And To All, A Good Night
I have a fistful of ideas on bits of paper, but no BIG IDEA for this month. So, ala Larry King, and in an attempt to clear my desk of those bits of paper, here are some random thoughts to close the year: As we all embark on much needed consumer education about tire
We Will Come Back’: New BFS Chief Says Actions, Not Words, Will Restore Confidence
The devastating impact of its massive voluntary product recall has taken a toll on Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. (BFS), its employees and, importantly, its dealers. But now that the recall effort is close to completion, BFS is starting to look to the future and standing squarely behind its century old Firestone brand. In his first extensive interview
Industry Report
Cooper Cutting 1,100 Jobs, Moving Oliver, and Recalling Tires
Dale, Dale, He’s Our Man…
Dale Schermerhorn.Learn that name and learn it well. He’s our new poster boy.Dale lives in Connecticut and drives a Honda Accord. That’s really all I know about good old Dale. Except that he doesn’t keep his tires properly inflated.USA Today – often referred to as the “McPaper” because it serves up news hot, fast and
The “Big” Approach: Treating Smaller Fleets Like the Big Guys Can Help Win Them Over
When it comes to proper, dollar-saving tire maintenance, small and medium sized fleets – especially owner-operators with a handful of tractors – are probably the toughest customers. On their tires, and on their dealers. While they know they need tires, often times cost issues, the lack of a formal controlled vehicle maintenance program, and/or the
Industry Report
Hard Decisions Come
Covering the Extraordinary
I’m sitting here staring at a six-inch thick file, jammed with news clips on the Bridgestone/Firestone (BFS) recall. I have read every word and listened to every press conference for four weeks straight now.. And I don’t even know where to begin. I’m sure you’ve followed this incredible saga as it’s twisted and turned, changing
BFS Strike Threatened: Negotiations Go to the Wire; Nine Plants at Stake
Negotiations Go to the Wire; Nine Plants at Stake
OTR Tire Market: Fewer Customers, Bigger Trucks Challenge Even the Best Dealers
OTR Tire Market Fewer Customers, Bigger Trucks Challenge Even the Best Dealers It is by far the most volatile and unpredictable tire segment, operating at a rhythm and pace often well removed from prevailing general economic conditions. With the wide variety of applications and monstrously large equipment getting even bigger, the OTR equipment tire segment
A Tire Is Not a Tire: Measurable Goals, Customer Participation Key to Fleet Test Success
s with a “seeing-is-believing” attitude toward tire and equipment purchasing.Such tests also allow dealers to build stronger working relationships with key accounts by demonstrating another way they can provide increased value and service. Have the End in Mind When setting up or proposing an OTR fleet test, the first step is to clearly define your