisfied customer might be at the microscopic level.Just about every rotor is made of cast iron. But what can make or break a rotor are ingredients like carbon, chromium silica and pearlite. Also, how a rotor
Supercars and Super Tires: What’s in the DNA?
Think of "hot" or "cool" cars. The superlatives usually mean the same thing in the automotive vernacular and generate super-macho names like Porsche Carrera GT, Dodge Viper, Ferrari Italia and Bugatti Veyron.The monikers invoke images of bright colors streaking through mountain passes on the Autobahn and conjure dreams of one parked in a lucky American’s
How Tire Dealers Can Optimize a Fleet’s Tire Program
Commercial fleets are in the business to haul freight, but cost burdens often knock all of the profits out of a job before the first mile. Fuel continues to be a fleet’s number one expense item, with tires as number two. Fleets can do very little to control fuel costs beyond those things that improve
Giant OTR Segment Returning to Pre-Recession Growth Pattern
The roller coaster that is the giant OTR tire segment is once again on an upward climb. While demand hasn’t yet reached the pre-recession figures seen in 2007 and 2008, last year showed significant recovery. And representatives from several tire manufacturers predict this growth will continue into 2011 and beyond – which raises the question
Business Myths: Why They’re Wrong and What to do About Them
What if we are wrong? What if our most deeply held beliefs about managing tire dealerships are at best misguided and at worst a complete waste of time and money?What if: • More door swings didn’t lead to more sales? • Commissions didn’t really drive sales performance? • Following up with customers made them like