A Record Revival
People always say that we live in a changing world. It seems, however, that the pace is accelerating, especially technology advances that impacts our industry. Sometimes the changes are revolutionary. Other times, evolutions of existing products or practices breathe new life into the already familiar. I thought of this analogy recently while reassembling my old
Labor Violence at Plantation Leaves Six Hurt
(Akron/Tire Review) Clashes with police have left at least six people wounded at Bridgestone Americas Holdings natural rubber plantation in Liberia, according to numerous press reports.
Kwik-Fit to Support ‘Think Before You Drive’ Campaign
(Staffordshire, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) Kwik-Fit has pledged its support to Bridgestone’s “Think Before You Drive” campaign, which is its contribution to the United Nations Global Road Safety Week taking place Apr. 23-29.
Bridgestone Announces External Audit Accreditation for CV Dealerships
(Staffordshire, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) Bridgestone UK is to award “Approved Expert Dealer” status to three commercial vehicle tyre dealerships.
Raybestos Works to Address Tech Needs
(Akron/Tire Review) Raybestos says it has “completely re-engineered” its entire brake component product lines after conducting “months of extensive” research with service technicians across North America.
Head Scratchin’ Time: With Winter Behind Us, Here’s a Few Items to Start Your Spring
Last year, I threw you a curve with the odd tale of the shape-shifting tire. There were certainly enough clues that it was a Sid Finch job, but to clarify once and for all: It was a fake! April Fools! It’s April again. Time for a foot of spring snow, a holiday break and some
Advertising ROI: Image is Everything, But Profit Power is in Numbers
In many independent businesses, advertising gets a bad rap. When times are tough, it’s the first to go. When times are tremendous, it’s the last priority. Any business expense without an immediate, noticeable return won’t make the top of a tire dealer’s to-do list, especially when that list is miles long, crammed with the hundreds
Tighter Squeeze: Low-Cost Options Add Pressure, But Private Branders Remain Strong
What do you do when all around you is chaos – a shrinking market, harsh price-based competition from overseas, lost domestic business and predictions of an early demise? U.S. private brands have seen this movie before, back when the first Japanese-produced tires hit these shores and again when South Korean tires made their way here.
Settled, But Not Settling: Turmoil Passed, CTNA Focus Shifts to Building Brand, Rebuilding Dealer Trust
Plant closings, union battles, multiple management changes, low fill rates, irate dealers, shifting directions…the last five years have been difficult for Continental Tire North America. But, the past is the past. Since the appointment of Continental AG CFO Alan Hippe as president and CEO of CTNA in May 2005, CTNA officials point out, progress has
Back On Track: Cooper Says New CS4 Touring Tire a Step in the Right Direction
Cooper Says New CS4 Touring Tire a Step in the Right Direction