OTR Market Climbs
As the OTR market starts to rebound, dealers need to focus on the value they bring to these demanding customers. "A lot of our dealers think we’re in the tire business. We’re not," says Manny Cicero, vice president, North American OTR sales for Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT). That’s an interesting sentiment for someone who
Industry Report
Working its way out from under a $728,000 deficit, the Tire Industry Association (TIA) is closing its Louisville, Ky., offices and training center and consolidating all of its operations at the association’s headquarters in Bowie, Md. The move was announced Jan. 12 and is effective as of Feb. 1.
Peaks and Valleys:
Like the economy, Alliance Tire Co. (1992) Ltd. has bounced up and down in the North American market, feeling the effects of pressure from all over the globe. But after a few years on the down slope, Alliance is making a strong comeback, posting its first quarterly profits in years. And the tiremaker’s new top management is looking to rebuild its North American presence with some technological advances and market positioning.
People Can Make or Break You: Building and Keeping a Winning Tire Team
Surrounding yourself with good people is the dream of every manager. From the President of the United States to the store manager at your local Subway, having good people is not a new idea. But here’s the rub. How do you keep them happy? Nearly 70% of tire dealers questioned by Tire Review say they’re
Industry Report
With a new three-year labor contract in hand, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. turned its attention to other restructuring issues as it works to right its financial ship. The tiremaker formally announced the closing of its Huntsville, Ala., plant, then laid off about 200 employees from its Tyler, Texas, facility.
Industry Report
RMA Asks NHTSA For Internet OptionLooking to increase the number of tires being registered, the RMA has asked NHTSA for formal permission to allow tire buyers to register to tires via tiremaker Web sites. Allowing "additional, easier choices" would enhance NHTSA’s ability to notify owners in the event of a safety problem with their tires.
Back Home Again
Back after a one-year hiatus, the World Tire Expo returns with a wide range of educational programs, special events and trade show opportunities. This will also be the first WTE under the Tire Industry Association.
Industry Report
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. received a one-month extension from its various banks to comply with loan agreement covenants that, among other things, would have forced the struggling tiremaker to make a $500 million contribution to its underfunded pension program. The extension was granted Mar. 5, two days before a temporary waiver was set to expire, and expires Apr. 4.
Building Blocks of Success
You can agree or disagree with certain business practices, but success isusually never questioned. Success generally doesn’t happen overnight, nor does it come without a great deal of hard work. Dreams, tremendous expectations and personal drive factor heavily into the success formula.
Finding Mr./Ms. Right: Staff, Rather Than Location, Will Build or Break Your Business
Finding Mr./Ms. Right Staff, Rather Than Location, Will Build or Break Your Business No. Location, Location, Location are not the three most important factors in retailing success. Instead, they are Staff, Staff, Staff. The smaller your tire dealership, the more important each person becomes. Just one bad apple in a staff of, say, three can