Tire Business Special Report Tire Discounters focuses Mountain View Q&As with tire Mid-YearTireReport 10 on training to improve 11 Tire & Service 12-13 industry experts Focusing on the aftermarket employee experience sees rising sales

June 24, 2019 $79 per year, $4 per copy www.tirebusiness.com The end of an era Zielasko to retire from TB, begin another chapter in industry By Dave Zielasko who co-founded Rubber & Plastics News, employees. This was the foundation estab- [email protected] founded Tire Business for Crain and ac- lished by company founder G.D. Crain. It’s t doesn’t seem possible that I am writ- quired European Rubber Journal, the three why Crain, in my opinion, continues to this ing a column about my retirement from publications I have had the honor to lead. day as one of the world’s premier publish- ICrain Communications Inc., my em- Dad was my mentor and an outstanding ing and media companies. ployer for more than three decades. editor and publisher. He taught me how to Thanks to RPN, Tire Business and ERJ, I don’t feel old and still have the same write and report, the importance of retain- I’ve gotten to know and understand two vi- enthusiasm, joy and wonder I had when I ing one’s ethics, how hard work pays off tal and vibrant industries on different con- joined the company nearly 35 years ago and the value of keeping costs to a mini- tinents. I’ve met more amazing people than as chief copy editor of Rubber & Plastics mum and quality high. I was blessed to I can remember, seen the world and written News, moving a few months later to a edg- have him as a father. and reported for publications that I believe ling tabloid called Tire Business, where I’ve What I didn’t know at the time was Crain our readers truly appreciate. spent a good part of my career. Communications had that same journalism Throughout this journey, I’ve worked What a ride it’s been, starting the  rst two philosophy: A focus on news, where the with amazing colleagues starting with years working for my dad, Ernie Zielasko, reader comes  rst, solid ethics, care for its SEE ZIELASKO , PAGE 22 Goodyear to re-enter Secret of success international racing ITDG celebrates silver anniversary as growth spurt continues By Don Detore [email protected] Tire maker may take on broader program PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic By Bruce Davis year-branded program will replace The group may have celebrated [email protected] the Dunlop-brand race program in the its 25th anniversary in a place called LE MANS, France WEC starting with the 2019-20 season. “Secrets,” but Dave Marks said Goodyear plans to re-enter inter- Teams using Dunlop race tires there’s no mystery why Independent national sports-car racing later this have won the WEC’s LMP2 cate- Tire Dealers Group L.L.C. (ITDG) year with its Goodyear brand, start- gory at Le Mans nine straight years. has grown as much as it has. ing with the FIA World Endurance Goodyear said the Dunlop brand It’s all about the people, he said, Championship (WEC), including will continue in motorsports in both who are committed to hard work, the Le Mans 24-hour race. car and motorcycle racing. Among open dialogue and an expectation The decision is seen as a prelude the major series where Dunlop is ac- that if someone falls, others will to a broader program that tive is the British Touring be there to pick them up and help could involve prototype and Car Championship, which them succeed. GT-style racing. has a racing tire supply “I’m very proud of the people in Goodyear — which last and title sponsorship with this group,” said Mr. Marks, who competed under the Good- Dunlop through the 2021 in July will celebrate his second year brand in international season. anniversary as president and CEO endurance racing in 2006 — Group Michelin has of the group. disclosed its plans just days been the primary tire sup- “There’s no room for egos. There Tire Business photo by Don Detore ahead of the 2019 Le Mans plier for WEC since 2012 just isn’t. That’s why I’m proud to be ITDG leaders Dave Marks (left), president and CEO, and Chris Barry, se- 24-hour race, which ran and agreed in 2017 to con- part of it. Most of us come from hum- nior sales director, address dealers at the Farewell Dinner. June 15-16 on the famed Le- Crawley tinue supplying race tires ble beginnings. We’re just working ference, featuring most of ITDG’s reach a certain monetary number of Sarthe circuit in west-cen- through at least the 2020- stiffs. We get the job done, and we’ll vendors, was held at the all-inclusive sales in a given year and elect to buy tral France. 21 season. be there for each other. If someone Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa in a share of ITDG stock. The FIA World Endurance Cham- Technically speaking, the WEC is has a great idea, (everyone says) bring Punta Cana. In the  rst  ve months pionship features long-distance rac- an open competition series for tire it on. We don’t care who it is.” ITDG began in 1994 of 2019, nine dealerships es on four continents with the Le makers, but Michelin has been the A contingent of 250-plus mem- with a handful of inde- have joined ITDG, as well Mans season  nale, a race won 14 only one supplying the series’ top bers, spouses, vendors and other pendent dealers based in as four shareholders. Since times by Goodyear-equipped cars. Le Mans Prototype (LMP1) class invited guests not only shared ideas California only and has 2004, ITDG has more The last win was in 1997. for the past few years. The regula- but also shared plenty of meals, grown into a group with than doubled the number of Goodyear has competed in the tions do not stipulate that a tire mak- humor and camaraderie during the 159 members that operate members and locations. Since WEC for the past eight seasons with er supply a minimum percentage  ve-day excursion in early May to 727 locations in 43 states coast- 2016 alone, the group has added 16 its Dunlop brand, but the new Good- SEE GOODYEAR , PAGE 22 celebrate ITDG’s silver anniversary. to-coast. Many of the members members and 118 locations. The annual Trade Show and Con- are shareholders — members who SEE ITDG , PAGE 20 ©Entire contents copyright 2019 by Crain Communications Inc. All rights reserved. Supreme Court Trump reaches 3 refuses to hear 3 agreement on appeal of immigration wrongful death with Mexico, lawsuit rescinds tariffs Continental Earthmoving tires deliver optimal durability, But strength is only half the battle. Producing a smart tire performance and safety in the harshest environments is the future of efficient and cost-effective operations. We’re known to man. Every single tire is specifically designed the only manufacturer to include an embedded sensor which to excel in its designated application due to its superior monitors air pressure and internal temperature in every radial manufacturing quality. ContiEarth™ tires are the epitome OTR tire. Combine our smart sensor technology with advanced of strength in every sense of the word. compounding and you have a tire that’s truly brilliant.

For more details on the full line of Continental OTR products visit continental-specialty.com. Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com TIRE BUSINESS, June 24, 2019 • 3 IndustryNews Michelin veteran Garcin named to lead N.A. unit GREENVILLE, S.C. the global level, Michelin said. Group Michelin has promoted “I am con dent in the future of Alexis Garcin, a 17-year Michelin our company as we continue to fo- veteran, to chairman and president cus on bringing our sustainable of Michelin North America Inc., suc- mobility strategy to life — the crit- ceeding Scott Clark, who was recent- ical balance of customer-centricity, ly promoted to group executive vice nancial results, respect for the en- president responsible for the global vironment and empowerment of our passenger car and light truck busi- people,” Mr. Garcin said in a state- Supreme Court refuses ness, motorsports and experiences. Garcin Clark ment provided by Michelin. Mr. Garcin has been senior “This is an exciting opportunity vice president of Michelin’s global ters, from Clermont-Ferrand, France. to work with our team in the North to hear lawsuit appeal long-distance transportation business “Alexis brings an interpersonal style American region to better serve our By Miles Moore Schwab of knowingly selling him a line since 2018. From 2011 to 2017, he and a leadership approach that direct- customers and drive the business [email protected] defective tire. He sought economic was global strategic marketing direc- ly re ect the group’s core values,” Mi- forward.” WASHINGTON damages of $10 million and non-eco- tor for the truck and bus division. chelin CEO Florent Menegaux said. Before joining Michelin, Mr. Gar- The U.S. Supreme Court has re- nomic damages of up to $500,000. In his new position, Mr. Garcin “His experience and expertise will fa- cin worked for Bosch Group. He fused to hear an appeal of a wrong- Toyo and Les Schwab moved for will be responsible for all key “cus- cilitate the group’s continued growth holds a degree in economical sciences ful death lawsuit, which the tire dismissal, on the grounds that Mr. tomer-facing” functions of Michelin and success in this important region.” from the University Lumière in Lyon, manufacturer and dealer defendants Wilcox’s suit was untimely under North America, including sales and During his 17 years with Mi- France, and a master’s degree in busi- claimed had been led after the stat- Oregon’s three-year statute of limita- marketing, quality, technical develop- chelin, the French native has held ness and management from Saint-Eti- ute of limitations had lapsed. tions. The Multnomah County court ment and supply chain units. He will leadership roles in marketing, sales, enne Business School in France. Les Schwab Tire Centers of Port- granted the motion. relocate to Greenville, home of Mi- distribution and other commercial Concurrent with his promotion land Inc. and Toyo Tire Holdings Mr. Wilcox appealed to the Oregon chelin’s North American headquar- functions for units in Europe and at SEE MICHELIN , PAGE 22 of America Inc. petitioned the high Court of Appeals. Under the Service- court March 1, seeking a review of members Civil Relief Act (SCRA), he a case led in Oregon in 2014. The claimed, his military service tolled court denied certiorari on June 10. the end of the statute of limitations. Trump rescinds tariff threat as The case involved Scott and Jenna The appeals court ruled in Mr. Wilcox, a husband and wife who were Wilcox’s favor in August 2018. The both active duty Air Force personnel. Oregon Supreme Court denied Toyo U.S., Mexico reach agreement The Wilcoxes purchased Toyo and Les Schwab’s petition for re- tires at a Les Schwab store in Oregon view in January 2019. By Miles Moore After a week of intense negotiations, the Mexican and in 2004. In 2010, they were stationed In their petition to the federal Su- [email protected] U.S. governments issued a joint declaration late on June in the United Kingdom, still driving preme Court, Toyo and Les Schwab WASHINGTON 7, announcing new initiatives to prevent migrants from the BMW equipped with those tires. argued that lower courts disagree on The Trump administration has put aside its plan to Central America and Mexico from crossing into the U.S. On March 27. 2010, the Wilcoxes whether the SCRA tolls the statute levy tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico, prompt- illegally from Mexico. were driving near the Scottish bor- of limitations on a lawsuit led on ing a collective sigh of relief from representatives of the “Mexico will take unprecedented steps to increase der when their car started vibrating. behalf of another — in this case, auto and automotive aftermarket industries. enforcement to curb irregular migration, to include Mr. Wilcox examined the tires and Ms. Wilcox. President Trump announced the deployment of its National Guard through- replaced the rear passenger-side tire “The vast majority of courts have May 30 that the U.S. would out Mexico, giving priority to its southern with a temporary spare. They drove held that the SCRA does not toll place a 5-percent tariff on border,” the declaration said. on with Ms. Wilcox holding the re- claims brought by a service member Mexican goods beginning June Mexico will take “decisive action” to dis- placed tire in her lap. in a purely representative capacity, 10, then increase those tariffs mantle human smuggling and traf cking Shortly thereafter, the replaced because such claims are not person- by 5 percent every month to a organizations, according to the tire exploded, severely injuring Ms. al to the service member and often maximum of 25 percent unless declaration. It also will coordi- Wilcox. She died of her injuries could just as easily have been brought the Mexican government took nate with the U.S. to strengthen April 1 or 2, according to the com- by someone else,” the petition said. strong actions to stop migrants bilateral cooperation in securing plaint Mr. Wilcox led in the Mult- “This case presents an excellent from entering the U.S. illegally. their common border, it said. nomah County, Ore., District Court vehicle to resolve this recognized split “For decades, the United States The U.S., meanwhile, will on Sept. 17, 2014. (The complaint and to head off the gamesmanship has suffered the severe and dangerous expand implementation of the ex- gave both dates.) that will result from allowing tolling consequences of illegal immigration,” Mr. isting Migrant Protection Protocols, Mr. Wilcox accused Toyo and Les in these circumstances,” it said. Trump said in a May 30 statement on the White which call for migrants crossing into the House website. “From a safety, national security, mili- U.S. from Mexico to be returned to Mexico to await deci- tary, economic, and humanitarian standpoint, we cannot sions on their asylum claims, according to the declaration. Michelin to raise prices allow this grave disaster to continue.” SEE TARIFFS, PAGE 22 on truck, OTR products ACA’s Hanvey testi es before USTR GREENVILLE, S.C. dump truck and crane tires in certain Michelin North America Inc. tments. WASHINGTON 1974 authorizes the president to take tom line,” he said. plans to increase prices July 1 in the The increases are Michelin’s rst U.S. auto parts suppliers could appropriate action to obtain the re- “Some retailers are just starting U.S. and Canada by up to 6 percent since January when it increased prices up suffer considerable hardships if the moval of any act, policy or practice to accept cost increases passing on its Uniroyal-brand commercial to 5 percent on Michelin-, BFGoodrich- federal government places additional of a foreign government that violates through the supply chain and rais- tires and “select” Michelin-brand and Uniroyal-brand passenger and light- tariffs on imported auto parts, Bill an international trade agreement or ing prices on consumers,” Mr. Han- off-highway products. truck tires in the U.S. and Canada. Hanvey, president and CEO of the burdens U.S. commerce. vey said. Michelin said the increases are “in It last raised prices on commer- Auto Care Association (ACA) said Retaliatory action, including tar- Some ACA members have been response to market conditions.” cial market products in December, in testimony June 19 before the U.S. iffs, is de ned as appropriate under able to shift production or source The increases affect select Miche- increasing them up to 8 percent on Trade Representative (USTR). Section 301. outside of China, at a higher cost lin-brand loader, grader, articulated national accounts in the U.S. “Margin pressure and cash- ow While the ACA and its members than China, but lower when the tar- impact of nancing the tariff are support the Trump administration’s iffs are considered. causing severe nancial stress,” Mr. efforts to address China’s unfair “For products without an alterna- Hanvey said before a USTR hearing trade practices, China remains a tive source already in existence in VISIT TIREBUSINESS.COM: Check out our redesigned website. June 18 on the fourth Section 301 critical trading partner and manu- another country, it could take six to PODCAST: Listen to our latest podcast: A talk with Brent Hesje, CEO of tariff list on imports from China. facturing hub in the auto aftermar- 18 months, and likely years, to nd Alberta-based Fountain Tire. Mr. Hanvey also told the hearing ket’s supply chain, Mr. Hanvey said. and qualify a new source,” he said. PHOTO GALLERY: Check out a photo gallery from Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s that the tariffs are making Ameri- “Many of our members are be- “We hope the administration will recent visit to the Goodyear racing tire manufacturing plant in Akron. can roads less safe as consumers put ing forced by their distribution cus- consider the severity of imposing Other online content: off “safety-critical” maintenance in tomers to absorb cost increases that tariffs and will continuing engaging the face of higher prices. are related to the tariffs, placing a to dialogue with China to protect STORIES • VIDEOS • PHOTOS • NEWS• LETTERS • PODCASTS Section 301 of the Trade Act of heavy nancial strain on their bot- U.S. investments,” Mr. Hanvey said. 4 • June 24, 2019, TIRE BUSINESS Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com IndustryNews NEWS IN BRIEF Conti is adding OTR tire Enhanced website offers warranty comparison of ag tires NASHVILLE, Tenn. capacity at Portugal plant Dealers and consumers have a website that re- LOUSADO, Portugal vision, said. views and compares agricultural tires warranties. Continental A.G. is investing “Both the port and earthmov- The website, agtiretalk.com/warranty-stop, $114 million to add capacity for ing segments are among the key provides free information on ag tires sold in larger diameter radial earthmoving growth areas in the commercial North America. It includes warranty details and port materials-handling tires at specialty tire market. The new and a radial R-1/R-1W summary for the several its 73-year-old tire plant in Lousado. production lines clearly reect our ag tire brands, including Alliance Tire Ameri- The investment includes funding commitment to these segments and cas Inc., BKT USA, CEAT Specialty Tires Inc., to expand an on-site research and the overall OTR business.” Continental Tire the Americas, Bridgestone development lab that is dedicated to Conti added capacity for radial Corp.’s Firestone brand, Maxam Tire North off-road tires, the company said. agricultural tires in 2016-17 at its America Inc., Group Michelin, Titan Interna-

