Modern Tire Dealer - July 2023

MORE MARGIN. MORE SALES. MORE OPPORTUNITY.

We are excited to bring nearly ve decades of expertise in tire quality, safety and precision to dealers like you. Our full line of passenger, SUV/LT, TBR and ST trailer tires are designed to help you solve your customer’s needs. Like you, we have always focused on the goals ahead. For us, it is to get you access to better tires at a price that gives you greater prot, and your customers a better tire for their dollar.Choose Fortune Tires and expect more.

Mike Manges By

Now is that clear?

GOOD COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CUSTOMERS, ADVISORS AND TECHS PREVENTS PROBLEMS

When you’re busy, it’s easy to forget that communication is the oil that keeps the engine of your business running.

When’s the last time you listened to how your employees communicate with customers and just as importantly, with each other?

“Most shops don’t communicate enough or thoroughly enough,” says Dennis McCarron, MTD’s monthly Business Insight columnist and partner at Cardinal Brokers, a leading tire and automotive industry broker.

With more than 30 years of retail tire management experience, McCarron has seen just about every communication mistake a tire dealership can make.

The good news is that most misunderstandings, bloopers and blunders can be prevented by following a well-defined process. And it starts with that first interaction between the customer and your service advisor, according to McCarron.

By the way, don’t call them “service writers,” he says. “The term ‘advisor’ is indicative of a more important role. We don’t sell in this industry. We recommend things that a customer may not know they need and help them make the best decision.”

Here’s an abridged version of a proven process that McCarron has shared with his clients:

Step 1: Service advisor interviews the customer to obtain all appropriate details regarding any request, complaint or problem, and then collects the vehicle’s key;

Step 2: Service advisor documents everything that was discussed and communicates to the technician, who inspects the vehicle;

Step 3: After vehicle inspection, service advisor discusses and verifies with the technician, at the vehicle, all ticket add-ons and the condition of the parts being recommended for replacement;

Step 4: Service advisor builds a list of recommended repairs and maintenance for the vehicle while technician performs originally requested work;

Step 5: Service advisor makes recommendation to the customer, obtains consent and technician performs all approved work;

Step 6: After the technician returns the car’s keys, work order and original parts, if requested, service advisor completes the ticket so it’s ready to invoice and tells the customer that the vehicle is ready;

Step 7: Service advisor reviews ticket with the customer, accepts payment and thanks customer for their business.

When talking with customers, service advisors shouldn’t skip steps for the sake of speed. “The service advisor (needs to) extract as much info as possible from the consumer” — not just collecting, but also correcting, if necessary.

When it comes to communication, “it all boils down to discipline,” says McCarron. “You cannot wing it.” Photo: 175453925 | kali9 | Gettyimages.com

“You’re having a conversation with someone who typically doesn’t know a lot about his car,” says McCarron. “Sometimes, as the expert, you have to challenge what they say. It goes beyond yes and no questions.”

Communication becomes even more important when interacting with technicians.

“If it’s a simple job, (the service advisor) can probably just hang it on a wall and verbally notify the technician. But for anything more complex — from a brake job on up — it’s really important to have a conversation with the technician and review the ticket.”

That conversation doesn’t have to be long. But it needs to take place. “The worst thing a service advisor can do is write down a customer complaint, put it on a ticket and give it to a technician. That technician is going to waste 45 minutes just trying to figure out where to start.”

After the job has been completed, service advisors should ask technicians to walk them through everything that was done to the vehicle. “If you want the best chance of success, you need to go to the technician and the car and review the whole thing.”

If something went awry, “the ticket must move backwards” from the service bay to the front counter. At that point, it’s the service advisor’s job to play detective.

“You cannot allow inferiority to move through your shop.”

When it comes to communicating with customers and employees, “it all boils down to discipline. You cannot wing it.”

Is the communication within your dealership lacking? Take the time to fine-tune it, says McCarron. It’s an investment that’s worth making. ■

If you have any questions or comments, please email me at mmanges@endeavorb2b.com.

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NTB is the larger of the two retail brands that Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. bought from TBC Corp., but that’s no guarantee the brand name will continue. MTD’s columnists break down the deal on page 8.

Understanding the deal

The sell-off of TBC Corp.’s retail business continues to reverberate throughout the tire industry as dealers wonder what comes next. The company’s 392 NTB Tire and Service Centers and 203 Tire Kingdom stores now belong to Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. Those stores join a dozen other brands under the Mavis umbrella, many of which were longtime independent tire dealerships, including Jack Williams Tire & Auto Service Centers, STS Tire & Auto Centers and Action Gator Tire.

1. Mavis has ramped up acquisitions

2. The case for not selling Goodyear’s stores

3. Experts break down Mavis-TBC deal

4. Mavis and TBC: No strangers to each other

5. Photos: ITDG moves it forward at annual meeting

6. Kent Coleman — the man behind 11 Big O Tires superstores

7. Dealers take action on tire pricing

8. Turbo Wholesale Tires acquires Tire Wholesalers

9. Giti prepares for next phase of U.S. plant

10. Calculating the true cost of a bad customer experience

DIGITAL EDITION

Check out MTD’s digital edition at the top of our website’s homepage.

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MTD READER ADVISORY BOARD

Rick Benton, Black’s Tire Service Inc.

Jessica Palanjian Rankin, Grand Prix Performance

John McCarthy Jr., McCarthy Tire Service Co. Inc.

Jamie Ward, Tire Discounters Inc. CUSTOMER/SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE (877) 382-9187

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Photo: TBC Corp.

Breaking down a big deal

EXPERTS DISSECT MAVIS-TBC SALE

Mavis Tire Express Services Corp.’s recently finalized purchase of 595 TBC Corp.-owned retail tire stores “is a sign that strategic acquirers are still looking to get bigger.”

That’s analyst John Healy’s take on what the deal signifies to the tire industry.

“The economy is not deterring companies from moving on their long-term visions.” says Healy, who also writes MTD’s monthly Your Marketplace column.

That said, “I don’t see how this really impacts independent tire dealers who are competing against” Tire Kingdom and NTB stores, since those locations were already active in their respective markets, says Michael McGregor, a partner at Focus Investment Banking and author of MTD’s monthly Mergers and Acquisitions column.

“I don’t see (individual markets) getting more competitive or less competitive” when Mavis takes over those locations, he adds.

Healy and McGregor — along with Dennis McCarron, partner at Cardinal Brokers and MTD’s monthly Business Insight columnist — believe the deal is a positive move for both Mavis and TBC.

“It sounds like TBC wants to focus on distribution and wholesale and they no longer have to deal with the headaches of (company-owned) retail,” says McCarron. “Mavis gets to go into new markets and bolster existing markets they have.”

“If you look at TBC, they’ve been signaling that they’ve wanted to do this for a while,” says McGregor. “They’ve converted select stores to Big O franchises.” (TBC owns the Big O Tires and Midas franchise programs. Neither was part of the sale to Mavis.)

“They’ve encouraged Big O franchisees to take on certain markets. And then in 2020, they sold 112 NTB stores to Mavis. They made a decision between being a franchisor of Big O and Midas or being (in) company-owned (retail), and they decided they’d rather be a franchisor.”

Opinions vary on whether Mavis will allow NTB and Tire Kingdom stores to retain their names or if those locations will convert to the Mavis brand and format.

“Will the acquired brands become part of a featured brand strategy or will they operate autonomously?” asks Healy.

“Mavis buying these stores obviously gives them more scale, but I’m not sure it gives them much different terms than they were probably already getting from vendors and sourcing.

“But typically, one brand is something we’ve seen other companies migrate to over a period of time.”

“Is there value in changing over to the Mavis name or is there inherent value in keeping the NTB and Tire Kingdom names?” asks McCarron.

“When Bridgestone took over Tires Plus many years ago, that was a 500store acquisition and they left the Tires Plus name. In their eyes, the (Tires Plus) customer was a different customer. The powers that be said, ‘We’ll leave it.’

“Then you have Monro, which has (multiple) brand names. This is a big enough deal where the NTB and Tire Kingdom

names might carry some weight. If I was a gambling man, I’d say Mavis is probably leaning toward keeping those names.”

“I fully expect the NTB brand to go away after a while,” says McGregor. “The Tire Kingdom brand is iconic in Florida. I would keep that brand alive to see what else you can do with it. Perhaps at some point, Mavis will want to employ the strategy that Monro has, where they have multiple brands in certain markets?

“I’d love to see the Tire Kingdom brand stay alive — not just in Florida, but perhaps expanded into other areas.”

Experts agree it will take some time for Mavis to “digest” its latest acquisition.

“There’s a lot to take on,” says McGregor. “It could take several years.”

“The details of marketing, signage, inventory plans, point-of-sale kits — there are a lot of things that need to be reconciled,” says McCarron.

“My guess is Mavis is going to look at the sheer size of what it’s bringing in,” says Healy. “And I would think this probably puts Mavis on the shelf for a little bit, as far as being an acquirer. But you never know.” —

Mike Manges

One question that remains after Mavis’ purchase of NTB and Tire Kingdom stores is whether these retail brands will continue to exist long-term.

Photo: TBC Corp.

Bites

Mavis adds stakeholder

Neuberger Berman, a private, employeeowned investment manager, has acquired minority stake in Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. Proceeds were used to help Mavis purchase 595 retail stores from TBC Corp.

Kenda updates logo

Kenda Rubber Industrial Co. Ltd. has unveiled a new logo as part of a brand refresh, which Kenda says is designed to communicate the company’s “core values of honesty, quality, service and innovation.”

Toyo trains with games

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has unveiled its Toyo Tires T3+ Games On The Go training program to complement the company’s T3 program. Designed for use on mobile devices, tire distributors and retailers can add to their Toyo knowledge in games that take less than five minutes to complete. New games are added weekly.

Chapel Hill Tire honored

Chapel Hill Tire says two of its locations, in Crabtree Valley, N.C., and Woodcroft, N.C., have been recognized for their outstanding service and education standards as part of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence’s (ASE) Blue Seal Program.

Michelin invests in tracks

Michelin North America Inc. will invest more than $100 million in its Junction City, Kan., agricultural track manufacturing plant. The investment will take place over the next five years and is designed to increase production capacity.

BendPak is moving HQ

BendPak Inc. has purchased a new global headquarters in Agoura Hills, Calif., and will move into it by the end of the summer. The new building, which has earned LEED Platinum certification, will span 22,256 square feet.

ATD raises money

American Tire Distributors Inc. and Tire Pros dealers are raising money for the Gary Sinise Foundation, a nonprofit that serves military members, veterans, first responders, their families and others in need.

Joe Tomarchio retires from Monro

Joe Tomarchio Jr., Monro Inc.’s special advisor of acquisitions, has retired from the company.

Affectionately known as “Mr. Tire,” Monro says Tomarchio “was directly involved in more than 60 acquisitions in his 19-year tenure with Monro, tripling the size of the company.”

Prior to joining Monro, Tomarchio was executive vice president and chief operating officer of Mr. Tire Inc., which he co-founded with his brother, Fred Tomarchio, in 1970. They grew the company from its initial location to 26 Mr. Tire Auto Service Centers, achieving a number-one market share in the Baltimore, Md., area. Monro acquired the business in 2004 and Tomarchio was named divisional vice president, tire stores.

He later served as president of Monro’s tire group and then as executive vice president of store operations, where he oversaw more than 1,100 locations across 27 states, as well as tire procurement, tire merchandising, marketing and acquisitions. He moved on to lead tire sourcing and tire vendor relationships, while assisting with acquisitions, advertising and marketing. In 2017, he assumed the role of special advisor, acquisitions.

“Going from being an entrepreneur for the first 30-plus years to a publicly traded company with Monro was a major change,” says Tomarchio. “It was an education that you could not buy at any price. Monro has been extremely gracious during my entire 19-year tenure.”

Turbo Wholesale Tires acquires Tire Wholesalers

Turbo Wholesale Tires, backed by Kingswood Capital Management LP, has acquired Tire Wholesalers Inc. (TWI), a Michigan-based distributor.

As part of the deal, the Kogel family, Tire Wholesalers’ former owners, have become partial owners of the combined business, alongside Kingswood and the Sepetjian family. Ross Kogel Jr. has been named the company’s chief operating officer. Tire Wholesalers’ founder, Ross Kogel Sr., will serve in an advisory role.

The firm’s combined management team will report to Turbo CEO Phillip Kane.

Turbo says it plans to retain TWI’s name, locations, employees “and ways of doing business.”

Founded in 1970, TWI operates five locations: three in Michigan, one in the metro Chicago, Ill., area and one in Salt Lake City, Utah.

TWI recently expanded its 100,000-square-foot metro Detroit, Mich., facility into a new, technology-enabled, 275,000-square-foot distribution center. This facility will be used as a template for new locations as the company enters additional markets.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Turbo and Kingswood,” say the Kogels. “The corporate cultures, functional strengths, geographies and brand relationships of the two companies are highly complementary and Kingswood has an impressive track record of partnering with and supporting family- and founder-owned businesses.

Kane says that “the opportunity to combine Turbo and TWI is exciting for both organizations. TWI’s expansion across the Midwest and beyond has been impressive, but more importantly, the high level of service they deliver to their customers and the way they care for their employees aligns perfectly with our values and priorities at Turbo.

“This combination will give our existing customers at both TWI and Turbo access to more brands, products, fulfillment options, support resources and dealer program benefits.”

Cerberus Business Finance expanded the company’s existing debt facility to support the acquisition and increase capacity for further growth.

Joe Tomarchio, co-founder of Mr. Tire Inc., has retired from Monro Inc., which acquired Mr. Tire in 2004.

Photo: Monro Inc.

A LONG WAY TOGETHER

AGRIMAX V-FLECTO

No matter how challenging your needs, AGRIMAX V-FLECTO is your best ally when it comes to soil tillage and haulage applications. The tire features excellent traction along with enhanced driving comfort both in the fields and on the road. With the exclusive VF technology, AGRIMAX V-FLECTO can carry very heavy loads with a lower inflating pressure even at high speeds providing reduced soil compaction, best self-cleaning properties as well as fuel economy.

AGRIMAX V-FLECTO is BKT’s response in terms of both technology and performance for high-power tractors.

Bites

Carlisle to rebrand

The Carlstar Group will rebrand its primary tire products, currently marketed under the Carlisle brand, to Carlstar. The change will reflect the company’s name and allow it to leverage that name in the specialty tire and wheel space. The rebranding will take place over the next few years.

Tupelo plant ramping up

“Actions to ramp up tire production are on schedule and progressing well” at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s Tupelo, Miss., plant, according to a statement from Goodyear. The plant shut down on April 1 after being struck by a tornado. From a daily production standpoint, the factory is Goodyear’s second-biggest in North America.

Myers offers app

Myers Tire Supply says its new MTS Xpress platform is designed to help customers “regain control of their inventory.” Myers can help customers set min/ max inventory levels for their consumerables and authorized users can connect to Myers’ inventory in order to place orders as they are needed.

TIA wants spending

The Tire Industry Association is advocating for more infrastructure spending, along with increased use of rubber-modified asphalt and tire-derived aggregate in parking and similar projects.

OTAA offers training

The Ohio Tire & Automotive Association (OTAA) is continuing its training partnership with Garage Gurus. On Aug. 8-10, OTAA members can gather at Boyd’s Tire in Hillard, Ohio, for sessions on engine performance diagnostics and more.

GRI earns high marks

Global Rubber Industries Pvt. Ltd.’s (GRI) new Green XLR Earth ag tire achieved “noteworthy performance” during six months of field tests in Germany. The tire is made with 78.6% of sustainable materials, according to GRI officials.

USTMA prioritizes

A unified approach to consumer tire information and standards is one of the legislative priorities in 2023 of the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association.

Kal Tire acquires Frisby Tire

Kal Tire has acquired Ottawa, Ontario-based Frisby Tire. The deal includes five retail and commercial outlets, plus Frisby Tire’s wholesale business.

Kal Tire’s Total Tire Distributors subsidiary will run Frisby Tire’s wholesale operations.

The acquisition gives Kal Tire more than 260 locations across Canada.

“Since our early days, Kal Tire has looked for opportunities to grow by considering well-run businesses that have dedicated team members who strive to provide customers with an exceptional level of service,” says Robert Foord, president of Kal Tire.

“We know from our long-standing relationship that Frisby Tire has all of those attributes and we’re pleased to link our teams and capabilities and join the community they’ve built in Ottawa.”

Kal Tire has added five retail and commercial outlets, as well as wholesale operations, with its purchase of Frisby Tire.

Having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020, Frisby Tire was considered to be the oldest independent tire dealership in Canada, according to Kal Tire officials.

“It’s always been so important to us that our customers are happy with their experience and we feel very fortunate to know that will only continue with Kal Tire’s culture of service-oriented values,” says Don Frisby, the third generation leader of his family’s namesake dealership. “Some of our technicians have worked here their whole lives. We’ve built this legacy together and I know they’re all in the very best hands.”

Kal Tire officials say Ottawa-area tire buyers “will notice the newly branded Kal Tire signage in the coming weeks” and can visit any location for new tires and wheels, changeovers and repairs, tire storage, purchase financing and more.

Triangle expands warehouse capacity

Triangle Tire USA has expanded its warehouse capacity in the Northeast, Southeast and West regions to better serve its OTR tire and TBR customers.

The third-party distribution centers are located in Phoenix, Ariz.; Kearny, N.J.; and Savannah, Ga.

“Our increased warehouse capacity allows us to better supply customers with smaller tire orders in between container deliveries,” says Stephen Reynolds, OTR director for Triangle Tire USA. “In the OTR world, when a machine is down, minutes count. With this expansion, we can better serve our servicing dealers, so they can better serve their customers.”

“Our increased warehouse capacity allows us to better supply customers with smaller tire orders in between container deliveries,” says Stephen Reynolds, OTR director for Triangle Tire USA.

Triangle Tire USA also is deploying a new software program that allows it to monitor inventory in real time to provide reliable and accurate information to customers.

Triangle supplies a comprehensive range of OTR radial and bias tires in the U.S.. It also offers a full range of TBR tires for line-haul, regional and mixed service applications, as well as passenger and light truck tires and specialty trailer tires.

Photo: Kal Tire

Photo: Triangle Tire USA

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P ZERO™ AS PLUS

3 Performance For Every Mile.

Bites

McCarthy buys Roli Retreads

Wilkes-Barre, Pa.-based McCarthy Tire Service Co. Inc. has acquired Roli Retreads Inc., a single-location operation in Farmingdale, N.Y., from owner Richard Bucci. The deal includes a retread plant that is transitioning to the Bandag system.

Vredestein goes to Canada

Vredestein brand tires are now available at Canadian Tire’s 500 stores, starting with the Vredestein Hypertrac, an ultrahigh performance all-season product. “It is important that Vredestein works with a partner like Canadian Tire,” say officials from Apollo Tyres Ltd.

Aftermarket to hit $390 billion

The light duty automotive aftermarket will produce $390 billion in retail sales in 2023, according to the Joint Channel Forecast from S&P Global Mobility.

Autel creates training event

Autel U.S. launched the Autel Training Academy in July at its U.S. headquarters. The training consists of one- and two-day training courses and is designed for current and potential owners of Autel alignment and ADAS calibration equipment.

eBay Motors adds installers

eBay Motors has added 1,500 installers to create a network of more than 5,000 installation locations in the U.S. The online marketplace also expanded its tire inventory and enhanced its shopping tools.

ITDG adds Turbo as vendor

The Independent Tire Dealers Group LLC (ITDG) has added Turbo Wholesale Tires Inc. as an approved vendor as of July 1.

STTC answers milestone call

Michelin North America Inc.’s commercial emergency roadside service program, ONCall, has answered more than 2.5 million breakdown events from fl eets since its inception in 2009. Bethlethem, Pa.-based Service Tire Truck Center Inc. handled the record call event.

Diagnostic Network has AI tool

Diagnostic Network has created an AIpowered assistant, AiDN, which has been designed to provide diagnostic advice.

Average vehicle age tops 12 years

The average age of cars and light trucks in the U.S. has reached a new record of 12.5 years, according to a report from S&P Global Mobility.

“ is is the sixth straight year of increase in the average vehicle age of the U.S. eet,” say S&P Global Mobility o cials.

“It also re ects the highest yearly increase since the 2008-2009 recession, which caused acceleration in average age beyond its traditional rate due to the sharp decline in new-vehicle sales demand.”

“The sweet spot for aftermarket repair is growing,” says Todd Campau. “There are almost 122 million vehicles in operation over 12 years old.”

Photo: S&P Global Mobility

ere are more than 284 million light duty vehicles in operation in the U.S. e number of passenger cars on U.S. roads is at its lowest point since 1978, says S&P Global Mobility, while 78% of new cars registered in 2022 were light truck or utility vehicles.

“In 2022, the average (vehicle) age experienced upward pressure initially due to supply constraints that caused low levels of new vehicle inventory and then by slowing demand as interest rates and in ation reduced consumer demand in the second half of the year.

“ e combined e ect caused retail and eet sales of new light vehicles in the U.S. to drop 8% from 2021’s 14.6 million units to 13.9 million units in 2022, the lowest level recorded in over a decade.”

