Taking Stock: Be Ready with Performance Upgrade Options for 2010
Many times over the years, the automotive aftermarket has been given a platform that has largely contributed to a $35+ billion industry. This year, that car was the 2010 Camaro. Baer Brakes has introduced their Baer Claw Extreme (one piece rotors) and Extreme-Plus (two piece rotors) brake systems in the 14-inch 6S and massive 15-inch
Analysts Bullish on Tire Market Recovery in 2010
Financial analysts expect European tiremakers to increase prices between 5% and 8% in January 2010, in part due to increased demand and supply shortages in some markets. The Morgan Stanley analysts once again singled out Hankook for particular praise and a “Buy” rating, saying: “After raising tire prices by an average 7% in the U.S.
Still More Tire Price Increases
Another pair of tiremakers announced impending prices increases. Hankook Tire America Corp. is raising prices by up to 5% on its full line of passenger, light truck/SUV and medium truck tires, as of Jan. 1, 2010. Also effective Jan. 1, Toyo Tire USA Corp. will increase prices on all of its consumer and commercial tires
Commentary: Bigger is Dumber
In a recent speech to the Professional Contractors Group (PCG), legendary tire retail mogul Sir Tom Farmer warned would-be entrepreneurs against having simplistic, size-orientated goals for their businesses. The Kwik-Fit founder may have sold a 700-branch strong tire retail chain to Ford for £1 billion in 2001, but for him size isn’t everything. He might
Jim’s Blog: Misc. Musings from the Aisles (or What Happens in Vegas…)
• Full plane from Cleveland mid-day on Sunday. Browns game update from the pilot met with boos. Most of the passengers, turns out, are headed to the show and weren’t about to let that bum them out. • If you’ve never been to McCarren Airport in Vegas, let me describe for you. One part shopping
As Tiremakers and Big Names Step Away, F1 Future is Clouded
The dramedy that is Formula One racing has taken more twists and turns since Bridgestone Corp. said it would stop supplying tires to the so-called world championship series after next season. In rapid succession, Pirelli, Michelin and Goodyear claimed no interest in taking on producing and supplying race slicks to the series, and speculation swirled
One by One, Companies Claim No F1 Interest
So now that Bridgestone has opted out after the 2010 season, which company will step up to supply race tires for Formula One? Three key names have gone by the wayside as Goodyear, Pirelli and Michelin say they are not interested. Pirelli, which two years ago had indicated an interest in returning to F1, said
Editor’s Comment: EU-Korea Agreement Will Aid Tire Sales
On Oct. 15, EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton and South Korean Trade Minister Kim Jong-hoon initialed a free trade agreement (FTA), which the EU calls “the most important ever negotiated between the European Union and a third country.” Estimated to be worth a total of 19 billion euros in new trade for EU exporters, the
Judges Pick Ohio Dealer as North America’s Top Shop
Enger Tire & Auto, with 20 retail locations across northeast Ohio, is the winner of the 2009 Tire Review Top Shop Award. Headquartered in the Cleveland suburb of Euclid, Enger Tire & Auto is part of the multi-dimensional Enger Companies, and is wholly owned by Cleveland native Jim Enger. The business was founded in 1995,
2009 Top Shop Winner: Enger Tire & Auto
Jim Enger is no control freak. When you have 20 retail stores, three warehouses, two parts outlets and associated business interests spread over 10 of the largest and busiest counties in Northeast Ohio, you can’t micro-manage every little thing. He doesn’t even try. But he does want to control his own destiny, and his approach