Double Coin Holdings Ltd. photo The new capacity will be housed Continental Mabor Industria de tional Inc./Goodyear and Trelleborg A.B./Mi- Double Coin Holdings Ltd.’s Thailand plant opened in mid-2017 on in a hall being built adjacent to the Pneus S.A. plant in Lousado, in line tas A.S. The new feature recently was added to a 3.6-million-sq.-ft. site. expansion, which opened in 2017 with its strategy to get back into a the three-year-old website. for radial agricultural tire produc- tire sector it had exited in 2004. Ag Tire Talk founder James Tuschner said, tion, Conti said. It did not disclose “This investment strengthens during his 28-year career in the tire business, he Double Coin’s Thailand plant the hall’s size or the new product our footprint in Lousado and trans- often saw the need for a simple online resource lines’ capacity. Production could forms the top-ef ciency plant into that addresses ag tires. is producing at full capacity start before year-end, Conti said. a competence center for big radial “This new feature supports our primary The production hall will be tires for off-road use,” Mr. Kötz mission of providing in-depth information on MONROVIA, Calif. than 50,000 OTR tires per year, equipped with state-of-the-art tire added. ag tires that helps tire dealers better serve their Double Coin Holdings Ltd.’s CMA said. building machinery and automated The port-handling tires are new farmer customers and farmers make informed plant in Thailand is operating The plant, which operates devices, designed to deliver “cut- to Conti’s portfolio, while the OTR decisions about purchasing and operating ag at full capacity to produce off- under Huayi Group (Thailand), ting-edge” radial tires. The facility tire lines are being produced now tires,” Mr. Tuschner said. road and radial truck/bus tires, is a joint venture with Bang- is designed to produce three earth- under contract by a third-party Eu- One feature on Ag Tire Talk is “Manufactur- according to Tim Phillips, vice kok-based Tribeca Enterprise Co. moving tire lines and three port ropean company, Conti said. er Answers,” where ag tire manufacturers offer president of marketing and op- Ltd., a subsidiary of Thai rubber tire lines with rim diameters larger In addition to the OTR tire lines, insights into key issues every other month. erations for Double Coin’s CMA company Thai Hua Rubber Pub- than 24 inches. Lousado makes passenger tires “I still wake up every day looking forward L.L.C. subsidiary in Monrovia. lic Co. Ltd. and the promoter of The new production is expected with annual production of about 18 to learning more about ag tires and associating Mr. Phillips said the facility the LK-RICH estate. to add 100 jobs to the plant’s exist- million units. with counterparts that I think are some of the in Rayong, Thailand, is able to Shanghai Huayi is the parent ing workforce of 2,000, Conti said. Conti has been involved in the nest people on earth: farmers, tire dealers and ful ll container-level orders, and of Double Coin Holdings. “Thanks to the investments and Lousado plant since 1989, when it equipment dealers,” Mr. Tuschner said. products made in Thailand are The plant is controlled by the additional capacity created, we are created a 60-40 joint venture with not subject to the elevated anti- Manufacturing Execution Sys- continuing to pursue the growth local manufacturer Mabor Indu- dumping and/or countervailing tem (MES) software, Double strategy of the tire division,” Chris- stria. It bought full control of the Ford honors Pirelli’s duties associated with products Coin said, and is integrated with tian Kötz, head of Conti’s Tire Di- venture in 1993. sustainability efforts produced in China. the SAP management system. DEARBORN, Mich. With major competitors reliant The company said plans for Ford Motor Co. has honored Pirelli & C. on Chinese plants alone for pro- expansion of the Thai plant have S.p.A. with its Sustainability World Excellence duction, he said that puts Double been initiated. award for its efforts in exceeding the auto mak- Coin customers “in an excellent Mr. Phillips noted that, in er’s expectations. purchasing position in the face addition to container-load ship- In accepting the award, Marco Crola, CEO of product shortages and higher ments, Double Coin also is of Pirelli Tire North America, noted that Pirelli prices from China.” stocking and shipping tires has chosen to make sustainability a fundamental The plant, which opened in from its warehouses located in part of its everyday operations. mid-2017 on a 3.6-million-sq.- Memphis, Tenn.; Rancho Cu- “It is fully integrated into the group’s vision ft. site in Thailand’s LK-RICH camonga and San Jose, Calif.; and strategies for growth in all business areas and Estate, has the capacity to man- Vancouver, British Columbia; Continental A.G. photo in all management decisions,” Mr. Crola said. ufacture more than 1.8 million Costa Rica; and Queretaro, OTR tire capacity will be housed in a structure being built at Conti’s Ford, he added, has been an important stake- radial truck tires as well as more Mexico. factory in Lousado, Portugal. holder for Pirelli in areas such as responsible sourcing of natural rubber, carbon reduction and OBITUARY materials innovation. Pirelli “continues to take big strides in devel- oping innovative products for a more responsible Ex-Goodyear blimp advocate Wittman automotive industry,” Ernest Bedia, vice presi- dent of original equipment for Pirelli Tire North ST. JOSEPHS, Mich. tralia, as well as one for the 2000 Summer year came during the 1989 World Series in America, said in a statement. Michael (Mickey) Alexander Wittman, Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, called the San Francisco. One of the rm’s blimps was a longtime blimp advocate who worked 25 Spirit of the South Paci c. above Candlestick Park when the 6.9-mag- years with Goodyear Airship Operations, “Then we launched one in Sao Paulo, and nitude earthquake struck the Bay Area. Commerce adjusts 2016 import died June 4. He was 74. we met with TV Globo Mr. Wittman stayed airborne for more Mr. Wittman was among those credited (the premiere TV network than 24 hours, organizing coverage of the duties on Chinese passenger, LT tires with beginning and popularizing aerial sports in Brazil) executives and devastation. Colleagues credited him and WASHINGTON broadcasting from the blimp, now prevalent in gave them exclusive use his crew with saving lives that day. The U.S. Department of Commerce has made today’s TV sportscasts. During his career with of the Goodyear blimp for Mr. Wittman, a graduate of the Universi- a slight downward adjustment in the countervail- Goodyear, he directed the blimp in covering all the soccer games. … It ty of Miami (Fla.), was a renowned athlete, ing duty rates on passenger and light truck tires more than 2,500 live sports events, including was quite a coup thanks to playing for the Akron Wingfoots of the Na- imported from China during calendar year 2016. six Olympics, 30 World Series, 26 Super Bowls Mickey and our local PR tional Industrial Basketball League. Commerce published the nal results of an and countless college football games. guy,” Mr. Inman said. He ended his collegiate basketball career administrative review of those duties in the He was inducted into the Sports Broad- A Goodyear spokes- ranked among the school’s all-time leading April 25 Federal Register. At that time, the casting Hall of Fame in 2013. Wittman man told another story of scorers and rebounders, a two-time MVP who agency found a countervailable subsidy rate of Mr. Wittman began working for Goodyear Mr. Wittman: Once, he went to Rockefeller was inducted into the Miami Sports Hall of 16.37 percent for Cooper (Kunshan) Tire Co. Airship Operations in 1972, then left the com- Center in New York City, where many televi- Fame. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Ltd., 15.75 percent for Qingdao Sentury Tire pany for ve years. He was rehired in 1978, sion executives had of ces at that time. The English literature, he continued his basketball Co. Ltd. and 16.17 percent for non-selected serving Goodyear at both the Houston and Ak- story goes that Mr. Wittman went up to a very career with the Phillips 66ers and Wingfoots. companies under review. ron blimp bases, as well as in New York City. high oor, announced he was “the blimp guy” Mr. Wittman is survived by his wife of However, on May 6, Cooper led a petition Henry Inman, who had public relations and dropped hundreds of business cards in 28 years, Susan (Contreras); their daughters with Commerce, claiming the agency made a responsibility for the Asia and Latin Amer- hopes of landing blimp coverage. Alex and Colby; daughter Paige from his clerical error in how it calculated the bene t to ica region from 1997-2000, said he and Mr. According to his obituary, one of Mr. rst marriage with wife Shirley; two grand- Cooper from the provision of synthetic rubber and Wittman launched blimps in Brazil and Aus- Wittman’s proudest moments with Good- children; and brother Scott. butadiene for less than adequate remuneration, according to a June 17 notice correcting the error. Under the new calculations, Cooper will pay Volume 37, No. 6—Tire Business (ISSN 0746-9071) is published biweekly by 2 years; group rates available. Surface delivery—to Canada, 1 year—$107 (includes Crain Communications Inc. at 2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000, Cuyahoga Falls, GST); to all other countries, $119 per year. Four weeks notice required for change a countervailing duty of 15.47 percent, while Ohio 44221. Periodicals postage paid at Akron and additional mailing of ces. of address. Single copy—$4. Canadian Post International Publications Mail Product non-selected companies will pay 15.56 percent. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Tire Business, Circulation Dept., 1155 Gratiot (Canadian Distribution) Sales Agreement #40012850, GST #136760444. Canadian Sentury remains unchanged at 15.75 percent. Ave., Detroit, Mich. 48207-2912. Subscription rates: U.S., $79—one year; $148— return address: 4960-2 Walker Road, Windsor, ON N9A6J3. Printed in U.S.A. Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com TIRE BUSINESS, June 24, 2019 • 5 NASCAR’s Earnhardt Jr. visits Goodyear’s Akron race tire plant AKRON Two-time Daytona 500 winner and NASCAR veteran Dale Earn- hardt Jr. visited Goodyear’s race tire plant in Akron in mid-June for the rst time. Mr. Earnhardt, an NBC-TV race Kumho Tire Georgia Inc.’s Macon, Ga., plant. analyst, helped Goodyear plant em- ployees assemble Eagle tires for the NASCAR Series race weekend at Kumho vows to resolve New Hampshire Motor Speedway, July 19-21. “I’ve never seen Goodyear racing safety issues at Ga. plant tires being made,” Mr. Earnhardt By Miles Moore placed Kumho in the Severe Viola- tweeted on June 10. “I wish I’d seen [email protected] tion Enforcement Program (SVEP). it decades ago. NASCAR should MACON, Ga. According to the OSHA website, make it part of rookie orientation. Kumho Tire Georgia Inc. said it will the SVEP “concentrates resources It’d saved me a ton of headaches I work with the U.S. Occupational Safe- on inspecting employers who have created for myself.” ty and Health Administration (OSHA) demonstrated indifference to their Goodyear has been producing tires to resolve alleged safety issues at the OSH Act obligations by willful, for NASCAR for more than 40 years. photo Goodyear Goodyear CEO Rich Kramer (left) presents Dale Earnhardt Jr. with a dona- tire maker’s Macon plant. repeated, or failure-to-abate viola- The plant, located in a former tion for his foundation. On May 23, OSHA ned Kumho tions.” commercial-scale tire plant built in Tire Georgia and two other compa- In addition to the Kumho viola- 1916, also makes tires exclusively in 2017. The deal covers NASCAR’s Earnhardt with a $43,000 donation nies $523,895 for alleged safety vio- tions, OSHA ned Sae Joong Mold for the National Hot Rod Associa- Monster Energy Cup Series, X niti to The Dale Jr. Foundation — a lations at Macon. Inc. $9,093 for using damaged slings tion (NHRA)’s top three classes. Series and Camping World Truck charity dedicated to giving under- Kumho was cited for 22 alleged and for electrical hazards at Macon. Goodyear has been NASCAR’s Series championships. privileged individuals, with a focus violations — 12 serious, nine repeat It also ned J-Brothers Inc. $7,503 exclusive race tire supplier since Also during the visit, Goodyear on youth, the opportunity to achieve and one other-than-serious — and for failing to mount portable re ex- 1997 and last renewed the contract CEO Rich Kramer presented Mr. extraordinary goals. ned an aggregate of $507,299. The tinguishers or perform annual main- citations cover: tenance on re extinguishers. yy Exposing employees to fall, OSHA gave Kumho and the other struck-by and burn hazards; companies until June 19 to abate the yy Failing to follow hazardous alleged violations. In a June 20 state- energy control procedures while em- ment, Kumho said it had an informal ployees perform service and mainte- conference June 12 with the OSHA nance on machinery; area director, during which some yy Failing to train employees on citations were dismissed, some pen- safety-control procedures; and alties reduced, and “more practical” yy Failing to provide machine abatement deadlines set. The compa- guarding on various pieces of equip- ny did not give speci cs on this. ment throughout the Macon plant. “Both Kumho Tire and OSHA OSHA inspected the plant on Nov. have common interests such as pro- 27, 2018. The agency said it initiated viding a safe workplace free of recog- the follow-up inspection after failing nized hazards and unsafe behaviors,” to receive documents from Kumho the tire maker said. “The leadership that it abated violations found during team at Kumho Tire Georgia is com- a 2017 inspection. mitted to providing its team mem- After the latest inspection, OSHA bers with such a workplace.” Southern Tire Mart ned for alleged safety violations FORT WORTH, Texas cles safely and allegedly not provid- Columbia, Miss.-based Southern ing exit signs indicating the way to Tire Mart L.L.C. (STM) is facing safety in case of an accident, the $341,195 in nes after the U.S. Oc- agency said. cupational Safety and Health Ad- The “serious” violations involved ministration (OSHA) cited the com- allegedly not providing seat belts pany for alleged safety violations for forklift truck operators, not pro- at its Fort Worth viding portable re retread plant. extinguishers, and OSHA issued 17 exposing workers to citations June 10 electrocution, ampu- against STM — one tation and struck-by willful, three repeat, 10 serious and hazards. three other-than-serious — in con- The re extinguisher violation nection with the Dec. 19, 2018, death was corrected during the inspection of a worker at the Fort Worth plant. when the company provided an ex- The employee suffered fatal inju- tinguisher, OSHA said. The agency ries while trying to inate a tire on a gave STM until July 9 to correct the single-piece truck rim. others. The “willful” violation accounted STM has 15 days from June 10 to for $132,598 of the ne, according pay the nes, request an informal to an OSHA document. It involved conference with the OSHA area di- the alleged failure to provide a re- rector or contest the citations before straining device or barrier as re- the independent Occupational Safe- quired by OSHA regulations to the ty and Health Review Commission. workers who were inating tires on STM said it is evaluating the agen- the truck rims. cy’s ndings and that it “remains The three “repeat” violations in- committed to working with OSHA volved allegedly not training forklift representatives to see that the best truck drivers to operate their vehi- practices are followed. ...” 6 • June 24, 2019, TIRE BUSINESS Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com OUR VIEW

