79 minute read
Commercially viable
from Modern Tire Dealer - October 2013
by EndeavorBusinessMedia-VehicleRepairGroup
Redesigned VDO RoadLog website adds videos
Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket unveiled a refreshed edition of its VDO RoadLog website that features the new VDO RoadLog Electronic On Board Recorder (EOBR) for daily log book and other compliance reporting. A key educational component has also been added with a collection of comprehensive how-to and training videos covering topics such as HOS compliance, EOBR mandate solution, EOBR buyers guide, EOBR installation and tips for law enforcement. All of the videos are viewable from laptops, tablets and mobile phones. Additionally, the new site serves as one-stop shopping for literature and reference material, ranging from a quick overview of the VDO RoadLog EOBR to a complete EOBR user manual. CONTINENTAL COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & AFTERMARKET Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21160 www.mtdquiklink.com/21160
Dual drive retread from Oliver Rubber
The Vantage Max Drive from Oliver Rubber Co. is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay-verif ed drive position retread for line-haul applications. It is designed for single and tandem axle tractors and provides both long mileage and increased fuel savings for fleets. The Vantage Max Drive, at 19/32-inch of tread depth, is available in four sizes: 205, 210, 220 and 230. Oliver’s proprietary compounding delivers low rolling resistance, increased fuel savings and excellent tread wear. It also features Oliver’s exclusive VDI plus feature that acts as a visual depth indicator, helping to enforce pull points while also resisting the retention of road debris. All Oliver retreads carry a national warranty to 2/32-inch of tread depth. OLIVER RUBBER CO. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21161 www.mtdquiklink.com/21161
Green giant loader tires from OTRUSA.com
The Grunload line of giant loader tires from OTRUSA.com comes in sizes 45/65R45 and 45/65R39. Grunload tires are remanufactured in Germany using Michelin casings and a patented curing process to produce a remold with performance on par with a new premium-brand OTR tire, notes OTRUSA.com. The tires are backed with a lifetime warranty against premature failure due to defects in material and workmanship. The savings in material input and energy costs of Grunload represent both an environmentally conscious and economical choice for mining and construction companies using large loader tires. OTRUSA.COM Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21162 www.mtdquiklink.com/21162
Firestone DuraLoad PT L58 quarry and mining tire
Bridgestone Commercial Solutions, a business unit of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, has launched the Firestone DuraLoad PT L5S bias tire, its newest addition to the DuraLoad tire line. Designed for severe loader service, the new tire features the same casing construction as the DuraLoad DT and DuraLoad SDT. The company says advanced sidewall rib protector technology minimizes sidewall damage and improves cut resistance. The sidewall technology plus a larger footprint design provide longer wear to make the Firestone DuraLoad PT L5S tire ideal for use in the harshest of mining and quarry environments. BRIDGESTONE COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21163 www.mtdquiklink.com/21163
Cooper commercial LT Discoverer tire
The Discoverer HT3 from Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is a light truck tire engineered for premium commercial-grade performance and highway traction in all seasons. The Discoverer HT3 is designed to resist abnormal wear, notes Cooper. The durable HT3 offers the critical features and benef ts needed to perform in harsh urban highway conditions. It is available in R and S ratings and in 17 sizes ranging from 15- to 18-inch rim diameters. COOPER TIRE & RUBBER CO. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21164 www.mtdquiklink.com/21164
Goodyear expands spliceless UniCircle tread line
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has rolled out two new UniCircle spliceless treads to help f eets extend the service life of popular Goodyear wide-base tires. The G392 SSD UniCircle (pictured) and G394 SST UniCircle products offer many of the same performance benef ts as their wide-base, new tire counterparts: the G392 SSD DuraSeal + Fuel Max and the G394 SST DuraSeal + Fuel Max, says Goodyear. The G392 SSD UniCircle has a 24/32-inch tread depth, while the G394 SST UniCircle comes with a 12/32-inch tread depth. The G392 SSD UniCircle drive tread and the G394 SST UniCircle trailer tread are available to f t the 445/50R22.5 size. Goodyear also offers f at precure G392 SSD drive and G394 SST trailer retreads to f t the 445/50R22.5 and 455/55R22.5 sizes. GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21165 www.mtdquiklink.com/21165
Hankook on/off-road Smart Work AM15 TBR tire
The Smart Work AM15 on-/off-road widebase/all-position TBR tire from Hankook Tire America Corp. is for construction f eet customers and comes in two sizes, 385/65R22.5 and 425/65R22.5. The Smart Work AM15 was designed to offer f eet customers strength, traction and long life with features that include a tread pattern design that offers enhanced traction performance and fuel efficiency. A stone ejector rib helps prevent stone drilling. An optimized carcass structure offers a good ride and strong handling, and an improved bead prof le provides superior retreadability and a stabilized footprint to reduce irregular wear, notes Hankook. HANKOOK TIRE AMERICA CORP. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21166 www.mtdquiklink.com/21166 1/4-inch thick reinforcing strap welded to the tubes. The Magnum cage is 48 inches long, 30 inches wide and 56-1/4 inches tall, and is designed to provide more inside clearance for the new generation of super single and super wide-base truck tires, with their higher inf ation pressures and air volumes. KEN-TOOL CORP. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21168 www.mtdquiklink.com/21168
Point-to-point loose nut indicator from IMI
The Checkpoint point-to-point loose nut indicator from International Marketing Inc. is part of a total wheel torque/maintenance program. It has a shorter indication arrow that allows for Checkpoint unit placement in pairs so that they point toward each other in a point-to-point conf guration that offers a preferred option over the “daisy chain” (where the indication arrows point in a clockwise direction) because of easier detection of lug nut movement. The safety check improves overall f eet maintenance and safety, and is important to utilize, notes IMI. INTERNATIONAL MARKETING INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21167 www.mtdquiklink.com/21167
Super Magnum cage reduces force by 93%
The 36010 5-bar Super Magnum cage from Ken-Tool Corp. reduces the side-force energy resulting from a catastrophic sidewall zipper rupture of a super wide-base tire by 93%. This is achieved with expanded steel mesh def ection barriers welded to the insides of the cage tubing. The cage features f ve mandrel-bent, highstrength 12-gauge, 2-1/4-inch diameter structural steel tubes, welded to a 3/16-inch thick steel plate base with a 2-inch wide,
Trelleborg launches SugarCane tire
Trelleborg Wheel Systems Americas Inc. has launched its new 710/70R38 TM800 SugarCane specif cally engineered for sugar cane applications. To cope effectively with sugar cane stubble, the prof le of the tire lug’s base is signif cantly smoother and more rounded when compared to a conventional tractor tire, notes Trelleborg. The structure of the new 710/70R38 TM800 SugarCane has been designed to handle high torque and load transmitted to the tire during demanding sugar cane farming operations. The bead width has been increased by 12% to withstand the stress of severe farming conditions. TRELLEBORG WHEEL SYSTEMS AMERICAS INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21169 www.mtdquiklink.com/21169
Yokohama Y20, Y67 tires for mining operations
Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) offers two new mining tires, the Y20 (pictured) and the Y67. The 36-ply heavy-duty Y20 39x15x20 is ideal for scoops and coal haulers needing heavy weightcarrying capacity in a 39-inch tall tire, says YTC. It also allows for the replacement of a 15-inch rim with a heavy-duty 20-inch rim for better durability and extra room around the hub. This promotes cooler running brakes, and better access and torque on the lug bolts. The Y20 was developed to take large shuttle cars down to lower levels, enabling access to deeper coal seams while still offering great carrying capacity. The 36-ply tough-tread Y67 44x15x20 is engineered for large shuttle cars, providing greater carrying capacity without having to change rims, and its wide footprint delivers an improved ride and longer tire life. YOKOHAMA TIRE CORP. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21170 www.mtdquiklink.com/21170
All-season vs. winter tires
A hotly disputed debate in parts of Europe
For over a decade now there has been a simis that they have been specif cally developed mering undercurrent of debate in Europe for selected European regions with moderate over the merits and needs of winter tires. climates which are characterized by wet, light to It is a tricky subject as parts of Northern Europe mid-winter conditions to give drivers a sense of and Scandinavia predictably receive harsh winter conf dence in safe driving experiences throughout conditions including heavy snowfall, so rugged the year and eliminating the need to change winter tires are essential. In Southern Europe, tires twice every year. T is is why in 2013 I have however, wintry road conditions are a very rare noticed an increasing amount of tire retailers occurrence. recommending all-season brands for the coming
In the past few years the emergence of allBy John Stone winter season — not just in the UK, but also in season tires (sometimes known as all-weather Holland and France. tires) has added even more fuel to the f re of opinion on Living in a reasonably average neighborhood area among the best type of tires in terms of safety needed for cars and a good cross section of people — from young, ambitious trucks in the winter months. Perhaps the perfect example business people right through to young couples starting of a market where both all-season and winter tires are families — I have recently carried out my own very low-key competing against one another is the UK which forms survey on what ordinary drivers feel about the winter tire part of the European road network (at least politically). vs. all-season tire argument in the UK.