“ e a ermarket sector trajectory typically follows growth in average vehicle age, as consumers invest more to keep their aging vehicles running, barring some exceptions. As a result, the most recent S&P Global Channel Forecast conducted jointly with Auto Care Association and MEMA A ermarket Suppliers, estimates revenues of the U.S. light duty a ermarket in 2022 have grown to $356.5 billion, up more than 8.5% over 2021.

“For this year, early indications from the same forecast estimate a potential revenue increase in 2023 of 5% or more, prior to adjustments for in ation and other factors.”

According to S&P Global Mobility, the volumes of vehicles ages 6 to 14 years old will grow by another 10 million units by 2028, adding to an already favorable volume of vehicles in the a ermarket target range.

“Traditionally, the ‘sweet spot’ for a ermarket repair was considered 6 to 11 years of age, but with average age at 12.5 years, the sweet spot for a ermarket repair is growing,” says Campau. “ ere are almost 122 million vehicles in operation over 12 years old.”

In total, vehicles older than six years will account for more than 74% of the vehicle eet in 2028, according to S&P Global Mobility estimates.

MTD is a Neal Awards finalist

Modern Tire Dealer’s cover story on its 2022 Tire Dealer of the Year, Bob Dunlap, was named a nalist in the 69th Jesse H. Neal Awards for Best Pro le Article. e article, “With the Best People, ‘You’ll Never Lose,’” was written by MTD Managing Editor Joy Kopcha for our September 2022 edition.

e awards, sponsored by the So ware & Information Industry Association (SIIA), honor the best in business-to-business journalism. e 215 Neal Award nalists span both digital and print projects in 24 categories, some of which are judged based on a publication’s annual revenue. e work of journalists across the country in all industries was reviewed and judged by a panel of 136 judges to select the nalists.

TIRES THAT PROTECT THE WHOLE FARM AT PRICING THAT PROTECTS YOUR BOTTOM LINE.

The Alliance Whole Farm concept is a mindset of developing and promoting future-friendly tire options for every machine that touches the farm field. Through our Alliance brand, Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America, Inc., delivers low-pressure, high-performance tires for nearly every wheel on the farm, minimizing soil compaction in the field while also helping farmers maximize productivity and return on investment.

How? With our Alliance Agriflex lines of VF and IF tires, cutting-edge flotation radials, and sophisticated implement tires—the industry’s most complete line of low-compaction tires.

And with our spring dating program, you’ll be able to lock in the year’s best pricing on thousands of SKUs, backed by our engineering and sales team, easy-to-use Warranty Wizard, and B2B E-Commerce Portal.

Contact your Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America rep to learn more about our 2023 spring dating specials. For more on our thousands of SKUs for nearly any tire need on farms and ranches, ask your rep, call 1 (800) 343-3276 or visit yokohama-oht.com.

Relevant statistics from an industry in constant motion

29,000 Total independent tire dealers in the

4,200+ Service trucks used by the ve largest commercial tire dealers

65 Number of tire dealership acquisitions announced in 2022

Photo:

Source: Monro Inc.

Photo: Monro Inc.

Photo:

Photo: Ben Borchert

Photo: MTD

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John Healy By

Caution continues with tire sellout AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR PROVIDES SOME MOMENTUM

In May, tire dealers saw average unit declines of 2% year-over-year. This represents a sequential improvement from April’s 4% decline, which was the largest decline since April 2020. It’s an indication that retail sellout trends continue to show softness on a year-overyear basis, marking a sixth straight month of negative retail sellout.

When looking at dealers regionally, it was another month where no region reported positive growth. The Southwest showed the best results, with business levels about the same as a year ago. Dealers in the Midwest reported the softest performance, falling an average of 3.1% during the month of May.

Where there was improvement, dealers indicated it was the consumer auto repair deferment cycle that drove some positive momentum. However, retail sellout trends still remain below year-ago levels. From our view, the inflationary environment driving rising prices for all consumer goods continues to drive negative sellout momentum.

For the third month in a row, miles driven trends remained positive. It’s the first occurrence of three straight months of positive trends since the start of 2022. Our miles driven momentum index increased 3.2% in May, slightly higher than the 3% year-over-year increase in April. While still early, we note miles driven through the first three weeks of June grew another 2.5%. Given the recent improvements in our proprietary miles driven index, we see the potential

for sectors related to passenger tires and aftermarket auto parts to improve.

Collectively, raw material costs continue to decline. The raw materials needed to build a basic replacement vehicle tire fell 15.4% in May year-over year, and slipped 2.9% from the previous month. If current spot prices hold steady for the rest of the second quarter, it would equal a 14.3% drop year-over-year. This shift to year-over-year declines is expected to be a welcome sign for tire manufacturers and dealers, as tire price hikes and inflationary impacts have negatively affected retail sellout. There’s still a belief tire manufacturers may be inclined to reduce prices to jumpstart sellout.

In May, the prices of individual raw material components all continued their decline — with one exception. Carbon black prices had increased for 26 straight months before dropping in March and April. But in May, prices increased 2.1%. Overall, the price is still 7.7% lower than a year ago.

CAUTION ON SELLOUT

Consumer tire demand in May was still off the mark compared to May 2022, but trends improved slightly from April. About a quarter of our tire dealer contacts — 27% — saw positive demand trends in May. That’s a big improvement after two straight months with no dealers reporting a positive figure. While retail sellout trends are always a bit finicky, the broader theme of the uneven macro environment continues to appear to be the driving force behind the ongoing soft retail trends.

Snapshot of Dealer’s PLT Tire Volumes (Year-Over-Year Change)

Dealers continue to tell us consumer deferment of auto repairs has been a drag on sellout trends this year.

However, on the flip side, we do highlight a bit of a shift this month as one of the few respondents to our survey who saw positive sellout trends in May indicated this deferment trend has reached a tipping point and is driving higher volume of both repairs and tire sales. While one month does not make a trend, we do remain encouraged at the possibility of increased summer driving habits and the possible end of the consumer deferment cycle.

That said, our May survey indicates consumer tire demand remains below year-ago levels and we see more “yellow lights” than “green lights” in the consumer replacement through May. So we proceed with caution with hopes of positive retail momentum in the months ahead.

TOPSY-TURVY TIERS

In terms of the best and worst performers, our latest survey shows tier-two tires were the most in demand in May. It’s the third straight month tier-two brands improved their ranking. They were in last place in March and second place in April. This is consistent with our historical rankings, as tier-two brands have ranked the highest over the previous one-, three- and 10-year periods. Tier-one and tier-three tires tied for second place in May. For the tier-three products, the slip to second place followed two straight months as the tires in most demand.

Over the long run, we continue to expect consumers to opt for tier-two products, since they offer a balance of performance and value. ■

John Healy is a managing director and research analyst with Northcoast Research Holdings LLC, based in Cleveland, Ohio. Healy covers a variety of subsectors of the automotive industry. If you would like to participate in the monthly dealer discussions, contact him at john.healy@northcoastresearch.com.

The big get bigger

MTD 100 DEALERS CONTINUE TO GROW

Mike Manges By

Comparing this year’s edition of the MTD 100 to last year’s MTD 100, one trend quickly emerges: the big continue to get bigger.

The most dramatic — and recent — example of this trend is Mavis Tire Express Services Corp.’s acquisition of 595 NTB Tire and Service Centers and Tire Kingdom Service Centers from TBC Corp., which was finalized weeks before this issue of MTD went to press.

The deal gives Mavis more than 2,000 retail stores, including 392 NTB stores and 203 Tire Kingdom locations throughout Florida, Texas and other states across the Midwest, South and Mid-Atlantic regions, according to a statement from TBC.

The transaction also marked TBC’s exit from company-owned retail. (TBC was ranked No. 4 on the 2022 edition of the MTD 100.) The company, however, continues to offer Big O Tires and Midas franchises.

TBC had owned Tire Kingdom since 2000 and NTB since 2003.

“Mavis’ acquisition of both chains represents a significant milestone in the continued acceleration of Mavis’s growth strategy, enabling us to deepen our presence in existing markets and expand our Mavis brand into new markets throughout the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and in Texas,” Stephen Sorbaro, co-CEO of Mavis, said when the deal was announced in late-May.

“We have a strong working relationship with TBC and a history of successfully integrating NTB locations into our platform and we look forward to partnering with them again to welcome the talented NTB and Tire Kingdom teams to the Mavis family.”

“As we execute our growth plans and strategies, we continuously analyze the assets in our portfolio and periodically fine tune them to drive superior perfor-

mance in our core focus areas,” said Sam Kato, president and CEO of TBC Corp.

“Divesting our company-owned retail business allows us to focus and strengthen our wholesale business, pursue growing our distribution and ‘supply chain as a service’ solutions, while bolstering our market-leading Midas and Big O Tires franchise businesses. We have never been in a stronger position to offer best-in-class solutions that address a full range of customer priorities while driving innovation and long-term sustainable growth.

“It was important to us to identify a buyer with an exceptional people-centric culture that aligns with our company values,” Kato continued. “From our long-term partnership with Mavis, we are confident they are well-positioned to accelerate

growth in the NTB and Tire Kingdom businesses as they continue to invest in expanding Mavis’s national footprint.”

COMMERCIAL EXPANSION

Green Bay, Wis.-based Pomp’s Tire Service expanded its footprint considerably. During the third quarter of 2022, the dealership acquired Tredroc Tire Services Inc., which was based in Elk Grove Village, Ill. The deal, which closed on Sept. 2, included 17 locations, four retread plants and two distribution centers and boosted Pomp’s Tire Service’s footprint to nearly 160 locations.

Tredroc had been owned by Don Barnes Jr. and Bob Barnes, who also own Allen Park, Mich.-based Belle Tire Distributors Ltd., another dealership that

TBC Corp. exited company-owned retail by selling its Tire Kingdom Service Centers and NTB Tire and Service Centers stores to Mavis Tire Express Services Corp., which now has more than 2,000 retail tire locations.

Photo: 276356067 | © Billy Blume | Dreamstime.com

has expanded significantly since the 2022 edition of the MTD 100 was published.

“There had been conversations going back and forth between (Pomp’s Tire Service CEO)

Jim Wochinske and Don Barnes off and on for a few years,” Paul Wochinske, Pomp’s Tire Service’s president, told MTD. “Then the end of 2021 and the first quarter of 2022 is when it really started to pick up steam and we knew we could work out an agreement.”

Tredroc’s “go-to-market strategy is very similar to Pomp’s. And with its number of locations in Michigan, it was very appealing to us.”

The acquisition also “further strengthens” Pomp’s Tire Service’s presence in the Chicago, Ill., market, he said. Tredroc had a retread plant in the Chicago area, as well as two plants in Michigan and another in the Cleveland, Ohio, market.

Also during the third quarter, Pomp’s Tire Service acquired 23 GCR Tires & Service locations, plus five GCR retread plants, from Bridgestone Americas Inc. as part of the manufacturer’s continued divestment of its GCR locations. In April, Pomp’s Tire Service expanded its reach even further by acquiring St. Cloud, Minn.-based Royal Tire Inc., which extended its push into Minnesota and North Dakota. The deal gave Pomp’s Tire Service another 17 locations and three retread plants.

When the transaction was announced, Paul Wochinske told MTD that Pomp’s Tire Service plans to keep all former Royal Tire locations. He said the quality of Royal Tire made it an attractive business to acquire. “Royal Tire was a well-run organization with a great service culture.”

COMMERCIAL BREAKS

Bridgestone’s GCR sell-off has enabled other, commercially focused MTD 100 dealerships to grow.

Commercial Tire Inc., which is based in Meridian, Idaho, bought two of the final pieces of the GCR business — a commercial location and retread plant, both located in Spokane, Wash. — during the third quarter of 2022.

Prior to the acquisition, Commercial Tire had 15 commercial locations, 27 combined retail-commercial outlets and three retread plants. In early 2023, Commercial Tire also opened a greenfield outlet in Kuna, Idaho, as well as another location in West Jordan, Utah.

Last September, Columbia, Miss.based Southern Tire Mart LLC, the largest commercial tire dealership in the U.S., announced it had acquired 26 GCR locations in Colorado and Utah — new states for the company — plus Nevada and California. (Southern Tire Mart moved into the southern California market in 2021 and already had a 10-plus-year presence in Nevada.)

Southern Tire Mart LLC , the largest commercial truck tire dealership in the U.S., continues to grow its footprint. The company acquired Friend Tire Co. from Yokohama Tire Corp. this past April and further expanded its commercial tire network last year through several significant acquisitions.

Photo: Southern Tire Mart LLC

“We definitely had customers who were talking to us in those areas,” Keven Haddox, who directs Southern Tire Mart’s business west of the Mississippi River, told MTD. “So this was in response to customers’ requests. It filled in some gaps for them. It helps to have the consistency of dealing with one vendor within their regions.”

Around the same time, Southern Tire Mart further strengthened its presence in the Southwest with the acquisition of longtime Phoenix, Ariz.-based OTR tire dealership Redburn Tire Co. The transaction gave Southern Tire Mart locations in Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott Valley, Kingman and Yuma, Ariz.; Commerce City and Greeley, Colo.; Farmington and Albuquerque, N.M.; and a location in New Mexico near El Paso, Texas. (Longtime Redburn owners Don Leffler and J.D. Chastain have retired.)

Redburn Tire was “a good, complementary dealer” and “a very strong company,” said Haddox. “We respect them and what they will bring to us. We love adding the strengths of Redburn to the strengths of Southern Tire Mart.”

Southern Tire Mart continued to expand via acquisition in 2023. During the first quarter of the year, the company bought Heintschel Truck Tire Center of Texarkana, Texas. The single-location

dealership, which had been owned by Garry Heintschel, started as a Southern Tire Mart outlet on Feb. 1. (Heintschel Truck Tire Center was founded in 1973 by Arlen Heintschel.)

On April 1, Yokohama Tire Corp. announced it had sold its Friend Tire Co. wholesale division to Southern Tire Mart in a deal that gave Southern Tire Mart nine additional distribution centers located in Albuquerque, N.M.; Memphis, Tenn.; Belton, Texas; Davenport, Fla.; Monett, Mo.; St. Charles, Mo.; Shreveport, La.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; and Salt Lake City, Utah. The locations began operating as Southern Tire Mart outlets on April 3.

Another commercial tire-oriented MTD 100 dealership that has grown is Massillon, Ohio-based Ziegler Tire & Supply, which opened a new location in Owensboro, Ky. The outlet was brought online “to complement our other locations in that market,” John Ziegler Jr., Ziegler Tire’s vice president, told MTD.

Norwell, Mass-based Sullivan Tire Co. Inc. grew its commercial capabilities by acquiring both the commercial and retail operations of Central Tire in Shawmut and Sanford, Maine, in 2023. The addition of the commercial locations in both Sanford and Shawmut brought Sullivan Tire’s commercial location total to 17 at the time. Sanford’s retail center increased the number of Sullivan Tire’s retail locations to a total of 78 throughout New England.

Massillon, Ohio-based Ziegler Tire & Supply continues to add locations and opened a new commercial tire center in Covington, Ky. (Pictured, a Ziegler Tire location in North Canton, Ohio.)

Photo: MTD

Norwell, Mass-based Sullivan Tire Co. Inc. acquired the commercial and retail operations of Central Tire in Shawmut and Sanford, Maine, in 2023.

Photo: Sullivan Tire Co. Inc.

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Areas of concern

Tech shortage, inventory and sticker shock remain challenges for MTD 100 dealers

MTD 100 dealers face a number of ongoing challenges. For many, fi nding auto service technicians tops the list.

Tim Winkeler, CEO and president of Auburn, Maine-based VIP Tires & Service, says recruiting experienced auto service technicians has been particularly difficult.

“We have career path programs. We have lots of technical school partnerships. We’re doing a lot of things to attract young people to our industry. But at the same time, with the growth we’re having, we’re always in need of more experienced mechanics.

base. We’re not ordering much. We’ve isolated some older inventory. We’ve moved inventory from store to store. We’ve done some discounting.”

Through it all, “we’ve been able to maintain our gross profi t.”

Joe Zaccheo, president and CEO of Norwell, Mass.-based Sullivan Tire Co. Inc., cites inflation as one of his dealership’s main challenges. “The consumer has little-to-no disposable income. And there’s been a run-up in the cost of tires. That’s been an issue.”

“The consumer is just trying to pay their bills,” adds Paul Sullivan, Sullivan Tire’s vice president of marketing. “The consumer is under enormous stress. The income gap is just too great.”

He expects “the flight to price” will continue. Sullivan believes this creates challenges for dealers who have traditionally hung their hats on promoting flag brand products. “When people start to not think about the premium tire — and the value and equity of that premium tire — and would rather buy based on prices … we have to be careful. It’s easy to sell on price, but you can’t build your business on the lowest prices. You sell quality and the equity of a brand. We need to continue to do that.”

Other MTD 100 dealerships cited these challenges:

“The impact of both regulator and individual bank actions and their impact on cash availability and lines of credit for our customers.” — Callaghan’s Best-One

“Demand for tires is good. But with new car sales being suppressed and the overall (automotive) fl eet aging, demand for auto repair is phenomenally strong,” he says. “Not that it was ever easy, but today it seems especially challenging” to fi nd master technicians — “and fi nding enough of them to satisfy the need we’re seeing.

“I think we’re doing better than most, but if we could hire another ASE master tech at each of our stores tomorrow, they’d be (immediately) busy.”

John Miller, CEO of Monroe, Ind.-based Southern Indiana Tire, which is part of Best-One Tire Group, says recruitment is still a challenge for his dealership, “but nowhere near what the problem was last year.”

Retention remains a challenge, he says, but that’s improving, too. “Best-One, as a whole, held sessions last year on acquisition, retention and expansion,” he says. “I think we’re doing better with onboarding. We’re able to be a little more selective.

“For a while there, it was if they had a pulse, they were hired, but we’re getting better candidates now. We really try to stay close to them, (using) intentional touch-bases to try to keep them longer.”

The bigger challenge facing Southern Indiana Tire is high tire inventory levels, according to Miller, who traces the problem back to the end of 2022, when “suppliers, all of a sudden, became flush with product. We were getting eight to 10-month-old back orders fl ying into the warehouse.”BestOne has diligently worked to lower inventories, he says. “We’ve been selling products out to our existing customer

“Our biggest challenge continues to be hiring talent for our store locations.” — Gill’s Point S Tire & Service

“We, too, are navigating through issues related to inflation. Tire demand for the first half of 2023 (was sluggish).” — Tire Discounters Inc.

“People, rising utility costs and inflation.” — Valley Tire Co. Inc.

“Customer acquisition and retention. Online price shopping makes it more difficult to drive new business in the door and keep current customers coming back.” — Ted Wiens Tire & Auto Centers

“Soft sales market, overstock of products, pricing not coming down as quickly as we would like and customers cautiously buying.” — McCarthy Tire Service Co. Inc.

“Hiring employees and employee retention.” — Wonderland Tire Co.

“Excess inventory and a slowing market.” — Jack’s Tire and Oil Management Co. Inc.

“Continuing labor market, higher than normal inventory and expense for carrying inventory.” — Graham Tire Co.

“Recruiting and retaining entry-level and general labor employees at competitive wages.” — C.J.’s Tire & Automotive

“Our biggest challenge is finding, recruiting and retaining quality people. We are in growth mode, so we are always in need of good people.” — Flynn’s Tire Group

“Not

that

it

was ever easy,

but

today

it seems especially

challenging” to fi nd master technicians, says Tim Winkeler, CEO and president of VIP Tires & Service.

Photo: VIP Tires & Service

In an interview with MTD, Joe Zaccheo, Sullivan Tire’s president and CEO, said Central Tire was “a microcosm of Sullivan Tire. They have commercial, wholesale, retreading and a little bit of retail. The stores came with a very loyal customer base. They’re very sales-oriented and we also had supplied tires to them. We closed on (the Central Tire deal) in October and haven’t skipped a beat.”

At the start of 2023, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.-based McCarthy Tire Service Co. Inc. acquired Truck Fleet Repair, a singlelocation commercial tire dealership in Norfolk, Va., that had been in business since 1980.

“We’re excited about this acquisition because it’s a win-win for both of our customers,” John McCarthy Jr., president of McCarthy Tire Service, said at the time. “It enables us to extend comprehensive mechanical services to our current customers, while providing over 200 Truck Fleet Repair customers with comprehensive tire solutions, from full tire processing management to retreading.”

The Truck Fleet Repair purchase followed McCarthy Tire Services’ acquisition of LS Truck Tire Repair, a five-location

commercial tire dealership with operations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and Barclay, Md.-based Classic Tire Service Inc., during the second quarter of 2022.

McCarthy Tire also opened a new commercial tire center in Morganville, N.J., this year.

In May, Bradenton, Fla.-based Callaghan Tire joined the Best-One Tire & Service network and was renamed Callaghan’s Best-One. Founded in 1978 by Dan and Elizabeth Callaghan, Callaghan’s Best-One has grown to encompass 10 commercial truck tire centers, two Bandag retread plants, a full-service retail tire and auto service location and the five-location Callaghan Industrial Tire division.

Teaming up with Best-One “will allow the Callaghan family to continue its growth, with more access to resources, product lines and manufacturing support,” according to Callaghan Tire officials.

RETAILERS ON THE MOVE

Retailers on the MTD 100 also have experienced supercharged growth. Discount Tire recently entered the North Dakota market with a new store in that state.

Tire Discounters Inc., based in Cincinnati, Ohio, has surpassed the 200-location mark. It recently acquired Tire Barn, a two-location dealership in Gainesville, Ga.

