Winter Tire Market Flat, But EV-Specific Products Bring Opportunity
Affected by pandemic supply chain disruptions and the uptick in sales of all-weather tires, the winter tire market in the U.S. has been largely flat in recent years. Despite the expectation that this will continue, tire dealers in snowy regions like the northern U.S. and Canada still should plan ahead to meet consumer demand in
Hankook Tire Launches iON Evo EV Tires in the US
Hankook Tire America launched the company’s first tires specifically designed for electric vehicles (EVs) in the US. The iON evo AS and iON evo AS SUV are built with Hankook’s “EVolution” technology, which focuses on tread wear, noise reduction and unique grip performance for EVs, said the company. Rob Williams, senior vice president of North
BendPak Introduces New Two-Post Lift
BendPak introduced its AP Series, a two-post lift with patent-pending features designed to make lifting internal combustion and electric cars, trucks and vans safer, easier and more efficient. The AP Series features a swing arm design that offers both greater under-vehicle clearance and better extension and retraction to enable technicians to reach the OEM-recommended lift
Why Electric Vehicle Drivers Need Tires Made for EVs
Just as manufacturers develop specific tires to suit different driving styles and segments, electric vehicles also need to be outfitted with specific tires to maximize safety and performance. EVs are at their best when equipped with tires designed to reduce rolling resistance to secure maximum driving distance and minimize charging. However, many of today’s tire
Three Things to Keep Your Eye on in the New Year
Let’s face it: it’s harder to be an independent tire dealer today than in years past. That’s what longtime tire dealers we talk to—not only in interviews but also at ride-n-drives, on Johnny g & Friends and in What’s Treading episodes—tell us. From supply challenges to expanding tire sizes, the business has gotten complicated. And
Don’t Let Electrification Shock Your Shop
As a 50-year veteran of the tire industry, Ron Lautzenheiser is surprised at how many EVs his shops service. Believe it or not, he estimates that 5-10% of service across his four locations – two Big O Tires stores and two Grease Monkey stores in Fort Collins, Colorado—comes from EVs. While Ron has hopped on
What Data Tells Us About EV Hype
Love them or not, EVs are hugely gaining popularity – at least in the sense that we can’t help but talk about them all the time – thanks to a number of market factors, gas prices being chief among them. In fact, according to data released by Hankook Tire in August, 26% of survey takers
ATEQ TPMS Tools Adopt Tesla BLE Technology
ATEQ TPMS Tools‘ VT67 TPMS diagnostic tool and tire management tablet will now be capable of reading and programming the Tesla BLE sensor. ATEQ said it’s the first TPMS tool manufacturer in the world to adopt BLE technology into its diagnostic tools. BLE sensors can be found in Tesla models such as the Model 3
AASA, Auto Care Association Release Trends Report on EVs, E-Commerce
Together, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Auto Care Association (ACA), commissioned the 2022 Joint E-Commerce Trends and Outlook Forecast and the 2022 Joint EV Trends and Outlook Forecast to provide the auto care industry with the insights needed to navigate the rapidly evolving industry. Released at AAPEX Show 2022, the reports are
TIA Hones in on EVs, Training & Gaining New Members
This year and into 2023, the Tire Industry Association has quite a bit on its agenda, including updating training programs, preparing dealers for future EV service, and, of course, lobbying for dealers on issues such as Right to Repair. TIA CEO Dick Gust shared the various ways the association is working to help tire dealer
EVs Immersed Throughout 2022 SEMA Show
As vehicle electrification increases, this year’s SEMA Show will include more features and activities to help showgoers learn about the opportunities that emerging technology offers the automotive aftermarket. In addition to SEMA Electrified – a 21,000-sq.-ft. area at SEMA dedicated to solutions for EV platforms and conversions, the four-day annual B2B event will include EV-related
Sailun Tire Shows Off ERange EV Tire Capabilities in the Hollywood Hills
Following the debut of its ERange EV tire earlier this year, Sailun Tire Americas invited tire dealers, distributors and members of the media in early October to what is arguably the electric vehicle capital of the U.S. – Los Angeles, California – to be among the first group to put its new product through its