Although all-season tires are f t ed to most vehicles in T e overwhelming conclusion is that because the winters America where (in regions of modest winter snowfall) are only occasionally severe, most favoured buying all-season they are considered a reasonable compromise to suit most tires over winter tires. I feel there are two fundamental reasons for this overwhelming decision. First of all, it’s a mat er of cost. It’s true the UK is slowly but surely recovering f nancially as a nation (unlike some European countries), but money is still tight for many households. So having to change tires midway through the year to combat winter is simply unacceptable and can be out of reach for many drivers. T e other reason is that most people still work on the age-old theory of “If the weather is that bad we will not drive,” therefore eliminating the need for winter tires. When you look at the proven benef ts of all-season tires, including the fact that these tires are manufactured with specif c rubber formulations and compounds to provide reassuring impressive traction on a wide range of tough wintry road conditions, it’s easy to understand why drivers do not see the need for more tough and resilient winter pat erns f t ed to their cars. Can all-weather tires cope with European winters? Their To be honest, I am a great believer in economic practipatterns are not ideal when road conditions turn deadly. cality when it comes to driving and can understand why there is still eager support for the UK and milder climates road conditions, the same universal agreement has not yet in Northern Europe to adopt all-weather tires over winter reached various parts of Europe. In the UK right now both tires. However, there is no doubt that these pat erns are not types of tires have avid supporters. ideal when road conditions really deteriorate dramatically
T e UK is perhaps unique in the sense that like Holland and lead to a series of spectacular accidents with loss of life. and France, heavy snow conditions only happen once every T e hotly disputed debate continues. ■ few years. And although when the roads are particularly bad with ice and snow it would make sense to drive on profesJohn Stone has been working within the global tire industry sional winter tires, such severe weather is considered to be for the past 20 years. In 2004 he launched his own company, reasonably rare. To be honest, I have yet to see winter tires Sapphire Media Services, as a business media consultant being extensively promoted in UK tire retail outlets, but the with clients around the globe. Stone also writes for tire and exact opposite can be said of all-season tires. automotive-related publications in Europe, South Af ica
T e general description of all-season brands in Europe and Asia.
Is the value of value losing its value?
Sales success lies with discovering where your customers place product value
Is the value of value losing its value? Of course, imported tires are created equal; some deserve the value of value varies from customer to to be sold for more because they are actually customer. Everyone is dif erent, and most worth more. everyone values things dif erently. I’d like to of er a simple suggestion from my
One thing that really struck me as a younger past retail experience: You have to sell up; you man working in retail stores was this comment, have to sell out of the entry level position; you “It’s just for my wife’s car.” Of en I would receive have to of er a bet er value, a real value that works a phone call or a walk-in, and I was asked by a for both you and the customer. You have lit le husband for a price quote on a set of tires. In the control regarding overseas factories and their qualifying process, the husband would of en say, By Wayne Williams methods to market, and you probably don’t have “It’s just for my wife’s car.” T at says a lot: Maybe much control at your local distributor level, either. he doesn’t think much of her car; or maybe he doesn’t think T erefore, you must focus where you have some level of she drives very many miles, you know, just around town; control, your own retail operation(s), your own store(s). or maybe he doesn’t value safety; or maybe he just doesn’t You must rethink your marketing. You are going to have value his wife. In this scenario, there are a wide variety of to place some increased value in a lower-priced tire that areas that are subject to interpretation. returns you a bet er margin. It starts with something like
For starters, where the customer places value is where we this, “Mr. Customer, would you be interested in a bet er, should place the value. So of en in our business, customers low-priced tire?” don’t understand the value of a tire and how it impacts If you are going to collect more margin from a lower-end the overall performance of a vehicle. T is is where we add value. When confronted with the “It’s just my wife’s car” comment, I knew immediately we were moving toward the bot om of the price range. Some real thought T e company I worked for expected the sales staf to sell up. We had a good training, marketing and merchandising must go into your program, and we were expected to execute the sell-up program. product matrix to re
Starting at the bot om, at the lowest price levels, is the hardest way to generate acceptable gross prof t at the end establish an improved of the day and at the end of the month. T e independent tire dealer in North America is currently in a knife f ght; line-up that returns a there is a race to the bot om like never before, and there is no shortage of low-priced, low-margin tires. sustainable margin to
I say “a knife f ght” because it’s bloody and painful; it’s like hand-to-hand combat every day. T ere is seemingly no bot om to the pricing, and a new line of lower-priced your operation. tires hits the market every week.
To make acceptable gross prof t you must buy right and sell right. T e overall problem is there is lit le or no value tire, it is necessary, no, it’s mandatory, that you give the cusplaced on a majority of low-priced imported tires. Many tomer a bet er tire for their money; it’s good old-fashioned overseas factories seemingly just pump out tires and f ood value. Many imported tires coming into North America the North American market. T e importer/distributors then today are what I call “GEN 3.” T ese tires look bet er, and redistribute these low-value products into the retailer network, from all appearances, they are bet er. T e question then which reluctantly buys and sells these low-value products at becomes, is it possible to program or position an imported a low margin, complaining all the while about cheap tires. tire in your overall tire line-up where you make a reason
Sooner or later we’ll all have to f nd a way to collect an able margin? I hear retailers and distributors constantly acceptable margin on these products. T is is only going complaining about margin, complaining about things for to happen if we place more value on these products. We which they have no control. I’m suggesting that we may must reassess the actual value and prof t potential of each have to add value soon to products that we have heretofore line we select to sell to our customers. Not all low-priced, viewed as less valuable.
Adding value is critical; adding value is of en a mat er of understanding what customers want. T ough it dif ers from customer to customer, we all know that customers understand basic numbers. T ey believe or understand that a 55,000-mile warrantied tire will (should) last longer than a 45,000-mile tire. If a customer can get 10,000 more miles for, say, $10 more per tire, that might represent more value to many customers. Of course, if you make this of er, you must back it up with a convincing factual presentation, a mileage certif cate, a notation on the customer’s invoice, something that validates the actual value. You may decide to of er a free replacement for the f rst 25% of tread life for workmanship or material defects.
It’s been my experience that on the West Coast, many dealers consider all inexpensive, imported brands a necessary evil. Well, things, they are a-changing, and we must all change with the times. A serious reassessment is required; some real thought must go into your product matrix to re-establish an improved line-up that returns a sustainable margin to your operation.
In so many retail environments, customers are lured into stores by fake promotions. I was loitering in a large, regional tire retailer last week where they are currently running a Buy 2 / Get 2 Free campaign. I watched as a retail counter salesman earnestly struggled to explain why that customer was not eligible to take advantage of the of er. T e consumer was seriously upset and vocal, though the salesman did a decent job of explaining the actual promotion. Was that the intent, to spend money to bring a customer in, only to upset them
on their showroom f oor? I couldn’t help but think how that consumer will feel about the store every time he drives by for the rest of his life. My point is, real value is real, and fake value is not value at all.
Back to my opening comment, “Is the value of value losing its value?” T is is debatable, but one thing I’m sure of — customers place high value on get ing more for their money; they always have, and, I suppose they always will.
In conclusion, you must create value for yourself and your customers, real value, lasting value, and that value may be found in an imported tire that perhaps you have undervalued until now.
See you at the SEMA Show. ■
Wayne Williams is president of ExSell Marketing Inc., a “counter intelligence” f rm based in La Habra, Calif. He can be reached at exsellmkting@gmail.com.
are not run-f at tires, and the company did not know if any of these cars would be available for sale in the United States market.
“T e Mercedes-Benz S-Class is recognized as one of the f nest luxury cars in the world,” said Seung Hwa Suh, Hankook’s vice chairman and CEO. “We are delighted
OE f tments are crucial to success, said Hyum Bum Cho, Hankook’s president and chief marketing off cer. They have been growing continually.
that the Hankook Tire Ventus Prime 2 we have developed for Daimler AG meets all aspects of our customer’s exacting requirements for their new MercedesBenz S-Class.”
T e tires for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class are currently being produced at Hankook’s main factory for ultra-high performance tires in Geumsan, South Korea. T e f tment began in June, according to Hankook.
In addition to the Mercedes-Benz SClass announcement, the company said its UHP Ventus S1 evo2 in size 225/50R17W has also been selected for the company’s E-Class. T e supply agreement begins this month.
Hankook also announced that it has been chosen as a supplier to BMW’s new 5-series with the Ventus S1 evo2 in size 225/55R17W.
T is will be the fourth BMW model that Hankook supplies with tires. T e tires will be on the 520i, 528i, 530i, 535i and 520d. As with the Mercedes f tments, the company did not know if any of these cars would be available for sale in the U.S. T e tires are not run-f ats.