Photo: Tire Discounters Inc.

Belle Tire Distributors Ltd., which is headqartered in Allen Park, Mich., has continued its push into the Chicago, Ill., area with a new store in Carpentersville, Ill. (pictured) and other locations.

Photo: Belle Tire Distributors Ltd.

Sun Auto Tire & Service increased its store count by more than 60 locations versus last summer. e Tucson, Ariz.based company now has more than 420 locations.

Sun Auto Tire added 29 locations in three states during the third quarter of 2022 via the acquisitions of TGK Automotive Specialists, a 24-store business primarily based in Minnesota, with one location in Arizona, and Toscalito Tire & Automotive, a ve-store dealership in California. ( e TGK deal marked Sun Auto Tire’s entrance into the Minnesota market.)

“We’re excited to be expanding the Sun Auto family of brands with our rst locations in Minnesota, while continuing to grow our existing presence in Arizona and California,” said Sun Auto Tire Vice President of Development Chris Garman. “ e TGK Automotive Specialists and Toscalito Tire & Automotive brands have been serving their communities and providing the highest quality of service for years, which we will maintain throughout this transition and onward.”

In January 2023, Sun Auto Tire acquired Jacksonville, Fla.-based Tire Outlet, an independent tire dealership with 14 outlets throughout northern Florida. Tire Outlet was the 77th largest independent tire dealership in the United States, according to the 2022 MTD 100.

Tire Discounters Inc.’s acquisition of Leete Tire and Auto, a four-store, Virginia-based chain, in December 2022 capped a big year of acquisitions for the rapidly expanding, Cincinnati, Ohiobased dealership, which now has more than 200 locations.

e Leete Tire deal gave Tire Discounters 20 locations in the state of Virginia. It was the fourth tire dealership acquisition that Tire Discounters made during the nal quarter of 2022 and the company’s 16th overall acquisition — excluding its purchase of a Cincinnati-based car wash chain — of last year.

During the fourth quarter of 2022, Tire Discounters also acquired Dellinger’s Tire, a single-store dealership in Chesapeake, Va.; Fred’s Tire, a one-store dealership in Columbus, Ga.; and Arne’s Tire, which is based in Blairsville, Ga., and has one outlet.

Tire Discounters also was busy during the third quarter, acquiring Shadden Tire, a three-store dealership in Crossville, Tenn.;

Big Brand Tire & Service Inc., which is owned by Percheron Capital, added more than 30 stores over the last 12 months, including 15 outlets during the fourth quarter of 2022.

Photo: Big Brand Tire & Service Inc.

Auburn, Maine-based VIP Tires & Service recently bought Marshfi eld Tire & Auto Center of Marshfi eld, Mass.

Photo: VIP Tires & Service

Dyke Tire Pros, a single-store dealership in Richmond, Va.; and Koehler Tire, a single-store dealership in Madison, Ind.

As 2023 started, Jamie Ward, president and CEO of Tire Discounters, said the company was “on track to replicate last year’s growth — or more — due to our deep pipeline. We are actively focusing on the Carolinas and Florida for more acquisitions and greenfield expansion.”

Tire Discounters’ most recent acquisition was its purchase of Gainesville, Ga.-based The Tire Barn, which had been owned by the Roper family since it opened in 1971. The purchase boosted Tire Discounters’ presence in Georgia to 22 locations. “The Atlanta metro area is important for us,” noted Ward.

Tire Discounters also strengthened its presence in the central Kentucky market with the purchase of Skip Cottrell’s Tire, a single-location dealership in West Somerset, Ky.

Allen Park, Mich.-based Belle Tire Distributors Ltd. has continued its push into the greater Chicago market, which began in 2021. The dealership has added 16 new stores in the “Chicagoland” area since July 2022. They include a store in Bloomingdale, Ill., which opened its doors in January 2023; a location in Huntley, Ill., that has 10 service bays and spans 10,000 square feet; a store in Carpentersville, Ill., which opened in April 2023; and others. Last fall, Don Barnes III, Belle Tire’s president, told MTD that Belle Tire will have 70 stores throughout the Chicago

area by the year 2025. “We like highbarrier-of-entry markets. It’s going to keep a lot of different competitors out. When you have a high-barrier-of-entry market because of real estate, labor costs or advertising, we like that. Chicago is a huge market with a dense population and an incredible car count. We’re really enjoying this opportunity.

“All of our growth from 2000 has been organic,” said Barnes. “We want to control our own destiny.”

MFA Oil Co., which does business as Big O Tires in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma, acquired 13 Big O Tires stores in the Kansas City market from TBC Corp. this past February. Eight of the stores are located in Missouri and five are located in Kansas.

The deal gave MFA Oil its first presence in Kansas, with two stores in Olathe, Kan., and outlets in Shawnee, Overland Park and Kansas City.

“This is a major expansion for our company,” says Charlie Alexander, senior

director of Big O Tires for MFA Petroleum. “It strengthens our current footprint and helps us build the Big O Tires brand throughout the Kansas City area. We are excited to serve the KC market.”

Big Brand Tire & Service Inc., which is owned by Percheron Capital, added more than 30 stores over the last 12 months, including 15 outlets via its fourth quarter 2022 acquisition of AAA Auto and Christensen Auto, both of which had locations in Nevada.

“The rest of the openings were a combination of greenfield and brownfield stores and acquisitions,” a Big Brand Tire & Service spokesperson told MTD. “The additional acquisitions were smaller in nature — one to four stores each — in southern and northern California; Phoenix, Ariz., and Denver, Colo.”

Big Brand Tire & Service has expanded rapidly in the southwestern U.S. In June 2022, it acquired 11 locations in Tucson, Ariz., from MPG Tire and Auto Service. Three months earlier, the chain acquired three independent tire dealerships in Arizona — Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair, S&S Tire & Auto Service Center and C&R Tire.

In November 2021, Big Brand bought American Tire Depot’s 107 retail stores in southern California, plus nine Purcell Tire & Rubber Co. retail outlets in Arizona.

Greenwood Village, Colo.-based Leeds West Group (LWG) has grown its footprint to more than 120 stores. “We successfully acquired and opened five locations,” says a spokesperson for LWG.

In the May 2023 issue of MTD, LWG CEO Derek Wessels said that the company, which historically has expanded through the acquisition of Big O Tires and Midas franchise locations, is “looking at every and any opportunity that we’re presented with. We have big plans for growth and expansion. Anything that fits our model, we’re going to pursue it.”

North Salt Lake City, Utah-based Burt Brothers Tire & Service Inc. brought its store count up to 20 via the opening of several locations.

Auburn, Maine-based VIP Tires & Service moved into a new location in Sanford, Maine, and opened a store in Seabrook, N.H., during the third quarter of 2022.

The southern Maine market “is growing quickly,” Tim Winkeler, the

In addition to adding retail stores, including this one near Akron, Ohio, Flynn’s Tire & Service, which is based in western Pennsylvania, recently opened a distribution center in New Stanton, Pa., that replaced an older warehouse.

Photo: MTD

Chapel Hill Tire recently acquired a store from Durham Tire in Durham, N.C.., giving the dealership 11 stores and a spot on the 2023 MTD 100.

Photo: Chapel Hill Tire

dealership’s president, said at the time. “We need a lot more room to adequately service the customer base of this growing community.”

Last month, VIP acquired Marshfield Tire & Auto Center, a single-store dealership in Marshfield, Mass. “Several of the Marshfield Tire & Auto Service Center staff are remaining with VIP, making for a seamless transition for customers,” said VIP officials.

“Joe Bird and Carl Waterfield, owners of Marshfield Tire, have done a great job servicing the Marshfield community for over 23 years,” noted John Quirk, VIP’s executive chairman.

Steve Shannon Tire Co., which is based in Bloomsburg, Pa., also is in growth mode. Steve Shannon Tire stores opening since last summer include an outlet in Allentown, Pa., which came online in October 2022, and another store in the same city that hung up its shingle in April 2023. Also that month, the dealership added a store in State Col-

Burt Brothers Tire & Service now has 20 locations, with more on the way in 2024.

Photo: Ben Borchert

Modern Tire Dealer 100

lege, Pa., that had been a Sears Auto Center, and in May 2023, opened a new location in Sunbury, Pa.

Shortly before press time, Jesse Shannon, one of Steve Shannon Tire’s owners, told MTD that the dealership

plans to open a store in Auburn, N.Y., inside a former Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. company-owned location. And the company has its sights on another location in New York that will be an acquisition, he said.

West Middlesex, Pa.-based Flynn’s Tire & Auto Service has opened two locations since last year, including an acquisition in Delmont, Pa., and a new store in Montrose, Ohio, an Akron suburb — both of which came online this past May. e Montrose store is located in a high-tra c area at the intersection of two major thoroughfares.

In early-2022, Flynn Tire Group’s wholesale division, FTW, relocated its Greensburg, Pa. warehouse to New Stanton, Pa., which o ers more than triple the square footage and tire storage capacity than the previous location. e new distribution center is a 150,000-square-foot facility and features 22 loading docks, as well as large training and conference rooms.

Chapel Hill Tire, a fast-growing dealership in North Carolina, has joined the MTD 100 for the rst time. e dealership, which was founded in 1953, acquired its 11th store — a Durham Tire store in Durham, N.C. — this past May. e location, which covers 4,140 square feet and has six service bays, is Chapel Hill Tire’s second outlet in the Durham area.

Edenton, N.C.-based Colony Tire Corp. expanded its footprint by adding two locations — a new store in Charlotte, N.C., that opened in November 2022 and an outlet in Florence, S.C., that’s located in a building that had been owned by a collision repair company. ( e latter location became a Colony Tire store in December 2022.)

Morgan City, La.-based Chabill’s Tire & Auto Service added a new store this past April. e outlet is based in LaPlace, La., a new market for Chabill’s Tire, and was acquired from Tire Town, says Beth Barron, the dealership’s CEO.

In January 2023, Webster Groves, Mo.based Telle Tire & Auto Centers acquired Jerry’s Tire Sales, a single-store tire dealership founded in 1962 in Edwardsville, Ill. Jerry’s Tire Sales had been owned and operated by Brian and Keith Lee.

Around the same time, Telle Tire acquired a former car dealership, with the goal of transforming the facility into its new headquarters.

e company’s old headquarters was “bursting at the seams,” CEO Aaron Telle said when the announcement was made.

Other tire dealerships also have added locations since the 2022 edition of the MTD 100 was published. ■

A number of RNR Tire Express franchisees have opened new locations in the last year and more are on the way.

Photo: RNR Tire Express Discount Tire continues to add locations and enter new markets. The company recently opened its fi rst store in North Dakota.

Photo: MTD

2023’s LARGEST U.S. INDEPENDENT TIRE DEALERSHIPS

4 Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc. Bend, Ore.

5 Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc. dba BrakeMax Tire & Service Centers, Bruce's Tire, Coopers Auto Repair Specialists, Delta World Tire, Driver's Edge, Evans Tire & Service Centers, Family Auto Service, Gaynors Automotive, Goodguys Tires & Auto Repair, Greg's Japanese Auto, Hogan & Sons, Jeff's Auto Repair, Lamb's Tire & Automotive Centers, Martin Tire, McSpadden Tire & Automotive Centers, Parra Car Care, Plaza Tire Service, Ramona Tire, Reliable Automotive, Sun Auto Service, Sun Devil Auto Service, Tate Boys Tire & Service, TGK Automotive, Tire Outlet, Tire Works Total Car Care, T.O. Haas Tire & Auto, Wilhelm Automotive Tucson, Ariz. Tony Puckett, CEO www.sun.auto

Dunlop, General, Goodyear, Falken, Hankook, Kelly, Kumho, Laufenn, Michelin, Mickey Thompson, Nokian, Ohtsu, Pantera, Paragon, Yokohama

Cooper, Dick

Arizonian, Atlas, Atturo, Barum, BFGoodrich, Braven, Bridgestone, Carlisle, Coker, Continental, Cooper, Corsa, DWT, Dick Cepek, Dunlop, E-Z-GO, Falken, Firestone, GBC Motorsports, General, Giti, Gladiator, GMZ, Goodyear, GT Radial, Hankook, Hartland, Interco, Ironman, Kanati, Kumho Tire, Laufenn, Maxxis, Michelin, Mickey Thompson, Milestar, Mohave, Journey, Nankang, Nexen Tire, Nitto, Nokian, Ohtsu, Pathfinder, Phantom, Pirelli, Pitbull, ProComp, Radar, Rage, Road Hugger, Rocky Mountain, STI, Sentury, Sumitono, Taskmaster, Tensor, Toyo, Trailfinder, Uniroyal, Vogue, Yokohama, Zenna

Bridgestone, Caldera, Continental, Cooper, Dean, Double Coin, Falken, Firestone, Hankook, Laufenn, Mastercraft, Maxxis, Mazama, Michelin, Pirelli, Sailun, Toyo, Vredestein

Achilles, BFGoodrich, Blackhawk, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Dunlop, Falken, Firestone, Freedom Hauler, Fuzion, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Kumho, Lemans, Michelin, Milestar, Nexen, Nitto, Nokian, Ohtsu, Paragon, Pirelli, Sumitomo, Toyo, Uniroyal, Westlake, Yokohama, Zeetex

BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Calvary, Continental, Cooper, General, Goodyear, GT Radial, Kenda, Mastercraft, Michelin, Milestar, Nankang, Nexen, Pirelli, Thunderer, Toyo, Uniroyal, Venezia, Westlake, Yokohama

Achilles, BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Dunlop, Falken, Hankook, Michelin, Nexen, Nokian, Pantera, Pirelli,

BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper. Dunlop, Falken, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Kenda, Kumho, Mastercraft, Michelin, Nexen, Ohtsu, Pirelli, Sumitomo, Trailer King, Uniroyal

BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Double Coin, Firestone, Fuzion, General, Gladiator, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Michelin, Uniroyal, Yokohama

BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Double Coin, Dunlop, Firestone, Gladiator, Goodyear, Hankook, Jetzon, Kelly, Kumho, Michelin, Sailun, Sumitomo, Uniroyal, Yokohama

BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Carlisle, Continental, Cooper, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Kumho, Michelin, Nexen, Nokian,

BFGoodrich, Continental, General, Hankook, Michelin, Sailun, Sumitomo, Triangle, Uniroyal, Yokohama

BFGoodrich, Continental, Dunlop, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Kumho, Maxam, Michelin, Samson, Solideal, Sunfull, Toyo, Unicorn, Uniroyal, Yokohama

Alliance, BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Camso, Continental, Double Coin, Firestone, Galaxy, General, Gladiator, Hankook, Hercules, Maxam, Michelin, Primex, Titan, Trelleborg, Vitour, Westlake, Uniroyal, Yokohama, Zenna

BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Falken, Goodyear, Michelin, Multi-Mile, Vredestein, Wild Country

Alliance, BFGoodrich, Continental, Cooper, Double Coin, Dunlop, Falken, Galaxy, Hankook, Kelly, Goodyear, Lexani, Mastercraft, Michelin, Mickey Thompson, Nexen, Roadmaster, Uniroyal

Kumho, Michelin, Mickey Thompson, Nexen, Nitto, Ohtsu, Pirelli, Toyo, Uniroyal, Yokohama

Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Dunlop, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Kelly, Kumho, Michelin, Nitto, Toyo, Uniroyal, Yokohama

Continental, Cooper, Dunlop, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kumho, Michelin, Nitto, Nokian, Pirelli, Radar, Sailun, Sumitomo, Toyo, Uniroyal, Yokohama

BFG, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Delinte, Dunlop, Falken, Firestone, Fuel, Fuzion, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Kumho, Lexani, Michelin, Nexen, Nitto, Pirelli, Thunderer, Toyo, Uniroyal, Vogue, XF Offroad, Yokohama

BFGoodrich, BKT, Bridgestone, Camso, Carlisle, Continental, Cooper, Double Coin, Firestone, General, Giti, Goodyear, Greenball, Maxam, Michelin, Nokian, Trelleborg, Uniroyal

BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Capitol, Carlisle, Continental, Cooper, Falken, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Greenball, GT Radial, Hankook, Kumho, Michelin, Mickey Thompson, Nankang, Nexen, Nitto, Pirelli, Primewell, Sailun, Sumitomo, Toyo, Uniroyal, Yokohama

BFGoodrich, Continental, Cooper, Cordovan, Dunlop, Fierce, General, Goodyear, Kelly, Michelin, Multi-Mile, Sumitomo, Toyo, Uniroyal

Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Dayton, Delta, Falken, Firestone,Fuzion, Goodyear, GT Radial, Hankook, Kelly, Kumho, Mastercraft, Michelin, Nankang, Nexen, Nitto, Pirelli, Primewell, Yokohama

BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Falken, Firestone, Fuzion, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Laufenn, Michelin, Multi-Mile, Mickey Thompson, Nokian, Pirelli, Sumitomo, Toyo, Uniroyal

Blacklion, Bridgestone, Dunlop, Firestone, Goodyear, Hankook, Kumho, Nokian, Thunderer, Titan

Achilles, BFGoodrich, Blackhawk, Bridgestone, Carlisle, Continental, Falken, Firestone, General, Goodyear, GT Radial, Hankook, Heritage ,Kelly, Kumho, Laufenn, Michelin, Ohtsu, Nexen, Nokian, Pirelli, Prinx,

General,

Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Falken, Firestone, General, Hankook, Hercules, Ironman, Kenda, Kumho, Landsaoil, Maxxis, Michelin, Nexen, Nitto, Ohtsu, Pirelli, Toyo, Uniroyal, Venon

BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Delinte, Dunlop, Falken, Firestone, Fuel, Fuzion, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Kumho, Lexani, Michelin, Nexen, Nitto, Pirelli, Thunderer, Toyo Uniroyal, Vogue, X Offroad, Yokohama

Solus TA51a provides a quiet, comfortable experience in addition to confident grip and responsive handling in dry, wet, and wintry conditions.

Rim Range: 13” to 19”

Speed Rating: T, H, V

UTQG: 640/A/A

Mileage Warranty: 75,000 Miles (T Rated)

65,000 Miles (H/V Rated)

The Solus TA51a and other Kumho Products are proudly sold by Mr. Tire & Big 3 Tire Dealers.

Cooper, Falken, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Marathon, Michelin, Roadmaster, Sailun, Sumitomo, Toyo, Uniroyal,

Carlisle, Cooper, Falkem, Hankook, Michelin, Nexen, Roadmaster, Toyo, Uniroyal, Yokohama

BFGoodrich, Boto, Bridgestone, Carlisle, Cashland, Centara, Continental, Cooper, Cordovan, Crosswind, Delinte, Delta, Eldorado, Falken, Firestone, Freestar, Fullrun, Galaxy, General, Giti, Goodyear, Harvest King, Ironman, Kleber, Maxam, Maxxis, Michelin, Milestar, Multi-Mile, Nanco, Nankang, Nexen, Nokian, Power King, TBC brands, Toyo Trac Gard, Trailer King,

BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Carlisle, Continental, Cooper, Double Coin, Dunlop, Falken, Firestone, Fuzion, General, Goodride, Goodyear, GT Radial, Kelly, Kenda, Kumho, Michelin, Ohtsu, Pirelli, Roadmaster, Starfire, Sumitomo, Uniroyal, Venezia, Vercelli, Wind Power, Yokohama

BFGoodrich, BKT, Bridgestone, Carlisle, Continental, Cooper, Dayton, Falken, Firestone, Fortune, Fuzion, General, Gladiator, Goodyear, GT Radial, Hankook, Kelly, Kumho, Mastercraft, Michelin, Nexen, Nokian, Thunderer, Toyo, Uniroyal, Yokohama 81

Alliance, Bridgestone, Caraway, Carlisle, Continental, Cooper, Double Coin, Dunlop, Dynatrail, Firestone, Freedom Hauler, Fuzion, Galaxy, Goodyear, General, Hankook, Kelly, Laufenn, Mastercraft, Mastertrack, Maxxis, Michelin, Roadmaster, Road One, Pirelli, Primex, Supercargo, Toyo, Westlake, Yokohama

S&S Firestone Inc. dba S&S Tire Lexington, Ky. Brooks Swentzel, president www.sstire.com

Bridgestone, Carlisle, Continental, Cooper, Dean, Del-Nat, Delta, Dick Cepek, Dunlop, Duraturn, Dynatrac, Eldorado, General, Goodyear, Falken, Farmboy, Federal, Fierce, Firestone, Greenball, Hercules, Hi-Run, Ironman, ITP, Kelly, Kumho, Mastercraft, Mickey Thompson, Nexen, Nitto, Pirelli, Roadmaster, RoadOne, Samson, Solideal, Starfire, Starmaxx, Supercargo, Sutong, Toyo, Trivant, Uniroyal, Vanderbilt, Westlake, Yokohama

Capitol, Continental, Cooper, Dick Cepek, Dunlop, Falken, Federal, Firestone, Fuzion, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Hercules, Kelly, Kumho, Mastercraft, Michelin, Mickey Thompson, Nexen, Nitto, Pirelli, Primewell, Pro Comp, Sunny, Toyo, Uniroyal, Yokohama

Dunlop,

Bridgestone, Capitol, Continental, Cooper, Dick Cepek, Dunlop, Falken, Federal, Firestone, Fuzion, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Hercules, Kelly, Kumho, Mastercraft, Michelin, Mickey Thompson, Nexen, Nitto, Pirelli, Primewell, Pro Comp, Sunny,

* Estimated

1Mavis recently acquired nearly 600 NTB Tire & Battery and Tire Kingdom stores from TBC Corp., marking TBC’s exit from the company-owned retail store channel. TBC had owned Tire Kingdom since 2000 and NTB since 2003.