Air today, gone Brennan Lafferty V.P./group publisher [email protected] • 313-446-6768 EDITORIAL STAFF tomorrow? P:330-836-9180 F:330-836-2831 Group Michelin’s recent announcement that a main- David E. Zielasko V.P./publisher, Editorial director tenance-free, non-pneumatic tire/wheel system could be [email protected] • 330-865-6131 market-ready as an original equipment tment option as Donald J. Detore soon as 2024 for General Motors Co. should come as no Editor surprise to most industry observers. [email protected] • 330-865-6126 Bruce Davis Ever since the rst viable pneumatic tires were pro- Special projects reporter duced in the late 1880s, it seems as if tire manufacturers [email protected] • 330-865-6145 everywhere have been trying to develop technology that Miles D. Moore Senior Washington reporter takes a non-pneumatic tire to the mainstream. [email protected] • 703-256-9275 In fact, the technology that Michelin and GM her- Kathy McCarron alded during the recent Movin’On event in Montreal Reporter [email protected] • 330-865-6127 — the Uptis, or “Unique Punctureproof Tire System” Michael McCrady — is based on the fundamentals of Michelin’s Tweel Forum Art director/page designer tire/wheel product that was rst introduced 14 years [email protected] • 330-865-6148 ago, at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show, according to Eric INTERNET STAFF Vinesse, Michelin executive vice president, research When unexpected strikes, Erin Pustay Beaven Online content editor and development. [email protected] • 330-865-6106 It’s taken that long — some might argue that the Mark McCarron culture matters more Digital coordinator process has been fast-tracked given the level of com- [email protected] • 330-865-6123 plexity of the product — for the technology to expand Mary Kramer scribe the culture that empowers employees [email protected] to take responsibility, go above and beyond PRODUCTION/IT STAFF beyond low-speed applications on vehicles like lawn Scott Merryweather to serve customers and co-workers and throw tractors or skid-steers that currently use the Tweel. DETROIT Media services manager Some business leaders — founders and out ideas to make the company better. [email protected] • 330-865-6104 While the Uptis uses resin-reinforced berglass CEOs especially — probably had one of two That culture will serve the “family of com- Anthony DiPonio spokes as load-bearing elements like the Tweel, the thoughts recently as news about Quicken panies” well during this crisis. Chief information of cer [email protected] • 313-446-1605 materials, production process and architecture of the Loans Inc CEO Dan Gilbert’s stroke spread: Culture matters. Another example: Jack Uptis spoke design are new, according to Michelin. When was my last physical? Roush, founder of Roush Enter- SALES STAFF P:330-836-9180 F:330-836-1005 The spokes are molded onto an aluminum cylinder, What would happen to my compa- prises, an automotive engineering Patrick Cannon and the rubber tread is molded onto the circular plat- ny if I were hospitalized for a serious company that has designed and built Group sales director form that attaches to the end of the spokes. This as- health issue? cutting-edge engines and more re- [email protected] • 313-916-1625 A third question circulated cently, driverless vehicles for Goo- Christine Zernick sembly is then bolted to an aluminum wheel cover/ Sales director mounting plate that contains the wheel hub. throughout the early hours of the gle’s sister company Waymo. [email protected] • 330-865-6108 In a story earlier this year, Crain’s Michelin and GM have entered into a joint research Detroit Regional Chamber’s Macki- Bruce Miller nac Policy Conference: “What have Dustin Walsh described the culture Regional sales manager agreement calling for the companies to develop and you heard about Dan Gilbert?” Mr. Roush has built, creating “an al- [email protected] • 313-737-6665 validate the Uptis prototype further. The goal is to in- There was genuine concern, of legiance of highly motivated dream- John Hickey Kramer Sales manager troduce Uptis on passenger models as early as 2024. course. But there was also an im- ers, tinkerers of all things steel, oil [email protected] • 260-437-8502 Consider that for a second. Auto makers already are plied fear of what might happen if the vision- and wheels. And, he was their leader, an au- Peter Bianchi starting to roll out their 2020 models. That means the ary investor were sidelined. As Detroit News tomotive Willy Wonka.” Sales manager airless tire could be part of the passenger tire market columnist Nolan Finley noted recently: “No He started building the culture on Day 1, [email protected] • 312-265-6484 Brooke Stender in less than 48 months. other city in America is as heavily dependent and it continued in 2002, the year the small Classi ed sales representative Michelin and GM have been testing the prototype on the commitment of a single individual as plane he was piloting hit a power line and [email protected] •330-865-6117 on vehicles such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV. They will Detroit is on (Mr.) Gilbert’s.” crashed, sidelining Mr. Roush for a time. Lori DiFrancesco When a privately held, essentially fami- Culture mattered at Crain Communications Sales and conference coordinator initiate testing of Uptis on a  eet of Bolt EV vehicles [email protected] • 330-865-6121 ly-owned company loses its highly visible Inc. when our second-generation leader, Keith in Michigan. leader, even for a short time, it’s an opportu- Crain, underwent surgery in 2016 that had un- MARKETING & EVENTS STAFF The companies have been granted permission to test Sarah Arnold nity for the entire team to rally behind what anticipated problems. He was out for months. Marketing & events manager vehicles with the Uptis tire/wheel on public roads in that leader built and stands for. And for lead- Our company rallied around the third-gener- [email protected] • 330-865-6169 South Carolina and are seeking permission from other ership at all levels to emerge even stronger. ation leader, KC Crain, now president of our Sally Dietz states as well, including Michigan, California, Georgia company and publisher of Crain’s Detroit Assistant trade show manager At a news conference, Bill Emerson, vice [email protected] • 330-865-6112 and North Carolina. Permission is necessary since Up- chairman of Quicken Loans Inc. and Rock Business (a sister publication of Tire Business). Holdings, the corporate parent of Quicken Keith always has espoused the mantra AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT tis is not yet considered a legal road-going product. Jennifer Mosley According to Michelin, the airless aspect of the Up- Loans, took Mr. Gilbert’s place on stage in a of his father, G.D. Crain, who offered this Group director, Audience development tis means drivers of passenger vehicles feel safer on reside chat with Dennis Archer Jr. simple formula for his publishing business: [email protected] • 312-649-5312 the road, and operators of passenger vehicle  eets will Mr. Emerson stressed the experience and “Readers rst.” For new subscriptions or change long tenure — 20-plus years or more — for When the corporate and brand leadership of address write to: see minimized downtime and improved ef ciency. Circulation Department, Tire Business key leaders, including himself and other of Crain met earlier this year to focus on 1155 Gratiot Ave. Michelin also pointed out that the technology won’t be CEOs in Mr. Gilbert’s “family of compa- strategy going forward, we used a different Detroit, Mich. 48207-2912 exclusive to GM products, leaving the possibility that or call 877-320-1716 (U.S. and nies.” And he took attendees through the lit- word — audience — but the diagram was Canada only) or 313-446-0450. other car makers, both domestic and foreign, could any of projects moving ahead in Gilbertland, the same. Readers/Audience were the center FAX: 313-446-6777 embrace the concept. including the upcoming Professional Golf of our world, and all nancial results would email: [email protected] The mainstream media picked up the announce- Association Rocket Mortgage Classic June come from that center. For single copy sales: email: [email protected] ment, introducing the concept to the broader consum- 25-30 at the Detroit Golf Club. The best gift you can give a leader is to Reprints: er base. Chances are, customers have asked you about For many, it might have been the rst time offer the assurance that the culture he or she Lauren Melesio it in your dealership. they had seen or heard Mr. Emerson. But he has built is so much a part of the DNA that [email protected] • 212-210-0707 What does this mean for tire dealers? Could this rad- embodies the culture that Mr. Gilbert and his business continues — and thrives. EXECUTIVE OFFICES icalize the industry, as the radial tire did decades ago? team have built at all levels of the organization. 2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000, Mr. Gilbert is famous for his “isms” book. Mary Kramer is vice president and group publisher Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221 Or could it be a niche product, as the Tweel is today? When he was named Crain’s Newsmaker of of Crain’s Detroit Business and Crain’s Cleveland P:330-836-9180 F:330-836-2831 Our advice: Don’t throw away your tire gauges just yet. the Year for 2006, he used his speech to de- Business, both sister publications of Tire Business. CRAIN COMMUNICATIONS INC Keith E. Crain Mary Kay Crain Letter to the editor Letters to the Editor Chairman Vice chairman KC Crain Chris Crain Air gauges provide plenty of bene ts President Senior executive n response to the cartoon applications. and Dill supplies accurate Tire Business encourages letters to the editor on any subject of vice president Lexie Crain that appeared on Page 6 Dill Air Controls is proud gauges used by many tire deal- interest to independent tire dealers. Send a letter to: Editor, Tire Business, Armstrong Robert Recchia Iof the June 10 edition: to manufacture air gauges in ers and drivers every day. 2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221. Letters Secretary C h i e f n a n c i a l o f c e r Development of airless tires the United States, employing also can be emailed to [email protected]. G.D. Crain Jr. Gertrude R. Crain continues, however, air gauges many jobs over two shifts in Brian Rigney Founder Chairman are needed for the billions of that particular manufacturing President, Dill Air Controls Letters must be signed and may be edited for length and clarity. Please (1885-1973) (1911-1996) pneumatic tires in use in North cell. Maintaining proper air Vice President, Tire Industry Association include a daytime phone number for veri cation purposes. Letters also

America across a variety of pressure has many bene ts, Oxford, N.C. may be published on TB’s website: www.tirebusiness.com. Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com TIRE BUSINESS, June 24, 2019 • 7 AutomotiveService Honest discussions help workers see proper behavior

By Dan Marinucci does not. Typically, loudness raises [email protected] Dan Marinucci Fostering a more pleasant environment stress rather than reducing it. Often, mprove the general atmosphere is a freelance dissolving stress is the real secret to at your business by clarifying automotive may require a boss to stand up and defusing a potential confrontation Ithe meaning of proper behavior service writer and with an aggrieved person. for your entire staff. former editor of clearly demonstrate proper, normal Surely, there’s more than one way Setting the proper tone ultimately two automotive behavior to the entire staff. to coach and train employees. And improves both employee and cus- service magazines. some workers respond better to one tomer loyalty. After all, workers as or do so promptly and effectively. to investigate your concern in a few approach than to another one. But well as customers prefer a pleasant don’t recognize something. They’re An apology doesn’t mean you’re minutes.” this highly focused team meeting atmosphere to one teeming with ten- struggling because they’re failing to giving away the proverbial store or Last but not least for now, some may be a successful option you hav- sion or ravaged by raw nerves. maintain eye contact with the cus- needlessly taking responsibility for workers lose track of how loud en’t tried it. Tire dealers and service shop op- tomer as the discussion intensi es. a problem. their voice becomes when they’re erators have told me that some oth- In other cases, customer relations For instance, a service salesper- talking to a co-worker or custom- Dan can be reached via e-mail at tirebusi- erwise-competent employees seem suffer needlessly because service son may respond, “I’m so sorry that er. Although people near them rec- [email protected]. His previous columns are clueless to the basics of successful personnel don’t apologize at all — you’re upset. A technician’s going ognize “high volume,” the worker available at www.tirebusiness.com. human interaction. One shop owner summed up a new hire’s social shortcomings this way: “To say the young man must have been raised by wolves would be an insult to wolves,” he said. Fostering a more pleasant envi- ronment may require a boss to stand CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MAXXIS up and clearly demonstrate proper, TIRES DISTRIBUTOR TO GET normal behavior to the entire staff. (By all means, hire the proper coach SIGNED UP TODAY or consultant if the boss lacks the necessary skills for this task.) It may be time to schedule a man- datory-attendance team meeting spe- ci cally to coach the staff, highlight- ing the differences between a warmer and colder approach to people — a winning and losing attitude. Today, some people instinctively seek training from electronic sourc- es of one kind or another. However, I prefer the impact and urgency of ASSOCIATE DEALER PROGRAM face-to-face presentations. Where practical, an owner or top manager should lead this affair. Af- ter all, he or she already is well-ac- quainted with both the personnel A Powerful new Program to ACCELERATE Profits and the areas where they need to improve their people skills. A boss can highlight needy areas without With the Maxxis Accelerate program working for you, your business will gain a embarrassing individual workers — strong competitive edge in a marketplace that rewards value. A brand born of calling out names. Here are just a few potential ex- performance, Maxxis supports your ability to build profit with a product line amples. you can be proud to offer. Some workers have difficulty matching an appropriate emotion- al reaction to the situation at hand. As a Maxxis Accelerate dealer, you will have unlimited access to the support of For instance, I have met people who a Global Tire Manufacturing leader. Sign up and accelerate your success today! react to stress by laughing. Imagine how laughter would come across to an angry customer or to a confused co-worker who has a legitimate • Dealer Locator complaint. • Monthly and Quarterly Retail Promotions Next, employees may not be as • Maxxis Branded Point of Sale materials self-aware of their body language as they need to be. For instance, they • Quarterly and Annual Bonus rewards need coaching because they lapse • Maxxis Wearables and promotional Items into a scowl, sneer or “eye-roll” when dealing with dif cult custom- ers or a stubborn co-worker. Mind you, I recognize how chal- www.maxxisaccelerate.com lenging it can be to telegraph empa- thy and concern to a caustic, mouthy motorist. (If it was so easy, everyone would do it well, correct?) None- theless, service personnel must tele- graph concern instead of condescen- sion to all customers. Of course, customer relations may become fraught when the motorist “cops an attitude” with one of your service personnel: The customer’s being obstinate or nasty in spite of your employee’s efforts to help that 0000 0000 0000 0000 person. Sadly, some service personnel Maxxis Authorized Dealer make such a situation more dif - cult for themselves because they 8 • June 24, 2019, TIRE BUSINESS Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com AutomotiveService Cohesive employee team champions shop success By Kathy McCarron [email protected] ‘Teams have a way t is impossible to have a successful busi- of operating in an ness operation without having a success- environment where Iful team of employees, according to Todd Thomas, a professor and associate academic they nd the best way, dean at Northwood University. Engaged teams enable greater productivity the shortest way and and ef ciency while reducing turnover, he told an seminar audience at the Automotive Aftermarket least wasteful way Products Expo in Las Vegas last November. to do things.’ However it takes some effort on the part Todd Thomas, professor and associate academic dean of management to encourage teamwork and at Northwood University. drive their business goals. Enabling a team environment can have a - Sometimes managers may have to push peo- nancial impact on the business, he said. ple to mix and interact with each, Mr. Thomas “If you are part of a great team, retention rates admitted, noting that encouraging mentor/men- are greater,” he said, citing a Gallup Inc. poll that tee relationships is one way of breaking the ice. retention rates within organizations with people “Make it something you do in your busi- who say they work for a great team are 25 percent ness. You expect of your people that they help higher than those working in other situations. each other, that they mentor each other. That Mr. Thomas said it can cost up to ve times by itself is the model of a great team,” he said. the salary for a position to replace somebody He also suggested that managers not always and get them to the level of skill of the person answer the questions.

they are replacing. Tire Business photo by Kathy McCarron “You know the answer but it might be bet- Great teams also can create better customer Todd Thomas speaks at the 2018 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo in Las Vegas. ter if the person asking the question gets the satisfaction which impacts pro tability, he said. answer from someone who is closer to the “So if you work for a company that is ... rec- job, otherwise it will be hard for employees to discuss ideas productively. “Ask them what answer. It also creates a situation where they ognized for strong customer satisfaction, it is be energized about their work, he said. they’ve seen lately. Ask them what they’ve run have to talk to somebody. They have to go out predictable that they have a higher pro tabili- Managers also need to create an element of into. ... All people engage in customer service of their way to connect with somebody that ty than those who aren’t.” fun in the workplace. “Work might be work, throughout the day, at stores, at restaurants, they may not be connecting with,” he said. Teams also work together to create ef cien- ... but the fact that we’re doing it together has and they may see something that they found “If you can create these relationships that cies, he said. an element of fun. We laugh every once in a impressive. Ask them what was their best cus- are cross-functional, that’s even better.” “Teams have a way of operating in an envi- while. ... That makes us energized to come to tomer service experience over the past month. Managers/owners need to value each team ronment where they nd the best way, the short- work,” Mr. Thomas said. Figure out how we can change things.” member as a person. “It means caring about est way and least wasteful way to do things.” y Positive team-member relations extend team members beyond the role that they play. beyond the person closest to them. Managers Encouraging teams Caring about the fact that someone in their fam- Elements of a great team should encourage positive relations across de- Mr. Thomas said that owners/managers can ily is ill, caring about the fact that their spouse Mr. Thomas said there are several elements partments, such as between service writers at the create an atmosphere for team building by im- just lost their job, caring about the fact that their that go into creating an effective and cohesive front counter and technicians in the service bays. plementing several elements in the business: kid just won a championship,” he said. team of employees: yy Team members are encouraged to have yy Have as little hierarchy as possible. The “It doesn’t mean getting all up in somebody’s y Every team member feels welcome to extended conversations with each other about problem with hierarchy is the further up the business. It means actually looking at each per- contribute and engage. Some people might not topics important to the business. This should chain the owner/manager is, the less likely he/ son on your team and in your business as hu- be comfortable speaking out, so a manager happen without the manager forcing them to she is to receive accurate information about mans. They don’t live to work with you. Hon- needs to follow up with those people. If there is discuss business topics. But managers/own- the workplace. And hierarchy management estly. ... Pay attention to what’s going on, not someone with a dominating voice that makes it ers should talk about what they learned at a slows things down, he said. just as a manager but as another team member.” dif cult for other people to share their opinions, trade show, products they’ve seen and trends yy All employees have the ear of the man- Mr. Thomas said establishing a successful a manager needs to talk to him or her about the that they learned about. Sharing information ager or owner and know they can come up and team of employees can make the difference implications that is having on the team. Even with employees lets them feel like a part of the talk to him/her. between a company that is just getting by and if this is uncomfortable to the manager, the company, he said. y Input is actively solicited. Managers one that is pro table. consequences are costing money, Mr. Thomas If teams are discussing store topics during can suggest ideas and ask employees: “What “If your team is not a functional team, then said. “If people aren’t allowed to engage in the free time, that’s an indication that the com- do you think?” your operation is going to manage and it might business and engage with each other, I promise pany has a potentially strong team. “But they yy All ideas are honestly considered — manage OK ... ,” he said. “So it might be that I’m you there are dollars being left.” can’t do it if you don’t give them things to talk even crazy ideas might have a small particle paying the bills and everybody’s getting paid. yy Team members are energized by work- about. And it happens because the topics you of a good idea, he said. But if I could let this team loose, we might be ing with each other. “It’s not just working for talk about are real and they are interesting. … y Opportunities for contribution and en- doing some really interesting pro table stuff. the boss and working for the company, but we You might nd employees and team members gagement are frequent. Employees shouldn’t “It takes effort on the part of the manager like working with each other,” he said. The have more to say than you think.” have to wait for a twice-a-month meeting to and owner to enable the teams. You can’t just team needs to know the purpose of its work, However, managers shouldn’t frown on em- share ideas. wait for it to happen. At the very least, people for example, helping customers protect their in- ployees chatting about business topics, he said. Building positive team relationships is an in leadership positions need to get out of the vestment in their vehicles. Also, managers need “You can’t have employees who are fully engaged active effort, Mr. Thomas said. way of the team. to de ne the goal the team can focus on beyond and thinking about what’s going to be helpful and Managers and owners need to be involved “So they need to encourage it, they need to the day-to-day work. at the same time not allow them to talk.” in encouraging their people to get to know one provide opportunity and then they need to let go Managers, themselves, need to care and be- y Team members seek and bring back another by doing things that allow people to a little bit and let the team establish itself and lieve in those goals and be excited about the information from outside the company and interact, such as a company lunch. collaborate and gure out how to be successful.” Epicor expands auto service software portfolio AUSTIN, Texas ‘MechanicNet is already playing an impressive services and mechanical repairs. Epicor Software Corp., a business Its aftermarket B2B eCommerce software provider, has acquired Me- role in supporting the growth of thousands of channel, Epicor Parts Network, con- chanicNet Group Inc., a provider of businesses across the U.S. and Canada.’ nects thousands of parts sellers with customer relationship management more than 180,000 registered ser- (CRM) and retention solutions for Scott Thompson, senior vice president, automotive and business services, for Epicor. vice location buyers. auto service businesses. service businesses to help increase Epicor offers the PartExpert da- “Together, Epicor and MechanicNet Financial terms of the agreement, sales and enhance customer satisfac- tabase of replacement parts, tires, will provide a more complete end-to- nalized June 3, were not disclosed. valuable and compelling for ser- tion and loyalty. The company offers labor and other information embed- end automotive aftermarket offering “MechanicNet is already playing vice providers and their customers,” an array of solutions, including ser- ded in several shop management that helps customers manage their back an impressive role in supporting the Scott Thompson, Epicor’s senior vice reminders, estimate follow-ups, platforms. of ce, shop operations and customer growth of thousands of business- vice president, automotive and busi- online appointment setting, custom- Epicor also offers a web-based es- engagement. These automotive service es across the U.S. and Canada. We ness services, said. er-facing service portals, shop-brand- timating solution, Integrated Service business solutions help accelerate sales are con dent that with our ability to Pleasanton, Calif.-based Mechan- ed websites and customer marketing Estimator, that helps vehicle service growth, improve productivity and de- innovate and invest, we can make icNet develops web-based CRM campaigns, for repair businesses in locations estimate and source parts liver superior customer loyalty experi- MechanicNet solutions even more tools and related solutions for vehicle the U.S. and Canada. and related supplies for maintenance ences,” Mr. Thompson said. Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com TIRE BUSINESS, June 24, 2019 • 9 AutomotiveService