Suh said the company “wants to provide high-quality tires but also enhance our reputation with consumers” with the addition of the upscale German car maker f tments.
Cho put it this way: “We have achieved our own grand slam by now supplying all three German automakers (Audi, BMW and Mercedes).”
Cho said the recent announcements now place Hankook among the top tier tire companies in the world.
The company also said its Optimo H426 was selected by Toyota for its 2014 Corolla in size 195/65R15S; the same tire was selected for the Nissan 2014 Altima in size P215/60R16T. Both of these cars are being sold in North America.
Hankook debuts airless concept tire
Airless concept tires continue to attract attention by tire manufacturers. This time, it’s Hankook Tire Co. Ltd. that showcased its iFlex non-pneumatic eco-friendly tire at the Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany in early September.
The iFlex uses organically connected spokes that distribute pressure so that the bottom of the tire is compressed while the top stretches. The company says this leads to a comfortable and smooth ride.
The up to 95% recyclable tire, made from highly elasticated polyurethane synthetics, is manufactured in conjunction with its rim. The company says the tire consumes Customers have the less energy while rolling and it does not require air. This option of customizing in turn results in lowering fuel consumption while simulthe look of their tires taneously increasing vehicle safety. as colors can be applied to the iFlex’s cen
There also is a wide selection of colors that can be apter frame, outer layer plied to the center frame, outer layer and inner structure. and inner structure.
Hankook has been active in the OE business during 2013. Earlier this year, the company landed a contract for the Honda Civic with its Optimo H426 tire in size P205/55R16H.
Hankook started its OE push in 1999. Despite the relatively short history compared to other competitors, OE sales have been continuously growing throughout the years, said Hankook.
Hankook has now established business partnerships with all of the global top-eight automakers.
Since 2009, Hankook has gradually built partnerships with various global automakers, including premium automakers BMW, Audi, Lincoln, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) and Chrysler.
In recent years, the company has expanded its OE fitment portfolio into German premium car makers MercedesBenz and BMW and Japanese automakers Toyota, Nissan and Honda.
Hankook has seen a sharp increase in OE sales since 2009, with OE sales reaching 37% of total (unit) sales in 2012. T ese OE shipments totaled $1.8 billion, which amounted to about 28% of the company’s total annual revenue.
Also, compared to the year before, OE supply contracts to global premium automakers jumped by 27.6%, led by factory-installation of ultra-high performance tires.
Hankook believes its OE business highlights its technology and quality. T e company said, “Premium OE supply expansion is a part of our core mid- to long-term strategic objectives.
Having said that, we will continue our endeavor to further raise Hankook Tire’s brand equity as a top-tier company through extending our premium OE portfolio, and we will continually boost market share worldwide by raising product quality.”
About 58% of the OE tires manufactured from the company’s Geumsan plant are supplied to domestic automakers in Korea, while the rest (approximately 42%) are headed to overseas markets such as North America, Europe, Mexico and Japan.
In 2012, Hankook produced about 30% of total global OE tires at the Geumsan plant, which is equivalent to roughly 11% of total tires produced by Hankook’s global production network.
In addition, the OE tires manufactured at the Geumsan plant make up about 42% of its aggregate annual production capacity. ■
Company holds grand opening for 7th tire plant
Hankook Tire Co. Ltd. celebrated the grand opening of its seventh global tire plant in Indonesia last month.
The plant is located in Lippo Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java, and will act as an export base for the North America and Middle East markets as well as a regional business hub for the emerging Asian market, reaching the production capacity of 6 million tires per year.
Approximately 30% will be allocated to cater to the Indonesian domestic market, while the remaining 70% will be exported to serve the demands in emerging markets across the globe including the ASEAN region, North America and the Middle East.
Covering an area of 148 acres, Hankook Tire’s Indonesia plant is a modern manufacturing facility equipped to produce mainly passenger car tires, ultra-high performance tires and light truck tires.
At the grand opening, Seung Hwa Suh, vice chairman and CEO of Hankook Tire, said, “Today’s commemoration of the Indonesia plant opening marks yet another milestone in Hankook Tire’s ongoing growth as a global top-tier tire company. This is also a clear manifestation of our strong will and commitment for further growth together with Indonesia and other emerging economies. As a leading global tire company, we will continue our relentless efforts to supply customers around the world with more advanced, globally acclaimed tires via our new export base in Indonesia.”
With a groundbreaking ceremony held in June 2011, Hankook Tire commenced the construction of its seventh global manufacturing plant in Indonesia. The company currently employs approximately 1,400 staff members and will increase to a total of 4,300 employees by 2018.
Hankook sets sights on ‘top tier’
Company plans to grow brands, plants and distribution
By Greg Smith
While in Korea for Hankook Tire’s announcement of new OE f tments, MTD had the opportunity to spend time with Seung Hwa Suh, vice chairman and CEO of Hankook Tire Co. Ltd.
In an open and frank discussion, Suh shared his views about a number of key issues for Hankook as the company moves forward. He addressed a variety of issues:
• How close Hankook is to being a “top tier” tire company; • T e need to improve the image of the Hankook brand so the company can launch a second brand to help it grow; • Pending announcement of a U.S. tire plant; • The plans to grow company-owned distribution worldwide through T’Station and Masters programs; • T e social responsibility of the company; • T e need to outpace world-wide tire growth; • Mergers and acquisitions by the company; and • Hankook’s change of status at OE.
On becoming a “top-tier” tire company:
“We have yet to join the top tier, but by 2020 we will be there. We will not stop working until we achieve this goal,” Suh said. He believes that the new OE f tments on worldclass vehicles will help the company move in this direction.
“By supplying foreign car makers, we became a serious supplier. In terms of quality, we are a top-tier company right now. We still recognize that our company size and brand must be improved.” T roughout the time MTD spent in Korea, talk of being a top-tier tire company was mentioned in many conversations.
On launching “associate” brands:
“We are thinking of associate brands as we are too heavily involved with the Hankook brand right now. But, in thinking of introducing a lower position brand, we must make the Hankook brand higher in the minds of everyone,” Suh said.
On a U.S. tire plant:
As reported earlier this year in MTD, Suh conf rmed that the company will make an announcement about a plant in Tennessee, Georgia or South Carolina by year’s end. Negotiations with those three states are ongoing. Capacity could range between f ve to 10 million units upon completion.
On company-owned stores and franchise growth:
During the OE press conference held earlier, Hankook’s President and Chief Marketing Of cer Hyum Bum Cho said the company currently has 4,400 stores across the globe with the desire to have 7,700 stores by 2017. Suh said that the company is working on a program for franchise stores in the U.S. through its Masters program (but the company states that is not in the near-term).
Seung Hwa Suh, vice chairman and CEO of Hankook Tire Co. Ltd., said the company will make an announcement of a U.S. tire plant by year’s end.
Hankook has company-owned and franchised retail stores in Korea by the name of T’Station. In the rest of the world, the franchise stores go by the Masters name. Hankook says it has no plans to have company-owned stores outside of Korea.
On social responsibility by the company:
On the need for outpacing worldwide tire growth:
Last year, Suh says the worldwide consumption of tires stood at 4.5 billion units. He feels the average growth rate stands at 4.5%, or 60 million more units per year. To achieve the growth Hankook wants to have, Suh says they must grow its capacity by six million units per year.
On mergers and acquisitions by the company:
Suh says that Hankook has a very conservative culture. But, he doesn’t rule out acquisitions. “If we did something, it would be related to the car industry.... Hankook worldwide is always looking for opportunities.” Suh did make clear that nothing was under review at the current time by Hankook.
On Hankook’s change of status at OE:
Suh shared a lighter moment in looking back to the f rst OE f tment call that was made in the U.S. T e company was trying to meet with Ford for a temporary spare in 1997. Suh laughed and shook his head at the dif culties in arranging the f rst meeting. “It was very dif cult. Now, we are being approached to supply the leading car companies in the world.” And Suh smiled at the change. ■
Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 21136
Three generations of Schmuckers: Sheldon, co-founder; Brandon, vice president; and Brad, president. Brad’s daughter, Brittany, is treasurer.
It’s Millersburg time
T e tire dealership celebrates its 60th anniversary with its retail, commercial and wholesale customers
By Bob Ulrich
On Feb. 18, 1953, Sheldon Schmucker and his brother-in-law, Art Miller, wrote a check to the Standard Oil Co. for $215.08 for 1,000 gallons of gas. With that f rst payment, Millersburg Tire Service Inc. was of and running.
Two years later, the Millersburg, Ohio, dealership took on Firestone tires. Although a lot has changed since then — 21.5 cents a gallon for gas?! — the company’s foundation for success remains the same. T e Schmucker family still owns the business, and continues to align itself with the Firestone brand.
Sheldon, 85, and Miller, 90, were on hand when Millersburg Tire recently held a three-day anniversary party presided over by Sheldon’s son, Brad. Millersburg Tire treated its retail, commercial and wholesale customers to prize giveaways, including Bridgestone and Firestone tires and free oil changes for a year. T ere also was plenty of homemade ice cream, donuts and popcorn to go around.