2Tire Discounters made more than 15 tire dealership acquisitions during 2022. The Cincinnati, Ohio-based company also acquired a car wash chain.

3AAA Auto and Christenson Auto were acquired by Big Brand Tire & Service during the third quarter of last year. Both companies were based in Nevada.

4Southern Tire Mart LLC recently expanded its wholesale distrubition center network by acquiring Friend Tire Co. from Yokohama Tire Corp. The deal gives Southern Tire Mart nine more distribution centers.

5Belle Tire Distributors Ltd. acquired Tireman Auto Service Centers in February 2023, giving the Allen Park, Mich.,-based dealership 18 more locations in northwest Ohio and southern Michigan.

6Pomp’s Tire Service Inc. acquired Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based Tredroc Tire Services Inc. last year. Pomp’s Tire purchased St. Cloud, Minn.-based Royal Tire Inc. this past April.

7Leeds West Groups acquired stores in Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado and Oklahoma in the past year. The Greenwood Village, Colo.-based company has locations in 18 states.

8Sullivan Tire Co. Inc. grew its commercial footprint this year by acquiring two Central Tire locations in Maine.

9McCarthy Tire Service Co. Inc. acquired Truck Fleet Repair, a commercial tire location in the Norfolk, Va., market earlier this year. McCarthy Tire also recently opened a commercial tire center in Morganville, N.J.

BFGoodrich, Big O, Cooper, Dunlop, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Michelin, Mickey Thompson, Nitto, Pirelli, Sumitomo, Uniroyal, Yokohama

10 VIP Tires & Service opened a store in Seabrook, N.H., and moved into a new location in Sanford, Maine, during the third quarter of 2022. VIP also acquired Marshfield Tire & Auto Center in Marshfield, Mass., last month.

11Meridian, Idaho-based Commercial Tire Inc. acquired two of the final pieces of Bridgestone Americas Inc.’s GCR Tires & Service business — a commercial outlet and a retread plant, both in Spokane, Wash. — in 2022.

12Steve Shannon Tire Co. has acquired and opened a number of locations in the past year. The Bloomsburg, Pa.-based dealership is planning to open a store in Auburn, N.Y.

13MFA Oil Co., under its MFA Petroleum banner, acquired 13 Big O Tires locations in the Kansas City metro area from TBC Corp. in early-2023.

14In early-2023, Flynn’s Tire Group relocated its Greensburg, Pa., warehouse to a new, 150,000square-foot distribution center in New Stanton, Pa.

15Burt Brothers Tire & Service plans to open a retail store in Ogden, Utah, in September 2023.

16Telle Tire & Auto Service Inc. acquired Jerry’s Tire Sales in Edwardsville, Ill., in January 2023. Telle Tire also has opened a new headquarters in Webster Groves, Mo.

17Morgan City, La.-based Chabill’s Tire & Service added a new store — a former Tire Town location in LaPlace, La. — this past April. LaPlace is a new market for Chabill’s Tire.

18 Warren Tire Service is celebrating its 40th year in business.

19Bradenton, Fla.-based Callaghan Tire recently joined the Best-One Tire & Service network and adopted a new operating name, Callaghan’s Best-One.

20Las Vegas, Nev.-based Ted Wiens Tire & Auto Centers is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Gritmaster line provides new opportunities for both retailers and wholesalers,” says

NATT brings Gritmaster line to U.S. EXCLUSIVE TERRITORIES NOW AVAILABLE, SAYS COMPANY

Mike Manges By

North America Tire Trader (NATT) is bringing its new Gritmaster passenger and light truck tire line to the United States and is offering exclusive territories to dealers and distributors who want to carry the product.

Gritmaster-brand tires, which are made in Thailand, “are on the water now,” says Gonzalo Santamarina, president of NATT.

He runs the company with Fernando Krasovsky, its CEO, and Adriana Santamarina, the firm’s chief financial officer. (All three are partners in NATT, with Gonzalo holding majority share.)

While Gritmaster tires are manufactured in Asia, NATT’s origins are in Mexico. Parent company Tire Direct, which was founded in 2003, is based in Leon, Mexico, and is that country’s largest tire distributor, claim NATT officials.

“We cover the entire country — every single state,” says Gonzalo, who adds that Tire Direct averages nearly 40% yearover-year sales growth.

“We have several channels in Mexico. Our main channel is the customer who

has a warehouse of his own. We ship tires to them and they distribute within their own areas. We have more than 1,000 distributors.

“We also have a retail channel. They buy for their stores and sell retail. We call that our ‘super-wholesale’ channel.”

Tire Direct’s main distribution center in Leon covers 1.7 million square feet. “On average, we stock 1.5 million units.” (The company has two other distribution centers in Mexico.)

NATT was founded in 2019 to serve

North American customers, according to Gonzalo.

“We started by doing factory-direct shipments and also shipping from our distribution centers in Mexico.”

The company opened a warehouse in Dallas, Texas, in 2020. “We began shipping tires from Mexico to this facility in order to have inventory for U.S. customers.

“We started growing, so we needed to move to a new distribution center. We found a beautiful warehouse, where we are now located.”

“Our

Gonzalo Santamarina, president of North America Tire Trader (left), who runs the company, along with Fernando Krasovsky, its CEO, and Adriana Santamarina, the firm’s chief financial officer (right). Gritmaster is new to the U.S. market.

Photo: NATT

NATT has a retail store inside its three-year-old distribution center in Dallas, Texas. “It’s a unique shop with a 9,000-square-foot showroom,” says Gonzalo. The store draws customers from all over the Dallas area.

Photo: NATT

The warehouse spans 90,000 square feet and stocks an average of 60,000 tires. It ships all over the U.S.

“Dallas is strategically located and we like to have plenty of inventory, so customers don’t have to wait a long time.”

More recently, NATT opened a retail store inside the distribution center.

“It’s a unique shop with a 9,000-squarefoot showroom,” says Gonzalo, who adds that the store draws customers from all over the Dallas area.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

NATT’s Gritmaster line includes passenger, high performance, ultra-high performance and light truck tires, including all-terrain, mud-terrain and rugged-terrain designs, “in all the main sizes for the U.S. market,” says Gonzalo. (NATT also sells JK brand tires that are made in Mexico.)

The first wave of Gritmaster tires arrived in June. “In the second stage, we’ll add more SKUs. We’ll eventually have more than 400 sizes.”

All Gritmaster tires come with road hazard and mileage warranties, with the latter varying by product.

“The first opportunity we’re offering to U.S. dealers is exclusivity,” says Gonzalo. “Secondly, our message to small and medium-sized dealers is that we have the logistics and the capabilities to support them.

Bring back that new-car ride.

“We want to build our distribution across the country,” including Hawaii and Puerto Rico. (NATT also has established distribution in Canada.)

“We want the U.S. market to know that we are here and our Gritmaster line provides new opportunities for both retailers and wholesalers.” ■

The Road Force ® Elite automatically test drives and measures the assembly to determine the stiffest part of the tire and the lowest spot on the rim.

Using the bead rollers on a Hunter center-clamp tire changer, reposition the tire on the rim for a round assembly.

While Gritmaster tires are made in Asia, NATT’s origins are in Mexico. Parent company Tire Direct, which was founded in 2003, operates three distribution centers in Mexico, the largest of which spans 1.7 million square feet.

Photo: NATT

Trends in oil technology

‘ECO-FRIENDLY’ FOCUS IS DRIVING CHANGES

Madison Gehring By

Trends in engine oil technology and oil change service continue to evolve. Officials from the American Petroleum Institute (API), Chevron Products Co. and Mobil 1 explain how oil technology is developing — and what tire dealers can do to stay on top of these changes — in this MTD exclusive.

American Petroleum Institute (API): “New engine oils for both diesel and gasoline engines will be here before you know it,” says Jeffrey Harmening, senior product manager at API.

“API is currently working with original equipment vehicle manufacturers to develop the next level of oil performance needed to ensure that the engines under design today will meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tightening emission regulations of tomorrow.”

Harmening says there is a push to protect the “useful life of emissions equipment” for longer periods of time. This is especially evident in the EPA’s final nitrogen oxide control regulations for diesel engines, whose manufacturers must certify diesel engines to a nitrogen oxide idling emission standard of 10g/ hour, starting next year.

“Engine oils are trending to even lower viscosity grades and more improved protection than seen today.”

Harmening says dealers shoule expect longer oil change interval recommendations based on trends from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Dealers need to stay current with those, as well as engine oil technology.

“Given the wide array of oil performance and viscosity grade requirements for such a diverse vehicle parc, educating your folks on the latest engine oil performance levels and providing them

with the tools to determine which oils to install based on recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer has never been more important.”

The average age of vehicles in operation in the United States has been “climbing for years and sits at an all-time high of 12.5 years,” he notes.

Harmening says tire dealers also should take time to talk with consumers about engine oil technology.

“Let them know what you are putting in their crankcase and be sure to issue a receipt that provides the manufacturer, brand, viscosity grade, performance level and quantity,” he says.

“This level of service will boost their confidence in your business and give them a reason to return to it for their next oil change. Such receipts also comply with state and/or federal laws.”

Chevron: Jim Smiley, product manager at Chevron, says there is a move toward “full synthetics, lower viscosities and lower ash requirements,” driven by OEM requirements.

There also will be growth in hybrid and elec-

tric vehicle “penetration” in the market, and a “push toward better fuel economy.” Those trends will be driven, in part, by consumers’ personal beliefs.

“Nearly two-in-three consumers are belief-driven, with environmentalism being a key focus,” says Smiley.

He says this is the cause behind the growing demand for sustainable, betterfor-the-environment products, which Chevron is aiming to supply with its Havoline PRO-RS oil.

“The Havoline PRO-RS is a renewable, full synthetic motor oil that includes 25% sustainably sourced, plant-based oils. And (it) is better for cars and the environment.

“It’s better for the cars because the passenger car motor oil in our portfolio

“API is currently working with original equipment vehicle manufacturers to develop the next level of oil performance needed to ensure that the engines under design today will meet the tightening U.S. Environment Protection Agency emission regulations of tomorrow,” says Jeffrey Harmening, senior product manager at the American Petroleum Institute.

Photo: API

Jim Smiley, product manager at Chevron, says the best way for tire dealers to convey information about evolving oil technology is through website content, technician training, videos that stream in waiting rooms and in-store posters.

Photo: Chevron

helps to maintain the oil’s original fuel economy benefits longer than typical full, synthetic motor oils.

“It’s better for the environment because it delivers lower carbon intensity on a lifecycle basis and is a USDA-certified biobased product.”

“It’s important to stay up to date” on oil technology, according to Smiley. This will enable dealers and technicians “to meet customers’ needs and carry products that meet OEM requirements — both now and in the future.”

Smiley adds that it’s important for dealers to partner with suppliers who will provide education to dealers and technicians; carry top-quality products with brands consumers know and respect; and provide a consultative approach to help find the best solutions that will help meet the customer’s needs. The best way for tire dealers to convey this information is through website content, technician training, consumer videos that stream in waiting rooms and in-store posters, he believes.

Benjamin Eirich, technical program manager for passenger vehicle lubricants at Mobil 1, acknowledges the major trend to synthetic motor oils and that technology advancement is still progressing towards “higher-quality, lower-viscosity base stocks.”

Mobil 1: Benjamin Eirich, technical program manager for passenger vehicle lubricants at Mobil 1, acknowledges the major trend to synthetic motor oils and that technology advancement is still progressing towards “higher-quality, lower-viscosity base stocks.

“Additionally, additive technology has advanced to lower levels of sulfated ash for protection of emission aftertreatment devices.

“And new detergents have been developed to protect against higher boost pressures and compression ratios.”

Eirich says Mobil 1 has followed these trends by developing oils that can extend drain intervals and protect engines longer between oil changes. This helps with the overall maintenance and cost of vehicle ownership.

Eirich believes it’s important for tire dealers to know the latest industry and OEM specifications when selecting the right motor oil for consumers’ vehicles.

“Using a tool like the Mobil Oil selector on Mobil 1’s website ensures you (will) select the right motor oil.”

It also is important for consumers to be knowledgeable, so they know they are purchasing the correct product for their vehicle.

“Vehicle owners should educate themselves on motor oil technology, viscosity grades and specifications.

“Having a good understanding of these differences could help them choose different viscosity grades for different purposes or upgrade for a higher performance.” ■

• 3D Mobile Wheel Alignment System

• Fully automatic. Beam can be moved up and down

• Compatible with all car lifts including 2 post lifts and mid-rise scissor lifts

• Shortest distance of rolling run-out compensation in the industry, no need to wait during rolling

• Dual display screens

• Fully Automatic. Super easy to operate

• Leverless Center Post. Rim size up to 30"

• Equipped with Wheel lift cart and a 12" display screen that shows the underside of the wheel when changing the tire

Photo: Mobil 1

A guide to recent employment law changes

NON-COMPLIANCE CAN COST YOU BIG BUCKS

By

Dennis McCarron

This summer, there are several changes to employee rights laws and a substantial increase in the fines applied if found in violation of those laws. Make no mistake about it — junior auditors at the Department of Labor have one way to get promoted to senior auditors! They collect a lot of fines.

When new laws come out, it’s game-on to see if employers are in compliance. And the tire and auto service industries are traditional targets. There were 550 investigations in our industry in 2021. The second largest automotive battery maker in the U.S. was just fined $22 million for wage violations.

While our industry isn’t known for our diversity when it comes to female employment, we have more females employed in our stores and corporate offices than ever, which is why you need to be aware of the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act.

This law took effect at the end of 2022. It requires full-time or part-time employees who are nursing to have the right to a private space — no windows or cameras and a lock and a room — and sufficient break time to pump milk. (Bathrooms don’t count.)

The law also stipulates the employee gets to dictate the frequency as each mother has different needs regarding when pumping has to be done. Each employee is covered for one year after a child is born.

The usual “employers with less than 50 employees” are exempt. However, special language was included where smaller companies would have to prove “an undue hardship” if they are unable to accommodate. (My advice is to adopt the policy.)

Furthermore, the nursing employee must be completely relieved of duties or must be paid for the break time. If you already provide two breaks a day that are paid and the employee chooses to use those breaks to pump, you must continue to pay the employee. Additional pump breaks do not require compensation, as long as the employee isn’t performing any work.

The next new law is the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. This law went into effect last month. Many people may recognize that pregnant workers are already covered against being fired or discriminated against for being pregnant. The difference between this and the new law is the addition of “reasonable accommodations.”

The new law will require an update to an Equal Employment Opportunity Act poster every tire dealership has to hang in its shop or shops. Please make sure you put the poster up right away. This is the easiest way an auditor can get his or her foot in the door. A simple poster violation is found and then the audit is expanded to scrutinize your payroll, interview employees and more. Don’t provide this opening. (By the way, keep in mind that new fathers also are covered under the Family Medical Leave Act, though this is unpaid leave in 39 states.)

Be careful with the term “reasonable accommodations.” It is used frequently in labor laws. By definition, it means an employer is required to adjust the workplace for a person or

people with unique requirements protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), unless to do so would cause undue hardship. A pregnant woman and nursing mother are technically covered under the ADA.

Employment law favors the employee, so undue hardship is scrutinized closely. An example is you interview someone for a sales job. They have 10 years of experience and use a wheelchair. You determine they have the right skills and attitude to be an employee.

Reasonable accommodation requires there be access to your facility by flat surface, such as creating a short concrete ramp where a curb existed; lowering of a portion of your sales counter, so the new employee can answer phones and customer questions; and installation of doors that are wide enough for the wheelchair to easily enter. These are only a handful of examples.

A non-reasonable accommodation would be installing a $100,000 elevator that would transport the employee from the stock room to your shop’s basement. Other accommodations or job requirements can be modified to alleviate the employee of that responsibility. Remember, if you ever overcompensate for reasonable accommodations, like installing that elevator, in the eyes of the law you have now made that the threshold for reasonable accommodation at your location. Don’t overcompensate.

And finally, a word about changes to the fines for violations regarding employment. Here are fines associated with not hanging various required posters in your shop on time:

• Family Medical Leave Act: $204 fine;

• Know Your Rights: $659 fine;

• Job Safety and Health: $15,625 fine;

• Employee Polygraph Protection Act: a whopping $24,793 fine.

That’s just for posters — not an actual violation of anything covered by them. Please note, these posters need to be displayed in a prominent, easy-access place and the posters cannot be defaced in any manner. For those of you looking for full definitions and manuals to ensure you are compliant in all areas, www.dol. gov/agencies/whd/ is a good website. You also can sign up for newsletters to stay updated. ■

Dennis McCarron is a partner at Cardinal Brokers Inc., one of the leading brokers in the tire and automotive industry (www.cardinalbrokers.com.) To contact McCarron, email him at dennis@cardinalbrokers.com.

‘When new laws come out, it’s game-on to see if employers are in compliance.’

Mergers and Acquisitions

The case for not selling Goodyear’s stores

CONTROLLED DISTRIBUTION HAS ITS BENEFITS

Michael McGregor By

Iwas recently talking with someone who returned from a trip to China and learned something valuable from his visit to the Great Wall. In the U.S., he said, we have a quarter-toquarter mentality or perhaps a year-to-year field of vision. But based on how long it took to build that wall, he said, the Chinese must have a 500-year view.

We’re seeing this short-term mentality in the U.S. up close with Elliott Investment Management, an investment group that owns 10% of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., recently suggesting that Goodyear divest its company-owned locations. Based on its presentation, Elliott Investment Management is looking to increase Goodyear’s share price from where it was on May 10 at about $11 to more than $32 per share in the near term.

One way it got there — besides by making quality products at fair prices — is by long ago employing a controlled distribution strategy through a sizeable footprint of company-owned stores.

Controlled distribution in the form of company-owned stores allows a manufacturer to push what it wants, where it wants and when it wants. And it allows that manufacturer to capture the extra margin that exists between the manufacturer and the distributor, the distributor and the store and from the store to the consumer. The most loyal channel Goodyear has, by far, is its company-owned store channel.

I have no knowledge or insight into how profitable or well-run those company-owned Goodyear stores are, but if I were senior Goodyear management, I’d do everything possible to keep those stores. Here are a few reasons why.

Goodyear is one of the best-known and highest-regarded tire brands in the U.S. today.

But as company-owned store count decreases, so does market share, as the charts on the next page point out.

In looking at U.S. passenger tire replacement market share in 1988, the Goodyear brand had a market-leading 16% share, according to my research. When you add the Kelly brand, Goodyear, as a company, had 18.5% passenger tire market share. Bridgestone (2%), Firestone (8.5%) and the Dayton brand (2%) had a combined share of 12.5%.

Thirty years later, that flipped. I believe it’s no coincidence that Bridgestone’s market share went up as its company-owned store count increased and that Goodyear’s market share declined as its store count was nearly halved.

Goodyear’s replacement passenger tire share in the U.S. is now 10.5%, while Bridgestone and Firestone are a combined 14%.

While selling the Goodyear stores would no doubt generate cash in the short run, it would do nothing for Goodyear’s longterm market share nor the Goodyear brand, which I believe will likely decline under their strategy. There’s no way that a new owner of those Goodyear stores will ever be as loyal and there’s no long-term supply agreement that can ever make up for that.

I find it ironic that the investor group is pushing Goodyear to boost its stock price while the company is investing in the exact same omnichannel direct-to-consumer strategy that is driving valuations of companies like Warby-Parker, Allbirds, Discount Tire/Tire Rack and others. With time, an omnichannel Goodyear retail strategy should improve the customer experience by providing more purchasing options, whether it is on mobile, web, at dealers or in company stores.

Michael McGregor says there’s a case to be made for Goodyear to keep its network of company-owned retail stores, as they’re good for long-term market share.

Photo: MTD

‘Controlled distribution in the form of company-owned stores allows a manufacturer to push what it wants, where it wants and when it wants.’

The end objective of any omnichannel strategy is higher customer retention and loyalty through a better buying experience. This turns into higher profits. Instead of divesting those companyowned stores, Elliott Investment Management should be pushing Goodyear to deploy its omnichannel strategy better and faster.

keeping margins high. And it can launch new tire lines more effectively or develop new retail programs that benefit the rest of the distribution channel, particularly independent Goodyear dealers. Staying close to the customer and providing similar experiences as Goodyear dealers will help the Goodyear brand stay relevant in the future. If for some reason, those companyowned Goodyear stores are not performing as needed, here’s a pretty simple fix that I’ve seen work before:

• Physically relocate the headquarters of the store group away from the corporate headquarters in Akron;

• Give the store group full autonomy to run the business the way it sees fit, but provide clear profit and tire unit sales objectives;

• Only hire senior managers — from the CEO on down — and field managers who specifically know how to make money in the tire and service retail business. Best Buy, Toys R’ Us or other similar retail experience just won’t cut it;

• Hire, retain, train, motivate and reward your store people. They’re all that matter, and;

• Incentivize tire unit sales, profit and customer retention. This could be a winning formula for Goodyear. ■

In this comparison, McGregor notes that Goodyear’s collective replacement market share, with the Goodyear and Kelly brands, decreased while the collective Bridgestone, Firestone and Dayton share grew.

