When in Rome
Anyone in this industry will tell you, when Pirelli does something, they do it big. Pirelli Tire North America’s (PTNA) recent rollout of four new tires was a two-week worldwide event, with dozens of enthusiast, tire and financial journalists and well over 100 North American dealers in attendance.
East Beats West
As with so many fads, fashions and technologies, the Japanese – more precisely, the Japanese youth ®€“ are credited with starting the now-burgeoning sport compact tuner business. It started first on Left Coast with Japanese sport compact models, and moved slowly east. Across the continent, European sport compacts were the rides of choice as the East Coast tuner influence headed west.
Rema North America Celebrates 50 Years
In today’s business climate, many companies are wondering if they’ll still be around 50 weeks from now. Maybe even 50 days. That’s why, when companies celebrate a 50th anniversary – as Rema Tip Top/North America did on Mar. 11 ®€“ people take notice.
Know Your Limits
Once again, this fine publication is giving me an opportunity to write an article. For those who aren’t familiar with me, I’m Jimmy Smith, son of the editor of this magazine. You might remember the column I wrote for Tire Review a couple of years ago about driver’s education.
April Foolishness
The problem with having a regular column is that people expect you to write some- thing profound. To wax philosophic on the state of things or a subject of import. And to use big words like "philosophic." Truth is, it’s hard to organize 800 perfectly chosen words into coherent thought. After the last few months,
Sensing Alternatives
Remember the near-daily news stories about tire-related SUV accidents? And all the finger pointing that tried to pin the cause on the tires or vehicles or, in some cases, even driver error? Well, the dust has settled and the wheels (no pun intended) of the government fix-it-meisters have been turning. The TREAD Act was enacted
The Forgotten Valve Stem
The Forgotten Valve Stem If industry pundits are right, you can expect to see EPDM (ethylene propylene) snap-in valves give way to aluminum clamp-in valves in the near future. But they may make a comeback. Confusing isn’t it? Credit the expected change to the TREAD Act and its TPMS imperative to carmakers. By 2007, all
Balancing Acts
Balancing Acts You’ve just sold that $2,500 set of tires and wheels. Congratulations! Now you have to make sure that the assembly is pro-perly balanced, or you’ll be seeing that customer more often – and for the wrong reasons. Recently, I had an opportunity to sit in on a balancing clinic provided by Mike Kroll
To Grow Your Business, Get Next to Your Banker
To Grow Your Business, Get Next to Your Banker Many things are important to nurturing your business, growing it, and reaching the next level – whether it’s larger quarters, bigger staff, or even adding new locations. Of course, you need a sound business plan, a professional management team and a good customer base. But you
Raise that Service GP
-paid. This simple policy has nearly eliminated the problem. Technician Compensation Technicians need to progressively earn more money as they mature. Both younger techs and experienced master techs are needed in our particular business. But too many of one type will hurt your gross profit. Both types of technicians are needed, but a repair shop
The Open Road
The Open Road Even With Competition, Specialty Products, the Opportunities Are There Everyone likes their freedom. The freedom to go where they want, to do what they want, to enjoy themselves how they want is inherent in humans. One thing that has always been a symbol of freedom is the motorcycle. Motorcycles can take us
Back Home Again
Back after a one-year hiatus, the World Tire Expo returns with a wide range of educational programs, special events and trade show opportunities. This will also be the first WTE under the Tire Industry Association.