On T ursday, a local radio station broadcast live from the store. On Friday, a barbecue chicken dinner was followed by a concert of bluegrass music. On Saturday, Dan Patrick’s Samson Monster Truck crushed cars. Donations were accepted benef ting the Love Center Free Clinic and Haiti Relief Sale.
Brad, the company’s president, says the key to the family’s success is treating farmers and other customers the way each member of his family wants to be treated. “For example, we don’t raise our wholesale prices the day our suppliers raise tire prices. We try to give our dealers fair notice that our prices are going to go up.
Brad, his wife, Diane, son, Brandon, and daughter, Brit any, run the company. Brad also has a brother, sister, brother-in-law and nephew in the business.
Originally a General tire dealership, Millersburg Tire still carries the brand, along with BFGoodrich, BKT, Carlisle, Continental, Cooper, Dunlop, Fuzion, Goodyear, Kelly, Mastercraf , Michelin, Samson and STA. T e company inventories $2 million worth of tires on its f ve-acre lot. ■
Focus on industry Las Vegas to host industry trade shows
Go to the SEMA Show and AAPEX and discover the newest products that help make up a $477 billion market
By Lori L. Mavrigian
This year marks the 50th birthday of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), and it is celebrating with a bigger, beter SEMA Show in the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 5-8
Going on the same time as the SEMA Show on Nov. 5-7 is the expanded Automotive Afermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.
Tese are both part of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), which brings together more than 130,000 automotive industry professionals to Las Vegas who are involved in the $477 billion global motor vehicle afermarket.
Te SEMA Show
Tis year’s SEMA Show is the associations 47th, and it is 12% larger than last year.
Te show foor will ofer more than 2,000 new products from over 2,400 exhibiting companies including close to 450 frst-time exhibitors.
Te 2013 SEMA Show also includes more than 90 educational seminars focused on helping auto-related business professionals sell more products and be more productive.
Topics range from marketing, to cash fow and industry trends, social media, email marketing and customer service. Most sessions are available free of charge to those with SEMA Show credentials. Sessions begin the day before the ofcial opening of the show and continue at various times throughout the event.
“We recognize that participants have made an investment to leave their businesses and atend the SEMA Show,” says Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of events and communications.
Te seminars are taught by industry leaders and business experts from all over the world. Some of the SEMA Show sessions include:
• Build a winning marketing strategy • Industry trends and forecasts: Enthusiast purchase journey • Shoestring marketing • Vehicle dynamics forum • Successful teams: Turning passion into a successful business • Stand out! Diferentiate or disappear • Creating and executing a smart business plan • Who’s in the driver’s seat? A comprehensive look at generational trends in the automotive industry • Online marketing: Twiter • Creating the best possible sales team
Te SEMA Show will ofer 12 sections covering a wide spectrum of automotive specialty equipment.
Te North Hall will house:
• Collision repair and refnish • Mobile electronics and technology • Restyling and car care accessories • Tools and equipment
In the Central Hall you will fnd:
• Racing and performance • Restoration marketplace • Hot rod alley
South Hall Upper will house: • Trucks, SUVs and of-road • Powersports and utility vehicles • Business services • Featured exhibitors
Big O Tires exhibited at the Global Tire Expo — Powered by TIA (the Tire Industry Association) at last year’s SEMA Show.
And the South Hall Lower will have:
• T e Tire Industry Association’s Global Tire Expo • Wheels and accessories
In addition to 11 designated f oor sections, the SEMA Show includes three dif erent areas where f rst-time and featured exhibitors can be found.
In order for SEMA to accommodate all the exhibitors, “We’ve expanded our footprint,” says MacGillivray. “Collectively, the f rst-time and featured exhibitor areas include hundreds of new and innovative manufacturers that represent all markets in the industry. T ese are must-see areas for everyone in the industry.”
T e three areas are found in the:
* Upper South Hall, east end near the New Products Showcase: T is is the same area where First-Time and Featured Exhibitors were located in 2012. * Bridge, between Central and South Halls * LVH South Pavilion area, near Central Hall: T e LVH is located across the street, but adjacent to the north side of North Hall. Several exhibitors will be located in the Pavilion area of the LVH, along with general registration.
T ere also will be more than 1,500 vehicles on display including cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs showcasing the latest tires, wheels and automotive products.
And to showcase the industry’s top trend-set ing vehicle models, the SEMA Awards will be announced and presented to winning automakers during the show.
T rough the program, SEMA exhibitors that make the products and accessories for today’s popular models, will identify the vehicle platforms they believe are best for accessorizing, and ideal for showcasing the coolest new products.
“T e SEMA Show has always been about highlighting the industry’s most innovative new products and the trends that emerge each year,” says Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “T e SEMA Award celebrates the new vehicle models that SEMA exhibitors expect will be the major trend-set ers in the months ahead.”
Show organizers will take a tally of every booth vehicle at the show to identify the most popular vehicle models in four categories (Hot est Car, Hot est Truck, Hot est 4x4-SUV, and Hot est Sport Compact). With each booth vehicle representing one vote, the most prominent models will be named the SEMA Award winners for the year.
“T e SEMA Award is always a strong indicator of which vehicles are likely going be most popular with consumers in the coming year,” says Kersting. “Vehicles chosen for display at the SEMA Show are by def nition the hot est-trending and most accessory-friendly models among enthusiasts, and these models of en become high-demand vehicles for the car-buying public.”
Last year’s SEMA Award winners were the Ford Mustang in the car category, the Scion FR-S in the sport compact category, the Ford F-Series in the truck category and the Jeep Wrangler in the 4x4-SUV category.
Cars & Cof ee
Among the new at ractions at the 2013 SEMA Show will be Cars & Cof ee — SEMA Edition. Taking place in the outdoor patio on the south side of the LVH (adjacent to the LVCC North Hall) from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. each morning of the show, Cars & Cof ee gives at endees a place to start their day.
At endees will be able to grab a cup of cof ee and a donut, check out show cars, mingle with colleagues then get a jump start on their day by visiting the newly expanded Featured Exhibitors section at the LVH. Featuring some of the industry’s newest exhibitors, the LVH exhibits open at 8 a.m. — before
AAPEX will offer show goers domestically and internationally sourced new and remanufactured parts, learning sessions and more.
the Las Vegas Convention Center show f oor opens.
“There are lots of new features and at ractions taking place at the LVH,” said MacGillivray.
SEMA awards banquet
“The Industry Awards Banquet is a time for the industry to celebrate,” says MacGillivray. Awards will be presented for SEMA Person of the Year, Rep Agency of the Year and W/D of the Year. Entertainment will be provided by comedians John Hef ron and Jon Reep, as well as by former American Idol winner Taylor Hicks.
For more information, see SEMA’s website at www.semashow.com
At the AAPEX
AAPEX is jointly sponsored by the Automotive Af ermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Automotive Af ermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). It is the place where warehouse/distributors, retailers program groups, jobbers, service providers and others go to source products from both domestic and international suppliers.
AAPEX also is of ering a learning forum covering close to 40 topics. All sessions are accredited by the University of the Af ermarket toward the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) and Master Automotive Af ermarket Professional (MAAP) professional designations. Sessions will be held at the Venetian Hotel and include:
• Brand supremacy: Building strength in the automotive af ermarket • Marketing and selling to millennial consumers • Import parts explosion: Are You Taking Your Share? •SWAT team selling: Leading your team to a competitive advantage • Implementing account planning to increase your team’s selling success • Sales and marketing trends: T e latest technology that will increase your cash f ow • T e three quickest ways to grow your bot om line with mobile marketing • Handling the phone shopper: Turning phone shoppers into customers
T e AAPEX show f oor is broken down into sections, including:
• Automotive Warehouse and Distributors Association (AWDA) and NARSA (the International Heat Transfer Association) sections • Paint and body • Remanufacturing
• Tools and equipment • Auto international • International pavilions
Geared for W/Ds
Well-known professional experts on distribution and management will be presenting topics of interest to warehouse/distributors in learning forum sessions.
T e sessions include how to achieve profitability and success, future forces in B2B markets, sales and marketing optimization, building tomorrow’s workforce and trends af ecting today’s distribution businesses.