Michael McGregor is a partner at Focus Investment Banking LLC (focusbankers.com/automotive/tire-and-service). He advises and assists multi-location tire dealers on mergers and acquisitions. For more information, contact him at michael.mcgregor@focusbankers.com.

McGregor says Goodyear’s decrease in market share correlates to it having almost half the number of stores in 2018 that it had in 1988. In that same timeframe, Bridgestone’s company-owned retail footprint expanded.

And who knows? Maybe Goodyear’s competitors are “over-stored” and Goodyear has the right store count for an omnichannel strategy today? Perhaps over time, Goodyear has off-loaded its worst locations to dealers and kept the best? I know every time I drive by a Goodyear company store in any market, it’s in a great location.

I can think of lots of other good reasons to keep those stores. For example, Goodyear can signal to the market what to price its tires at by setting the market price in its own stores and

Finding your spot in the mix

SHORT-TERM GOALS REQUIRE FAST ACTION AND RISK

Randy O’Connor By

The number of rooftops in our industry continues to rise. Month by month, an increasing percentage of those rooftops transition from independently owned to private equity or big box ownership. As with every shift — of which there is no shortage at the moment — comes opportunity. If we peel back the roof of every tire and service business in operation today, knowing what we know about the shift in ownership, what do we see?

Throughout the 20-plus years I’ve been fortunate to be in our business, I’ve been extremely excited to see a few shifts in strategy take shape. It’s no secret that private equity- and big box-run locations have short-term goals to return.

Contrast that to a family-run business with more long-term visions in mind and it becomes more clear how vastly different the strategies within four walls really can be. For those on the outside — our customers — this takes six to 36 months to recognize. (It’s not so apparent until a visit or two after a sale.) These two core strategic models will continue to work through market conditions that are significantly differently in the months and years to come.

Contrast that with the big/box and private equity models that tend to convert the shops they acquire to quick-turn services with a heavy focus on top-end sales. This work has to go somewhere and likely lands in the hands of many independents.

Short returns on investment require fast action, bold moves and risk. Longer returns provide space for thoughtful planning and calculated moves aimed at mitigating risk. Fast action inherently delivers less consistency, while thoughtful, long-term planning has a better chance at stickiness.

In the past 12 years, the 20 Group members I’ve been fortunate to journey with have worked towards a healthy tire-to-service mix of business. At the same time, heavier service shops have been very successful sticking to what they know — and they largely have left tires out of their business models. Times are changing here, as well.

In large part, due to the aforementioned factors — as well as miles driven, age of vehicle, technology and increased consumer demand for cradle to grave providers — here’s what we’re seeing today. First, traditionally heavy tire mix shops have been doing a good job of finding and performing more service work. Where some of these shops used to have a 60% tire, 20% labor and 20% part mix, we now see many with a more balanced mix — let’s say 40%, tires with 30% labor and 30% parts.

We’re also seeing traditionally heavy-focused service shops that never concentrated on tires start to add tire sales to help bolster their heavy labor and part mix. They’re looking to add car count and recognize tires are one of the best ways to do it.

The service/part mix in the tire and service industry is on the rise for a number of reasons. First, the average age of vehicles on the road is increasing, meaning that more vehicles need regular maintenance and repair. Second, consumers are becoming more educated about the importance of preventive maintenance. Third, the tire and service industry is becoming more competitive and businesses are looking for ways to differentiate themselves from the competition. One way to do this is to provide customers with a comprehensive vehicle inspection, which naturally encourages tire dealers to offer a wider range of services.

As the service mix in the tire and service industry continues to grow, tire dealerships will need to be prepared to adapt to the changing needs of consumers.

They will need to offer a wide range of services, provide excellent customer service and stay up to date on the latest trends in the industry.

The future of the tire and service industry is bright. As the mix of business shifts within the various strategic models in the industry and as consumers become more educated about the importance of preventive maintenance, tire dealerships are continuing to innovate. The demand for their services will only continue to grow.

How will you leverage these shifts in mix? ■

Tire and auto industry veteran Randy O’Connor is the Owner/Principal of D2D Development Group (Dealer to Dealer Development Group.) He can be reached at randy@d2ddevelopmentgroup.com. For more information, please visit www.d2ddevelopmentgroup.com.

‘Longer returns provide space for thoughtful planning.’

Traditionally heavy tire mix shops have been doing a good job of finding and performing more service work.

Photo: Ben Berchort

By

Your dealership and the EV future

HOW TO SET UP YOUR SHOP TO SERVICE EVS

Craig Van Batenburg

Iwill make a bold assumption: you want to stay in the tire business, retire at some point and leave your business in better shape than you found it — or founded it. I also will assume you work on more of the vehicle than just its tires and wheels. If this is you, keep reading.

My company, Automotive Career Development Center (ACDC), just took over the entire building we are in. I own the building and use 30% of it for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and electric vehicle (EV) training and rented the rest. My tenant left once their lease was up and we are in the process of upgrading the facility. The training we do is hands-on inside a shop, so our building looks like a repair facility.

Having a facility that is set up for EVs will allow you to service them faster and safer. A cost versus benefit study should be done before you spend any money. To recover the expense of gearing up to service EVs, allow a three-year payback time. Tools, training and advertising must be in place as you add EVs to your business growth plan.

You will still need movable equipment, mostly to deal with the size and weight of a battery pack.

If you are designing a new shop, here are the considerations to ensure it will be EV-ready:

• Install a 300-amp service or more with solar panels to cut costs;

• Install a level-one, level-two and a direct current fast charger (DCFC) — either the combined charging system (CCS) and/ or a Tesla DC charger to verify the charging system when customers express concerns about their vehicles “not charging;”

• Add 240-volt outlets between each bay, so you can recharge EVs in that bay;

• Buy level-two electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) that can be swapped out from bay to bay;

• Build in extra flat space at the end of the EV bays — or all bays — so that a high-voltage battery can be removed and stored inside the shop;

• Create outdoor customer parking for EV owners with chargers; and

• Place signage and park EVs in front of your shop. (Customers need to know you service EVs.)

If you are adding an addition, all of the above still applies. Below is a low-budget solution to equipping an existing, older building. (ACDC is housed in an 80-year-old repair shop.)

• Use your 240 welding plug with a proper 240 extension cord to reach the EV with your level-two EVSE;

• Install a twin-post 10,000-pound lift with no drive-over plate;

• Store the battery in another bay or make a covered area outside;

• Know where the DCFCs are in your area.

Pure electric vehicle batteries today have a range of 200 to 400 miles on one charge. They are very large and heavy — weighing anywhere from 600 to 2,000 pounds. In addition, the cost of a new EV battery can be $8,000 or even more, so they are often repaired. You will need an EV battery lift table.

You may have read the news that General Motors and Ford are going to install a charging port currently used by Tesla vehicles, known as the North American Charging System (NACS) on their EVs.

GM and Ford have been using the current industry-standard Combined Charging System (CCS) ports in their electric vehicles. Tesla drivers have been able to use existing CCS chargers with a Tesla-made adapter that fits over Tesla charging plugs. Ford and GM EV owners will still be able to use CCS chargers with the use of an adapter after the switch to NACS, so you will need Tesla chargers in your shop.

As new technologies are created, this will change what we do and the way we do them. Staying current can be as simple as attending a new vehicle show or getting a feed into your email box from trusted information sources, such as this publication.

When I opened my repair shop in 1977, I ordered magazines. Many of them were free. It was there in 1994 that I learned about the California EV mandate, the lawsuits and ultimately the debut of the GM EV1 — then Toyota’s original RAV4 EV, the Honda Insight and the Prius. The future was heading my way. Now the future is here ■

Craig Van Batenburg is the CEO of Van Batenburg’s Garage Inc., dba Automotive Career Development Center (ACDC), which is based in Worcester, Mass. A 50-year automotive service industry veteran, Van Batenburg provides training for facilities that service — or want to service — electric and hybrid vehicles. For more information, see www.fixhybrid.com or email him at craig@fixhybrid.com.

‘Having a facility that is set up for EVs will allow you to service them faster and safer.’

Servicing EVs involves many considerations.

Photo: 152636068 | Electric © Ezthaiphoto | Dreamstime.com

Giti Tire (USA) Ltd.’s six-yearold plant in Richburg, S.C., is preparing to enter phase two of its evolution, which will include capacity increases and the production of key sizes in several popular lines.

Photo: MTD

Giti prepares for next phase of U.S. plant

WILL BOOST CAPACITY AND PRODUCE MORE TIRES, SIZES

Mike Manges By

Giti Tire (USA) Ltd.’s U.S. plant is preparing to enter phase two of its evolution, which will include capacity increases and the production of key sizes in several popular lines.

During a recent open house event at the six-year-old factory, which is based in Richburg, S.C., Dave Poling, director of tire development and product marketing for Giti, said that as part of the company’s global manufacturing strategy, “we’re going to be concentrating on our premium GT Radial products — the Maxtour LX, the Adventuro HT and the Adventuro ATX — and we’ll be bringing some sizes back to the U.S. that have been manufactured overseas.

“We’ll be expanding some sizes and focusing on 18,- 19- and 20-inch” fitments and “will still do” 17-inch sizes.

“We’ll move some (Maxtour LX) sizes from our Indonesia plant to the U.S. and we’ll have nine or 10 new sizes that we’ll be manufacturing at the (South Carolina) plant this year,” said Poling.

“The Adventuro HT timeline is probably over a year out, as we start to bring those back to the U.S.” and it “will probably be six months before we start rolling some (Adventuro ATX sizes) back” to the U.S.

Poling noted when Giti’s South Carolina plant opened, “we made a lot of the Dextero brand” passenger tires, which the company sells to Walmart. “We recently began making light truck tires at the plant

and that will continue to grow.” Future production at the facility will include Gitibrand tires for the original equipment channel.

When asked about Giti’s overall product mix for the market in North America, Wai Yeen Phang, CEO of Giti Tire North America, said that “from a practical point of view, with our mix, we’ll be no different than any of the other significant players.”

THE NEXT PHASE

Phase one of the plant’s development is winding down, according to Phang.

“Phase two will begin by increasing (production) capacity through completion (of installation) of additional machines. Phase one was not about capacity. Phase one was making sure our technology base and skill set were brought up to a level that will prepare us for the future.

“At this moment, we have the capacity for five million tires a year” at the South Carolina plant. “We are more than halfway there. When we finish the first phase, we’ll have to read the market again” and make sure tires produced at the factory “are in the right sizes.”

The evolution of tire sizes in the North American market has been “very distinct,” said Phang. “If you look at OE, 18-, 19- and 20-inch sizes are now on

“At this moment, we have the capacity for five million tires a year” at the South Carolina plant,” says Wai Yeen Phang, CEO of Giti Tire North America. “We are more than halfway there.”

Photo: MTD

more than 60% of all new cars. We will have to align our product range to make sure we stay relevant.

“If you look at the American tire market, I would say that easily 60% of tires are imported. Thirty percent are made in America. When we looked at what we should bring in and what we should make in America, it’s very obvious that we should be utilizing this facility to develop and manufacture those tires that are what we call more relevant.

“When this factory was started, Walmart was one of our existing partners. In the first phase, it was quite natural we transferred in a lot of products” made for and sold through Walmart. “The supply to Walmart is still on. It’s not that we are changing focus.

“Besides Walmart, we have to cater to the needs of the independent players,” says Phang. “With the coming onstream of more capacity, we’re able to review where we should deploy our resources.

“We are realigning and reinventing ourselves.”

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Meet Pirelli’s ‘top-performing’ all-season tire

STRATEGY CALLS FOR ‘DOING THINGS TOGETHER’

Joy Kopcha By

Pirelli Tire North America Inc. is combining sporty performance with comfort and durability in its newest ultra-high performance tire, the P Zero AS Plus 3.

The new tire leverages the familiarity of Pirelli’s P Zero performance line with all-season ability and handling that the tiremaker says is a specific demand of the North American market. The P Zero AS Plus 3 joins two existing tires in Pirelli’s all-season Plus line — the Scorpion AS Plus 3, which is for CUVS, SUVs and pickups, and the P7 AS Plus 3, a touring tire for sedans and coupes.

The UHP tire joining the Plus lineup features a new tread pattern, compound and construction. And it comes with a 50,000mile limited tread wear warranty. It is replacing the P Zero AS Plus.

Ian Coke, chief technical officer for Pirelli, says the P Zero AS Plus 3 tire outperforms its predecessor in snow, wet and dry braking and also wears 25% longer — all while also improving rolling resistance.

Pirelli says the combination of new rubber compound with horizontal 3D sipe technology on its tread provides more even wear, better traction and braking in snow, plus performance in wet conditions. And those performance attributes come alongside a comfortable, quiet ride.

The tiremaker calls the P Zero AS Plus 3 “the top-performing all-season tire in the Pirelli range.”

The tire is available in 31 sizes, for wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, and it’s designed with premium fitments in mind, including the Ford Mustang, Genesis G80, BMW 3 series and Mercedes’ C-Class.

Pirelli says the tire’s siping is crucial to its performance in any weather. Threedimensional sipes interlock to create more stiffness in the tread pattern and that results in better braking in both rain and snow. And while engineers were focusing on mileage, they found that increasing stiffness to enhance road contact extended not just the tire’s performance attributes, but its mileage as well.

Virtual design aided in the creation of the new tire.

And Pirelli says the polymers in its compound have reduced rolling resistance by 10%. Virtual tools have also simulated that throughout the tire’s life, its tread efficiency at end-of-life will improve by 20%.

Claudio Zanardo, president and CEO of Pirelli North America, says the tire shows Pirelli’s “commitment to develop products that answer to the specific needs of this market.’

In an interview with MTD, Zanardo says Pirelli is succeeding in its effort to increase its reach through independent tire dealers.

“We are not there at 100%,” but the tiremaker soon will be unveiling a new dealer associate program, which he believes will help the tiremaker extend its reach even further.

Zanardo says the overall tire market has been a bit unstable and “standard tires” have been “suffering a lot.”

But premium tires in 18-inch and larger sizes “are doing extremely good in a market that is growing. We are playing in that market. We are selling more. We are more present in the market. Our brand is stronger than ever today. We can do something more. We can do so much more.”

Zanardo says the company’s new associate dealer program is designed to help better partner with Pirelli dealers. Pirelli’s previous program ceased three years ago.

“The important thing in our strategy is doing things together. Why? Because our product is peculiar — technical. It has a lot of things that need to be explained to the consumer and the right way to explain our product is to do it together (with dealers).”

He says the P Zero AS Plus 3 is a good example of one of those technical products.

“We need dealers because we have the right product to present to the market. We can be successful together. We want to grow. We want to grow in terms of number of dealers. We want to train them and bring them inside of our brand.”

Pirelli President and CEO Claudio Zanardo, center, is flanked by members of the Pirelli team at the launch of the P Zero AS Plus 3. From left, Bryce Jones, Michael Dunlap, Ian Coke, Zanardo, Andre Oostuzien, Eliet Pereira and Stella Narciso.

Photo: MTD

Pirelli is updating its lineup of allseason tires with a new UHP tire exclusive to the North American market: the P Zero AS Plus 3. It’s available in 31 sizes.

Photo: MTD

New Doublestar Cambodia plant will ship to U.S. FACILITY WILL START PRODUCTION THIS YEAR

Mike Manges By

More than half of the tires that will be produced at Qingdao Doublestar Tire Industrial Co. Ltd.’s soon-to-open plant in Cambodia will ship to the U.S. market.

“As we enlarge our capacity, we can do more,” Linda Deng, Qingdao Doublestar’s vice president and chair of Doublestar Cambodia, recently told MTD.

Doublestar, which is based in Qingdao, China, and has been in business for nearly 100 years, broke ground on the plant, the company’s fourth factory, last month. (Doublestar’s other plants are located in China.)

Deng says the Cambodia facility will be up and running by the end of 2023.

The factory will initially build radial truck and bus tires “and during the first quarter of 2024 will start producing” passenger tires, she said.

The plant’s annual truck and bus tire production capacity target will be 1.5 million units. Target capacity for passenger tire production will be seven million units a year.

Doublestar will invest around $200 million in the first phase of the plant, according to Deng. “In the first stage, we will focus on our factory brands — Doublestar, Headway and Aosen. We also will produce private brand products.”

The company “has not decided” if the plant will manufacture Kumho brand tires. (Doublestar acquired majority share of Kumho Tire Co. Inc., parent of Kumho Tire USA, in 2018.)

The facility is a joint venture between Doublestar and UBE, a company that manages the industrial park where the plant is located. Doublestar owns 80% of the venture.

“We chose Cambodia for several reasons,” Deng told MTD. “First, the political environment in Cambodia is very stable, which is important for an overseas factory.

“Second, Cambodia has an abundance of natural resources,” which helps save on raw material and transportation costs, she said.

“The third (reason) is the population of Cambodia is young and local people are eager for job opportunities. The fourth is that the plant will be close to (the) Ho Chi Minh sea port (in Vietnam), so it’s very convenient for exporting.”

Deng told MTD that Doublestar senior management believes it’s important to boost the company’s presence in the U.S. “This is a very good beginning. We would like to let more U.S. tire dealers know about Doublestar.”

“We understand the U.S. market and tailor our products for the U.S. market,” said Joshua Liu, assistant general manager and overseas channel director, Doublestar.

“We have low rolling resistance and long mileage TBR tires especially for the U.S. We also have an electric vehicle

tire for the U.S. market,” which will be manufactured at the Cambodia plant.

“We will bring a lot of new and also updated products to the U.S.”

Doublestar says it established the industry’s first “4.0 intelligent” manufacturing plant — a facility in Qingdao — in 2016.

The company’s current TBR production capacity is six million units per year. Its annual passenger tire manufacturing capacity is 20 million tires.

Doublestar will invest around $200 million in the first phase of the Cambodia plant, according to Deng. “In the first stage, we will focus on our factory brands — Doublestar, Headway and Aosen. We also will produce private brand products.” (Pictured, Doublestar’s plant in Qingdao, China.)

Photo: Qingdao Doublestar Tire Industrial Co. Ltd.

Qingdao Doublestar Tire Industrial Co. Ltd.’s soon-to-open plant in Cambodia will initially make truck and bus tires, says Linda Deng, the company’s vice president. Passenger tire production will start next year.

Photo: Qingdao Doublestar Tire Industrial Co. Ltd.

2023 Winner Andrews Tire

2023 BUYERS’ GUIDE

OEM Wheels

1-800EveryRim OEM Wheels

12078 Florence Ave., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 (562) 692-0109 or (800) 383-7974

Text Wheel Pics: 951-RimText

(951-746-8398)

Email: sales@1800EveryRim.com

www.EveryRim.com/MTD

www.1-800everyrim.com

Products: Brokers of OEM wheels; used, new take-offs, reconditioned. Buy/sell alloy and steel.

Achilles 4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

www.achillestires.com

Products: Consumer tires.

Acima Leasing

13907 S. Minuteman Dr., Draper, UT 84020 (801) 297-1982

www.acima.com

Products: Consumer credit & financing, point-of-sale/retailing, passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, wheels & accessories.

ADVICS North America Inc.

1650 Kingsview Dr., Lebanon, OH 45036 (513) 696-5450

www.advicsaftermarket.com

31 Inc.

100 Enterprise Dr., Newcomerstown, OH 43832

(740) 498-8324 or (800) 438-3302

www.31inc.com

Products: Professional tire repair materials, tire pressure monitoring (TPMS) sensors and tools, tire valves, tire gauges, tire repair tools, air hose and accessories and tire mounting lubricants.

ACDC Hybrid EV Training

24 Wells St., Worcester, MA 01604 (508) 826-4546

www.FIXHYBRID.com

Products: Battery charging & testing equipment, diagnostic equipment, material handling equipment, consulting, management programs, personal protection & safety products, training programs.

Products: Brake products, chemicals.

Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc.

2706 Treble Creek, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 492-4868

www.autovalue.com

www.bumpertobumper.com

Products: Supplier of automotive parts, tools, equipment and related services, including sales, marketing, online sales and training support.

Allen Rubber Company, Inc.

DBA ARW/ITW

7259 Hasbrook Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111 (215) 745-1400

www.arwtire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, advertising & marketing programs, consulting, POS/ retailing, roadside assistance programs, tire disposal/recycling/shredding, tire exporter/ importer, tire retailer support programs, training programs, tire repair materials, tire valves, tire display racks, wheel weights.

Alligator

1715 Joe B. Jackson Pkwy., Murfreesboro, TN 37127 (888) 215-4575

www.alligator-valves.com

Products: TPMS sensors, tire valves, TPMS diagnostic and programming tools.

Allpart Supply Inc. 3508 Avenue F, Arlington, TX 76011 (800) 381-1330

www.allpartsupply.com

Products: AXIS4000 HD alignment equipment, wheel balancing adapters, lift replacement parts.

AME Intl.

2347 Circuit Way, Brooksville, FL 34604 (352) 799-1111

www.ameintl.net

Products: TPMS sensors, tire valves, lifts and jacks, service trucks and associated equipment, shop maintenance equipment, tire handling equipment, tools and tool accessories.

American Pacific Industries Inc.

