When in Rome
Anyone in this industry will tell you, when Pirelli does something, they do it big. Pirelli Tire North America’s (PTNA) recent rollout of four new tires was a two-week worldwide event, with dozens of enthusiast, tire and financial journalists and well over 100 North American dealers in attendance.
Time To Grow: New Home, New Products, New Focus Mannino Says Now is The Time
A year ago this month, Gaetano "Guy" Mannino, 45, became president and CEO of Pirelli Tire North America, and in a whirlwind 12 months he has reshaped Pirelli’s presence in North America. New headquarters and automated manufacturing in Rome, Ga., have given PTNA a fresh start. The end of its alliance with Cooper gave it
Half a World Away
Like his American counterparts, Tire Town Komaoka store manager Yuji Asuke puts in long hours – 12 to 14 Monday through Saturday. But unlike many one-store American dealers, Asuke pulls in $1.3 million in annual sales with just himself and two other full-time employees.
That First Step
It’s been another tough year for the economy and the tire industry. All you have to do is look at tire shipments. Dealers I’ve spoken to tell me their businesses are up one month and down the next. Consumer confidence appears to be on the same roller coaster.
TIA Has a Solid Plan
Throughout history, humans have turned tragedy into triumph. We mourn and move forward, learning from our missteps and finding better, safer results. The Hindenberg disaster gave us safer air travel and a new industry – airlines. Titanic’s fate gave us safety procedures employed on cruise ships to this day. 9/11 has tightened travel security. Yes,
Big Enough?
Big Enough? As the diameters of performance tires increase, manufacturers have to walk the fine line between function and fantasy You’re walking along the show floor at the International Tire Expo in Las Vegas. You pass a seemingly endless collection of cars and tires. Wheels shimmer on display. Parts and accessories abound. And the people
Fed Up With Insurance Costs?
Fed Up With Insurance Costs? Why it’s gotten so bad, and what you can do about it What is it about insurance that gives you a 365-day migraine? Your rates keep going up! You’ve just been canceled! And this just in®ƒyour rates are about to go up again! Is it really that bad? Yes, but
Advancing Technology
Advancing Technology High tech manufacturing has made inroads in many industries, and tiremaking is no exception. Though robotics has not displaced traditional tire building techniques on a large scale, it’s use is certainly growing. Making a tire is a labor-intensive process for a variety of reasons. A tire consists of many individual components that all
Can You Get There Alone?: The Pros and Cons of Programs, Groups & Franchises
Can You Get There Alone? The Pros and Cons of Programs, Groups & Franchises Tire One. Auto Edge. American Car Care Centers. Best One. Tire Factory. Mr. Tire. Tirecraft. Kal Tire. Tire Shop. Excel Tire. Tire Pros. President Tire. T3. King Bear. OK Tire. Big O. Michelin’s Alliance Program. Bridgestone/Firestone’s Affiliated Dealer and Tire Starz
Trackside Confessions
Francesco Gori shifts nervously in his cane-back seat, carefully surveying the scenes around him. Behind us, 50 or so U.S. dealers take hot laps around Pirelli’s Vizzola proving grounds. In front, testy caterers are tearing down tables and trying to stack chairs, including the two we’re occupying. The man in charge of Pirelli’s world-wide tire