Featured speakers include:
• Garrison Wynn, Wynn Solutions — T e real truth about success: What the top 1% do dif erently and why they won’t tell you, and Being the best vs. being consistently chosen. • Steve Diest, Indian River Consulting Group — Channel evolution: Lessons from other industries, and Future forces in B2B markets. • Barry Lawrence, Texas A & M Distribution Program — Optimizing distributor prof tability: Best practices for improving return on investment, and Sales and marketing optimization: Driving growth and market share. • Gene Marks, T e Marks Group — Economic, political and tech trends: 10 things happening today t that will af ect your business tomorrow.t • Dan Schawbel, Millennial Branding — Building the workforce of tomorrow: — How to recruit, retain and grow your H young talent.y
Feature on the AAPEX show f oorF Two engine builders from Hendrick Motorsports will assemble and run a M NASCAR R07 Chevrolet engine in less N than 30 minutes during this year’s AAPEX t show.s Engine rebuild demonstrations will be held daily at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and will h allow buyers the opportunity to examine a the parts, talk to the builders and learn t about remanufactured engines.a T e engine rebuild area is sponsored by the Engine Rebuilders Council (ERC), t the AER Engine Builders Association, t the Production Engine Remanufacturers t Association (PER ) and MAHLE Clevite Inc.
It is part of the new Remanufacturing Section at AAPEX, co-hosted by the Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MER ) and ERC. T e event will be on the upper level of the Sands Expo Center.
For more information, see www.aapexshow.com ■
Blueprint for success
Tour the inside of T e Tire Choice
By Bob Ulrich
On the outside, each of the 35 buildings is anything but nondescript. T e distinct yellow, blue and red “The Tire Choice & Total Car Care” logo tells everyone they are tire stores designed for one-stop service, transmission and engine work included.
T e blueprint for an average Tire Choice store calls for a 6,200-square-foot building, which allows for an inventory of between 1,000 and 1,200 tires. Some of the prototype stores
In nine years, they grew from one Tire Choice outlet to 35. “Our goal now is 60 stores, but I believe we can get up to 100 stores,” says Dan, the company’s chairman and CEO. To get to 100, he admits they will have to expand outside of Florida.
T ey only own two of their locations. “You can’t own the property if you want to grow quickly,” says Diane, the company’s vice chairman and chief f nancial of cer. “At a fast pace of growth, you have to use capital. Buying the building and the land uses a lot of capital. “We didn’t borrow money to grow. We used our own capital.” T e majority of the leases are 20 years in length, with four f ve-year options. T at means the Hennellys have the buildings tied up for 40 years. “We have tremendous relationships with our landlords,” says Dan. “We’ve always believed in three things: Always pay your rent, always pay your people and always pay your supplier. We come at the end.” Prior to starting T e Tire Choice chain in 2004, Dan ran retail tire stores for 20 years, f rst as a Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. manager, then as a Morgan Tire & Auto Inc. executive. Diane also worked at Goodyear, where she worked her way up from customer service representative to export sales manager. Her business experiences include owning a real estate company and earning a business degree from the University of Miami.
Outside in According to the Hennellys, to properly service an area, the average store should have nine service bays and nine employees. T e employee chain of command, so to speak, is structured as follows: About 40% of The Tire Choice technicians are ASE-certif ed, including Master Tech Howard Bray (right, with Bradenton Store Manager Scott Biery). store manager, service manager, sales manager (depending on store volume), cover 7,200 square feet; the f agship store in Oakland Park, technicians and tire busters. Fla., near the company’s headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, “T ere has to be at least one ASE-certif ed mechanic in is 7,300 square feet. every store,” says Diane. “We encourage and help all of them Almost all of the stores and the land on which they are to become ASE-certif ed.” situated are leased by Dan and Diane Hennelly, owners of Showrooms feature tire walls, with tire inserts branding Hennelly Tire & Auto Inc. T e Hennellys are Modern Tire the company name, not tire brands. Big posters asking for Dealer’s 2013 Tire Dealer of the Year Award winners (see feedback are hung in every store. Free cof ee is a given, our September issue). says Dan.
Pirelli’s premium strategy
OE f tments + better f ll rates + P Zero Nero GT
By Bob Ulrich
Pirelli Tire LLC is making a big push to increase its market share in the United States. T at’s the message Chairman and CEO Paulo Ferrari emphasized directly and indirectly at the recent Pirelli P Zero Nero GT launch in Akron, Ohio.
How will Pirelli do that? Directly by catering to vehicle manufacturers and tire dealers. Indirectly by supplying both groups with the tires they need to succeed.
Focusing on “premium” products is the foundation of
Wide, continuous ribs and an asymmetric design give the P Zero Nero GT increased pattern stiffness and a stable footprint.
Pirelli’s strategy, according to Ferrari. He def nes premium as more than just high speed ratings. T e designation also includes sizes 17-inch and above.
Pirelli & Cie SpA’s research and development budget is “fully dedicated” to premium products. T e budget represents 7% of global sales.
OEMs and tire dealers
Ferrari says the parent company owns a 25% market share in premium original equipment f tments globally. Brands like Porsche, BMW and Mercedes are a good f t because they, like Pirelli, are premium products. T e company also supplies tires for the Ford F-150.
In the U.S., Pirelli Tire is growing signif cantly with premium dealers like Discount Tire Co. Inc., Dealer Tire LLC and T e Tire Rack. Its growth is based on improving its f ll rates and developing new products.
One way Pirelli has addressed f ll-rate problems is by ramping up capacity at its new tire plant in Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico. T e facility will produce 1.2 million premium tires this year and 2 million next year. Eventually, the plant will be able to produce 5.5 million tires annually.
Ferrari adds that the company’s f ll-rate percentage has “improved dramatically the last two years,” in part because importing tires from Mexico to the U.S. is faster than importing them from Pirelli’s plant in Brazil.
P Zero Nero GT
Pirelli will introduce 18 tire “projects” in North America in the next f ve years. T at compares to 16 in the last 10.
T e new P Zero Nero GT is one of the projects. T e summer sport ultra-high performance tire has the same tread pat ern as the P Zero Nero, but is superior to it in dry handling, dry braking and tread wear. Pirelli’s engineers were able to improve on those characteristics without compromising the original tire’s wet handling and braking, comfort, aquaplaning (in the straightaway) and rolling resistance characteristics.
Steve Carpino, Pirelli’s vice president of research and development in North America, says the P Zero Nero GT has greater tread life than its predecessor thanks to 1) compounding changes, and 2) mold and spec changes that result in “more contact in the shoulders.”
Pirelli will release the P Zero Nero GT in 26 17-, 18- and 19-inch XL sizes that f t a wide array of vehicles from sports coupes to larger, high-powered sedans.
17-inch (6): 225/55ZR17 101W to 215/40ZR17 87W. 18-inch (9): 225/45ZR18 95Y to 255/35ZR18 94Y. 19-inch (12): 225/40ZR19 (93Y) to 275/30ZR19 (96Y).
T ere also is one non-XL size: 255/45ZR18 99Y. Over the course of the year, the line will expand to 60 sizes.
In the replacement market, the P Zero Nero GT will compete against the Continental ExtremeContact DW, Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric, Bridgestone Potenza RE060A and Hankook Ventus V12 evo. ■
Pirelli gets a ‘grip’ on its global image
Canon U.S.A. Inc. was wrong: Image isn’t everything. A well-earned reputation also is a marketing necessity.
Pirelli & Cie SpA, already famous for its annual Pirelli Calendar, is attempting to combine both image and reputation by expanding its partnership with professional golfer Francesco Molinari to include Pirelli-brand golf club grips. Made by Lamkin Corp., the line will feature color-coded grips (pictured at right). Rafael Navarro, vice president of communications for Pirelli Tire LLC, says the grips hopefully will be available to golfers in the near future.
Kumho introduces Ecsta PA31
Plus a ‘new’ plant and more R&D
Kumho Tire Co. Ltd. has been busy lately. It introduced a tire in North America; it jump-started construction on its long anticipated manufacturing plant in the United States; and it opened a f f h research and development center.
In addition, its Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. subsidiary improved its Kumho FUEL premium dealer program.
Ecsta PA31
T e new high performance, all-season
Ecsta PA31 is designed for today’s growing number of mid-level sports sedans and coupes. It is “the perfect value package for both consumers and dealers alike,” according to Kumho Tire U.S.A.
T e tire’s high-tech design delivers “a whole new level of handling and comfort” from a Kumho tire. It also features a wide assortment of V-rated f tments, 35 in all.
15-inch (4): from 185/55R15 to 205/50R15. 16-inch (10): from 215/60R16 to 245/50R16. 17-inch (12): from 215/55R17 to 245/45R17. 18-inch (9): from 215/55R18 to 215/35R18.
Kumho backs the tire with a 50,000-mile limited tread wear warranty.
On/of plant is on again
An agreement has been reached that will allow Kumho Tire Georgia Inc. to begin construction of its consumer tire manufacturing plant in Macon, Ga.
Ground breaking on the facility began in May 2008. However, the recession put those plans on hold for f ve years.
Sam Hart, chairman of the Bibb County Commission, says the community never lost its support for Kumho. “And we know they never lost sight of their goal to build this plant in Georgia and in Macon-Bibb County.”
T e Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, Bibb County Board of Education, Bibb County Tax Assessors, Bibb County Tax Commissioner, Bibb County Commissioners, and the Macon Economic Development Commission (MEDC) all approved an extension to the 2008 agreement.