8320 E Hartford Dr., Scottsdale AZ 85255 (480) 387-5980

www.apitire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, OTR tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, tire exporter/importer.

American Roadstar Tires

2875 Pomona Blvd., Pomona, CA 91768 (562) 340-6252

www.americanroadstar.com

Products: Passenger tires, performance tires, SUV/light truck tires, radial medium/ heavy truck tires, HD ST radial tires, allterrain tires, commercial TBR tires, tire exporter/importer, advertising & marketing programs, tire retailer support programs.

Americus

1221 Park West Green Dr., Katy, TX 77493 (281) 600-8473

www.americustire.com

www.american-omni.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires.

Andreoli Software

13801 Reese Blvd. W, Suite 200, Huntersville, NC 28078 (704) 895-2780 ext. 320 or (800) 438-4487 ext. 32

www.hitstiresoftware.com

Products: Computer software, online sales systems, point-of-sale/retailing, website and other online assistance.

1221 Park West Green Dr., Katy, TX 77493 (281) 600-8473

www.american-omni.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, ag/ farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, antique/classic tires.

Apollo Tires (US) Inc

1175 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30361 (877) 234-0867

www.apollotrucktires.com

www.vredestein.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, ag/ farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, antique/classic tires.

ASA Automotive Systems, Inc.

800 S Industry Way, Suite 150, Meridian, ID 83642 (Offices in Illinois and New Hampshire, too) (800) 657-6409

www.asaauto.com

Products: ASA offers ‘All-in-One’ Point-of-Sale (POS), accounting and inventory software for independent tire dealers and automotive service providers in retail, wholesale, commercial and retreading enterprises. We also offer retailer support and loyalty programs, websites, digital marketing services and integrations to help single and multi-site stores improve operations, reduce costs and increase profitability.

Arctic Claw

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

Products: Studdable passenger, SUV/light truck winter tires.

Ascenso Tires North America

4637 Allen Rd., Stow, OH 44224 (330) 374-1000

www.ascensotiresna.com

Products: Medium/heavy truck tires, OTR tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, tire exporter/importer, wheels & accessories.

Arroyo Tires

2875 Pomona Blvd., Pomona, CA 91768 (562) 340-6252

www.arroyotires.com

Products: Passenger tires, performance tires, SUV/light truck tires, radial medium/ heavy truck tires, HD ST radial tires, allterrain tires, commercial TBR tires, tire exporter/importer, advertising & marketing programs, tire retailer support programs.

Aston Technologies Inc.

14303 Sullyfield Cir., Suite G, Chantilly, VA 20151 (703) 348-3777

www.astontechnologies.com

Products: Alignment equipment, ADAS equipment, diagnostic equipment, lifts & jacks, nitrogen inflation equipment, service trucks & associated equipment, tire handling equipment, tire mounting & balancing equipment, TPMS diagnostic/ programming tools, tire repair equipment, tools & tool accessories, wheel repair equipment, work benches.

AOT (American Omni Trading Co. LLC)

Buyers’ Guide

Autel

36 Harbor Park Dr., Port Washington, NY 11050 (855) 288-3587

www.autel.com

Astro Tires

7500 NW 35th Terrace, Miami, FL 33122 (305) 696-0096

www.astrotires.com

Products: Light truck, ag/farm, industrial, radial AG, military NDMS, golf cart tires, ground service equipment tires, solid industrial tires, port tires, implement and flotation tires, tire flaps, tubes, advertising and marketing programs.

ATEQ TPMS Tools

41144 Vincenti Ct, Novi, MI 48375 (734) 838-6119

www.ateq-tpms.com

Products: TPMS diagnostic/ programming tools.

Atlas Automotive Equipment

2727 Interstate Dr., Lakeland, FL 33805 (866) 898-2604

www.atlasautoequipment.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, OTR tires, ag/ farm tires, motorcycle tires, air compressors, alignment equipment, diagnostic equipment, lifts & jacks, service trucks & associated equipment, shop maintenance equipment, tire handling equipment, tire mounting & balancing equipment, wheel repair equipment, pointof-sale/retailing, trade show representation, website & other online assistance.

Atrium Solutions Inc.

55 Ruijs Blvd, Brantford, Ontario, N3T 0E2 (226) 802-5027

www.Atrium.app

Products: Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and augmented reality for commercial tire dealers.

Atturo Tire Corp.

3250 N. Oak Grove Ave., Waukegan, IL 60087 (855) 632-8031

www.atturo.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, Jeep, SUV, CUV SxS/UTV and trailer tires.

Products: TPMS sensors, ADAS equipment, alignment equipment, battery charging & testing equipment, brake service equipment, diagnostic equipment, TPMS diagnostic/programming tools.

BFGoodrich, a brand of MNA, Inc.

1 Parkway S, Greenville, SC 29615

www.bfgoodrichtires.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires.

Big O Tires LLC

4260 Design Center Dr., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (561) 383-3000 or (800) 321-2446

www.bigotires.com

B&J Rocket America, Inc.

6968 Industrial Ave., Bldg. B, El Paso, TX 79915 (574) 825-5802

www.bj-rocket.com

Products: Retreading materials, tire repair materials, retreading equipment, tire repair equipment, tools and tool accessories.

Bartec USA

6475 Nineteen and a Half-Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48314 (855) 877-9732

www.bartecusa.com

www.ritesensor.com

Products: TPMS diagnostic/ programming tools, TPMS sensors.

Bendix Brakes

6700 Wildlife Way, Long Grove, IL 60047 (877) 203-9495

www.bendix-brakes.com

Products: Brake products.

BendPak

30440 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91303 (805) 933-9970

www.bendpak.com

Products: Lifts and jacks, air compressors, alignment equipment, brake service equipment, hose reels, shop heating/cooling equipment, tire mounting and balancing equipment, tire repair equipment, TPMS diagnostic/programming tools, work benches.

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, specialty tires, batteries, chemicals, fuel system components, oil products & lubricants, tire gauges, TPMS sensors, tire repair materials, tire studs, tire valves, wheel weights, wheels and accessories, wiper blades, air compressors, alignment equipment, battery charging & testing equipment, brake service equipment, diagnostic equipment, hose reels, lifts & jacks, nitrogen inflation equipment, suspension equipment, tire display racks, tire mounting & balancing equipment, TPMS diagnostic/programming tools, tire repair equipment, tools & tool accessories, financing & credit programs, tire retailer support programs, website & other online assistance.

BKT USA, Inc.

202 Montrose W Ave. Suite 240, Copley, OH 44321 (330) 836-1090

www.bkt-tires.com

Products: OTR tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, tire exporter/importer, tire retailer support programs, advertising & marketing programs, social media, trade show representation, training programs, website & other online assistance.

Blackburn OEM Wheel Solutions

1001 Paster Ct., Macedonia, OH 44056 (800) 981-8321

www.blackburnwheels.com

Products: Wheels and accessories and wheel repair.

Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC

N Haggerty Rd., Plymouth, MI 48170 (800) 533-6127

www.otctools.com

www.robinair.com

www.boschdiagnostics.com

Products: ADAS equipment, battery charging & testing equipment, brake service equipment, diagnostic equipment, lifts & jacks, service trucks & associated equipment, shop heating/cooling equipment, shop maintenance equipment, suspension equipment, TPMS diagnostic/programming tools, tools & tool accessories.

Bridgestone Americas

200 4th Ave S, Nashville TN 37201 (615) 937-1000

www.bridgestoneamericas.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, OTR tires, ag/ farm tires, specialty tires, motorcycle tires, Retreading — medium & heavy truck, OTR, casings, equipment and materials, suspension components, TPMS sensors, tire display racks, TPMS diagnostic/programming tools, tire repair equipment, advertising & marketing programs, consumer credit & financing, financing & credit programs, online sales systems, POS/retailing, roadside assistance programs, training programs, company-owned retail tires and services, fleet management.

The Carlstar Group LLC

725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 500, Franklin, TN 37067 (800) 827-1001

www.carlstargroup.com

Products: Specialty tires, industrial tires, ag/ farm tires, OTR tires, wheels & accessories.

CIMS Tire Registration

P.O. Box 1610, Akron, OH 44309-1610 (330) 794-9190 or (855) 444-5120

www.cimstireregistration.com

Products: Tire registration and recall systems for tire dealers, tire manufacturers and tire importers.

Clore Automotive

9401 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 680, Overland Park, KS 66210 (913) 310-1050

www.cloreautomotive.com

Products: Battery charging and testing equipment, LED work lights.

CEAT Specialty Tires Inc.

308 E. High St., Suite 110, Jefferson City, MO 65101 (866) 683-2328

Email: CSTI@ceat.com

www.ceatspecialty.com

Products: Ag/farm tires, OTR tires, specialty tires.

CEMB USA

2873 Ramsey Rd., Gainesville, GA 30501 (678) 717-1050

www.cemb-usa.com

Products: Tire mounting & balancing equipment, alignment equipment.

Cardinal Brokers

41 Clara Dr., Pedricktown, NJ 08067 (585) 310-2466

www.Cardinalbrokers.com

Products: Consulting, training programs.

Century Wheels

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

www.tbccommercialtires.com

Products: Steel truck and trailer wheels.

Chariot Concepts LLC

1860 Saratoga Ct., Yuba City, CA 95993 (800) 448-1876

Carlisle TyrFil

140 Sheldon Rd., Berea, OH 44017 (800) 821-4147

www.CarlisleTyrFil.com

Products: Tire fills and sealants.

www.ChariotConcepts.com

Products: Material handling equipment, tire display racks, tire handling equipment, tools & tool accessories.

Coats

1601 J.P. Hennessy Dr., LaVergne, TN 37086 (800) 688-6359

www.coatsgarage.com

Products: Tire mounting & balancing equipment, alignment equipment, lifts & jacks, wheel weights.

Continental Tire the Americas

— Commercial Vehicle Tires

1830 MacMillan Park Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29707 Twitter: @contitrucktires (800) 726-7113

www.continental-truck.com

Products: Light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, OTR tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, motorcycle tires, Retreading -- medium & heavy truck, OTR, equipment and materials, Tire identification, TPMS sensors, tire retailer support programs, tire display racks, TPMS diagnostic/programming tools, advertising & marketing programs, point-of-sale/ retailing, roadside assistance programs, social media, trade show representation, training programs, website & other online assistance.

Continental Tire the Americas — Passenger/Light Truck Tires

1830 MacMillan Park Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29707 (704) 583-3900

Facebook: www.facebook.com/continentaltire

Twitter: @continentaltire

Instagram: @continental_tire

www.continentaltire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, financing and credit programs, roadside assistance programs, tire retailer support programs, trade show representation.

Buyers’ Guide

Cooper Tire

200 Innovation Way, Akron, OH 44316 (330) 796-2121

www.coopertire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, advertising and marketing programs.

Dawg Pound Tires

2200 Huntington Dr., Unit C, Fairfield, CA 94533 (707) 437-4700 or (800) 831-8473

www.dawgpoundtires.com

Products: Commercial truck tires, construction tires/OTR tires, material handling tires, agricultural tires, specialty tires, tire flaps and tire tubes.

Cosmo Tires

7500 NW 35th Terrace, Miami, FL 33122 (305) 696-0096

www.cosmotires.com

Products: High performance tires, passenger tires, light, medium and heavy truck tires, extreme off-road tires, specialty and trailer tires, motorsports tires, commercial tires.

Crop Max

1221 Park West Green Dr., Katy, TX 77493 (281) 600-8473

www.american-omni.com/crop-max-3/

Products: Ag/farm tires, specialty tires, OTR tires.

CrossWind Tires

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

www.tbcbrands.com/tire-brands/crosswind

Products: High performance tires, passenger tires, SUV/CUV/light truck tires, radial medium/heavy truck tires, Web and other online assistance, tire retailer support programs.

Dealer to Dealer Development Group (D2D Dev. Group)

Hendersonville, NC 28791 (704) 572-7492

www.d2ddevelopmentgroup.com

Products: Peer-to-peer retail and commercial 20 groups, one-on-one consulting, management, sales and service manager training.

Delphi Technologies

3000 University Dr., Auburn Hills, MI 48326 (877) Go-Delphi

www.delphiaftermarket.com

Products: Engine management (ignition and sensors), Fuel systems (gas and diesel), steering & suspension, transmission/driveline products, electrical/ignition products, fuel system components, steering components, suspension components, transmission/drive line products.

Dill Air Controls

1500 Williamsboro St., Oxford, NC 27565 (919) 692-2300 or (800) 815-3455 (TPMS Tech Line)

www.dillvalves.com

Products: Dill Air Controls Products continues to provide the automotive, RV, fleet, off-road, and trucking industry with leading valve stems and hardware, tire inflation devices, TPMS and hand tools. Many products are proudly made in the USA.

Double Coin Tires

406 E Huntington Dr., Suite 200, Monrovia, CA 91016

(888) 226-5250

www.doublecointires.com

Products: Light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, OTR tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires.

Duro Tire and Wheel

14290 Lochridge Blvd., Covington, GA 30014 (770) 788-2060

www.durotire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, motorcycle tires.

East Bay Tire Co.

2200 Huntington Dr., Unit C, Fairfield, CA 94533 (707) 437-4700 or (800) 831-8473

www.eastbaytire.com

Products: Major brand passenger, light truck, commercial and heavy truck, industrial, earth mover, agricultural, ATV, lawn and garden, golf cart, trailer tires, specialty tires, tire flaps, tire tubes and wheels.

EasyPay Finance

P.O. Box 2549, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (866) 791-0915

www.enrollment.easypayfinance.com/ tiredealers

Products: Consumer credit & financing, financing & credit programs.

Eldorado Tire

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

www.eldoradotire.com

Products: Advertising/marketing programs, radial and bias agricultural tires, ATV tires, high performance tires, industrial tires, lawn and garden tires, SUV/CUV/light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, bias light truck tires, off-the-road tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, steel truck and trailer wheels, alignment equipment, brake service equipment, lifts and jacks, tire display racks, tire mounting and balancing equipment, Web and other online assistance, tire retailer support programs, roadside assistance programs, road hazard protection plan.

Epicor Software Corporation

804 Las Cimas Pkwy., Austin, TX 78746 (888) 463-4700, option 5

www.epicor.com/epicresults

Products: Computer software, online sales systems, POS/retailing, website and other online assistance.

Falken Tire Corporation

8656 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (800) 723-2553

www.falkentire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, truck tires.

Federated Auto Parts/The Group

508 Greenville Ave., Staunton, VA 24401 (540) 885-8460

www.federatedautoparts.com

Products: Supplier of automotive parts, tools, equipment and related services, including sales, marketing, online sales and training support.

Fortune Tires

5757 West Century Blvd., Suite 752, Los Angeles, CA 90045 (310) 205-8355, ext. 101 www.fortunetireusa.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, ST trailer tires, Retreading — medium & heavy truck tires, tire exporter/importer, advertising & marketing programs, point-of-sale/retailing, roadside assistance programs, social media, trade show representation, training programs, website & other online assistance.

General Tire

1830 MacMillan Park Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29707 (704) 583-3900

Twitter: @generaltire

Instagram: @general_tire

Facebook: www.facebook.com/generaltire

Website: www.generaltire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, truck tires, OTR tires, tire retailer support programs, trade show representation.

Giti Tire (USA) Ltd.

10404 Sixth St., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (909) 980-0968 or (866) 488-4737

www.giti.com

Products: Passenger tires, truck tires, specialty tires.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Fleet Equipment Corporation

567 Commerce St., Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 (800) 631-0873

www.FECTRUCKS.com

Products: Tire service vehicles, truck bodies, cranes, tire positioners, air compressors and other related equipment and tools.

FOCUS Investment Banking, LLC

14825 Ballantyne Village Way, Suite 240-13, Charlotte, NC 28277 (704) 369-5900

www.focusbankers.com

Products: Mergers and acquisitions advising, capital raising.

Foreign Tire Sales

2444 Morris Ave., Suite 206, Union, NJ 07083 (908) 687-0559

www.ForeignTire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, OTR tires, ag/ farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires.

Fury Tires

9010 N Royal Ln., Suite 100, Irving, TX 75063 (855) 575-3879

www.furytires.com

Products: Light truck tires.

Gabriel Ride Control 39300 Country Club Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48331 (800) 251.5932

www.Gabriel.com

Products: Suspension components.

200 Innovation Way, Akron, OH 44316 (330) 796-2121

www.goodyear.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, retreading: medium/heavy truck tires, OTR tires and equipment, advertising/marketing programs, financing and credit programs, online sales systems, POS/retailing, roadside assistance programs, tire retailer support programs.

Gaither Tool Co. Inc.

2255 W Morton Ave., Jacksonville, IL 62650 (217) 245-0545 or (800) 452-5010

www.gaithertool.com

www.winntec.net

Products: Bead Bazooka, Winntec Professional Lift Equipment, tire handling equipment, tire mounting and balancing equipment, tire repair equipment, tools and tool accessories.

Greenball Corp.

222 S Harbor Blvd., Suite 700, Anaheim, CA 92805

(714) 782-3060 or (800) 946-9412

www.greenballtires.com

Products: Special trailer, light truck, ATV & UTV, lawn and garden, golf cart, mobile home.

Buyers’ Guide

Harvest King

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

GRI Incorporated

600 Park Offices Drive, Suite LL-52, Durham, NC 27709

(717) 350-3049

www.gritires.com

Products: Ag/farm tires, specialty tires, OTR tires, construction tires, material handling tires, solid tires, aperture tires, motorcycle tires.

GT Radial

10404 Sixth St., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (909) 980-0968 or (866) 488-4737

www.gtradial.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, truck tires, specialty tires.

Haltec Corporation

32585 N. Price Rd., Salem, OH 44460 (800) 321-6471

www.haltec.com

Products: Tire valves, tools and tool accessories, shop maintenance equipment.

Hamaton Inc.

47815 West Rd., Suite D-109, Wixom, MI 48393

(248) 308-3856

Email: info.usa@hamaton-tpms.com

www.hamaton-tpms.us.com

Products: TPMS sensors, TPMS diagnostic/ programming tools, tire gauges, tire valves, tools and consumables.

Hankook Tire

333 Commerce St., Suite 600, Nashville, TN 37201 (615) 432-0700

www.hankooktire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires.

www.tbccommercialtires.com

Products: Advertising/marketing programs, radial and bias agricultural tires, tire tubes, tire valves, TPMS, wheel weights, steel Ag wheels, alignment equipment, brake service equipment, lifts and jacks, tire display racks, tire mounting and balancing equipment, Web and other online assistance, tire retailer support programs.

Hercules Tire & Rubber Company

12200 Herbert Wayne Court, Suite 150, Huntersville, NC 28078 (800) 677-9535

www.herculestire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, ag/ farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, tire retailer support programs.

IMI

3183 Black Gap Rd., Chambersburg, PA 17202 (800) 233-7086

www.imiproducts.com

Products: Aluminum wheel cleaning, internal wheel-end balancing, steel wheel refinishing and powder coating, high heat tire sealant, all-purpose tire sealant, low RPM tire sealant, high RPM sealant, OTR sealants and conditioner, loose lug nut indicator, retread tire paint and dual tire height measuring tool.

Independent Tire Dealers Group LLC (ITDG)

P.O. Box 3651, Tequesta, FL 33469 (561) 630-8737

www.itdgusa.com

Horizon Tire Inc.

4818 4th St., Irwindale, CA 91706 (323) 622-1920

www.horizontire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, snow tires, medium truck tires, OTR tires, ag tires, specialty tires, steel/ aluminum wheels, tire tubes and flaps.

Hunter Engineering Co.

11250 Hunter Dr., Bridgeton, MO 63044 (314) 731-0000

www.hunter.com

Products: ADAS equipment, alignment equipment, brake service equipment, diagnostic equipment, inspection lane equipment, lifts & jacks, service trucks & associated equipment, tire mounting & balancing equipment.

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, truck tires, ag/farm tires, antique/classic tires, OTR tires, specialty tires, tire flaps, tire tubes, antifreeze, batteries, bearings, gaskets and seals, belts and hoses, brake products, chemicals, cleaners and polishes, cooling/ air conditioning products, electrical/ignition products, exhaust system components, filters/ filtration systems, fuel system products, gloves, oil products and lubricants, personnel protection and safety products, retreading materials, spark plugs, steering components, suspension components, tire fills and sealants, tire gauges, tire identification, tire marking products, tire pressure monitoring systems, tire repair materials, tire studs, tire valves, transmission/driveline products, truck and SUV accessories, truck bed products, wheel weights, wheels and accessories, wiper blades, air compressors, alignment equipment, battery charging and testing equipment, brake service equipment, diagnostic equipment, hoses, reels, lifts and jacks, material handling equipment, nitrogen inflation equipment, tire handling equipment, tire mounting and balancing equipment, tire pressure monitoring system equipment, tire repair equipment, tools and tool accessories, work benches, consulting, financing and credit programs, insurance programs, roadside assistance programs, tire retailer support programs, website and social media, as well as other computer and software and online related support.

Independent Tire Sales

3150 Jacob St., Wheeling, WV 26003 (800) 624-6908

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires.

In Motion Brands

In Motion Brands Inc.

55 Ruijs Blvd, Brantford, Ontario, N3T 0E2 (226) 802-5027

www.inmotionbrands.com

Products: Tire & wheel e-commerce, digital marketing, SEO, website & other online assistance, advertising & marketing programs, consulting, social media.

