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
OE’ Means ‘Odd Equipment’: Watch for Unusual Bolt Patterns, Offsets as New Models Roll Out
Watch for Unusual Bolt Patterns, Offsets as New Models Roll Out New rides are hitting the streets, so hold on tight while we try to decipher the latest OE changes that affect our lives – both in terms of profit and frustration. First up is the most controversial – the new Jeep Wrangler JK, which
Back to Basics: Performance Success Comes Down to Knowing Your Wheels
In our ever-changing performance industry, we must always be aware of what our retail customers need and demand from us. Technical knowledge – the ability to quickly and accurately help them make the best and safest wheel and tire choices – is paramount. Time was that custom wheel selection and fitment was relatively simple. Not
Getting Every Last Drop: Vendors Offer More Than Just Product – But You Have to Take the Time to Benefit
You have five “urgent” phone calls that “must be returned immediately,” an HR crisis that can’t wait, and a customer who demands “you” take care of them. Your insurance carrier thinks you should update your coverage and the bank just called because there is a “problem” with your account. Let’s not forget the fire inspector
Raw (Materials) Deal: Strapped By Rising Costs, Tiremakers Look at Fresh Alternatives
The volatility of the world’s political climate, the unpredictable weather in North America and El NiÑo in the Pacific Ocean are having very expected outcomes in terms of the cost of raw materials for the tire industry. Oh yes, and then there’s China. The economy of the world’s most-populous country continues to grow faster than
Pirelli Opens New UHP Factory in Romania
(Staffordshire, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) When Pirelli Tyre’s IPO last summer completely failed, the parent company was forced to sell about 39% of its tyre division Pirelli Tyre SpA to a group of corporate investors from the banking sector rather than to private shareholders.
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.
Taking Dead Aim: Preparation is Secret to Birdies in Growing Golf-Course Tire Segment
Most professional golfers will tell you that practice is the key to improving one’s golf swing. “The more often you play, the better you get,” they say. That may be true, but preparation is even more important. If you don’t have the right tools – the right woods and irons and golf balls – you
Grab That Cash: “Profit” is Not a Dirty Word; You Should Net 30% Cash Profits
When you’re doing your annual business plan (You do write one each year, don’t you?), do you set simple, easily achievable goals? Or, do you push the envelope with goals that will be hard to reach? That alone says a lot about your management style. More importantly, though, do you write a plan for the
What Really Matters: Tire Dealers Can Uncover Profits by Redirecting Their Focus
Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of serving some of the best tire dealerships in the U.S. and Canada. Last year alone, we coached more than 1,000 tire dealerships. The majority of the owners wanted something to change. They could identify exactly what it was but could not move it by