Hunter equipment compatible with Dealer-FX platform ST. LOUIS “With our latest partner integration, Hunter Engineering Co., a devel- Hunter alignment and tire inspection oper of alignment systems, wheel and systems have even greater value by tire service, brake service and inspec- driving record xed operation pro ts tion lane equipment, has forged an in- for dealers,” Hunter’s Connected Ser- tegration partnership with Dealer-FX vices Manager Alan Hagerty said. Group Inc. and its ONE platform ser- The integration allows Hunter’s vice, a dashboard that provides work- autonomous inspection equipment to ow control for auto dealerships. collect total toe, camber and tire tread Hunter’s autonomous inspection equip- Attendees at the 2018 AAPEXedu session. Hunter’s inspection equipment, in- results in seconds without manual la- ment is able to collect total toe, camber and tire tread results in seconds. cluding Quick Check Drive, Quick bor. Inspection data are collected and Check and Quick Tread systems, added to Dealer-FX’s Advisor Check- According to Hunter, the integration Industry organizations now is compatible the ONE Platform in and Technician Inspection applica- will give dealerships the opportunity system, which along with the service tions, Hunter said, allowing service to maximize service pro ts through offer training at AAPEX dashboard, manage the service expe- advisers to present alignment and tire alignment, tire and balancing sales, LAS VEGAS which takes place at the Las Ve- rience from initial contact through tread results quickly to customers via a with customer transparency through Several industry organizations gas Convention Center. completion. printable report or tablet. easy-to-understand reports. will offer training at this year’s AAPEXedu during the Automo- tive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), Nov. 5-7, at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas. The education schedule will in- ALL-NEW clude a mix of classroom, hands-on and underhood sessions for automo- tive repair professionals, auto parts retailers and warehouse distributors. The AAPEXedu program will fea- ture a forum on Advanced Driver As- sistance Systems, a Service Profes- sionals Summit, sessions on trends, market outlook, technologies and tariffs, as well as Mobility Garage: Products and Training for Tomorrow and Let’s Tech presentations. AAPEXedu partners include Auto- motive Video Innovations (AVI); Au- toshop Solutions Inc.’s RLO Training; the National Alternative Fuels Train- ing Consortium (NAFTC); the Na- ENHANCED OFF-ROAD tional Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF); and MERA – The Associ- DURABILITY ation for Sustainable Manufacturing. The Auto Care Association and 3-ply sidewall in all LRE the Automotive Aftermarket Sup- and LRF sizes pliers Association, co-owners of AAPEX, also will provide training All-new HD2 cut & chip and education. resistant compound Market research rms NPD Group Inc. and IHS Markit will provide their outlooks on the automotive aftermar- LONG TREAD LIFE ket and consumer and industry trends. Roland Berger L.L.C., a global 45,000-Mile Limited consultancy rm, will offer its pre- Treadwear Warranty dictions on the future of the retail and automotive aftermarket in 2025. To centralize the location for ed- AVAILABLE IN 27 SIZES ucation and make it more conve- Covers most 15’’-22” fi tments nient for attendees, organizers said the AAPEXedu classroom sessions DUAL SIDEWALL DESIGN will move to the Bellini Ballroom at The Venetian hotel, adjacent to the Offers style fl exibility to appeal Sands Expo. The Mobility Garage will be locat- to more customers ed in The Venetian’s Titian Ballroom, and will feature underhood training and two sections — Shop Equipment and Technology, and Electric Car and Alternative Fuel/Energy. The Let’s Tech stage will be held at the Sands Expo, Level 2 Upper Lobby. A preliminary schedule of THE ULTIMATE IN ALL-TERRAIN HAS ARRIVED AAPEXedu sessions is available Built for your customers who want the ride and wear characteristics of a traditional A/T tire but have the need on the AAPEX website. A sched- ™ ule of training in Mobility Garage for a higher level of off-road durability, the all-new GEOLANDAR X-AT promises to be the perfect fi t. and Let’s Tech presentations will be available in July. All AAPEXedu sessions, Mo- Visit YokohamaTire.com for complete details. bility Garage training and Let’s Tech presentations are included in AAPEX 2019 registration. To register, visit aapexshow.com/ attendee. AAPEX is held in conjunction with the Specialty Equipment Mar- ket Association (SEMA) Show, ©2019 Yokohama Tire Corporation 10 • June 24, 2019, TIRE BUSINESS Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com Tire Business Special Feature Mid-YearTireReport Focusing on the aftermarket Tire Discounters: Training, technology key to growth

By Kathy McCarron “They are counting more on their electronic its employees, Mr. Ward said. [email protected] devices to manage their own day-to-day (ac- “Our No. 1 source of candidates, by a land- CINCINNATI tivities),” he said. “So we’re looking at ways slide, is internal. It’s referrals. It’s word-of- Tire Discounters Inc. President Jamie Ward for improving our operations and streamlin- mouth advertising, if you will.” often has to double-check with his staff to ing our operations through digital means. Mr. Ward noted that the industrywide ser- track the current store count for the rapidly “I think that’s a trend everyone is looking vice technician shortage has been a problem growing tire dealership chain. at right now. Everyone is trying to gure out for years. The Cincinnati-based company recently how to adapt to the new connected vehicles, “We’ve always focused on training and opened its 120th store, in Huntsville, Ala., the electri cation of vehicles and the autono- developing. For years we’ve had a training and plans to open three more in Indianapolis mous vehicles. university, if you will, where we put people by the end of June. An through, almost every additional 10 stores are ‘We’re focusing on training. We’re focusing on really improving day,” he said, as a way expected to open by to cultivate employee year-end. our employee experience. We’re looking at just different ways to skills. The dealership has make their lives easier. You know, a lot of people say ‘happy He said one of the been growing organi- dealership’s biggest chal- Ward cally, with occasional employee, happy customer,’ and that’s absolutely how we look lenges is hiring good em- acquisitions of small ployees. “I’m not sure if it’s because customers trust dealerships along the at it. We really want to make our culture one that can’t be beat.’ “We’re very choosy Tire Discounters so much — and we have a way. Mr. Ward said Jamie Ward, president, Tire Discounters Inc. and selective on who we humongous return-customer base — or if it’s the dealership is being hire, obviously, and a lot because customers still want a trusted adviser approached more often by small dealerships “For us, we’re focusing on the basic funda- of companies are. So for us, the interview pro- to make those recommendations. Either way, looking for a buyer. mentals of our business and not getting dis- cess, the recruiting process and really making we are very in uential in driving the brands. “We see that trend continue to grow as tracted with the potential things happening sure we have the best talent for our customer So for us, although we do stock quite a bit of mom-and-pop operators are really being faced down the road. We’re putting plans in place to base, I think, is a lot of retailers’ focus.” the major brands, our Tier 2 is and has been with the dif cult thing of whether or not they accommodate for the upcoming changes, but Employee training also is becoming more our biggest sell out.” can afford the technology required to compete we’re really focusing on what got us here to important. The dealership also offers Tier 3 brands, in the future world,” he said. where we’re at and our same stores, our cus- “Folks need more training. Trade (schools) using them as an opening price point and as a One of the ways Tire Discounters is adapt- tomer experience and our waiting rooms — have not been focused on that from an Amer- means for sell-up opportunities. ing to new technologies in the business world all the things that I think a lot of retailers get ican-culture standpoint. It’s all been about col- Tires account for about 65 percent of the was installing a new point-of-sale system. distracted from and don’t focus on. So we’re lege education and white-collar jobs. I think dealership’s revenue versus automotive ser- “It’s allowing us to really stream- spending a lot of capital expense folks are realizing how much money one can vice, and Mr. Ward doesn’t expect that ratio line a lot of our operations and right now on just making our exist- make in the automotive repair business,” he said. to change. He said automotive service often really just improve that customer ing stores better,” he said. “So for us, it’s just connecting the dots — feeds off of tire sales. experience,” he said. “We’re focusing on training. hiring the best people we can and training “Customers don’t come in knowing they “A lot of our industry is a  at We’re focusing on really improv- them to our standards. … What our greatest need brakes a lot of times. They have to nd industry, meaning it just doesn’t ing our employee experience. We’re challenge is always going to be when we’re out from somebody inspecting them. … For grow. You have to take it from looking at just different ways to growing is just nding the best people and consumers, someone has to alert them when the competition. For us, make their lives easier. training them to the best of our abilities.” some of these services are needed. … that requires multi-unit You know, a lot of people For the past two years Tire Discounters has “So for us, and the industry, service is really management, really good say ‘happy employee, hap- been partnering with trade schools and sup- something that is identi ed on your cars that execution of the processes in how we go to py customer,’ and that’s absolutely how we porting them by offering their students jobs, are already existing in your bays. So again, business.” look at it. We really want to make our culture he said. how well we do from an inspection standpoint The company offers online appointment one that can’t be beat.” “It’s just connecting the dots that the af- really determines that mix,” Mr. Ward said. scheduling and tire selection but has deferred Tire Discounters recently rolled out a tool- termarket tire dealer is actually a great land- Automotive service sales have been grow- selling tires online. box program for its technicians to help defray ing spot. A lot of folks in those schools have ing, he added, but his dealership considers “As far as selling tires online, consumers the costs of buying their tools. been brain-washed by the car dealers as that’s itself conservative when it comes to recom- still have to go to our store to have the tires in- “We identi ed the fact that one of the rea- where they need to go. They need to go and mending services. stalled,” Mr. Ward said. “It’s what we consider sons folks don’t move into the service repair become a  at-rate technician at a car dealer. “There’s a lot of transactional tire retail- an incomplete purchase. ... Those tires have to industry is the capital expense required for “Well, they have no idea how much money ers out there that really create a bad name for be mounted and balanced professionally at a individuals, and tools are really, really expen- they can make as a service technician at a tire themselves by trying to nd needed repairs. tire store. And for us in our marketplace, we sive,” Mr. Ward said. dealer. At Tire Discounters we pay our mas- For us, we’re very strict in our processes to want to be that tire store. “So one thing that we rolled out this year ter technicians a very healthy pay rate, and where we are very conservative on our rec- “So for us, the appointment scheduling is was a tool-box program where we’ll give a they’re blown away when they hear that. ommendations. We like to focus more on the really helping facilitate the lack of need to do set of tools at a really good price point and “I think our mission is we need to continue, maintenance side of things (such as tires, wip- the online purchase.” help the technician along to basically have and will continue, to be connecting the dots ers, lters,  uids, brakes, shocks/struts, etc.). The dealership also declines to be a “rec- the skills available and tools available to do and re-educating the masses as much as we ... That’s really where we have our meat and ommended installer” for online tire retailers. the repairs. We structured our comp plans to can with our marketing to let people know that potatoes.” “We’ve looked at (the option) a million match that. there is a landing spot at Tire Discounters.” Mr. Ward also noted another trend: More times over the years and I have to say that, for “We structured our training program to Tire Discounters pays its techs an hourly customers are becoming do-it-for-me type of us, we’re a little sel sh as it relates to retail,” match that and really grow our own individu- rate plus a commission structure based on how consumers versus DIYers. Mr. Ward said. “We want our tires installed at als, which is kind of what happened to a lot of much work they perform. They are not paid “Customers nowadays, more so than ever, our stores. We control the experience that way. folks in our upper management team, includ- for the parts they sell as he said he believes are less knowledgeable about automotive re- “Once we open that door of installing for other ing myself. A lot of us started off as tire tech- that gives the incentive for overselling. pair and more dependent on a trusted adviser. retailers, that almost puts ourselves in competi- nicians, and we’re trying to create that culture, You would think with the internet of things tion with ourselves. For us, there is no compel- … trying to make it easier for entry-level tire Well-trained staff that customers were more educated. ling reason for us to jump into that space.” technicians to get a really great career at Tire Equally important is a well-trained sales “They are (knowledgeable) on brands of Discounters.” staff. tires. They are on ratings and reviews of your Digital focus While some dealerships put a lot of effort “We know from our own internal data that brand, of tire brands, but as it relates to auto- One of the major tire retail trends Mr. into marketing and advertising open job po- our sales folks behind the counter are highly motive repair, they simply want to trust a pro- Ward sees is digitization driven by impatient sitions, Tire Discounters has been able to ll in uential on what the consumer buys,” Mr. fessional. And that’s really a great thing for us consumers. many of its openings through referrals from Ward said. at Tire Discounters.” Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com TIRE BUSINESS, June 24, 2019 • 11 Tire Business Special Feature Mid-YearTireReport Focusing on the aftermarket Rain, aging vehicles boost Mountain View sales

Mountain View Tire & Service in Menifee, Calif., which opened in January.