In Motion Brands

Innova Electronics Corp.

17352 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, CA 92614 (800) 544-4124

www.innova.com

Products: Digital multimeters, inspection cameras, diagnostic equipment, tools & tool accessories, including OBD2 scan tools, tablets and dongles. Innova also offers other online and app-based support, including the RepairSolutions2 and RepairSolutions PRO companion apps created to assist, simplify and augment the vehicle diagnostic process.

Integrated Supply Network (ISN)

2727 Interstate Dr., PO Box 90009, Lakeland, FL 33805 (800) 966-8478

www.isnweb.com

Products: Lifts & jacks, diagnostic equipment, brake service equipment.

Interstate Tires

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

www.tbc-international.com/ tire-brands/interstate

Products: Advertising/marketing programs, radial and bias agricultural tires, ATV tires, high performance tires, industrial tires, lawn and garden tires, SUV/CUV/light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, bias light truck tires, off-the-road tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, steel truck and trailer wheels, alignment equipment, brake service equipment, lifts and jacks, tire display racks, tire mounting and balancing equipment, Web and other online assistance, tire retailer support programs.

JohnDow Industries

151 Snyder Ave., Barberton, OH 44203 (330) 753-6895

www.johndow.com

Products: Repair facility shop equipment for the automotive, heavy-duty, agricultural, construction, off-road, landscaping and industrial markets to include fuel storage and handling equipment, used oil and fluid handling equipment, auto service equipment, vehicle exhaust extraction systems, automotive hardware and supplies, service kits, tire repair materials, tire studs and valves, tire handling equipment, supplies storage, TPMS sensors, kits, and diagnostic/programming tools, interior protection, professional work lights, and shop chemicals.

K&M Tire Inc.

965 Spencerville Rd., Delphos, OH 45833 (419) 695-1061

www.kmtire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/ heavy truck tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, exhaust system components, tire fills and sealants, tire marking products, TPMS sensors, tire valves, tubes, wheel weights, air compressors, alignment equipment, battery charging and testing equipment, brake service equipment, diagnostic equipment, hoses, reels, lifts and jacks, tire mounting and balancing equipment, TPMS diagnostic/programming tools, tire repair equipment, tools and tool accessories, advertising/marketing programs, consumer credit and financing, financing and credit programs, Website and other online assistance.

Kelly Tires

200 Innovation Way, Akron, OH 44316 (330) 796-2121

www.kellytires.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires.

Kelsey Tire, Inc.

P.O. Box 564, Camdenton, MO 65020 (800) 325-0091

www.Kelseytire.com

Products: Antique/classic tires.

Kenda Tires

7095 Americana Pkwy., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 (866) 536-3287

www.kendatire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, specialty tires, motorcycle tires.

Ken-Tool

768 E North St., Akron, OH 44305 (330) 535-7177 or (888) 536-8665

www.kentool.com

Products: Tire mounting and balancing equipment, tools and tool accessories.

Kerridge Commercial Systems (formerly MAM Software)

751 Arbor Way, Suite 215, Blue Bell, PA 19422 (610) 336-9045

www.kerridgecsna.com

Products: VAST and VAST Online computer software, point-of-sale/retailing.

Buyers’ Guide

Keter Tire USA, Inc.

4900 Centennial Blvd., Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37209 (615) 535-1358

www.ketertireusa.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, OTR tires, ag/ farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires.

Kontio Tyres Ltd.

Nokia, Finland

+358447339366

www.kontiotyres.com

Products: Passenger tires, antique/classic tires.

K-Tool International 2727 Interstate Dr., Lakeland, FL 33805 (800) 762-6002

www.ktoolinternational.com

Products: Battery charging & testing equipment, shop heating/cooling equipment, tire repair equipment, tools & tool accessories, welding equipment, work benches.

Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc.

133 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 2800, Atlanta, GA 30303 (800) 445-8646

www.kumhotireusa.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, advertising/marketing programs, POS/retailing, tire exporter/importer, tire retailer support programs, trade show representation, training programs, website and other online assistance.

KYB Americas Corp.

850 N. Graham Rd., Suite C, Greenwood, IN 46143 (630) 620-5555

www.kyb.com

Products: Suspension components.

Latin Tyre & Auto Parts Expo 9840 SW 77th Ave., Suite 203, Miami, FL 33156 (786) 293-5186

www.latintyreexpo.com

Products: Trade show representation.

Laufenn Tires

333 Commerce St., Suite 600, Nashville, TN 37201 (615) 432-0700

www.laufenn.com/us

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires.

LAUGFS Corporation (Rubber) Limited

101, Maya Avenue, Colombo 06, Sri Lanka +94777488639

www.laugfsindustrialtyres.lk

www.laugfs.lk

Products: Industrial tires.

Lexani Tires Worldwide, Inc.

5793 Martin Rd., Irwindale, CA 91706 (626) 856-1400

www.lexanitires.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires.

Martins Industries

1200 Industrial Blvd., Farnham, Quebec J2N 3B5 (450) 293-9000

www.martinsindustries.com

Products: Material handling equipment, Nitrogen inflation equipment, tire display racks, tire handling equipment, tire mounting & balancing equipment, tire repair equipment, tools & tool accessories, tire gauges, tire repair materials, wheel weights.

Mastercraft Tires

200 Innovation Way, Akron, OH 44316 (330) 796-2121

www.mastercrafttires.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires.

Linglong Americas, Inc.

1484 Medina Rd., Suite 118, Medina, OH 44256 +86-18705355362

www.linglongtire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires.

Lionhart Tires

Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.

800 East Canal St., Suite 850, Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 780-0060

www.matrixcmg.com

www.ModernTireDealer.com

5793 Martin Rd., Irwindale, CA 91706 (626) 856-1400

www.lionharttires.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires.

MAHLE Aftermarket Inc.

23030 MAHLE Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48335 (248) 347-9700

www.mahle-aftermarket.com

Products: Bearings, gaskets & seals, cooling/ air conditioning products, filters/filtration systems, diagnostic equipment, lifts & jacks.

Marangoni Tread N.A.

708 Myatt Dr., Madison, TN 37115 (615) 868-4050

www.mtna-us.com

Products: Retreading — medium/heavy truck tires, equipment, materials.

Company Description: Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank. Since 1988, Matrix has provided merger & acquisition and financial advisory services to privately-held, private-equity owned and publicly traded companies. Matrix professionals are dedicated and experienced in serving the investment banking needs of all segments of the automotive marketplace, including: tire and automotive service center chains, consumer and commercial automotive warehouse parts distributors, tier one component and vehicle accessories manufacturers, part inspection and staffing services, quick lube chains, and automotive parts retail.

Maxam Tire North America

300 Rosewood Dr., Suite 102, Danvers, MA 01923 (844) 629-2662

www.maxamtire.com

Products: Ag/farm tires, industrial tires, OTR tires, specialty tires.

Maxxis Tires

545 Old Peachtree Rd., Suwanee, GA. 30024 (678) 407-7600

www.maxxis.com/us

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, motorcycle tires, tire display racks, advertising & marketing programs, apparel & uniforms, online sales systems, social media, tire disposal/recycling/shredding, tire exporter/ importer, tire retailer support programs.

McGard LLC

3875 California Rd., Orchard Park, NY 14127 (716) 662-8980

www.mcgard.com

Products: Truck bed products, wheel accessories.

Michelin, a brand of MNA Inc.

1 Parkway S, Greenville, SC 29615 (864) 458-5000

www.michelinman.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, antique/classic tires, motorcycle tires, retreading: medium/ heavy truck and OTR tires, wiper blades, tire retailer support programs, training programs.

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels

4651 Prosper Dr., Stow, OH 44224 (330) 928-9092

www.mickeythompsontires.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, specialty tires, wheels and accessories.

Midas International LLC

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (561) 383-3000

www.midas.com

Products: Light truck tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, antifreeze, batteries, bearings, gaskets & seals, belts & hoses, brake products, chemicals, cooling/air conditioning products, electrical/ignition products, exhaust system components, filters/filtration systems, fuel system components, oil products & lubricants, spark plugs, steering components, suspension components, tire gauges, TPMS sensors, tire repair materials, tire studs, tire valves, transmission/driveline products, wheels & accessories, wiper blades, financing & credit programs, tire disposal/recycling/ shredding, website & other online assistance.

Mighty Distributing System of America (Mighty

Auto Parts)

650 Engineering Dr., Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 (800) 829-3900

www.mightyautoparts.com

Products: Antifreeze, batteries, bearings, gaskets & seals, belts & hoses, brake products, chemicals, cooling/air conditioning products, electrical/ignition products, filters/filtration systems, oil products & lubricants, spark plugs, steering components, suspension components, wiper blades, tire gauges, tire marking products, TPMS sensors, tire repair materials, tire studs, tire valves, wheels weights, air compressors, alignment equipment, battery charging and testing equipment, brake service equipment, diagnostic equipment, hose reels, lifts & jacks, material handling equipment, nitrogen inflation equipment, shop maintenance equipment, tire handling equipment, tire mounting & balancing equipment, TPMS diagnostic/programming tools, tire repair equipment, tools and tool accessories, welding equipment, work benches, online sales systems, personnel protection & safety products, training programs.

Milestar Tires

500 W 190th St., Suite 600, Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 767-7990

www.milestartires.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, specialty tires, antique/classic tires.

Mitas Tires

107 Audubon Rd., Bldg. 2, Suite 205, Wakefield, MA 01880 (800) 948-TIRE (8473)

www.mitas-tires.com

Products: OTR tires, ag/farm ties, specialty tires, motorcycle tires, industrial tires, construction tires.

Multi-Mile Tires

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

www.multimiletires.com

Products: Advertising/marketing programs, radial and bias agricultural tires, ATV tires, high performance tires, industrial tires, lawn and garden tires, SUV/CUV/light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, bias light truck tires, off-the-road tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, steel truck and trailer wheels, alignment equipment, brake service equipment, lifts and jacks, tire display racks, tire mounting and balancing equipment, Web and other online assistance, tire retailer support programs, roadside assistance programs, road hazard protection plan.

Myers Tire Supply Co.

1293 S Main St., Akron, OH 44301 (330) 253-5592 or (800) 998-9897

Email: sales@myerstiresupply.com

www.myerstiresupply.com

Products: Chemicals, cleaners and polishes, cooling/air conditioning products, gloves, oil products and lubricants, personnel protection and safety products, retreading materials, tire fills and sealants, tire gauges, tire identification, tire marking products, tire pressure monitoring systems, tire repair materials, tire studs, tire valves, wheel weights, wiper blades, air compressors, alignment equipment, battery charging and testing equipment, brake service equipment, diagnostic equipment, hoses, reels, lifts and jacks, material handling equipment, nitrogen inflation equipment, oil/lubrication equipment, retreading equipment, service trucks and associated equipment, shop maintenance equipment, tire display racks, tire handling equipment, tire mounting and balancing equipment, tire pressure monitoring system equipment, tire repair equipment, tools and tool accessories, work benches.

Buyers’ Guide

NAMA Tires Inc.

939 S Atlantic Blvd., Suite 212, Monterey Park, CA 91754

Email: info@namatire.us

www.namatire.us

Products: Passenger tires, medium & heavy truck tires.

Navitrac

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

www.tbccommercialtires.com

Products: Medium/heavy truck tires, ST trailer tires, web and other online assistance.

Newbustar (Cambodia) Tire Co. Ltd.

Kratie Special Economic Zone, Snoul District, Kratie Province, Cambodia 008680958024

www.doublestartyre.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, OTR tires, Retreading — passenger, medium & heavy truck, light truck, OTR, tire exporter/importer.

Nokian Tyres, Inc.

520 Nokian Tyres Dr., Dayton, TN 37321 (800) 565-2525

www.nokiantires.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, truck tires, ag/farm tires, OTR tires, specialty tires.

Omni United (S) Pte Ltd.

4 Shenton Way, #08-02 SGX Centre II, Singapore 068807 +1 707 260 5755

www.omni-united.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, antique/ classic tires, tire retailer support programs, tire exporter/importer, advertising & marketing programs, apparel & uniforms, social media, trade show representation, training programs, website & other online assistance, transportation & logistics.

Optimize Digital Marketing

Norbar Torque Tools, Inc.

36400 Biltmore Place, Willoughby, OH 44094 (440) 953-1175

www.norbarusa.com

Products: Tools & tool accessories.

3510 Hopkins Place N, Suite W249, Oakdale, MN 55128

www.whyoptimize.com

Products: Advertising & marketing programs, social media.

OTR Engineered Solutions

195 Chatillon Rd., Suite 4, Rome, GA 30161 (706) 235-9781

www.otrwheel.com

North America Tire Trader (NATT)

8401 John W Carpenter Fwy., Dallas, TX 75247 (469) 855-4125

www.nattusa.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, ATV tires, tire exporter/importer.

Nexen Tire America Inc.

4014 Wheatley Rd., Richfield, OH 44286 (909) 923-4011 or (800) 576-3936 (NEXEN)

www.nexentireusa.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, roadside assistance programs.

Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc.

3565 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 252-0007

www.nittotire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires.

Odyssey Battery by EnerSys

2366 Bernville Rd., Reading, PA 19605 (800) 538-3627

www.odysseybattery.com

Products: Batteries, battery charging & testing equipment.

Products: OTR tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, tire fills & sealants, tubes, wheels & accessories.

Pirelli Tire LLC

100 Pirelli Dr., Rome, GA 30161-3538 706-368-5800

www.us.pirelli.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, specialty tires, antique/ classic tires, motorcycle tires.

Plus Sizing Guide

213 N. Stephanie St., Suite G - #303, Henderson, NV 89074 (310) 357-7293

www.plussizingguide.com

Products: The Ultimate Wheel and Tire Plus Sizing Guide. Tire and wheel fitment information in print and digital formats. Data for OE and Plus Size applications for both current and vintage vehicles.

Podium

1650 W Digital Dr., Lehi, UT 84043 (801) 758-0580

www.podium.com

Products: Advertising/marketing programs, computer software.

Point S Canada

235, J-A Bombardier St., Boucherville, Quebec J4B 8P1 (844) 378-7377

www.pointscanada.ca

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, advertising/ marketing programs, management programs, online sales systems, POS/retailing, tire retailer support programs, training programs.

Point S USA DBA Point S

Tire & Auto Service

6102 N Marine Dr., Portland, OR 97203 (503) 283-6494

www.Pointstire.com

www.JoinPointStire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, ag/farm tires, advertising & marketing programs, computer software, consumer credit and financing, online sales systems, POS/Retailing, roadside assistance programs, tire retailer support programs, training programs, website and other online assistance.

Power King

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

www.tbccommercialtires.com

Products: Advertising/marketing programs, ATV tires, industrial tires, lawn and garden tires, medium/heavy truck tires, bias light truck tires, OTR tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, steel truck and trailer wheels, alignment equipment, brake service equipment, lifts and jacks, tire display racks, tire mounting and balancing equipment, tire pressure monitoring system equipment, Web and other online assistance, roadside assistance programs.

PPG VERSOLON Solutions

19699 Progress Dr., Strongsville, OH 44149 (866) 774-8783

www.ppgversolon.com

Products: Wheel coatings and coatings for wheel refurbishing, training programs.

Pre-Q Galgo Corporation

4329 Bronze Way, Dallas, TX 75237 (214) 330-7300. Fax: (214) 331-2222

www.pre-q.com

Products: Retreading — passenger, light truck, medium & heavy truck, OTR, equipment and materials.

Prinx Tires

5757 West Century Blvd., Suite 752, Los Angeles, CA 90045 (310) 205-8355 ext. 101

www.prinxtireusa.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, ST trailer tires, Retreading — medium & heavy truck tires, tire exporter/importer, tire retailer support programs, advertising & marketing programs, point-of-sale/retailing, roadside assistance programs, social media, trade show representation, training programs, website & other online assistance.

The Pronto Network — Parts Plus, Auto Pride, and Pronto Auto Parts 2601 Heritage Ave., Grapevine, TX 76051 (800) 477-6686

www.theprontonetwork.com

Products: Supplier of automotive parts, tools, equipment and related services, including sales, marketing, online sales and training support.

Quick Pressure LLC

4181 Brew Master Dr., Suite 5, Ceres, CA 95307 (909) 263-7152

www.quickpressure.com

Products: tire gauges, TPMS sensors.

Ralson Tire North America Inc. 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 330, Franklin, TN 37067 (844) 985-TIRE (8473) (201) 247-2085 (Brian Sheehey)

www.ralsontires.com

Products: Ralson and Accelus brand medium & heavy truck tires.

REDI-Sensor TPMS Sensors

6755 Snowdrift Rd., Allentown, PA 18106 (800) 564-5066

www.redi-sensor.com

Products: TPMS sensors.

RelaDyne

8280 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236 (888) 292-5080

www.reladyne.com

Products: Oil products & lubricants, filters/ filtration systems, antifreeze, wiper blades, advertising & marketing programs.

RideStyler

8215 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Rd., Suite 200, Tualatin, OR 97062 (844) 394-8994

www.ridestyler.com

Products: Computer software, advertising & marketing programs, website and other online assistance, management programs, online sales systems, ecommerce websites.

Roadmaster Tires

200 Innovation Way, Akron, OH 44316 (330) 796-2121

www.roadmastertires.com

Products: Medium/heavy truck tires.

RoboTire

41100 Plymouth Rd, Suite 370, Plymouth, MI 48170 (734) 564-3325

www.robotire.com

Products: Tire handling equipment, tire mounting & balancing equipment.

Rotary Lift

2700 Lanier Dr., Madison, IN 57420 (800) 445-5438

www.rotarylift.com

Products: Alignment equipment, lifts & jacks, shop maintenance equipment, tire handling equipment, tire mounting & balancing equipment, tire repair equipment, wheel repair equipment.

Buyers’ Guide

Sailun Tires

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

www.gosailun.com

Products: Advertising/marketing programs, passenger tires, performance tires, SUV/light truck tires, radial medium/heavy truck tires, HD ST radial tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, steel truck and trailer wheels, alignment equipment, brake service equipment, lifts and jacks, tire display racks, tire mounting and balancing equipment, tire pressure monitoring system equipment, Web and other online assistance.

SPF MGT CO, LLC

13922 Monroe’s Business Park, Tampa, FL 33635 (813) 977-9800

www.RNRtires.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, brake products, wiper blades, TPMS sensors, wheels & accessories, air compressors, alignment equipment, lifts & jacks, Nitrogen inflation equipment, TPMS diagnostic/programming tools, tire repair equipment, advertising & marketing programs, point-of-sale/retailing, roadside assistance programs, social media, trade show representation, training programs.

Schrader TPMS Solutions

1960 Research Dr., Suite 100, Troy, MI 48083 (248) 530-6850

www.SchraderTPMS.com, www.TPMSAcademy.com

Products: TPMS sensors, tire valves, TPMS diagnostic/programming tools, tools & tool accessories.

Sumitomo Tires

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

www.sumitomotire.com

TBC Brands

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

www.tbcbrands.com

Products: Advertising/marketing programs, radial and bias agricultural tires, ATV tires, high performance tires, industrial tires, lawn and garden tires, SUV/CUV/light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, bias light truck tires, off-the-road tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, winter tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, steel truck and trailer wheels, alignment equipment, brake service equipment, lifts and jacks, tire display racks, tire mounting and balancing equipment, Web and other online assistance, tire retailer support programs, roadside assistance programs.

TBC International

Sentury Tire USA

3850 W 108th St., Suite 1, Hialeah, FL 33018 (305) 621-5101

www.senturytireusa.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, specialty tires, advertising/marketing programs, tire retailer support programs.

Snap Finance

1193 West 2400 South, West Valley City, UT, 84119 (855) 808-4727

www.snapfinance.com/partner

Products: Consumer credit & financing.

Specialty Tires of America

1600 Washington St., Indiana, PA 15701 (724) 349-9010

www.stausaonline.com

Products: Ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, antique/classic tires.

www.ModernTireDealer.com

Products: Advertising/marketing programs, passenger tires, performance tires, high performance tires, SUV/CUV/light truck tires, radial medium/heavy truck tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, steel truck and trailer wheels, alignment equipment, brake service equipment, lifts and jacks, tire display racks, tire mounting and balancing equipment, tire pressure monitoring system equipment, Web and other online assistance, roadside assistance programs, road hazard protection plan.

Synchrony Financial

777 Long Ridge Rd., Stamford, CT 06902 (844) 880-2009

www.synchronybusiness.com/auto

Products: Consumer credit & financing, financing & credit programs.

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

www.tbc-international.com

Products: Radial and bias agricultural tires, ATV tires, high performance tires, industrial tires, lawn and garden tires, SUV/ light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, bias light truck tires, off-the-road tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires.

TECH

200 E Coshocton St., Johnstown, OH 43031 (740) 967-9015 or (800) 433-TECH

www.techtirerepairs.com

Products: Tire repairs & chemicals, tire & tube valves, TPMS sensors, valves & programmers, wheel weights, balance beads, garage equipment, hand & power tools, carbide cutters & buffers, wire brushes & abrasive pads, pneumatic tools, adaptors & chucks, impact sockets, torque extensions, air inflating hoses, gauges & chucks, retreading enveloping systems, rubber extruder guns, mount & demount tools, tire inflation cages, bottle & floor jacks, lug nuts, tire spreaders, safety & protection equipment, hand cleaners, instructor led & on-line tire repair training.

