Fuzzy ‘Fix’: Ill-Placed Countervailing Duties Counter to Free Market Economy
Been thinking about this whole Chinese tire-International Trade Commission/Commerce Department matter. And it is a difficult one, to be sure. I am not necessarily a fan, for instance, of good manufacturing jobs leaving these shores. But I do understand – and agree with – the concept of a Free Market Economy. You know, the one
For Gatlin’s Sake: Momentum Builds for National Tread Depth Regs, But Much More to Do
A full year has gone by since we threw our support behind a national 4/32nds tread depth law (5/32nds for Class 3-8 trucks), and urged tire dealers to press their state legislators and Congresspeople to act. And I am pleased to report that things are moving. The idea gained additional steam last year, especially after
Bits & Pieces: Notes, News & Notions from End-of-Year Desk Cleaning
Annual purge of posties and chicken scratch uncovered a few items I though were worth sharing: Policy changes…the days of hardball haggling with the local car dealer are apparently over. Fixed pricing plays better on the Web, and with women and younger buyers. Plus, less negotiating means fewer sales managers – and lower costs. Like
Taking Stock: Vandals and Thieves Damage Tires, Bad Service Damages Industry
For those who haven’t been paying attention, 2007 was a lousy year to be a tire. So many innocents were lost to man-made madness, taken from us in their prime, some well before their contributions were even realized. And we’re not just talking about tires. Dozens, hundreds, nay thousands of tires passed before their warranties
Changing Aptitudes: Kumho, Other Tire and Auto Companies Work to Improve Teen Driving Skills
The fact I need a mirror to see my rearview is ample proof that my teenage years are well in the rearview mirror. But, boy, do I wish I were one right now. Cell phones, PCs and the Internet, cable TV, digital music, four-cylinder rockets…we didn’t have any of these things. Our high tech was
Textbook Example: Top Shop Winners AND Entrants Prove Independent Dealers Are Doing Well
The North American independent tire dealer is alive and well, and doing fine, thank you very much. In fact, based on the piles and piles of entries we received for our first Top Shop Awards contest, tire dealers are textbook examples of how small businesses should be run. Successfully, effectively, profitably – and people focused.
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
Great Leap Forward?: Recall, Rebate Change Will Impact Tire Market. But How?
Get used to seeing the word “China” in this issue. You can’t swing a useless semicolon without hitting it. It wasn’t intentional, just an odd confluence of events. Our cover feature, which looks at today’s new breed of imported tires, was decided some time ago. The recall and the change to China’s export taxes and
A 50% (Plus 1) Solution?: ‘Free Choice’ Bill Could Bring Unions to Small Business
Now that we have labor peace in the tire industry, we must turn our attention to the next big labor circus act. No, not the upcoming United Autoworkers vs. Detroit’s Big (and Nearly Bankrupt) 3 show, which opens its unlimited engagement this summer. We’re talking about the Employee Free Choice Act, a bit of D.C.
How Do You Stack Up?: Now You’ll Know – New Feature Provides Timely, Real-World Retail Sales Data
“So, what do you hear out there?” If you merely read the words, this question makes no sense whatsoever. What you “hear out there” could be the blood-curdling screams of hungry coyotes or your spouse pointing out the error of your ways (if the latter is the case, the coyotes may be more pleasant). But
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
A Challenge for You: Tread Depth Rule Interest Grows, But Dealers Can Lead the Charge
Talk about your groundswell of support! Since my column urging the industry to push for a national tread depth law – 4/32nds deep for cars and 5/32nds for Class 3 and larger trucks – I’ve heard from a couple of state associations, a number of dealers and TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield, all of