By Kathy McCarron just not a popular size. It ts an older Ameri- [email protected] ‘We noticed a distinct can sedan. … We just don’t have many older RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. American sedans in California.” While California residents endured a deluge difference in our dollar- There also doesn’t seem to be much enthu- of rain at the start of the year, Mountain View per-invoice today than siasm for online tire sales, so Mountain View Tire & Service Inc. enjoyed a deluge of tire Tire has refrained from getting involved in the sales. where we were at even technology. Its website offers online appoint- The very rainy winter season produced “a last June and the previous ments, a tire selector and requests for estimates. really good rst three months of the year, spe- “I just don’t know if it’s worth the initial in- ci cally January and February were phenom- couple of months. For us, vestment and the ongoing investment to capture enal,” Mountain View Vice President Chris consumer spending is up.’ the money online when they’re going to come Mitsos said. into the store anyway and buy (tires). Because “What happens in Southern California, as Chris Mitsos, Mountain View vice president now you introduce a new accounting function people’s tires get balder and balder, they don’t that has to be done to track the money. It’s not a know it because their grip is ne (on dry pave- maintenance and they don’t want to buy a new ue, and I think a third of our customers just big hot button for us at this point,” he said. ment). In fact their grip’s getting better as car and they just say, ‘Fix everything.’ want the cheapest thing we can put on their “We are still true-blue, bleed brick-and- you’re going down the road as the tire  attens “... It can add up pretty quickly when you’re car,” Mr. Mitsos said, “It’s been like that for mortar. That’s just who we are. … I’ve nev- out and doesn’t have any tread left on it. basically changing all the major components. years and I don’t see that changing anytime er gotten feedback from any of my stores nor “But as soon as there’s moisture on the ground, So that’s one of the trends that we see. And as soon. have I directly from a customer via Yelp or via it becomes a big, big issue. So that’s why we far as how are we reacting to it, we say, ‘Yeah, “I’ve got to tell you, a lot of the Tier 2 and direct email or online comments. get such a rush of people when we get a lot of we’ll do it. We want to be your car guy. We’re Tier 3 brands now, they’re very, very good, and “We’ve never ever once been asked, ‘Hey, rain here,” he said. going to take care of it.’ ” the quality of the tires is outstanding. It’s not how come we don’t sell tires online? A lot of Sales slowed down a bit in the spring, and Automotive service has become a larger something where a customer has to put on a people are asking me about that.’ That’s nev- Mr. Mitsos said the dealership’s sales for the share of Mountain View’s business, account- Goodyear, a Michelin, a Pirelli or Continental er, ever happened. So no one’s really talking rst ve months are about even with the same ing for about 70 percent of sales versus 30 for or a Bridgestone. You don’t have to put those about it. So until people start questioning, period last year. tires. Five years ago the ratio was 65:35, Mr. on your car anymore to get really good perfor- ‘Hey, are we going to do this?’ I personally He said he couldn’t predict how the rest of Mitsos said. mance and really good value on your tires.” don’t see the big need.” the year will fair, noting that California has its “Tires have become a commoditized prod- He said the amount of Tier 1 tires sold at Mountain View does provide tire instal- own micro-economy. uct, and we refuse to participate in the race Mountain View has slipped slowly over the lation for Goodyear’s online customers, ac- “It doesn’t matter what’s going on in the rest to the bottom,” he said about the transition to last ve years. Goodyear and Kelly tires rep- counting for about 200 transactions per year, of the country. We kind of march to the beat automotive service. resent about 38 to 39 percent of everything the and for TireBuyer.com less frequently, about of a different drummer here,” he said. Rising “If someone doesn’t want to pay our price dealership sells, he said, down from 50 per- 50 to 75 tires a year, he said. gas prices impacted business in the spring as for a tire, we’re ne with letting them walk. cent not that long ago. consumers cut back on miles driven. In June, You can go next door “So it’s gone down Tech shortage consumers increased their spending as gas and buy it for less. ‘Finding a technician is one a little bit. We don’t Mr. Mitsos said the industrywide techni- prices decreased, he said. We’re not going to thing. Finding a quali ed sell as many Miche- cian shortage impacts his business as well, “We noticed a distinct difference in our dol- sell tires for 5 and lins as we used to, although his odds are better with the large lar-per-invoice today than where we were at even 10 percent above cost. technician is quite another.’ that’s for sure,” he California population. last June and the previous couple of months. For And more and more said, but as a Cooper “Finding a technician is one thing, nding a Chris Mitsos, Mountain View vice president us, consumer spending is up,” Mr. Mitsos said. tire dealers are do- direct dealer, Moun- quali ed technician is quite another,” he said. “We saw a direct impact as gas got up to and ing that. We’re not going to participate in that, tain View sells “a ton” of Cooper tires. “Here’s the solution — you’re going to have over $4 and as much as $5 a gallon in Los An- and as a result we take ourselves out of the “The two other brands that really stepped to pay technicians so much money that it’s go- geles. We really saw the impact in our business, game a little bit. But we’re OK with it . ... up on our product screen over the last couple ing to become one of those industries where speci cally in April and beginning of May.” “For every dollar that goes out of our build- years have been Hankook and Pirelli. I think people start getting attracted to it again.” Mountain View Tire, which operates 30 re- ing, we have to have a certain return back on both of those companies are doing a real- He said he believes Mountain View offers tail stores throughout Southern California that dollar in order for our company to stay ly good job in their products,” he said. The competitive pay, compensating its techs with with plans to open one more in September, viable, healthy and to keep growing. It makes dealership’s Tier 3 brands are Cooper Tire & an hourly wage plus a percentage of the me- believes its size helps it be less susceptible to no sense to us to lower the return that we’re Rubber Co.’s Star re brand and the Westlake chanical service production for the week. market conditions. “So I don’t see big prob- getting on the money that we’re laying out. We brand, distributed by Tireco Inc. “Until technicians are making $80,000, lems for the second half,” Mr. Mitsos said. just won’t do it. That’s how businesses get into Mr. Mitsos noted that the dealership has $90,000, $100,000, $110,000 a year, that’s an trouble. And we won’t do it. And because we been selling a higher percentage of CUV and average technician, you’re going to continue to Fixing old cars won’t do it, it’s impacted us over the last ve light truck tires compared with three years have a shortage. And that’s just how econom- Another trend Mr. Mitsos has noticed in his to seven years. ago. Ultra-high-performance tires also are ics work. When there is a shortage of a skilled company’s market is that some consumers are “So we said, ‘Fine. We’ll just become an auto very popular in Southern California. position, the pay has to go up, which in turn willing to spend more money to x up older repair company. If we happen to sell tires, we However, he expressed his surprise in the attracts more people into the industry. vehicles instead of buying a new vehicle. sell tires.’ decrease in popularity of size 225/60R16 tires “And until they’re paying a mechanic on par “It’s a better option because: A, they already “We’re still going to sell 115,00 to 120,000 (the seventh most popular size in the U.S., with what an IT guy can make or a welder or own their car; B, their registration fee is very tires this year as a company. At one time it was based on U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association skilled electrician or a skilled plumber, until that low because of the age of the car; and C, their 150,000 tires we used to sell. So we’re ne estimates, accounting for about 1.8 percent of happens we’re going to continue to have a short- insurance rates are very low because of the age selling less tires because the repair revenue replacement tire market sales). age. And once the pay gets high enough, then of the car. So when they put a pencil to it and has occupied the void that is left very nicely When looking at stock level adjustments there will be plenty of candidates and we’ll be an they see what it’s going to cost over the next and at a much higher gross pro t percentage, for the stores, he said he was shocked at how industry that young people  ock to again. couple of years to buy a new car versus keep by the way,” Mr. Mitsos said. many stores he had to take away one of the “But we’re still a ways away from that. So 20 an old one and put just under $8,000 into it, it options for a 225/60R16. years from now, somebody might have to pay makes sense to them and so they do it,” he said. Brand preferences “We used to have three or four options in $200 for an oil change because that’s just the “More and more we’re seeing $3,000, $4,000 “I think a third of our customers want the that size, good/better/best/premium. Now I’m cost to pay a technician to change your oil. I and $5,000 invoices for people that have a car best brand possible. I think another third of keeping basically one option in the store be- think that’s where the industry is headed at some that’s 15 years old, and they’ve been deferring our customers want the best brand for the val- cause, it’s just here in southern California, it’s point, but we’ll see. That’s just my opinion.” 12 • June 24, 2019, TIRE BUSINESS Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com Tire Business Special Feature Mid-YearTireReport Q &A Focusing on the aftermarket ATD: Latest technology necessary to improve customer service ire wholesalers, such as Ameri- ing demand, create ef ciency and dedicated sales specialists, indus- low our core customers to keep pace mix of product to meet our customers’ can Tire Distributors Inc., (ATD), choice for the consumer and serve try-leading technology platform, with their own consumers needs. Twill have to invest in new tech- retailers and other tire outlets rap- state-of-the-art logistics and a vari- nologies to keep idly. ety of marketing support programs. What percentage of your How have larger-sized tires up with industry As the wholesale environment We also will continue to partner Q sales come from online or- Q impacted your warehousing/ and customer ser- evolves and expands, successful with our strategic go-forward brand ders? By how much do you expect truck capacity needs? vice demands, ac- distributors need to be on the cut- partners to drive growth across our that to increase by year-end? We have put a signi cant effort cording to Keith ting edge of technology and in- network. The digital channel still remains Ain expanding the product as- Calcagno, ATD’s novation on behalf of customers, A a small channel with mid- to sortment of our go-forward brands, chief merchant and with insights on the consumer and high-single-digit market share for which includes larger-sized prod- strategy of cer. He support for aligned manufacturers. both the industry and ATD. We ex- ucts. Some of our key manufacturer discussed this and That’s a major component of our pect this rate to continue increasing and retail partners have seen the other distribution Calcagno strategy and we are investing be- over the course of the year as con- bene t of these actions. trends with Tire hind that purpose. sumers continue their migration on- Business. line for both parts and services. One Do tire brands matter to What kind of trends are you of the unique characteristics of our Q your customers? What is How would you describe the Q seeing in tire retail? ATD is progressing on deepening digital platform is that we are grow- your company’s strategy regard- Q aftermarket business so far From our observations, we our relationships with our manufac- ing in partnership with our customers ing selling brands? in 2019? Ahave noticed that distributor turing partners to drive ef ciencies, who continue to capture the bene t of ATD, among other things, is a The aftermarket tire industry operations will have to be more dig- reduce logistics cost, generate more consumer installations as they’re in- Aprogram distributor. We sup- A(passenger and light truck) has ital and will need to support manu- predictable demand, improved prod- terconnected to our digital platform. port our manufacturing partners in been relatively  at over the past six facturers and dealers through new uct availability and reduce required providing our retail customers with years, which is why we have made technologies, sales and marketing networking capital levels. We’re get- What is your company’s on- the broadest assortment of tires so it our priority to embrace continued strategies and assortment. This is ting strong engagement from our Q line strategy going forward? the end consumer gets the tire that transformation at ATD, not only to how distributors will help drive manufacturing partners and it’s be- We will continue to invest in best suits their needs. connect better to changing consum- store traf c, meet customer service ginning to translate into tangible Aour B2C TireBuyer platform, er behaviors, but also to strengthen expectations and serve the ever-in- results for our partners. which gives the online consumer Do you see a shift in sales new partnerships of trust and capa- creasing demands of consumers. access to ATD’s unrivaled selec- Q toward Tier 2 or Tier 3 bilities between manufacturers and What are some of the chal- tion of tires and wheels. We also brands? What is the cause? customers. How is your company react- Q lenges facing your company will continue to invest in our B2B The industry data suggest that Q ing to these trends? going forward? What keeps you ATDOnline, ATDMobile and trac- Amany of our Tier 2 and Tier 3 Where do you see the mar- At ATD, we continue to look up at night? tion platforms to enhance and (brands) are gaining market share Q ket heading in the second A for ways to connect our part- ATD is committed to its trans- streamline our digital customer with the automotive manufacturers. half? ners and help facilitate their abili- Aformation as we strive to become experience. From a replacement perspective, these Industry leaders and observers ty to be successful. That’s why we the most connected and insightful same shifts also are occurring as Ahave no expectation of increas- have invested in technologies to automotive solutions provider in the How has the popularity of many consumers purchase the same es in demand in the foreseeable fu- help simplify the supply experience industry. Our major focus lies with Q CUV/light trucks impacted brand as the original equipment. ture. How product gets to market and nd ways to help bring traf c helping our customers be successful your tire sales mix? will be even more critical in the to our customers, enhance their op- and meeting the rapidly evolving As seen in the last SEMA re- How have the tariffs on new market environment, and how erations and be more pro table. needs of consumers. As consumers Aport, tire sales for CUVs are Q Chinese imported tires product is sold will change, which ATD remains committed to help- are requesting more personalized relatively lower than other vehicle impacted your business? means that professionals in this ing our customers drive success and simpli ed experiences, we have types. We continuously monitor mar- ATD has moved production to space will have to serve this chang- through our rapid delivery network, to anticipate and adapt quickly to al- ket trends to ensure we have the right Aother countries. ACA publishes 2nd edition of Mexico report BETHESDA, Md. The Auto Care Association (ACA) TIRE BUSINESSLIVE has published 2019 Mexico Market Report: An Assessment of Mexico’s Editorial-Driven Broadcasts Light Passenger Vehicle Aftermarket. This is the second edition of the ACA’s Mexico report, according to the Sponsored by association. Developed in partnership Service Sales Skills Computers Cannot Perform with the research rm Integrate Data Facts (IDF), the report provides a com- SchradeTPMS Solutionsr Thursday, July 25 - 2 PM EDT (11 AM PDT) prehensive look at the size and scope of Register to watch the editorial-driven broadcast: www.tirebusiness.com/live/autoservice Mexico’s auto care sector, the ACA said. FEATURING TIRE BUSINESS The 2019 report provides a wide range STAFFERS, INCLUDING: of data on the Mexican aftermarket, in- Virtually every auto maker is working on new hybrid and electric vehicles from cars to large trucks cluding vehicles in operation, average responding to changing consumer tastes in vehicles and evolving driving habits. What will these and vehicle size, miles driven, manufactur- other disruptors to the tire, service and auto industries mean to you and your tire and service dealership? ing employment, total aftermarket value What can you do to make your dealership’s service operation more efficient and profitable, while best and trade value, according to the ACA. The majority of Mexico’s trade is serving your customers? conducted with the U.S., the ACA said, with $830 billion in total goods Join Dan Marinucci, long-time Tire Business auto service columnist, and Kathy McCarron, Tire and services traded between the two Dan Marinucci Business reporter, for a Live Stream event July 25, where they will discuss the changing state of the countries in 2017. columnist From 2010-18, manufacturing em- automotive service business and the challenges and opportunities it presents. ployment in Mexico more than dou- bled for car, truck and auto parts, with Register for this timely Live Stream discussion, where you will have a chance to join the discussion 86 percent of those jobs speci cally in with a live Q&A. auto parts production. The report provides crucial informa- tion needed to thrive in the Mexican Not available July 25? Don’t worry. aftermarket, projected at more than $25 Register now and we’ll send you the replay link to watch at your convenience. billion in 2021, the association said. Kathy McCarron The report is available for purchase reporter www.tirebusiness.com/live/autoservice tirebusiness.com online in the ACA’s Auto Care Digital Hub for $2,500 per copy. ACA mem- bers get the discounted rate of $800. Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com TIRE BUSINESS, June 24, 2019 • 13 Tire Business Special Feature Mid-YearTireReport Q &A Focusing on the aftermarket TBC expects robust aftermarket business to continue rik R. Olsen, president and diligently to ensure we can meet the CEO, TBC Corp., which oper- ever changing size pro le within Eates 730-plus retail stores under our current distribution centers. the NTB Tires & Service and Tire Kingdom brands, Do tire brands matter to and franchises re- Q your customers? tail operations un- Yes, our reports show that tire der the Big O Tires A brands matter to our custom- and Midas brands, ers. talked to Tire Busi- ness about after- Do you see a shift in sales to- market trends. Q ward Tier 2 or Tier 3 brands? Last year, TBC What is the cause? converted 85 Mer- Olsen We see Tier 3 brands continu- chant’s Tire & Auto A ing to grow. A steadfast focus Service outlets in Maryland and Vir- on quality and value is a contributor ginia to NTB signage, completing to the growth of these brands. TBC Corp. continues to expand operations with 730-plus retail stores under the NTB Tires & Service and Tire Kingdom brands. a conversion process that started in 2016. The company opened ve NTB and four Tire Kingdom stores in the rst ve months of 2019 and has 18 more retail stores due to open this year.

How would you describe the Q aftermarket business so far GRAB SOME CASH! in 2019? The automotive aftermarket business is robust. All of our $ A $ business units — retail (compa- ny-owned and franchise), distri- $ bution, ecommerce and our auto- $ $ motive shop software side of the business — are performing and Combines the comfort & working hard to exceed customer expectations. ride expected from a touring tire with the crisp handling Where do you see the market required by discerning drivers Q heading in the second half? I expect to see the tailwinds A continue to support the growth of the automotive aftermarket busi- Created for diverse American ness throughout the second half of all-season weather 2019. conditions, the tire offers What kind of trends are you lower weight and reduced Q seeing: In tire retail? In auto- motive maintenance/repair? noise while providing Tire consumers continue to fo- exceptional wet braking and cus on value and safety. The mix $ A year round traction,$ including between quality, product perfor- mance and price continues to drive light snow. consumer purchases in automotive maintenance, repairs and products. Additionally, as the average vehicle 65K$ mileage warranty age continues to increase, we see a heightened awareness from con- $ sumers when thinking about the services and products necessary to properly care for their vehicles.