THINKCAR TECH, Inc.

720 S. Rochester Ave, Unit B, Ontario, CA 91761 (833) 692-2766

www.thinkcarus.com

Products: Diagnostic equipment, TPMS diagnostic/programming tools, TPMS sensors.

Thunderer

1221 Park West Green Dr., Katy, TX 77493 (281) 600-8473

www.thunderertireusa.com

www.american-omni.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires.

TIRECO Inc.

500 W 190th St., Suite 600, Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 767-7990

www.tireco.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, truck tires, specialty tires, tire flaps and tubes, wheels and accessories.

TireConnect by Bridgestone

254 – 30 Via Renzo Dr., Richmond Hill, Ontario L4S 0B8 (888) 792-7072, ext.101

www.tireconnect.ca

Products: Computer software, online sales systems, POS/retailing, tire retailer support programs, website and other online assistance.

TireHub

1 Ravinia Dr. NE, #1300, Dunwoody, GA 30346 (833) 847-3482

www.tirehub.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, tire identification, tire retailer support programs, tire display racks, transportation & logistics, advertising & marketing programs, online sales systems, training programs, website & other online assistance, social media.

Tire Pros

12200 Herbert Wayne Ct., Huntersville, NC 28078 (800) 632-1897

www.TirePros.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, wheels and accessories, advertising/ marketing programs, consulting, online sales systems, training programs.

Tire Rack Wholesale

7015 Vorden Pkwy., South Bend, IN 46628 (574) 287-2316 or (800) 445-0179

www.tirerackwholesale.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, truck tires, brake products, suspension components, tire gauges, tire pressure monitoring systems, truck and SUV accessories, wheel weights, wheels and accessories, wiper blades, tire display racks, trade show representation.

Tire Group International LLC

7500 NW 35th Terrace, Miami, FL 33122 (305) 696-0096

www.tiregroup.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, truck tires, ag/farm tires, motorcycle tires, OTR tires, specialty and trailer tires, ground service equipment tires, solid industrial tires, port tires, implement and flotation tires, motorsports tires, commercial tires, tire flaps, tire tubes, wheel weights, wheels and accessories, consulting, financing and credit programs, insurance programs, tire exporter/importer, tire retailer support programs, trade show representation, web and other online assistance.

The TireJobs Company

8007 Captains Ct., Frederick, MD 21701 (301) 662-7223

www.tirejobs.com

Products: Tire industry recruiter, employment services.

Tire Service International LLC

3451 S 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85040 (800) 223-4540

www.buytsi.com

Products: Cheetah and Viper bead seaters, tire service, recycling and waste equipment, manual tire changers, bead breakers, siping and truing equipment, tire cutters and wheel crushers, small footprint aluminum can baler.

Titan International Inc.

1525 Kautz Rd., Suite 600, West Chicago, IL 60185 (800) 872-2327

www.titan-intl.com

Products: Ag/farm tires, OTR tires.

Buyers’ Guide

Towmax Vanguard

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

www.towmaxtires.com

Products: Specialty tires, ST radial tires, roadside assistance programs, road hazard protection plan.

Towstar

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

www.towstartires.com

Products: Commercial tires.

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.

3565 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 236-2080

www.toyotires.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires.

Trailer King

4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (866) 822-4968

www.trailerkingtires.com

Products: Specialty tires, ST radial tires.

Transamerica Tire Co., Ltd.

5118 Park Ave., Suite #601, Memphis, TN 38117 (949) 312-1908

www.transamericatire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, specialty tires.

Transmax 1221 Park West Green Dr., Katy, TX 77493 (281) 600-8473

www.american-omni.com/transmax

Products: Medium & heavy truck tires.

Trelleborg Tires

107 Audubon Rd., Bldg. 2, Suite 205, Wakefield, MA 01880 (800) 948-TIRE (8473)

www.trelleborg-tires.com/en

Products: OTR tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, forestry tires, port tires, tubes.

Triangle Tire USA

113 Seaboard Lane, Suite A-180, Franklin, TN 37067 (615) 610-5050 or (888) 847-3745

www.triangletireus.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, truck tires, OTR tires, specialty tires.

Trimax - Maxon International

335 N. Puente St., Suite H, Brea, CA 92821 (330) 592-2325

www.trimaxtire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires.

Unicorn Tire

4045 Willow Lake Blvd., Memphis, TN 38118 (901) 547-5866

www.unicorntire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, specialty ST trailer tires, medium/heavy truck tires.

Uniroyal, a brand of MNA Inc.

1 Parkway S, Greenville, SC 29615

www.uniroyaltires.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires.

Unverferth Mfg. Co., Inc.

P.O. Box 357, Kalida, OH 45853 (419) 532-3121

www.unverferth.com

Products: Agricultural wheels and accessories.

Vee Tyre and Rubber Co., Ltd.

924 Rama 9 Road, Bangkapi, Huay Kwang, Bangkok, Thailand 10310 +66 2-719-6644

www.veerubber.co.th

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, antique/ classic tires, motorcycle tires, tubes.

Venezia

1221 Park West Green Dr., Katy, TX 77493 (281) 600-8473

www.veneziatires.com

www.american-omni.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires.

Vercelli

1221 Park West Green Dr., Katy, TX 77493 (281) 600-8473

www.vercellitire.com

www.american-omni.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires.

Vipal Rubber Corp. 2601 NW 89 Ct., Miami, FL 33172 (305) 640-0330

Www.VIPAL.COM

Retreading — light truck, medium & heavy truck, OTR, equipment and materials.

Vogue Tyre & Rubber Co.

1101 Feehanville Dr., Mount Prospect, IL 60056 (800) 323-1466

www.voguetyre.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, wheels and accessories.

Vöxx Products

1253 E Artesia Blvd., Carson, CA 90746 (310) 783-1613

www.voxxwheel.com

Products: Wheels & accessories.

Wegmann automotive USA Inc.

1715 Joe B. Jackson Pkwy., Murfreesboro, TN 37127 (888) 215-4575

www.wegmann-automotive.com

Products: Wheel weights.

Western Tires Inc.

222 Pennbright Dr., Suite 135, Houston, TX 77090 (281) 919-1944

www.jktyre-usa.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, OTR tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, motorcycle tires, antique/ classic tires, tire exporter/importer.

West Lake Tires

500 W 190th St., Suite 600, Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 767-7990

www.westlaketireusa.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires.

Wheel Consultants Inc.

See listing for Plus Sizing Guide.

WheelerShip

850 Washington Ave., Carlstadt, NJ 07072 (877) 788-8283

www.wheelership.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, brake products, wiper blades, headlights, tail lights, other lighting, EV charging products, TPMS sensors, tire gauges, wheels & accessories, center caps, wheel repair & chrome plating.

Yokohama Off-Highway

Tires America Inc.

201 Edgewater Dr., Suite 285, Wakefield, MA 01880 (339) 900-8080

www.yokohama-oht.com

Products: Ag/farm tires, industrial tires, medium/heavy truck tires, specialty tires, OTR tires, mining tires, forestry tires, material handling tires, port tires.

Yokohama Tire Corp.

1 MacArthur Pl., Suite 900, Santa Ana, CA 92707 (800) 423-4544

www.yokohamatire.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, specialty tires.

Yokohama TWS

107 Audubon Rd., Bldg. 2, Suite 205, Wakefield, MA 01880 (800) 948-TIRE (8473)

www.yokohama-tws.com

Products: OTR tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, motorcycle tires, forestry tires, tubes.

Zhongce Rubber Group Co., LTD

No. 1, 1st Street, Qiantang District, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China +86 571 86815901

www.zc-rubber.com

Products: Passenger tires, light truck tires, medium & heavy truck tires, OTR tires, ag/farm tires, industrial tires, specialty tires, antique/ classic tires, motorcycle tires, TPMS sensors, tubes, TPMS diagnostic/programming tools.

Associations

ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence)

1503 Edwards Ferry Rd. NE, Suite 401, Leesburg, VA 20176

Email: contactus@ase.com

www.ase.com

Officer: Homer Hogg, chairman

Auto Care Association

7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1300, Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 654-6664

Email: info@autocare.org

www.autocare.org

Officer: Bill Hanvey, CEO and president

Automotive Lift Institute Inc.

3699 Luker Rd., Cortland, NY 13045 (607) 756-7775

Email: info@autolift.org

www.autolift.org

Officer: R.W. (Bob) O’Gorman, president

Automotive Service Association

8209 Mid Cities Blvd., Suite 100, North Richland Hills, TX 76182-4712

(817) 514-2900

Email: info@ASAshop.org

www.asashop.org

Officer: Julie Massaro, executive director

Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), The Vehicle Suppliers Organization

79 TW Alexander Dr., 4501 Research Commons, Suite 200, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 (919)-549-4800

Email: info@mema.org

Officer: Bill Long, president and CEO

Retread Tire Association (RTA)

P.O. Box 6, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 (831) 620-5345

Email: info@retreadtire.org

jeffrey@retreadtire.org

www.retreadtire.org

Officer: Jeffrey Parks, managing director

Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

1575 S Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765 (909) 610-2030

Email: members@sema.org

www.sema.org

Officer: Mike Spagnola, CEO

The Tire Society Inc. 810 E 10th St., Lawrence, KS 66044 (785) 865-9402

Email: tst@allenpress.com www.tiresociety.org

Officer: Jim McIntyre, president

Tire and Rim Association Inc. 4000 Embassy Parkway, Suite 390, Akron, OH 44333 Phone: (330) 666-8121

Fax: (330) 666-8340

Email: tra@us-tra.org

www.us-tra.org

Officer: J. Satterfield

Tire Industry Association (TIA)

1532 Pointer Ridge Place Suite G, Bowie, MD 20716-1883 (301) 430-7280 or (800) 876-8372

Email: info@tireindustry.org

www.tireindustry.org

Officer: Richard “Dick” Gust, CEO

Tire Retread and Repair Information Bureau (TRIB) 2202 18th Street NW #177, Washington, DC 20009 (703) 533-7677

Email: info@retread.org

www.retread.org

Officer: David Stevens, managing director

Tread Rubber and Tire Repair Materials Manufacturers’ Group (TRMG) (614) 517-8396

www.retreadrepair.org

Officer: Jordan Diller, chairman

U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association

1400 K St. NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005 (202) 682-4800

Email: info@ustires.org

www.ustires.org

Officer: Anne Forristall Luke, CEO and president

CANADA

Atlantic Tire Dealers Association

93 Henderson St., Riverview, New Brunswick E1B 4B6

(506) 386-4306

Email: connorfrank57@gmail.com

www.atda.ca

Executive director: Frank Connor

Ontario Tire Dealers Association

4 Oakwood Dr., Port Dover, Ontario N0A 1N4

(289) 887-4046

Email: amoffatt@otda.com

www.otda.com

Executive director: Adam Moffatt

Quebec Tire Dealers and Mechanics Association

CP 89022 - CSP Malec, Montreal, Quebec H9C 2Z3

(866) 454-0477

Email: info@aspmq.ca

www.aspmq.ca

Executive director : Marie-Josée Aubé

Tire and Rubber Association of Canada

A19-260 Holiday Inn Dr., Cambridge, Ontario N3C 4E8

(519) 249-0366

Email: info@tracanada.ca

www.tracanada.ca

President and CEO: Carol Hochu

Tire Dealers Association of Canada

4 Oakwood Dr., Port Dover, Ontario N0A 1N4

(289) 887-4046

Email: amoffatt@otda.com

www.tdacanada.ca

Executive director: Adam Moffatt

Western Canada Tire Dealers Association

65 Woodbine Rd., Sherwood Park, AB T8A 4A7

(780) 554-9259

Email: rayg@wctd.ca

www.wctd.ca

Executive director: Ray Geleta

STATES

Alabama Tire Dealers Association

11245 Chantilly Parkway Ct., Montgomery, AL 36117

(334) 834-1848

Email: denise@aas.us

www.alatiredealers.com

Executive director: Randal Ward.

Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Illinois

1005 W Huron St., Chicago, IL 60642

(630) 561-3041

Email: ed@aaspi.org

www.aaspi.org

Executive director: Julie Lombardo

Arkansas Independent Tire Dealers Association

Sherwood Tire Pros

2201 Miramonte Dr., Sherwood, AR 72120

(501) 940-5979

Email: chucky1938@gmail.com

www.aitda.net

Executive director: Charlie Edens

Automotive Service & Tire Alliance

316 W. Millbrook Rd., Suite 105, Raleigh, NC 27609

(919) 322-0609

www.astausa.org

Executive director: Tricia Sauls

California Tire Dealers Association

2235 Park Towne Circle, Second Floor, Sacramento, CA 95825

(650) 357-0600 or (916) 214-6495

Email: mconnerly@

connerlyandassociates.com

www.catiredealers.com

Executive director: Marc Connerly

Georgia Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association

P.O. Box 801378, Acworth, GA 30101

(770) 947-2323

Email: ga_tiredealers@bellsouth.net

www.gtdra.com

Administrative assistant: Stacy Jarrett

Mid-America Tire Dealers Association (Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma) 7321 NW Rochester Rd., Topeka, KS 66617

(785) 286-1110

Email: herrick.shawn@gmail.com

www.matda.org

Executive director: Shawn Herrick

Louisiana Tire & Automotive Service Association

620 Florida St. Suite 210, Baton Rouge, LA 70801 (225)-343-2776

Email: info@ltasa.org

www.ltasa.org

Executive director: Julie Fuselier

Maryland — Chesapeake Automotive Business Association 4174 Ridge Rd., Westminster, MD 21157 (410) 264-1163

Email: info@caba.biz

www.caba.biz

Executive director: Tim Hollenshade

Michigan Tire & Vehicle Service Association 603 S. Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 372-5656

Email: whallan@retailers.com or mra@retailers.com

www.retailers.com

President: William J. Hallan

Missouri Tire Industry Association

P.O. Box 1326, Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573) 636-2292

Email: dsoverfelt@gmail.com or motireindustry@gmail.com

www.mtia4u.org

Montana Tire Dealers Advisory Council, part of the Montana Retail Association

1645 Parkhill, Suite 6, Billings, MT 59102 (406) 256-1005 or (800) 388-0236

Email: brad.griffin@mtretail.com

www.mtretail.com

Executive vice president: Bradley Griffin Executive director: David Overfelt

New England Tire & Service Association (serving Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut)

3 Lefevre Dr., Kingston, NH 03848

(855) 638-7248

Email: netsapros@aol.com tony@netsa.org

www.netsa.org

Executive director: Tony DeSimone

New York Tire Dealers Association Inc. 18 Riverleigh Pl., Amityville, NY 11701

(631) 789-9505

Email: ecaramanic@aol.com

www.nytda.com

President: Ernie Caramanico

Ohio Tire & Automotive Association 50 W. Broad St., Suite 1111, Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 221-7950

Email: info@ohiotire.org

www.ohiotire.org

President: Jeff Wallick, followed by Jon Boyd in August

Northwest Auto Care Alliance

7403 Lakewood Dr. W, Suite 7, Lakewood, Washington 98499 (253) 473-6970

Email: brenda@nwauotcare.org

www.nwautocare.org

Executive director: Brenda Wolsleggel

South Carolina Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association Inc.

P.O. Box 11035, Columbia, SC 29211

(803) 252-7128

Email: leigh@associationsplus.com

www.sctiredealer.com

President: Darrell Cobb

Texas Tire and Automotive Association 4600 Spicewood Springs Rd., Suite 103, Austin, TX 78759

(512) 343-8604 or (800) 844-8748

Email: space@ecpi.com

www.texastiredealers.org

Executive director: Chuck Space

Virginia Automotive Association PO Box 29069, Henrico, VA 23242-0069

(804) 739-1400

Email: keeneygroup@gmail.com

www.vaauto.org

Executive director: Bo Keeney

Land Rover Discovery – 2022

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

e purpose of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is to assist the driver in maintaining the vehicle’s tire pressures at the optimum level in order to improve fuel consumption, maintain ride and handling characteristics, reduce the risk of rapid tire de ation caused by under in ated tires and comply with legislation in relevant markets.

e TPMS measures the pressure in each of the tires and issues warnings to the driver if any of the pressures deviate from the established amounts.

• e system is not intended to warn the driver of a tire ‘blow out.’ It is not possible to give the driver su cient warning that such an event is occurring, due to its short duration. e design of the TPMS is to assist the driver in keeping the tires at the correct pressure, which will tend to reduce the likelihood of a tire ‘blow out’ occurring.

• TPMS is inhibited when the vehicle is in ‘delivery’ mode.

A single TPMS hardware con guration is used.

TPMS status information is relayed to the driver with a message displayed in the Instrument Cluster (IC) message center and an amber warning indicator.

e TPMS uses ‘active’ tire pressure sensors which are mounted on each wheel, inside the tire cavity. e sensor is retained in position by the valve attachment to the wheel structure. e sensors transmit their Radio Frequency (RF) signals at 433 MHz. e sensors periodically measure the pressure and temperature of the air inside the tire plus the centripetal acceleration acting on the sensor. ese measurements are transmitted periodically to the RF receiver located in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Control Module (TPMSCM) behind the front overhead console. e tire pressure sensors are self contained units which have no electrical connections into or out of the sensor. e care points detailed in the ‘Tires’ information of this chapter must be followed to avoid damage to the sensor.

If the sensor is replaced, the nut, seal and washer must also be replaced. e sensor must be tightened to the correct torque value as given in the service repair information. e RF transmission from the sensor contains a unique identi cation code in its transmission data, so that the TPMS can identify the tire on the vehicle. If the sensor is replaced on a ‘running’ wheel, the identi cation for that sensor may be programmed into the TPMSCM using Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) approved diagnostic equipment. at wheel is not monitored until it is programmed, or until the wheel

is learned by the vehicle, which can take up to 15 minutes. e identi cation code is on a label with the complete wheel and tire assembly when new and is printed on the casing of each sensor. In order to conserve battery power, the TPMSCM uses di erent RF transmission rates when the wheel is stationary or moving. e wheel speed required to change between stationary and moving transmission rates is very low to allow for slow o road driving.

MEMORIZING THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR ID

e TPMS locates the position of the tire automatically. is function requires no manual intervention by the driver. e TPMS automatically learns the position of tires on the vehicle if the tire pressure sensors or their positions are changed on the vehicle. e tire learn and location process is ready to start when the vehicle has been stationary, or is travelling at less than 20 km/h (12.5 mph) for 15 minutes. is is known as ‘Parking mode.’ e learn/locate process requires the vehicle to be driven at speeds of more than 20 km/h (12.5 mph) for 15 minutes. If the vehicle speed reduces to below 20 km/h (12.5 mph), the learn process timer is suspended until the vehicle speed increases to more than 20 km/h (12.5 mph), a er which time the timer is resumed. If the vehicle speed remains below 20 km/h (12.5 mph) for more than 15 minutes, the timer is set to zero and the process starts again. e TPMS can automatically detect, under all operating conditions, the following:

• If one or more tire pressure sensor(s) has been replaced.

• If one or more tire pressure sensor identi cation(s) is missing.

• If one or more ‘alien’ identi cation(s) is being received. ( e TPMS will reject these signals.)

• Identi cations from tire pressure sensors that do not belong to the vehicle.

• If one of the tires in use on the vehicle has changed position on the vehicle.

• If one or more incompatible tire pressure sensors have been installed.

A single TPMS hardware confi guration is used.

Remove and discard the seal and washer during the removal process.

To prevent damage, release the tire bead 180 degrees away from the valve.

No lubricant is needed when installing the new valve.

Photos: Mitchell 1

If the tire pressure sensors installed to the running wheels are changed, the TPMS can learn the new sensor identifications automatically. The learn function requires no manual intervention by the driver.

TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Removal

WARNING: The valve seal and steel washer must be replaced each time a tire is changed to avoid seal failure. The seal and washer must be replaced if the sensor is removed. Removal of the sensor retaining nut must be regarded as sensor removal. The valve cap must always be in place except when inflating, releasing or checking pressure.

NOTE: If the sensor is installed on a running wheel, the new sensor identification will be learned when the vehicle is first driven. If a new sensor is installed to the spare wheel, the identification for that sensor must be programmed into the TPMS module using Land Rover approved diagnostic equipment. The identification code is provided on a label with the complete assembly and is also printed on the casing of each sensor.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.

2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the tire low pressure sensor, release the tire bead from the wheel, 180 degrees from the valve.

3. Remove the tire from the wheel. NOTE: Discard the nut.

4. Remove the sensor retaining nut and then remove the sensor and valve assembly

5. Remove and discard the seal and washer.

Installation

CAUTION:

• Do not use compressed air to clean the sensor. Do not clean the sensor with solvents or cleaning agents of any type; use a clean dry cloth.

• Make sure that the mating faces are clean and free of foreign material.

1. Inspect the components; renew if damaged.

CAUTION: Do not apply any lubricant to the new valve.

2. Install a new washer, seal and retaining nut making sure the valve remains pressed fully onto its seat.

TPMS

3. Install the tire and balance the wheel.

4. Install the wheel and tire assembly. ■

Information for this column comes from the tire pressure monitoring systems data in ProDemand, Mitchell 1’s auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918. For more information, visit www.mitchell1.com.

I’ve trusted REDI-Sensor for over 10 years. That’s why I keep it in my shop. REDI-Sensor still comes through for me, every time.

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