T e company initially will invest $200 million to build the manufacturing plant “The most sure way of becoming on a 150-acre site in a global tire company is to secure the Sofkee Indusworld-class technical prowess,” says Kumho CEO Kim Changtrial Park located Kyu. With the completion of the in Macon. It will new R&D center, he promises the employ more than company will “continue to strive 300 people. Kumho to improve its competitive power with expansion of overseas facsays the new plant tories and increasing OE supplies will allow the comto overseas automobile makers.” pany to bet er serve its automotive partners as well as American consumers.
R&D center No. 5
Kumho Tire Co. opened its new research and development center in the metropolitan Seoul area on Sept. 3, 2013. It took f ve years to build the facility.
T e R&D center, which includes a research building and testing facility, was built in the Giheung-gu District in the city of Yongin, South Korea. It covers a land area of nearly 375,370 square feet; the total f oor area covers 245,664.7 square feet.
T e facility will serve as the central control tower of a global R&D network, which also includes the following:
Kumho Tire American Technical Center in Akron, Ohio, United States; Kumho Tire Europe Technical Centre in Frankfurt, Germany; Kumho Tire China Technical Centre in Tianjin, China; and Kumho Tire Performance Center in Gwangju, Korea.
Kumho adds that approximately 600 researchers from Korea and abroad will use “industry-leading supercomputers, cut ing-edge physical testing equipment, chemical and instrumental analysis equipment, performance research equipment and more” at the new R&D center. ■
Direct, indirect TPMS on Grand Prix
Vehicle year is critical in determining system service
SUBJECT VEHICLE: 2004-08 Pontiac Grand Prix. RELEARN PROCEDURE? Yes. SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? Yes, on 2007-08 models, a J-46079 TPMS activation tool is needed.
T e tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles manufactured between 2004 and 2008 dif er depending on the year range. In this article procedures are listed separately for 2004-06 models and 2007-08 vehicles.
TPMS 2004-06
NOTE: 2004-06: When a wheel is replaced or rotated, tire pressure has been adjusted or vehicle’s bat ery has been disconnected, the TPMS will need to be recalibrated. See tire pressure monitor system recalibration (2004-06).
NOTE: 2004-06 vehicles are equipped with indirect TPMS and DO NOT have tire pressure sensors mounted on the wheels.
T e TPMS alerts the driver when a large change in the pressure of one tire exists while the vehicle is being driven. It uses the electronic brake control module (EBCM), anti-lock brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensor inputs, class 2 serial data circuit, instrument panel cluster (IPC) message center, and the driver information center (DIC) to perform the system functions. T e EBCM contains the software to calculate relative tire pressure dif erences. Once the TPMS has learned the tire pressure calibration, the EBCM monitors the ABS wheel speed sensor inputs. If Figure 1: View of tire pressure the pressure increases or sensor installation procedure. decreases in a tire, that tire’s circumference and radius will change, causing that wheel speed sensor input to change.
T e EBCM recognizes this change in wheel speed as a tire pressure condition. If the pressure in one tire becomes at least 7 psi to 10 psi (48 to 69 kPa) lower or higher than the others, the EBCM commands the IPC to illuminate a low pressure tire warning indicator and the DIC to display a “CHECK TIRE PRESSURE” warning message (unless the pressure is high or low in more than one tire, if vehicle speed is above 70 mph (113 km/h), or the system is not completely calibrated). T e system does not alert the driver to which tire pressure is high or low.
CAUTION: Any ABS or traction control operation may temporarily suspend TPMS operation.
NOTE: T e IPC message center “CHECK TIRE PRESSURE” warning message is ranked as lowest priority, and may not be displayed if a higher priority display is requested at the same time. Under the following conditions, the system may not function properly:
• More than one tire is low. • Only one tire is replaced with a new tire during service. • T e vehicle is moving faster than 70 mph (113 km/h). • T e system is not yet calibrated. • Tire tread wear is uneven. • A compact spare tire is installed. • Tire chains are being used. • T e vehicle is being driven on a rough or frozen road. • If the ABS warning light is on.
TPMS 2007-08
NOTE: 2007-08: T e sensor learn procedure must be performed af er every tire rotation, remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) replacement, or sensor replacement. See tire pressure sensor learn (2007-08).
NOTE: 2007-08 vehicles are equipped with direct TPMS and the vehicles DO HAVE sensors mounted on the wheels.
T e system uses the IPC, DIC, RCDLR, keyless entry transmit er(s), rear window antenna grid, a radio frequency transmit ing pressure sensor in each wheel/tire assembly, and the serial data circuit to perform the system functions.
The sensors continuously compare their last pressure sample to their current pressure sample and will transmit in re-measure mode if a 1.2 psi change in tire pressure has been detected in either a stationary or rolling state.
TPMS recalibration 2004-06
NOTE: On the GXP models, the front and rear tires are dif erent sizes, and tire rotation is not recommended. CAUTION: DO NOT recalibrate TPMS until all problems are f xed and tire pressure in all four tires has been adjusted. If recalibration is done when tire pressures are incorrect, the TPMS will not work properly and may not set an alert when a tire pressure is low or high.
1. Turn the ignition to OFF. 2. Ensure all tire pressures are adjusted according to the tire pressure label. 3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, with engine of . 4. Press the vehicle information but on until “TIRE INFLATION MONITOR SYSTEM PRESS (down/lef arrow) SWITCH TO RESET” is displayed. 5. If the system is being reset due to a low tire pressure condition, press and hold the down/lef arrow but on until “TIRE INFLATION MONITOR SYSTEM HAS BEEN RESET” is displayed. If the system is being reset due to a tire rotation, press and hold the down/lef arrow but on for f ve seconds.
6. Release the down/lef arrow but on and “TIRE PRESSURE NORMAL” is displayed. 7. Af er reset ing, the TPMS requires up to five miles of flat, smooth road, straight line driving in each of the four speed ranges (about 10-20 minutes in each range) to complete the calibration process: 19 to 40 mph; 40 to 59 mph; 59 to 74.5 mph; and 74.5 to 90 mph.
NOTE: T e learning process does not need to be completed during a single trip.
Tire pressure sensor learn 2007-08
NOTE: T e sensor learn procedure must be performed af er every tire rotation, RCDLR replacement, or sensor replacement. A J-46079 TPMS activation tool is needed.
Once the learn mode has been enabled, each sensor’s unique identif cation codes can be learned into the RCDLR memory, when it sends a serial data message to the BCM to sound a horn chirp. T is verif es the sensor has transmit ed its ID and the RCDLR has received and learned it.
T e RCDLR must learn the sensor IDs
in the proper sequence to determine correct sensor location. T e learned IDs are assigned in the following order: lef -front; right-front; right-rear; and lef -rear. T e turn signals will individually illuminate indicating which location is to be learned in the proper sequence.
Each sensor takes a pressure measurement sample once every 30 seconds while in stationary mode. If the pressure increases or decreases by more than 8.3 kPa (1.2 psi) from the last measurement, another measurement will occur immediately to verify the change in pressure.
If a pressure change has indeed occurred, the sensor transmits in learn mode. When the RCDLR receives a learn mode transmission while in TPMS learn mode, it will assign that sensor ID to the location on the vehicle relative to the order in which it was learned.
NOTE: T e learn mode will cancel if the ignition is cycled to OFF or if more than two minutes has elapsed for any sensor that has not been learned. If the learn mode is cancelled before the f rst sensor is learned, the original sensor IDs will be maintained. If the learn mode is canceled af er the f rst sensor is learned, the following will occur:
• All stored sensor IDs will be invalidated in the RCDLR memory. • If equipped, the DIC will display dashes instead of tire pressures. • DTC C0775 will be set.
T ese conditions will now require the learn procedure to be repeated for the system to function properly.
IMPORTANT: Before proceeding, ensure that no other learn procedure is being performed simultaneously or that tire pressures are not being adjusted on another TPMS-equipped vehicle within close proximity. Stray signals from other TPMS-equipped vehicles just driving by can be inadvertently learned. If any random horn chirps are heard from the vehicle while performing the learn procedure, most likely a stray sensor has been learned and the procedure will need to be cancelled and repeated.
Under these circumstances, performing the TPMS learn procedure away from other vehicles is highly recommended. In the event particular sensor pressure increase/decrease activation does not cause the horn to chirp, it may be necessary to rotate the wheel valve stem to a dif erent position due to the sensor signal being blocked by another component.
1. Place the ignition switch in the proper position as follows:
• With a standard ignition switch, place the switch in the RUN position. • With an electronic keyless ignition, place the switch in the ACCY position.