What is your company’s on- Q line strategy going forward? TBC will continue to offer con- $ Asumers a choice in how they buy tires in order to provide con- sumers with the purchasing option that works best for them. $ How has the popularity of Q CUV/light trucks impacted DOUBLE DOLLARS IN JUNE your tire sales mix? (Our) tire sales mix continues to on the Vezda Touring A/S KR205 Agrow to meet the demand of the $ industry and consumers. $That means$ more cash, more earnings,$ and more for How have larger-sized tires you and your business this year! Q impacted your warehousing/ truck capacity needs? $*Double points applies to all sizes of the KR205 tread pattern. Promotion is for dealers enrolled in the Kenda Traction program. Our logistics and supply chain The Kenda Traction program is free to enroll at KendaTraction.com. Through Kenda purchases earn cash back and Traction Black Card rewards. A team is focused on maximiz- Contact your local distributor for more details. ing square footage to best meet the needs of our customer base. With varying sizes of tires, the team has to be much more ef cient and work $ KendaTraction.com Traction 1 14 • June 24, 2019, TIRE BUSINESS Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com Tire Business Special Feature Mid-YearTireReport Focusing on the aftermarket Plaza Tire: Top tier sales depend on tire inventory By Kathy McCarron from auto service. service that they can. Because that’s the most [email protected] “Our rst half of the year has started off important thing to people, buyers, is the quality CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. slightly better than last year in tires and ser- of the service,” Mr. Rhodes said. Access to a large inventory of tires is key to vice,” he said, adding that he expects to end In order to accomplish this goal, the deal- selling Tier 1 and 2 brands of tires, according to the year with higher sales. ership provides employee training and recent- Mark Rhodes, president of Plaza Tire Service The dealership has been in a continuous ly built a training store at its main of ce for in Missouri. expansion mode lately, opening two to three training its salespeople and technicians. While some in the industry see a growth locations, both green eld and by acquisition, Otherwise, it’s business as usual for the in popularity of Tier 3 and Tier 4 tire brands each year. Mr. Rhodes said he expects to con- dealership, he said. among consumers, Mr. Rhodes contends it de- tinue that pace of growth. “It’s kind of an everyday block-and-tackle. pends on what the salesperson has on hand that Plaza Tire Service President Mark Rhodes “I think the ongoing challenge is just mak- You implement the best practices you can and determines the sale. (left) poses with Warrenton, Mo., store man- ing sure you’re employees offer the best level do the basics really well.” “It’s more of an inventory and availability ager Jerry Iverson. question than it is what the consumer wants. If think another 20 percent of the people will you come into a store that doesn’t have a Good- tell us what they want and they’re brand-con- year available, you’re not going to sell them a scious: ‘I want a Michelin. I want a Goodyear. Goodyear,” he said. I want a Bridgestone.’ Each of Plaza Tire’s 67 ‘It’s more of an inventory and Something like that. And stores inventories about availability question than it is what then the 60 percent in the 2,000 tires, he said. Plaza the consumer wants. If you come middle come in and say Tire carries BFGoodrich, they need tires. That’s Bridgestone, Dick Cepek, into a store that doesn’t have a how we basically oper- Falken, Firestone, Miche- Goodyear available, you’re not ate, under that assump- lin, Nokian, Pirelli, Toyo going to sell them a Goodyear.’ tion,” he said. and Yokohama brand tires. Mark Rhodes, president of Plaza Tire Service in Missouri Cape Girardeau-based “I live in a world where Plaza Tire, with stores in (customers) buy what we sell. So people will Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois and Arkansas, is always buy the less expensive (tire) if that’s an the 19th largest independent retail tire dealer- option you give them,” Mr. Rhodes said. ship in the U.S., based on Tire Business’ re- “We plan on 20 percent of the people want- search. About 65 percent of the retail dealer- ing the cheapest thing in the building. And we ship’s sales come from tires and the remainder A look at Plaza Tire Service in Warrenton, Mo. Plaza Tire photos Euro passenger tire shipments decline European Rubber Journal trend in agricultural tire sales, ETRMA said. BRUSSELS Moto and scooter tire replacement sales built on pri- Aftermarket shipments of passenger tires in Europe or-quarter gains, with a 4.6-percent improvement for fell 2.9 percent in the rst quarter of 2019 versus the three-months period. the year-ago quarter, according to gures pub- Overall, the trend seems to follow a similar lished by European Tyre & Rubber Manu- pattern to 2018, which saw low sales in the facturers’ Association (ETRMA). rst quarter and recovery in the following Replacement volumes for consumer months, the association noted. tires fell to 50.8 million units for the three “It remains uncertain whether the recovery Canada’s RTX Wheels launches months ended March 31. in second quarter will balance out the decline Shipments of replacement truck tires, on registered in the rst quarter,” ETRMA said. the other hand, performed more strongly, up ETRMA's data cover 29 European countries, U.S. distribution of wheel lines 9.2 percent to 2.6 million units. The improvement stretching from Ireland in the west to Poland, Bul- MONTREAL you’re looking for, and without the recon rmed the 2018 full-year trend, as did a positive garia, Romania and the Baltic states in the east. RTX Wheels, a Canadian after- luxury price tag.” market wheel company, is expand- RTX is shooting for two-day deliv- ing distribution of its range of steel ery to most locations in the U.S. by Denso opens tech center and alloy wheels to the U.S., tar- year-end 2020, Mr. O’Hara said. In WAC to co-host geting “mid-tier” customers with a Canada it offers next-day delivery. “high-level quality” product that’s Family-owned RTX Wheels was for aftermarket products backed by a three-year warranty. established in 2003 and initially SOUTHFIELD, Mich. nicians to access data in vehicles that 2nd conference The company, a unit of Enter- sold only three different models of Denso Corp. has opened the will empower them to make cars safer BETHESDA, Md. prise Robert Thibert Inc., a Montre- wheels. The company now offers Connected Services Pennsylvania and more fuel ef cient.” Women in Auto Care (WAC), a al-based aftermarket distributor of more than 150 different affordable Technical Center in Scranton, Pa., Founded in 1993, EASE products community of the Auto Care Associ- vehicle accessories, laid the foun- wheel options in rim diameters up to develop automotive aftermarket primarily focused on inspection, diag- ation, and the Automotive Industries dation for its foray into the U.S. in to 22 inches for every car and truck products, including inspection soft- nostics, telematics and emissions. One Association of Canada (AIA Canada) 2017 with the acquisition of Perfor- category through a network of more ware and telematics systems. of its leading products is VehicleMRI, will co-host the second annual Wom- mance Wheels, a Long Island, N.Y.- than 10,000 retailers. The center previously was part of a precision tool used to inspect and en’s Leadership Conference, Aug. 7-8, based distributor. “RTX is making the same quality, EASE Simulation Inc., an automotive analyze automotive electronic sys- at the Detroit Marriott at the Renais- Since then RTX has moved Per- value and reliability available to the diagnostics developer Denso acquired tems and pinpoint hidden problems sance Center in Detroit. formance Wheels to a larger ware- robust and diverse U.S. market that in 2018. The facility will operate under past typical check-engine-light issues, The conference will bring women house in Ronkonkoma, N.Y., to pre- we’ve been delivering for the last 16 Denso Products and Services Ameri- Denso said. In 2014, Denso acquired in the auto care industry together for pare for the nationwide launch. years,” Mr. O’Hara said. cas Inc., which said it is working to 72.1 percent of EASE to help accel- a meeting of ideas, exploring profes- The company’s range of steel and “This is an enormous opportuni- broaden its focus on services in the erate research and development of sional goals and expanding their net- alloy wheels is available online and ty for RTX Wheels, and we have an aftermarket space and enable greater its vehicle diagnostic and telematics works and in uence across borders. through local and national retailers, ambitious growth plan that will cre- access to vehicle data, which informs business in North America. The international conference will offering U.S. drivers an broad selection ate American jobs and, within a few retailers and technicians how cars can “The Connected Services Penn- feature speakers and workshops, cov- of performance, durability and value. years make us the uncontested op- be made more ef cient and safe. sylvania Technical Center, with its ering topics that include personal and “RTX makes the right wheel for tion for wheels in the United States.” The technical center also will extensive diagnostics background, professional development and up- any driver, in any circumstances, at The growing RTX line of prod- bolster the company’s OE offerings, boosts our aftermarket presence in dates on industry trends. a reasonable price,” Patrick O’Hara, ucts includes heavy-duty wheels, including software solutions for new the Midwest and complements our WAC conferences have been accred- Thibert’s vice president of business OEM-inspired and classic styles, mobility needs. other locations in Ohio and Indiana,” ited by Northwood University since development, public relations and modern designs and a growing se- “Advanced diagnostics technology said Haruhiko Kato president of 2012, and all conference attendees are marketing for North America, said. lection of rims. continues to take on increasing impor- Denso Products and Services Amer- eligible to receive continuing education “Whether you’re looking for RTX sources its wheels from two tance as vehicles rapidly become more icas. “Because of our robust network units (CEU) toward their Automotive heavy-duty wheels to get you through to three producers in China, Mr. connected and complex,” said Kenichi- across North America, as well as our Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or the worst winter weather, an O’Hara said, and as such the rm is ro Ito, executive director for Denso focus on services in aftermarket and Master Automotive Aftermarket Pro- OEM-inspired wheel for your clas- having to deal with the Trump ad- Corp. and CEO of Denso’s North OES, we’re well-suited to support fessional (MAAP) designations. sic car, or a stylish contemporary ministration’s various import tariffs American headquarters. “Through the our customers quickly and to the For more information, visit auto- upgrade, one of our four series of on Chinese goods as it ramps up technical center, Denso looks to make unique requirements they demand as care.org/wiacconference. high-quality wheels will offer what U.S. sales. it easier for  eet managers and tech- vehicle connectivity proliferates.” Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com TIRE BUSINESS, June 24, 2019 • 15 Tire Business Special Feature Mid-YearTireReport Focusing on the aftermarket Myers Tire aims to become more ef cient, responsive By Bruce Davis ing of our people, so that our sales When people see a company is [email protected] reps … can drive that platform as an restructuring, he said, quite often CLEVELAND additional tool in their sandbox.” outsiders ask, “Is there a problem?” Myers Industries Inc.’s ongoing That platform allows customers to “The way I think of SG&A (sales, revamp of its Myers Tire Supply have 24/7 access to Myers’ complete general and administrative) spend- distribution business is designed to portfolio of 14,000-plus SKUs, he ing,” he continued, “is every dollar make the rm more ef cient and noted, for ful lling needs between we spend on our cost structure should responsive to customers, while also sales rep visits. be something that’s going to drive controlling costs internally. From a nuts-and-bolts perspec- growth.” That was the message delivered tive, Mr. DuPaul said the business’ Mr. DuPaul noted in his com- by Chris DuPaul, group president of reorganization reduced the layers of ments that Myers’ fourth scal 2018 Myers Industries’ distribution seg- eld leadership, streamlining com- quarter showed growth for the rst ment — which includes Myers Tire munications between customers and time in many periods. That growth Supply — since November 2017. management. continued in the rst quarter of s- “We’ve changed every part of The company also restructured cal 2019 with $400,000 in addition- our business,” he told a gathering of the eld sales team’s compensation al sales versus the 2018 quarter.

trade media earlier this year during package while trimming the sales The company attributed the growth Tire Business photo by Bruce Davis the company’s annual sales confer- force by an as-yet undisclosed num- both to higher sales volume and high- Chris DuPaul addresses a gathering of trade media during the company’s ence/supplier fair in Cleveland. “It ber of positions. er pricing. annual sales conference/supplier fair in Cleveland. wasn’t a top-line sales problem ... it wasn’t a cost problem or a distribu- tion problem. … “Given where the market is going, … we asked ourselves, ‘What do we need to do differently in terms of how we go to market? … What do we need to change about how we bring our products to market? … How do we need to think differently PROGRAMMABLE UNIVERSAL TPMS about where we’re going to grow?’ ” Mr. DuPaul was addressing a re- alignment of the business’ commer- COMBINE BOTH FREQUENCIES cial sales structure that was made public in March in an 8K ling with the Securities and Exchange Com- mission. That ling outlined plans to trim the distribution business’ workforce in line with restructuring efforts designed to yield annualized bene ts of $5 million to $7 million after calendar year 2019. “As the tire-repair and retread industry continues to evolve, Myers Industries is working on transform- ing its distribution business,” Moni- ca Vinay, vice president of investor relations, said at that time. “We are re ning our strategy to invest more in our growth channels, better serve our customers and create an even brighter future for our people.” In the meeting with the trade me- dia, Mr. DuPaul sought to elaborate on those comments, saying Myers is taking a “fundamentally different OE QUALITY SENSOR approach to doing business. … “How do we best serve our cus- tomers?” he asked. “What do I need to do to bring this to market?” COMBINE BOTH FREQUENCIES Answering his own question, he ref- erenced the company’s suppliers. % VEHICLE “You don’t do it alone,” he said, 99 COVERAGE noting there’s a difference between RUBBER / ALUMINUM a vendor and a partner. “You have to have strong partners. …” Over the past three to six months MEMBER Myers started to be more selective ® with its supplier partners with an increasingly critical eye on growing the business together. C O M P L E T E S O L U T I O N One of the key initiatives of the ONLY PRODUCES TPMS TOOLS & SENSORS realignment was building a more MORE COMPATIBLE & EASY TO USE • MOST CURRENT VEHICLE COVERAGE robust e-commerce platform, Mr.

WNLOA O D DuPaul said, noting the goal in hav- D WIRELESS ing a strong online presence is to FREE MAXIVCI MINI support the traditional distribution TS508 For The Life Of The Tool TS608 ADVANCED TPMS SERVICE & TPMS RE UP WA DA business model, not replace it. T T F E O S S “The opportunities ahead of us are • Read & Relearn All Known Sensors FREE • Includes 20+ Service Functions to improve the use of the platform, • 4 MX-Sensor Programming MethodsFOREVER • AutoSCAN All Vehicle Systems drive knowledge content, etc.,” he • Exclusive TPMS Status Screen • 4 MX-Sensor Programming Methods said. “We want to both build the capa- • Tire Pressure Placard Value Reset • Enhanced TPMS Status Screen bilities of the platform and the train-

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GET STARTED TODAY! www.tirebusiness.com/corporatesubscontact Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com TIRE BUSINESS, June 24, 2019 • 17 Conti adds General-brand Uniroyal unveils Tiger Paw all-season GREENVILLE, S.C. son compound and high sipe density gevity and affordability.” line to solid tire portfolio Michelin North America Inc.’s provide traction and biting edges for Available in H- and V-speed rat- FORT MILL, S.C. Uniroyal brand has launched the rain, light snow and muddy condi- ings, the tire carries 75,000- and Continental Tire the Americas has Tiger Paw Touring All-Season, a tions. 65,000-mile warranties, respective- launched a line of General-brand tire for passenger cars, minivans, Olivia Le Meur, Uniroyal brand ly. press-on solid industrial tires, comple- SUVs and CUVs. director, said the tire offers value The Tiger Paw Touring All-Sea- menting the expanding range of Con- Michelin said the tire will be for consumers and tire dealers. son joins the Tiger Paw GTZ tinental-branded materials-handling available in 114 sizes that will cov- “This line of tires covers near- All-Season 2 and the Tiger Paw tires introduced over the past few years. er more than 196 million of the 245 ly the entire market in America, Ice & SnowTM 3 in the Tiger Paw The launch comprises two lines, million vehicles on the road from a compact car with 14-inch family of tires. the treaded Trac designed for outdoor today. Fifty of those sizes t wheels to a full-size SUV applications where a gripping edge solid tires — Super Elastic, which rim diameters of 18 inches with 22-inch wheels,” is required and the slick Smooth for are designed to t on industrial pneu- or larger. Ms. Le Meur said. indoor applications where enhanced matic tire rims and are built with a The tire features a 45- “For consumers, this traction and reduced chunking are high-damping cushion compound for day ride guarantee, and its tire brings dependabili- needed for optimal performance. reduced rolling resistance and low optimized footprint pro- ty and protection. For our Continental said adding a line of temperature generation; and Press- vides even treadwear, dealers, this tire meets General-branded materials-handling On Bands, which are available in two Michelin said. Mean- the needs of customers tires allows it to better serve its custom- versions: POB with steel base and while, the all-sea- who demand lon- ers in the U.S. and Canada, depending POB with steel wire reinforcement. Tiger Paw Touring All-Season on the needs of their operation. The Continental-brand tires are optimized for tough applications with up to three-shift usage, the company said, while General-branded products offer an “exceptional” price-perfor- mance ratio and are suited for opera- tions with up to two-shift usage. The treaded Trac line is available in six sizes — 16x6x10 1/2; 18x6x12 1/8; 18x7x12 1/8; 21x7x15; 21x8x15; and 22x9x16 — while the Smooth comes in 13 sizes. The tires are produced in Sri Lan- ka by Eu-Retec (Pvt.) Ltd., a wholly owned Continental subsidiary. Addi- tional General-branded products are expected in the future. Continental offers two types of

