Switching Gears; Motorcycle, Scooter Market Requires Entirely Different Focus
With the sudden surge in fuel prices last summer, one would think sales of motorcycles and scooters would have drastically increased as well, as consumers looked for fuel-sipping transportation rather than their gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs. While there is some truth to that assumption, a deeper look shows otherwise. Yes, sales of scooters and dual
The Changing Landscape
Under normal circumstances, it’s challenging enough to market your business to customers and keep profits moving in the right direction. But add to that the current recession economy, and today’s tire dealers are facing a whole new set of challenges. Even though they may feel attacked from all sides – by faltering profits, the credit
Interview with Brian Cruickshank, Director, University of the Aftermarket
(AftermarketNews.Com) Brian Cruickshank, AAP, was named director of Northwood University’s University of the Aftermarket in February.
Web Site Launched for Top Shop Awards
Building on the success of its first Top Shop Awards program last year, Tire Review and presenting sponsor Ammco/Coats launched a new Web site dedicated to all aspects of the prestigious North American tire dealer awards program.
Direct Importing: Do the Risks Outweigh the Reward?
(Akron/Tire Review) MEMA recently issued a special report dealing with the direct importation of automotive parts – including tires.
Paper Tiger: Tackling Image Problem Takes Real Teeth, Not Tax Boondoggle
All I can say is: Be careful what you wish for. We’ve all heard tales of consumers being ripped off by auto repair shops. TV news shows and other media have done their watchdog best to uncover unscrupulous shops, especially during sweeps months. Many consumers see those hyper-hyped “Eyewitless News” exposes and automatically lump all
Advertising ROI: Image is Everything, But Profit Power is in Numbers
In many independent businesses, advertising gets a bad rap. When times are tough, it’s the first to go. When times are tremendous, it’s the last priority. Any business expense without an immediate, noticeable return won’t make the top of a tire dealer’s to-do list, especially when that list is miles long, crammed with the hundreds
Repair Shop Licensing Legislation Introduced In Texas
(Akron/Tire Review) A bill requiring all automotive repair shops to be registered has been introduced in both the Texas state Senate and House of Representatives.
Rockingham Adds Wet Grip Facility
(Clacton, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) The Rockingham circuit is best known as the UK’s most modern and only purpose-built motor sport facility and the venue for exciting and action-packed motor racing.
Chinese to Enter U.S. Auto Market
(Akron/Tire Review – Sam Jose Mercury News) With one humble car, a modest sedan called the Geely CK 1.5, parked Tuesday in the lobby of the North American International Auto Show, a Chinese automaker announced it’s coming to the U.S.