• Using a scan tool, initiate the TPMS learn mode. A double horn chirp will sound indicating the learn mode has been enabled. T e lef -front turn signal will also be illuminated. • On vehicles equipped with keyless entry, simultaneously press the keyless entry transmit er’s lock and unlock buttons until a double horn chirp sounds, indicating the learn mode has been enabled. T e lef -front turn signal will also be illuminated • On vehicles not equipped with keyless entry, press and release the DIC
INFO but on until the RELEARN
TIRE POSITIONS message appears on the DIC display. Press the SET/
RESET but on until a double horn chirp sounds and the DIC displays
• Hold the antenna of the J-46079 aimed upward against the tire sidewall close to the wheel rim at the valve stem location. Press and release the ACTIVATE but on and wait for a horn chirp; the turn signal in the next location to be learned will illuminate. • Increase/decrease the tire pressure for eight to 10 seconds then wait for a horn chirp. T e horn chirp may occur before or up to 30 seconds af er the eight- to 10-second pressure increase/ decrease time period has been reached.
4. Af er the horn chirp has sounded and the right-front turn signal is illuminated, repeat step 3 for the remaining three
sensors in the following order: right-front; right-rear; lef rear. 5. Af er the lef -rear sensor has been learned, a double horn chirp will sound indicating all sensors have been learned. 6. Turn of the ignition to exit the learn mode. 7. Af er the learn mode has been exited, adjust all tires to the recommended pressures. Refer to the vehicle’s certif cation, tire placard, anti-thef and service parts ID label.
Demounting/mounting procedures
NOTE: If the vehicle’s tires are replaced with those not having a TPC Spec number, the TPMS may give an inaccurate low pressure warning. Non-TPC Spec tires may give a low pressure warning that is higher or lower than the proper warning level achieved by TPC Spec-numbered tires.
NOTE: 2007-08: T e sensor learn procedure must be performed af er every tire rotation, RCDLR replacement, or sensor replacement. See tire pressure sensor learn 2007-08.
Tire pressure indicator sensor replacement 2007-08 1. Raise the vehicle on a suitable support. 2. Remove the tire/wheel assembly from the vehicle. IMPORTANT: Before the tire is removed from the wheel, note the following items to avoid tire pressure sensor damage.
• Place the sensor’s cap and valve on a dry, clean surface af er removal. T e cap is aluminum and the valve is nickel-plated to prevent corrosion and are not to be substituted with a cap or valve made of any other material.
• When separating the tire bead from the wheel, position the bead-breaking f xture 90 degrees from the valve stem. • Position the mounting/demounting head so the tire iron or pry bar can be inserted slightly clockwise of the sensor body when prying the tire bead up and over the mounting/ demounting head. • Rotate the tire/wheel assembly clockwise when transferring the tire bead to the outside of the wheel rim. • Repeat items for the inner bead.
IMPORTANT: If any tire sealant is noted upon tire demounting; remove all residual liquid sealant from the inside of the tire and wheel surfaces. 3. Remove the tire from the wheel. 4. Remove the tire pressure sensor nut. 5. Remove the tire pressure sensor.
Installation procedure 1. Clean any dirt or debris from the grommet sealing area. 2. Insert the sensor in the wheel hole with the air passage facing away from the wheel. See Figure 1.
IMPORTANT: Before reinstalling the tire on the wheel, note the following items to avoid tire pressure sensor damage upon tire mounting.
• Position the mounting/demounting head 180 degrees from the valve stem. • Position the bead transition area 45 degrees counter clockwise of the valve stem. • Rotate the tire/wheel assembly clockwise when transferring the tire bead to the inside of the wheel rim. • Repeat items for the outer bead.
3. Install the sensor nut and position the sensor body parallel to the inside wheel surface while torquing. See Figure 2. Tighten the sensor nut to 7 Nm (62 in.-lbs).
IMPORTANT: A service replacement tire pressure sensor is shipped in the OFF mode. In this mode the sensor’s unique identif cation code cannot be learned into the RCDLR memory. T e sensor must be taken out of OFF mode by spinning the tire/wheel assembly above 25 mph (40 km/h) in order to close the sensors internal roll switch for at least 10 seconds. 4. Install the tire on the wheel. 5. Install the tire/wheel assembly on the vehicle. Figure 2: View of tire pressure 6. Lower the vehicle. monitor sensor and nut. 7. Learn the tire pressure sensors. Refer to tire pressure sensor learn (2007-08). ■ Information for this column comes f om Mitchell 1’s ”Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide” for domestic and import vehicles through 2012. Headquartered in Poway, Calif., Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry for more than 80 years. For more information, visit www.mitchell1.com.
Hitch Hermit under-vehicle hitch storage
The Hitch Hermit from AME International LLC is a safe, convenient and affordable hitch storage system designed to store and harbor removable hitches. Ball hitches left in the back of a truck bed or SUV often become a projectile during an accident. AME’s Hitch Hermit prevents these accidents by securely storing the hitch under the vehicle when not in use. The Hitch Hermit also prevents individuals from walking into hitches left on trucks. AME INTERNATIONAL LLC Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21171 www.mtdquiklink.com/21171
Aeolus Tyre TouringAce all-season touring tire
Aeolus Tyre Co. Ltd. offers the TouringAce A/S (AG03), a competitively priced allseason tire currently available in the U.S. market in 26 popular and high-volume SKUs. The TouringAce A/S (AG03) offers a quiet and comfortable ride with good traction characteristics. Additionally, the special eco tread compounding and engineering reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel economy. The TouringAce A/S (AG03), rated at 700 A/B UTQG, offers 70,000-mile tread wear expectancy. AEOLUS TYRE CO. LTD. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21172 www.mtdquiklink.com/21172
VDO REDI-Sensor TPMS training video
Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket, maker of the REDI-Sensor Multi-Application TPMS Sensor, has released the “Valve Stem Replacement” training video. It shows technicians the proper procedure for maintaining and replacing damaged VDO clamp-in TPMS sensor valve stems and is narrated by Continental Product Manager Steve Landis. The video provides a detailed explanation and demonstration of VDO clamp-in valve stem replacement procedures for the Continental TG1C sensor family. The video gives auto technicians the key information needed to handle faulty, broken or defective TPMS sensors in a step-by-step guide. CONTINENTAL COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & AFTERMARKET Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21173 www.mtdquiklink.com/21173
New Dick Cepek Fun Country A/T sizes
Dick Cepek Tire & Wheels has 20 new sizes of the Fun Country radial with a hybrid design. Designed with wide lateral and offset tread grooves, they combine with the larger surface area to deliver optimum grip and responsive off-road traction. Stone ejector ribs and ultra-thin sipes resist stone retention and cracking. Other design features are notched shoulder edges, scalloped ribs and an enhanced buttress to maximize off-road traction and prevent lug tearing. The new sizes range from LT/305/70R16 to 37X12.50R20LT. DICK CEPEK TIRE & WHEELS Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21174 www.mtdquiklink.com/21174
Goodyear Wrangler A/T with Kevlar
The Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. offers versatility for highway or off-road driving. The tire features a layer of DuPont Kevlar for rugged toughness over pavement, gravel and dirt, plus strong traction through rain and snow. The tire also has open shoulder blocks in the tread, to help clear mud and snow for versatile off-road traction, and traction ridges for traction on soft road surfaces. It is available in 44 sizes from 16- to 20-inch rim diameters and carries a 60,000-mile tread life limited warranty on standard load and LT sizes. GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21175 www.mtdquiklink.com/21175
Kumho Ecsta PA31 H/P, A/S tire
The Ecsta PA31 high-performance, all-season tire from Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. is designed for today’s growing number of midlevel sports sedans and coupes. It features heavy sipe density and large cross grooves that expel water, and the directional tread design offers improved wear. An advanced design and balanced tread compound deliver strong street performance and good mileage, handling and comfort. It comes with a 50,000-mile limited warranty, and is available in 35 sizes ranging from 185/55R15 to 245/40R18. KUMHO TIRE U.S.A. INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21176 www.mtdquiklink.com/21176
Mac Tools adds 1/2-inch cordless impact wrench
Mac Tools has launched a new line of cordless tools that features the BWP050C 1/2-inch drive compact 12V Max impact tool with a die-cast aluminum structure for reduced weight and maximum durability. The tool has a square drive anvil with hog ring for quick and easy socket changes, and the LED work light illuminates the job area. An anti-marring bumper protects the tool and work surface from damage, and a glass-f lled nylon body withstands automotive f uids. It is powered by DeWalt’s advanced battery, switch and electronic technology designed to deliver consistent performance. MAC TOOLS Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21177 www.mtdquiklink.com/21177
BFGoodrich g-Force Rival extreme performance tire
The BFGoodrich g-Force Rival extreme performance tire from Michelin North America Inc. has a 200 UTQG rating and features the Performance Racing Core with a reinforced internal structure the reduces sidewall f ex for instant steering response. An asymmetric tread with large, solid tread blocks on the outside shoulder optimizes cornering grip. The Extreme Tread Edge design brings tread compound farther down the shoulder for increased grip in hard cornering and predictable feedback. The Rival is available in 15 sizes with rim dimensions from 15 to 20 inches and 205 to 335 section widths. MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21178 www.mtdquiklink.com/21178
Myers hand-bendable valve extensions
Myers Tire Supply, a division of Myers Industries Inc., has signed an exclusive agreement to be the national distributor of Air-Flexx Tire Valve Extensions, a hand-bendable valve extension made by Glauch Produkt GmbH of Viersen, Germany. The bendable valve extensions eliminate most of the problems related to checking and inf ating vehicles with dual wheel assemblies, according to Myers. The company says Air-Flexx extensions are rigid enough to be used without a rim holder, clamp or stabilizer. MYERS TIRE SUPPLY Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21179 www.mtdquiklink.com/21179
Nexen N’FERA SU4 now available in the U.S.