Kenda moving U.S. order production out of China CHANGHUA, Taiwan Taiwan’s Kenda Rubber Indus- trial Co. Ltd. is transferring some of the production for the U.S. at its China factories to plants in other Asian areas amid tariff angst. “Kenda has many tire manufac- turing facilities in Asia. We can offer production from different factories to cover demands from customers in different parts of the world,” Chairman Jimmy Yang told European Rubber Journal, a sister publication of Tire Business. The company will supply its tires from “wherever it ts to meet our goal of offering best service and quality products to customers,” Mr. Yang said. According to reports in the Chi- nese press, Kenda plans to move production of its commercial tires to Vietnam, bicycle tires to Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia, and motor- cycle tires to Vietnam and Taiwan. Chinese production of U.S. orders is worth about $65 million annually, ac- cording to reporting in May by China Rubber, a publication af liated to the China Rubber Industry Association. Kenda’s China production for U.S. orders of passenger and SUV tires will be moved to Kenda’s second Vietnam plant once a $48-million expansion project there is nished, the company said. 18 • June 24, 2019, TIRE BUSINESS Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com CommercialTire Bridgestone introduces Ecopia truck trailer tire NASHVILLE, Tenn. business choice for  eets on a num- Bridgestone Americas Inc. has in- ber of levels,” said Kyle Chen, brand troduced the Bridgestone R123 Eco- manager, truck and bus radial tires, pia tire, a SmartWay-veri ed trailer U.S. and Canada, Bridgestone Amer- Bridgestone R123 Ecopia tire engineered for low rolling resis- icas Tire Operations. “Fuel-ef cient tance and extended wear in long-haul tires that also deliver big on perfor-  A tread pattern designed to in- and regional service applications. mance are a demonstration of our crease traction and grip on wet roads, The low-rolling-resistance design dedication to help lower the total cost as well as absorption of tread edge enables the Bridgestone R123 Ecop- of tire ownership and drive ef cient stress to promote long, even wear; ia tire to deliver nearly $400 in fuel mobility for all  eets.”  An optimized tread volume savings over 100,000 miles when The Bridgestone R123 Ecopia tire for long removal mileage; and compared with the Bridgestone Eco- features an IntelliShape sidewall,  A specialized defense groove pia R197 tire (based on R123 tires designed to reduce the overall tire structure to help establish even pres- in all eight trailer tire positions, $3/ weight and minimize rolling resis- sure at the tire shoulder and mini- Sumitomo Rubber North America photos gallon fuel cost and 80,000 lbs. total tance, and patented NanoPro-Tech mize tread edge wear. Falken dealers attend a training program designed for commercial dealer- vehicle weight), the company said. polymer technology to limit energy The R123 can be retreaded with ship personnel. “Bridgestone Ecopia tires are loss and help improve fuel economy. Bandag FuelTech retreads to cap- designed with features that reduce Other features include: italize on tire performance poten- fuel consumption, and they are en-  A fuel-ef cient tread design tial, drive down fuel costs and make gineered to be t for retreading later to lower rolling resistance and im- mobility more ef cient for  eets, Falken adds training on, making them a smart, sustainable prove fuel economy; Bridgestone said. for commercial dealers TBC adds OTR tire to Power King brand RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. “TBC Brands is excited about the expansion of the Sumitomo Rubber North America TBC Brands L.L.C. has added an E-3/L-3 category Power King lineup with the addition of the xERT-3HD,” has initiated a dealer training program tire, the xERT-3HD, to its Power King brand, for load- Bill Dashiell, senior vice president of the TBC commer- at its Rancho Cucamonga headquar- ers and articulated trucks. cial tire division, said. “This OTR tire was designed for ters/training facility, dedicated to com- The OTR tire complements the Power King xERT-3 dealers seeking a long original tire life with a high-qual- mercial dealership personnel. value line and is designed for mixed oper- ity casing for excellent retreadability.” The program, dubbed Falken Com- ations with a wear-and-cut tread com- The Power King xERT-3HD is avail- mercial Tire Academy, is based on the pound and thick under-tread for ex- able in four sizes: 20.5R25; 23.5R25; consumer tire-oriented Falken Acad- tended life. 26.5R25; and 29.5R25. emy training program the company The tire features a self-cleaning Power King tires carry a ve-year war- launched in February 2018. tread for improved traction in all ranty for workmanship and materials The program is designed to help The day-and-a-half-long semi- off-road conditions, especially for that includes a no-charge replacement Falken commercial tire dealers learn nar-style training program includes a municipalities and aggregate opera- within the rst 12 months with 10 per- more about the brand’s products and hands-on alignment session conduct- tions. A wide,  at footprint coupled cent or less of the original tread depth encourages the exchange of informa- ed by Mike Beckett of MD Alignment with increased tread-to-void ratio used if it becomes unserviceable due tion and customer feedback related to Services Inc. of Des Moines, Iowa. improves the stability and tread life to a defect in design, workmanship or the commercial truck and bus market “It’s important — as a partner of the tire, the company said. Power King xERT-3HD material. segment. to our dealers — that Falken con- tinually provides a platform to ex- change information on topics that improve business relations at the  eet level and shares real-world ex- periences where tire maintenance and best practices are applied,” Bob Klimm, director of commer- cial tire sales, said. Topics at the rst session, held in mid-April, ranged from the basics, such as proper tire applications and commercial tire maintenance, to more customized discussions, such as cor- recting irregular wear. Additionally, Falken representa- tives addressed best sales practices, provided feature and bene t analy- ses on speci c Falken tire offerings and detailed the brand’s after-pur- chase customer support. “From a product-planning perspec- LISTEN TO TIRE TALK @ tive, the feedback we were able to TIREBUSINESS.COM/SECTION/AUDIO capture … has been invaluable,” Raul Garcia, product planning, commercial truck and bus tires, said. “I look forward to applying those Podcast Archive: A Conversation with Brent Hesje inputs to enhance upcoming develop- ment efforts.” Falken is planning to continue and Many of the same disruptions that continue to affect expand the program over the next year. the U.S. tire industry are impacting the Canadian tire Sumitomo/Falken Tire Corp. has market. Tire Business Editor Don Detore recently been marketing Falken-brand truck discussed the market with Fountain Tire CEO Brent Hesje. tires in North America since the ear- Fountain Tire has been honored as one of Alberta’s Top ly 2010s, phasing it in over several Employers and one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. years to replace the Ohtsu brand that had been the company’s primary brand for commercial tires. Brent Hesje, Fountain Tire At that same time, Falken launched Listen @ TireBusiness.Com/Section/Audio a range of Ohtsu-brand passenger and light truck tire lines as a val- ue-line associate brand in the com- pany’s consumer segment. Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com TIRE BUSINESS, June 24, 2019 • 19 CommercialTire Some clean advice for aluminum wheels By Peggy J. Fisher Check the wheel’s non-polished side to see [email protected] Do not use strong detergents, alkaline or acidic if bolt holes or hand holes are washed out or he transportation industry is certainly wallowed out. This condition is not an out-of- in a state of transition. Trucks, buses, cleaners to clean an aluminum wheel. These solutions service condition that requires the wheel to be Ttractors and trailers are all being de- removed from service, but it isn’t pretty. signed for improved fuel economy, automa- can etch the surface of the aluminum and leave dull Accuride recommends that once wheels tion and range. are polished, carnauba wax be used to pro- As a result, tires are being designed specif- areas. Prior to applying cleaning chemicals verify the tect the polished wheel surfaces, help prevent ically for the types of operations and vehicles corrosion and pitting caused by natural envi- wheel is at ambient temperature. ronmental contamination and to make future cleaning and polishing easier. Peggy Fisher is president glistening. Since their appearance is a big at- Apply cleaner over the surface of the Otherwise it warns the polished surface will of TireStamp inc. and is traction for many truck operators but constant wheels, inside the hand holes and around the be susceptible to water spotting and/or pitting based in Troy, Mich. maintenance is not, aluminum wheel man- stud holes. Agitate the cleaner with a soft-bris- from environmental contaminants. If you do ufacturers have developed coatings for these tle brush (not a wire brush) periodically while apply carnauba wax, use a clean, dry, cotton wheels that eliminate the need to polish them. applying water. Scrub the surface of the cloth to remove any excess wax. These wheels never should be polished wheels inside the hand holes and stud holes. they are destined for as well as improved fuel since that will effectively remove the coating. If the tire is removed, scrub the wheel Cleaning protective economy, and wheels are produced with fuel Therefore, it is important to  rst know the dif- drop center with all-purpose cleaner and a economy, loads-carrying capacity, mainte- ference between a polished aluminum wheel stiff-bristle brush. coated aluminum wheels nance and appearance in mind. and a coated aluminum wheel, and second, the Then rinse the wheels with a hose or a pres- While aluminum wheels with protective Since the push for greater fuel economy is procedures for properly cleaning them. sure washer. Repeat this process if necessary. coatings are not to be polished, it may still one of the main forces driving the trucking The  rst thing to do is locate the manufac- Failure to perform this cleaning step may be necessary to clean them in order to restore industry, commercial eets have been transi- turer identifying marks on the wheel. If these have a negative effect on polishing perfor- their shine. tioning to aluminum wheels because they are marks are not legible, the wheel should be re- mance and the wheel’s  nal appearance since To clean coated wheels after they have lighter (about 1,200 pounds on an 18-wheeler) moved from service since they are required rubbing debris against the surface of the wheel cooled to the touch (95° F), use a hose or a pow- than steel wheels. by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard can scratch the wheel. er washer to rinse them thoroughly to remove Lighter vehicles improve rolling resistance (FMVSS) 120 to be on all wheels operating as much loose, visible dirt, sand and other de- and reduce fuel consumption. Since the 1980s on U.S. roads. Polishing non-coated bris as possible. This helps prevent scratching when freight carriers  rst started using alu- These marks are usually found on or near and abrasion during the cleaning process. minum wheels, their adoption has grown. By the DOT stamp on the wheel. aluminum wheels Once again, if the tire is still mounted on 2000, aluminum wheels accounted for 50 per- Arconic Inc. (formerly Alcoa Inc.) applies a There are several ways that aluminum the wheel, exercise caution when using a pres- cent of the market. Dura-Bright decal on coated rims and puts its wheels can be polished. The  rst is by hand. sure washer to prevent tire damage with an Today, their share has grown to about 65 per- wheel part number followed by DB (for Du- After the wheel has been pre-washed and excessively strong stream of water. cent. This growth will continue as electric ve- ra-Bright) to indicate the wheel is coated. has dried, use a non-abrasive aluminum pol- Then generously apply a mild detergent hicles — which require lighter components in Accuride Corp.’s coating is called Ac- ish on the wheel. This can be applied by hand such as automotive car wash soap or common order to increase their range on a single charge cu-Shield. Wheels with this coating are iden- and requires a lot of rubbing with a soft, clean, dish detergent to the wheel surface with either — and diesel- and other alternate fuel-powered ti ed by Accu-Shield decals on the rims and micro ber towel. a spray applicator, a 100-percent cotton cloth vehicles strive for better fuel economy. the stamped manufacturer information that is Be sure to follow the instructions on the or a clean soft bristled brush or sponge. Since aluminum wheels also improve the followed by SPC (Standard Polish and Coat- polish. Most should not be allowed to dry on To prevent etching or staining of aluminum aesthetics of vehicles and help make them look ing) or XPC (Extra Polish and Coating) in a the wheel. To prevent the polish from drying, due to the use of improper cleaning solution, shiny and bright, they are a factor that attracts triangular shield pattern. polish one section of the wheel at a time. It use only a non-corrosive, aluminum-appropri- and retains drivers in an industry suffering If these nomenclatures are not found, the can take 20 to 30 minutes to polish one wheel ate, clear coat, safe cleaning solution. Never from a driver shortage. wheel is a polished wheel. this way. use cleaning products containing hydro uoric So in all likelihood, you are going to have Then inspect the wheel thoroughly for any The second is using power tools. After the acid or abrasive tools and scouring pads (such a growing customer base looking for help in damage or out-of-service conditions. wheel has been pre-washed, use a non-abra- as 3M Scotch-Brite) since they will remove making these wheels look good. Some aluminum wheels come with a heat sive aluminum polish on the wheel and a soft the protective coating. Do not allow the soap Aluminum wheels do require maintenance. sticker installed on them. If the heat sticker bristled wheel pad to polish the wheel. This to dry on the surface of the wheel. They oxidize, experience rim ange wear and indicates the wheel has experienced excessive cuts polishing time in half. Finally rinse the wheel thoroughly with can be damaged by heat from dragging brakes, heat or the wheel shows other signs such as There is also a portable wheel-polishing clean water to remove all remaining soap and frozen bearings and from running on at tires. discoloration, charring, cracking, brittle or machine available on the market that you can dirt. If you want to dry the wheel, be sure to Their shiny surfaces can become dull due distorted areas in the bead seat area, the wheel roll right up to the truck and have the machine use a soft, clean cloth. to road dirt and other contaminants, and they should be placed out of service. polish the wheel which takes about 15 min- Do not use polishes or wax on coated alu- must be polished frequently to keep them If the tire is removed from the wheel, check utes. It polishes the wheel but does not remove minum wheels. Their  nishes will maintain a the rim ange area for wear with a rim ange any oxidation on it. bright and shiny surface for many years with- wear gauge. Any wheel that is rejected should The third is to machine-polish aluminum out the need for special polishes. be marked and tagged unserviceable and wheels. If you already are re nishing steel scrapped. wheels in your retread plant or service facili- Next, no matter what type of aluminum ty, you may want to consider getting a robotic, wheel you are working with, it needs to be aluminum wheel-polishing cell as well if you cool to the touch (95° F / 35°C) before you do haven’t done so already. a pre-wash. So let the wheels sit and cool off Tires do not have to be demounted before if they are on a vehicle that just drove in to putting wheels into these machines. But if your shop. they are, aluminum wheels are completely Then rinse the wheels with a hose or a pres- refurbished and restored. Oxidation is sanded sure washer to spray the surface of the wheels off and the wheels are buffed to a shiny  nish and around the stud holes. If the tire is still in 30-60 minutes. There is very little operator mounted on the wheel, exercise caution when involvement required. using a pressure washer to prevent tire damage During high-speed polishing, wheels can Alcoa Wheel with DB Indicated. with an excessively strong stream of water. experience bolt-hole washout. This condition Aftermarket Wheel Heat Indicators. can be seen on the polished side of the wheel. After polishing or cleaning any aluminum Pre-washing polished wheel, inspect the DOT stamp again to ensure it is legible. If the heat sticker is removed from aluminum wheels the wheel, you can replace it with aftermarket After a wheel has been rinsed off and the heat indicators that turn colors when wheel big chunks of loose dirt and debris have been temperatures rise above 250 degrees. removed, use one of the many aluminum Like the trucking industry, the truck wheel wheel cleaners on the market that loosen dirt, industry is also transitioning. Aluminum grease, grime and brake dust that has collect- wheel polishing and cleaning eventually will ed on the wheels. eclipse steel wheel refurbishing as aluminum Do not use strong detergents, alkaline or wheels continue to take over the market. acidic cleaners to clean an aluminum wheel. Use this opportunity to offer polishing and These solutions can etch the surface of the cleaning services to your commercial eet aluminum and leave dull areas. Prior to apply- customers that will provide a new revenue ing cleaning chemicals verify the wheel is at stream for your business if you haven’t already Accuride Wheel with SPC Indicated. ambient temperature. Bolt Hole Washout. done so. 20 • June 24, 2019, TIRE BUSINESS Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com

