Dealer Debate: Tires Only Or Tires & Service?
In the world of independent tire dealers, there are two primary ways to conduct business: Sell tires and wheels only or sell tires and wheels plus full-blown automotive service. In recent years, there have been debates about which format fits today’s marketplace best. Here are two views offered by veteran tire dealers and the organizations
Stocking Stuffers: Catching Up and Clearing the Desk Before the New Year
As you’d expect, I get a lot of questions about the USW contract talks and the future of North America’s tire manufacturing base. And, as you’d expect, my responses are neutral. Anything else is a pure lose-lose proposition. But I will say this: The USW’s effort to negotiate in the media with Goodyear shows that
Donks, Boxes & Bubbles: Hot Stuff From the SEMA Show Can Put Profits Into Overdrive
From street rods to ‘donks’ to high-performance European machines and ‘invisible wheels,’ this year’s SEMA Show had you covered with new and innovative products to help you improve your sales. Plus, there was a new tool that helps reduce back injuries while improving ride by centering the wheels on a vehicle’s hub. First up: the
BREAKING NEWS: Union Ratifies Goodyear Master Contract
(Akron/Tire Review) Members of the United Steelworkers (USW) union today ratified a three-year master contract with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., officially ending the strike affecting 12 U.S. plants that began on Oct. 5.
BREAKING NEWS: Goodyear Announces Tentative Agreement with USW
(Akron/Tire Review) The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. today announced a tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers (USW) union.
TR Online Holiday Updates
(Akron/Tire Review) With the holiday season upon us, Tire Review Online will not be updated on a daily basis from Friday, Dec. 22 through Monday, Jan. 1.
Investment Group Ups Stake in A-V
(Akron/Tire Review) Russian Newswire reports that Alfa Group plans to increase its stake in Amtel-Vredestein NV to 26.14%.
Titan to Issue $200 Million in Notes
(Akron/Tire Review) Titan International plans to offer some $200 million in unsecured notes and will use the proceeds to pay down debt and for general expenses.
New Cooper Boss’ Compensation Outlined
(Akron/Tire Review) Dow Jones reported that new Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. president and CEO Roy Armes will have an annual salary of $700,000 when he starts on Jan. 1, 2007.
Tread Rubber Shipments Off in 2006
(Akron/Tire Review) RMA says that, while continued economic growth brought “sustained strong demand for tread rubber shipments in 2006,” heavy new truck purchasing over the year, coupled with a casing shortage, forced total tread rubber shipments to drop 1.2% vs. 2005.
NHTSA Nearly Ready With Durability Test Plan
(Akron/Tire Review) NHTSA is expected finally to release in early 2007 a proposal for testing the durability of aged tires, one that has reportedly earned the endorsement of “tire and auto industry officials.”
Bridgestone to Build New Giant OTR Tire Plant…in Japan
(Akron/Tire Review) For the first time in three decades, Bridgestone Corp. will build a new tire plant in its home country.