2008 Top Shop Winner: Atlantic Tire & Service
Ask any employee about the secret to Atlantic Tire & Service’s success and their answer is quick and simple. “It’s all about customer service,” says Davis Morgan, one of Atlantic’s store managers, echoing the universal opinion of his teammates. “We strive to make it a comfortable, confident experience.” But, according to Atlantic Tire founder and
How Top Dealers Create and Protect Their Brands
There are scores of books and university courses on brands and branding. There is even a publication named Brandweek that covers the latest in branding and branding programs. But when most people think about “brand,” they envision a mega-company, like Coca-Cola or GM. Brands and branding, though, are equally important for small businesses, like tire
Using Software to Make Winter Tire Decision
This season’s talking point is shaping up to be winter tires and what pros and cons are attached to them. In order to provide its customers with some clarity on the issue, Mycompanyfleet, the automotive software division of human resources services provider NorthgateArinso, has outlined the means by which fleet operators can effectively evaluate their
ACCC Looks to the Future for ‘Eco’ Program Concept
Over its 21-year history, American Car Care Centers has recognized a great deal of success with its business model. In fact, the Memphis, Tenn.-based marketing group’s 1,000-plus member dealers are some of the best in the business, according to ACCC president Len Lewin. But ACCC’s growth has been limited because of its policy of protecting
ACCC Looks to the Future and Sees Eco Opportunity
Over its 21-year history, American Car Care Centers has recognized a great deal of success with its business model. In fact, its 1,000-plus member dealers are some of the best in the business, according to ACCC president Len Lewin. But ACCC’s growth has been limited because of its policy of protecting dealer and distributor
TPMS: Popular Questions for an Unpopular Topic
Let’s face reality. A paradox exists within tire pressure monitoring system discussions. On one hand, it’s not a popular topic of conversation in a social setting. In fact, TPMS usually is a conversation stopper. A recent 19th hole opinion exchange among friends included Gulf of Mexico oil drilling, Tea Party rallies and LeBron. Chatter
‘Performance’ Tires Are Everywhere: Do They Still Stand Out?
What is performance? A recent commercial by stalwart automakerMercedes-Benz asks the question – and then sets about answering it ascompletely as 30 seconds of prime-time television can. Sparing their hyperbole, arguably performance is action – it is doing.Whether something is doing well is an altogether different point. Tiremakers develop what they term “high
Focus on ‘Moments of Truth’ for Customer Loyalty
There is perhaps no greater customer service story than the remarkable true account of Jan Carlzon and the business turnaround around that he led as the president of Scandinavian Airlines. In 1981, Scandinavian Airlines reported an $8 million loss and the future of the company looked bleak at best. When the then president resigned,
Rollier Doubts Revenue Increase in 2010
Revenue at Groupe Michelin is not expected to increase next year, and managing partner Michel Rollier expressed his caution on growth prospects due to uncertainty about the automotive industry’s recovery and rising raw material costs. “We do not have much visibility,” Rollier said in an interview with Bloomberg. “Just look at all the indicators. We
Looking Long Term: Kanwar Has Apollo Tyre Focused…and on the Move
When Onkar Kanwar took over Apollo Tyres Ltd. In 1980, the company was a huge mess. Bad tires and worse management had driven the company – founded by his father in 1976 – into bankruptcy, its net worth wiped out five times over. But nearly 30 years later, the 66-year-old chairman sits atop India’s largest