Traffic Slows for Auto Industry
(Orange County Register) Here’s another sign of tough economic times: Car owners cutting back on maintenance.
Dealing With Diversity: Reaching Out to All Demographic Groups is Vital to Success
Reaching Out to All Demographic Groups is Vital to Success in Today’s Diverse Marketplace Everywhere you turn today you hear and read about diversity – and its importance to and impact on our nation’s economy and harmony. Large corporations have gone so far as to install diversity officers, managers in charge of making sure people
Unsafe Trucks Stream Out of L.A.’s Ports
(Los Angeles Times) Miguel had more reason than usual to be anxious as he drove his aging big rig out of the Port of Los Angeles’ bustling China Shipping Terminal.
New RMA Chairman Outlines Plans
(Akron/Tire Review) Jim MacMaster, executive vice president of Yokohama Tire Corporation, was recently elected to a two-year term as chairman of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).
Paper Tiger: Tackling Image Problem Takes Real Teeth, Not Tax Boondoggle
All I can say is: Be careful what you wish for. We’ve all heard tales of consumers being ripped off by auto repair shops. TV news shows and other media have done their watchdog best to uncover unscrupulous shops, especially during sweeps months. Many consumers see those hyper-hyped “Eyewitless News” exposes and automatically lump all
Spectacular Showrooms
These days, when it comes to showrooms and customer lounges, there’s a lot of potty talk going on. But, it’s not what you might think. Tire dealers are literally cleaning up their act, and it has nothing to do with verbal communication. It has everything to do with attracting and keeping customers. “I’m very serious
State of Readiness: Lead Weights Clearly on the Outs, But Timetable is Hazy
Despite rumblings from various industry bodies, the wheel-weight world will eventually become lead free. It will happen, but when? Europe has banned all lead wheel weights, and so has Japan. In fact, every automobile being imported to the U.S. from those ports are totally lead free. To that list add General Motors, which has jumped
Right to Repair Legislation Introduced in Nevada
(Akron/Tire Review) The California/Nevada Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (CAWA) recently co-sponsored the Nevada Aftermarket Industry Legislative Day to meet and educate legislators about the automotive aftermarket industry and highlight the introduction of SB 1320 (Hardy), the Nevada Right to Repair Act.
The Finest Around: From Coast to Coast, Dealer Passion and Deeds Equally Strong
Often in this space I have offered concerns and observations about the tire industry. Criticisms in some cases, suggestions in others, but all with an eye toward strengthening your position in the market. I have been remiss, though, in mentioning the many fabulous things you and your teams do – often as part of your
Who Is On Our Side?’: Dealer Asks Tough Question, But Maybe the Real Answer is You!
Instead of my usual mish-mash of sticky note items and holiday cheer, I want to leave all of you with a philosophical question to chew on as we head into a new year. Who is really watching out for the best interests of the independent tire dealer? Seems like a pretty simple question, doesn’t it?