Inc.’s Tire Distributor Xperts (TDX) It gives our vendors a chance to con- ITDG wholesale arm. nect directly with our members.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Mr. Marks, who has spent plenty ITDG representatives also plan Gross ITDG purchases also have of time in the eld in his previous to start attending trade association increased substantially, going from jobs, said the emphasis today is to conferences across the U.S. “It will $207 million in 2015 to $233 mil- visit members as often as possible. help us understand the market a lit- lion in 2018. “I believe in what I see and not tle better,” Mr. Marks said, “and it “I think we’re in a good spot,” Mr. what I hear sitting behind a desk,” will create leads. We will meet a lot Mark said, sitting poolside during an Mr. Marks said. “I want to go out, of new people.” interview with Tire Business. “I feel visit with a member, shake their ITDG has set a goal of 168 mem- good about where we are headed.” hand, look them in the eye, thank bers and 750 locations by year-end, He said one of ITDG’s biggest at- them for their business and say, and by 2022 it hopes to have 205 tributes is its uidity and nimbleness. ‘What can we do better for you? How members and 902 locations, repre- “We don’t have this huge over- can we do better for you? Please tell sented in all 50 states. head to serve,” he said. “We can act me about your business.’ ” Mr. Marks said ITDG differenti- very quickly. We can make a deci- Mr. Marks gures he’s visited ates itself because of its simple ap- sion and act on it like that,” he said, close to 100 members thus far, can- proach. He said if you call any mem- snapping his ngers. vassing the country from Georgia to ber of the group, you can expect a “If we need a board (of directors) Tire Business photos by Don Detore Maine and parts in between. call back within hours. ITDG held its 25th anniversary Trade Show and Conference in May at the “You might not like what you decision, we can make it happen with- Secrets Cap Cana, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. In addition, ITDG has begun to in two hours,” Mr. Marks said. “We hold regional meetings regularly. hear, but you’re going to get a call make a decision fast, because the last year. They can buy one or two a year tion after the retirement of Michael Thus far, Mr. Marks said the back,” he said. thing any of them want to do is slow and take advantage of the price.” Cox in summer 2017, Mr. Marks has group has held several meetings in Mr. Marks said ITDG members our progress down. That doesn’t hap- ITDG, he said, doesn’t require taken several steps to streamline the different parts of California, as well are genuine hard-working business- pen very often in any businesses that members to buy a certain number of operations. as Arizona and Texas. He expects to people who want to make their busi- I know about.” First, he eliminated the of- hold two or three this year. nesses successful. Its mission statement is ce in Florida, shrinking its Sometimes, the meetings are held “They have no visions of gran- simple: “ITDG is a group of ’I want to go out, visit with administrative costs by ap- at a vendor’s facility — the meeting deur,” he said. “They don’t walk very successful, ercely in- a member, shake their hand, proximately 30 percent over in Texas was held at an Advance around with gold chains. They’re dependent and loyal tire and the last 18 months. Now, all of Auto Parts warehouse. just hard-working folks trying to automotive professionals, de- look them in the eye, thank the employees work remotely “It’s a win-win for everybody,” Mr. make a living, maybe build the busi- pendent on an organization out of their homes, either in Marks said. “It connectivity for them: ness for their kids.” like us to secure the program, them for their business and California or Florida. Each pricing and vendor partner- say, ‘What can we do better has access to the ITDG sys- ships that will add value and tem through the cloud. prots to their business.” for you? How can we do The savings fall to the bot- Ninety percent of potential tom line, either to add staff members, he said, are attract- better for you? Please tell — “We’re investing in people ed to the manufacturer pro- who go out in the eld to gen- grams ITDG provides that me about your business.’ erate business,” he said — or most independent dealers Dave Marks, president and CEO of Tire Dealers Group L.L.C. redistributed to members. don’t have access to on their Instead of an ofce, ITDG own. Among the tire makers that of- tires per year. contracts with Regus P.L.C., which fer programs to ITDG members are “We are there to help and add provides exible workplaces includ- Continental Tire the Americas, Han- value to your business,” he said. ing equipped ofces and meeting kook Tire America Corp. and Pirelli “We’re not going to tell you what to rooms in hundreds of locations. Tire North America L.L.C. buy, how to buy, when to buy it. And “Now, we have a roaming ofce “That’s the deciding factor for we’re not going to stop you unless wherever and whenever we need it. many (independents),” Mr. Marks there’s a con ict with a vendor. “ And you only pay for it when you said. “We bring them some direct The group’s commitment, he said, need it,” said Mr. Marks, who has programs, and we always have some is to “bring you programs that add nearly 40 years of wholesale and re- strong value programs. They can get prot to your business. ... That’s a tail experience in the tire industry, connection to manufacturers without pretty simple pitch.” including stints at Big Brand Tire, Rob Slagle (left) of S&S Tire Co. of Peoria, Ariz., talks with Jim May eld, having to guarantee 24 containers a Since being appointed the posi- Tire Dealer’s Warehouse and Tireco senior vice president of sales at Giti Tire USA Ltd., at the ITDG trade show.

Motivational speaker Troy Nix, pres- ident and owner of First Resource Guido Bertoli and his wife Gracie operate Big Discount Tire Pros in Ala- Bud Luppino and his wife Claudia operate Bud’s Tire & Wheel Inc., in Riv- L.L.C., delivers the keynote address- meda, Calif. erside, Calif. es at the ITDG conference. Finnish appeals court con rms, reduces sentences for ex-Nokian employees TURKU, Finland received non-appealable sentences The case began with a criminal court handed down to Black Do- dants have been convicted,” Nokian An appeals court in Turku has in the case, and the company was complaint in 2011 before the dis- nuts a ne of $353,000; $632,350 President and CEO Hille Korhonen conrmed the convictions of 10 ned, the tire maker said. trict court of Pirkanmaa, Finland. in crime forfeitures to the state; and said. former employees of Nokian Tyres Black Donuts said the appeals Nokian accused the 10 for- $705,000 in legal fees to Nokian. Black Donuts also said it was P.L.C. accused of stealing Nokian court reduced both the nes and mer employees of stealing tens of The managing director of Black glad the case had been concluded. business secrets to set up their own the punishments against its team thousands of records containing Donuts and two other employees “We welcome and respect the tire consulting rm. members. Nokian’s business secrets relating were sentenced to prison terms of additional clarity provided by the Eight of the 10 defendants, now “This means there will be no to factory technology, product de- three to ve years. Appeal Court’s decision today,” the all employees of Black Donuts En- signicant impact on the current velopment and other issues. They Neither Nokian nor Black Do- company said. “This case has prov- gineering Oy, received terms of nancial position, as the previously used the records to establish their nuts said by how much the nes and en to be an unwelcome distraction imprisonment in the long-running given nes had already been sub- own competing operations, Nokian prison sentences were reduced. for (Black Donuts) and our employ- case, according to Nokian. stantially paid from trading cash alleged. “We are happy that a decision ees, not only for those personally Two of the defendants previously ows,” the company said. On Aug. 31, 2017, the Pirkanmaa has been reached and all defen- involved in the legal process.” Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com TIRE BUSINESS, June 24, 2019 • 21

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TURN PAGE FOR MORE CLASSIFIEDS 22 • June 24, 2019, TIRE BUSINESS Visit us on the web at www.tirebusiness.com

Another 31-year Crain veteran is RPN Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg. The tire maker did Zielasko Editor Bruce Meyer, whose knowledge Goodyear not comment on its investment in this initiative. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 of the rubber industry and reporting and CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Goodyear expects the new tire range to debut Chuck Slaybaugh. Chuck was a seasoned editing skills have kept the publication vi- of competitors in the class or classes in which at the WEC race in Silverstone, England, the tire and rubber industry journalist when brant, vital and the leader in its eld. This it competes. weekend of Aug. 31/Sept. 1, which is consid- my dad hired him at Tire Business as year RPN was named a nalist twice in the Sports-car racing provides a “strong platform” ered the start of the 2019/2020 WEC season. he prepared to retire in 1987. He wanted Neal Awards competition, the trade-press for demonstrating tire technologies on a wide Two of the LMP2 teams that used Dunlop Chuck to provide leadership and guide equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize. range of different prototype and GT cars, Good- this year — Jota Sport and Jackie Chan DC Tire Business’ young reporting staff, me On the sales side, RPN is led by Brent year Motorsport Director Ben Crawley said. Racing — have committed to run on the new included. Weaver, one of the scrappiest, motivated and “The nature of the races (varying from 4 hours Goodyear product in the 2019-20 season. It was a smart move. As executive editor talented sales managers I know. Brent worked to 24 hours) means tire choice and strategy are “Motorsport continues to be one of the most he helped us understand what was import- his way up from the production department, critical and it provides a motivating challenge for popular global sports,” Mr. Crawley said. “It is an ant to our tire dealer readers. He gave our to classi ed sales rep, to sales manager in his our technology team in our European innovation ideal platform for us to engage with consumers reporting perspective that only someone 24 years at Crain. Brent sets goals and goes around the heritage, passion, innovation and tech- with years of industry experience could pro- after them with a tenacity I envy. nology that make up Goodyear’s story in racing.” vide. Chuck is one of the nest men I have Tire Business’ sales manager is Chris- “We will focus on sportscar racing at rst, ever met: hardworking, talented, funny and tine Zernick, who in her seven years at before applying learnings to other categories a great story teller. He retired a number of Crain has become a student of the tire in- of racing, which could be within the endurance years ago, and I am honored to call him my dustry. She loves brainstorming new ideas centers ahead of exploring other racing opportu- arena or in other racing series,” he added. friend. and, like Brent, is relentless in her efforts to nities for the brand,” Mr. Crawley said. The tires will be developed and manufac- One of my vivid memories at Tire Busi- develop and work with advertisers to help Goodyear has been developing a new range of tured at the Hanau plant alongside Goodyear’s ness was in 1986 when corporate raider Sir them achieve their business objectives. tires for Le Mans prototypes for more than a year latest range of Eagle F1 SuperSport tires for James Goldsmith made an unfriendly at- Another longtime colleague is Lori at its technical centers in Hanau, Germany, and performance and track-day cars. tempt to take over Goodyear, a move that DiFrancesco, our of ce administrative captured the attention of the tire industry. assistant, sales assistant, conference co- the tariffs. Goodyear ultimately agreed to purchase ordinator and helper with anything else Tariffs “We are pleased that he heard the motor ve- Mr. Goldsmith’s 11.5-percent stake in the that needs done in our Akron of ce. In the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 hicle parts supplier industry, which represents company, but at a huge cost, forcing the tire 24 years I have worked with her, I have Also, the U.S. and Mexico will continue dis- the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the maker to depart from its previous diversi- never seen her upset or say no to anyone cussions on possible further actions to address U.S.,” the association said. cation course. The story broke just as we who needed help. She’s the type of person illegal immigration over the next 90 days, it said. “MEMA and its member companies urge were nishing the Nov. 24, 1986, issue. every of ce needs, someone who pitches Mr. Trump, while declaring the agreement a Congress and the administration to redouble its Recognizing its signi cance to Tire in and keep things running smoothly. The victory in his war against illegal immigration, re- efforts to address immigration and the crisis at Business’ readers, we ripped up the front of ce would not operate as well, nor be as served the right to impose the tariffs later if he is our border with Mexico,” it said. page and rewrote several stories, while much fun, without her ever-present smile dissatis ed with Mexico’s progress in stemming The Auto Care Association (ACA) and the Al- Chuck penned an analysis piece. We n- and positive attitude. the  ow of immigrants. liance of Automobile Manu- ished sending the pages to the printer after I can go on. ERJ Editor Patrick Raleigh Members of Congress and facturers (AAM) also said they midnight, well after the deadline. But it was has kept that 135-year-old publication a business interests alike react- were pleased with the adminis- worth the effort and exciting to provide our must-read among tire and rubber industry ed with dismay to the original tration’s reversal on tariffs. readers with in-depth news coverage just as readers in Europe. He dreams of turning the announcement of the tariffs. A “U.S. companies bene t from quickly as the daily newspapers. magazine’s annual Future Tire Conference typical reaction came from the having largely duty-free access Other colleagues have worked with me into a Davos-type event for the tire industry. Motor & Equipment Manufac- to Mexico’s labor market for for years at Crain, including Bruce Davis, Sarah Arnold, events and marketing turers Association (MEMA), certain important steps along Tire Business special projects reporter, manager for all three publications, has which said May 30 that tariffs the supply chain,” ACA Pres- whom I consider the nest tire journalist taught me the ins and outs of putting on on Mexican goods would not create a more se- ident and CEO Bill Hanvey said. “A new tariff in the world. Another is Miles Moore, se- world-class conferences and trade shows, cure border. would have resulted in higher prices for U.S. con- nior Washington reporter, who is a smart, while my boss, Brennan Lafferty, has pro- Instead, such tariffs “will only serve as an sumers and job losses for U.S. businesses.” talented and proli c writer covering tire vided the perfect touch of leadership, sup- additional tax on the American people by in- David Schwietert, interim president and CEO and rubber industry news from the na- port, guidance, humanity and humor. creasing the cost of goods and putting jobs and of the AAM, commented along similar lines. tion’s capital. Bruce has spent 39 years at As I write this, it’s the people, my col- investment in the U.S. at risk,” MEMA said. “Any barrier to the  ow of commerce across Crain; Miles’ tenure spans more than four leagues and the many tire dealer and industry Motor vehicle parts trade between the U.S. and the U.S.-Mexico border would have a cascading decades. friends I have met who are most important to Mexico totaled $165 billion in 2018, equivalent to effect — harming U.S. consumers, threatening Then there’s Kathy McCarron, who has me. It would not have been nearly as mean- $452 million per day, according to the association. American jobs and investment and curtailing worked full time, part time and as a free- ingful of a career without them, which is why On June 7, MEMA issued a statement ap- the economic progress that the administration is lance reporter at Tire Business for 27 years. I have decided that rather than stop working, I plauding Mr. Trump’s decision not to impose working to reignite,” Mr. Schwietert said. During this time, she somehow managed to am moving to a new opportunity in the indus- raise a family, take care of her father and try that came up unexpectedly as I was con- He succeeded the retiring Pete Selleck as still write more stories than most full-time templating retirement in the next few years. Michelin the top North American executive. He had reporters do on a weekly basis. Starting July 8, I am joining the Tire CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 been the rm’s executive vice president and Don Detore, who replaced me two-and- Industry Association (TIA) as vice pres- by Michelin, Mr. Garcin joins the board of the chief operating of cer of its passenger and a-half years ago as editor of Tire Business, ident of marketing and communications. U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (UST- light truck tire unit since 2007. is another. A veteran journalist, he joined What a blessing that is: A challenging MA). Besides Mr. Clark, Jean-Claude Pats, ex- Crain from the Canton Repository daily new position in an industry that I love, Mr. Clark, head of Michelin North America ecutive vice president, corporate personal newspaper where he rose to become the especially as TIA gets ready to celebrate since December 2017, was named to Michelin management, and Eric Vinesse, executive top editor during his 27 years there. At Tire its 100-year anniversary in 2020, and still Group’s executive committee in March by vice president, operational research and de- Business, Don has taken hold of the editorial working with independent tire dealers. incoming CEO Florent Menegaux, along with velopment department, were named to the ex- product and become an important voice in One chapter ends, another begins. The eight other senior managers. Among his new ecutive committee alongside six other senior the tire industry as well as the Akron of ce. ride continues. duties is oversight of the Americas region. managers already on the committee.

USED TIRES FOR SALE USED TIRES FOR SALE USED TIRES FOR SALE

USED TIRES & CASINGS MAKE ALL SIZES YOUR Passenger, Lt. Truck, Lg. Truck ADVERTISEMENT Since 1957 Emanuel Tire, LLC POP 800-445-1887 WITH Email: [email protected] Looking for a company to purchase all or most of our quality used tires and casings. Need a consistent buyer that is capable of handling a large volume of car, light truck, and semi tires. COLOR 2000+ Passenger and light truck tires and 400+ semi per week. Highlight Your Equipment Supplies & Business Tools HERE You must visit our facility and sort your own tires. We’ve been in business for 25+ years and are very reputable. Call 330-865-6117 for details and program offers. Contact Dave at 701-319-0777 Honoring those who make a difference in their communities. Please submit your nomination for the Humanitarian Award by July 31.

TIRE BUSINESS seeks your help in nominating an independent tire Support material is important to the nomination and must include: dealer or retreader who, during the past year, has made signi cant • A detailed explanation of the charitable organization(s) or public contributions to the betterment of his or her community through char- service activity(ies) in which the nominee is involved. itable or public service work. The person selected as the winner will • The breadth and depth of the nominee’s involvement in charitable have demonstrated an unsel sh commitment to the betterment of others. and/or public service activities. • The impact the nominee has had on the charitable and/or public Nominations will be judged by an independent committee outside of service activity. the tire industry. The winner will receive the Tire Dealer Humanitarian • Support materials such as newspaper clippings, photographs, Award Medal and a $2,500 donation to the charity of his or her choice. letters of commendations and previous awards. The award will be presented during the 2019 Tire Industry Association convention/SEMA Show Nov. 4, in Las Vegas. Nominate an independent tire dealer or retreader The award is open to any independent tire dealer or retreader in who is making a difference in his or her community. North America, regardless of business size or sales volume. Nominees must have an ownership in the business. Self nominations are welcome. Go online to submit your nomination form: Nominators are encouraged to renominate candidates if they are not www.tirebusiness.com/humanitarian past winners. To enter your nominee, complete the online nomination form, upload detailed support material and mail as soon as possible.

2017 2018

Kent Olson Mark Smith Entry deadline July 31, 2019 Olson Tire & Auto Service Midas of Richmond Wausau, Wisc. Richmond, Va.