More Than Just Tires: Private Brand Execs Discuss SKUs, Marketing and Competition
More Than Just Tires Private Brand Execs Discuss SKUs, Marketing and Competition Dealers agree that private brands provide the combination of product quality and profit margins they need to remain vital and competitive in today’s market. But like the major brands, private branders face a number of key issues that cut to the core of
An Evolution that Significantly Changed Component Management
Sharppoints Savvy truck fleet maintenance managers who’ve been around the business for awhile recognize an evolution that has significantly changed their approach to component management. While the basics of selecting good quality components and maintaining them in service is still the primary focus, what could be generally described as "problem management" has slowly been replaced
What’s the Real Value?: Methods Vary, But Calculating the Cost/Value of Truck Tires is Key
What’s the Real Value? Methods Vary, But Calculating the Cost/Value of Truck Tires is Key Finding ways to save money is important to any business. No owner wants to see more money going out the door than is coming in. Commercial fleets are no different. The costs of equipment, salaries and repairs can be high,
Industry Report
Michelin signs eight more retreaders, now claims 38
The Retreading Market: Plants More Productive, But Pressures Putting the Squeeze On
The Retreading Market Plants More Productive, But Pressures Putting the Squeeze On Retreading has been an integral part of the tire industry and American life for over 100 years. From the earliest days of steel-studded leather bands to the first true mold-cure retreading to the innovation of precure treads, and through the necessity brought on
Bringing You the Best – Brick by Brick
I learned a long time ago that when you ask an honest question you should expect an honest answer. Especially if it’s about something the person you’re speaking with truly values.The whirlwind of dealer and industry meetings over the past few months has given me the opportunity to renew old friendships and meet a lot
Bright Future Ahead?
Bright Future Ahead? It’s easy to forget sometimes that private branders even exist. They are rarely involved in controversy, are often not thought of as being on the cutting edge, and, for the most part, seem to remain in the background of a very public industry. But nothing could be further from the truth. Some
Industry Report
Changing of the GuardDavid Poisson Resigns from TANA; Heads To Private Sector Job
Wet ‘N’ Wild
Wet ‘N’ Wild When it comes to wet weather tires, the story is simple. One tire manufacturer created what was termed as the first dedicated rain tire line, and other tire makers followed suit. But, the evolution of the rain tire hasn’t stopped there. The ability to evacuate water quickly has always been an expressed
Writer’s Block
Much like the current temperature here in northeast Ohio, my brain has gone into a freeze. I’ve become dysfunctional, struggling to come up with some thought provoking subject matter for my column this month.