The N’Fera SU4 from Nexen Tire Americas Inc. is now available in the U.S. market exclusively from Tire Dealer’s Warehouse (TDW), a division of the Hercules Tire & Rubber Co. through TDW’s 14 warehouse locations and through Hercules Tire’s network of independent wholesalers. The N’Fera SU4 is an ultra-high performance asymmetric summer tire designed for optimum driving with good drainage and grip on wet surfaces. It is available in 47 sizes ranging from 255/35ZR19 to 175/65R14. TIRE DEALER’S WAREHOUSE Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21180 www.mtdquiklink.com/21180
Penray Plus Tire Fix features Leak Detective
Penray Companies Inc. says its Penray Plus Tire Fix plus emergency tire inf ator provides motorists with greater value than has been previously available in a tire sealant and inf ation product. In addition to providing emergency leak repair and tire inf ation, Penray’s Tire Fix Plus system features Leak Detective, an exclusive feature designed to leave an easily-identif ed f uorescent mark at the location where it has sealed a leak. This makes it much easier for the technician to f nd the leak or leaks which are no longer hissing or blowing bubbles. PENRAY COMPANIES INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21181 www.mtdquiklink.com/21181
Vogue VT378 wheel for Cadillac ATS
Vogue Tyre and Rubber Co.’s new VT378 wheel caters to the Cadillac ATS and is available in size 18x8 in two PVD f nishes: white and black. The VT378 comes with a four-year, 50,000-mile limited tread wear “facted tread wear “factory match” warranty. It features a hub-centric design and a vehicle-specif c offset. The wheel accepts an original equipment center cap, says Vogue. VOGUE TYRE AND RUBBER CO. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 21182 www.mtdquiklink.com/21182
Introducing a competitive truck tire range from Enjoy Tyre
Having successfully made its debut at the 2012 SEMA Show, Chinese -based tire supplier Enjoy Tyre will be returning to the 2013 event in Las Vegas with the specif c objective of promoting its private truck tire brand — Routeway.
From the company’s colorful and attractive booth (#42213), Enjoy Tyre will display the Routeway patterns which are designed for different applications. In particular, the Routeway RW207 Steer and RW105 Drive pattern.
The Routeway RW207 steer tread pattern incorporates a new groove design that extends tread wear along with an increased stiffness in the shoulder rib area that provides impressive ride comfort. The Routeway RW105 drive tire has a multi-pattern design that guarantees excellent traction and braking performance and extended tread blocks to further enhance durable wear resistance. The pattern also incorporates a unique structure amongst the blocks that prevents chunking, chipping and foreign bodies becoming lodged in the tread.
The Routeway truck line currently offers a growing size range with both the RW207 and RW105 truck patterns illustrating Enjoy Tyres total commitment to providing quality tires at a competitive price to the global tire industry.
Enjoy Tyres will be using this year’s SEMA Show to look for and appoint a series of suitably experienced truck tire The Routeway RW105 and RW207 truck patterns from Enjoy Tyre
distributors to cover the U.S. to promote its Routeway brand. In addition, on display will be Enjoy’s impressive new Enjoyland H/T and A/T lines which will initially be available in ten sizes.
Interested visitors to the booth will also be able to discuss the company’s exciting and progressive plans for the future in North America which includes the current development of a new Routeway passenger car tire covering the HP, UHP and SUV market sectors. It is anticipated that the f rst phase of this new project will become available next year.
Enjoy Tyre’s Managing Director, Ms Xu Xia concludes, “The 2013 SEMA Show is an extremely important event for the company as we look to further enhance our presence in the North American tire market, particularly with our Routeway truck line. Therefore, Enjoy looks forward to meeting interested visitors at our booth during the event to discuss our products and services in greater detail.”
For further information on Enjoy Tyre, visit: www.enjoytyre.com
To request free product information by phone, call 800-687-1557, enter the extension number listed below, and you will be immediately transferred to the company you want to talk with — it takes only seconds.
To request information online, log on to www. mtdquiklink.com/ plus the corresponding Quik-Link number. You’re just a click away from receiving free information on the new products that interest you.
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Your turn MTD reader asks — Is a government tire repair mandate better than doing what’s right on your own?
Dear Editor:
I understand the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) says used tires are unsafe if there is evidence that a tire sealant was used without evidence of a proper tire repair. Many automobiles today are NOT equipped with a spare but rather an extended mobility kit to get you in safely to the nearest tire repair facility. T e problem is that the tire is now deemed as unsafe because the sealant may hide other defects, says the RMA.
Please allow me to paint a scenario that will become real to many unsuspecting motorists if they go to place their spare on the vehicle af er the used tire legislation passes.
Let’s say my wife has a f at tire on her new 2013 car while grocery shopping. She now discovers she has a f at tire on the front driver’s side. Smack dab in the middle of the tread, the nail is still there. How lucky can you be considering the circumstance?
She opens the trunk to discover that she has one of those extended mobility kits in place of her spare tire. As a real trooper, she reads the owner’s manual and installs the sealant and compressed air to temporarily f x the tire.
Even though the ice cream she bought is melting, she decides to proceed immediately to your tire shop to be told “sure you will repair it” until your technician discovers that sealant has been applied inside the tire. She explains the tire went f at only a block away, and that she drove right to the dealership. But because you don’t know for sure about the tire’s history, you advise her that she has to purchase a new tire because the old tire may hide other defects or issues.
Since she, too, is concerned about safety, she hesitantly buys a new tire even though she is angry that the reason she has to buy the tire is because she used that “junk” stuf that the car manufacturer provided instead of a real spare. Af er all it’s her safety and she doesn’t want you to violate a law that may cause you to be responsible for a f ne anywhere from $500 to $10,000, depending on the state you are located in.
Oh, well, she has one new tire get ing ready to be installed until your technician says, “I’m sorry, miss. Your other tire
has some wear and it may not rotate at the same rpm as the new one, therefore you may have an ABS issue. I can’t be responsible for such an issue of improper braking or possibly sending a vehicle out that I know will turn the TPMS light on (depending on year, make and model). You bet er purchase the second tire for safety and liability reasons.”
Begrudgingly she has you put on the second expensive tire and it’s not even f at, wore 50% or by the RMA def nition even unsafe.
Well, life still seems to be good because the melting ice cream has only turned into a milkshake at this point. Again, your tech goes to put the tires on the vehicle and being an expert in his f eld, he discovers the car is an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Now he explains to her that the front tires won’t rotate with the back and that transmission issues may occur. He now advises her that she should replace the rear tires also in order to prevent future issues with the drive train and you as the tire dealer don’t want to assume the liability, and yet not inform her of what may happen if this isn’t properly taken care of now! Although your technician is an expert and well trained, my wife probably at this point determines that you are more of a “legal thief ” or a “con artist” than a professional tire dealer. Af er all, you can’t even f x a small nail hole. Now the ice cream that took on the form of a milkshake has probably turned into soured milk at this point.
By the way, the next time she goes to Walmart she may buy a tire plug kit and f x it herself instead of spending the hundreds of dollars on tires she was forced to purchase when she only had a simple f nishing nail in the crown of her tire. I’m also pret y sure she will have a spare tire on her next car purchase and she won’t trust car companies or tire dealers again.
Could this be real? You bet! Remember, we are all told that this is about safety and has nothing to do with the RMA member companies trying to sell tires or shif the liability on to you as the tire dealer. Besides, who would ever argue that
motherhood is bad? Right? T e tire dealer needs to think about the reasons this legislation is being driven by the RMA. He also needs to consider the saying: “Be careful what you wish for... you might just get it.”
Ask yourself if the government mandating how you repair a tire is bet er than doing what is right on your own? Will legislation benef t you? Will it stop the unscrupulous dealer? Is legislation bet er than education? Who and how is enforcement going to be applied? Is it done by the mat ress police? Talk about f nancial hardship on the consumer. What about excessive used tires being generated? Can our scrap tire landf lls handle them?
T ey may not allow you to sell them if it’s been repaired previously. Don’t ever make a mistake when repairing a tire because if applying the tire repair as proposed by the RMA and failing to follow a step such as the use of a repair sealant or maybe using a high rpm buf er and regulating the speed by volume control where the law says you must use a low rpm buf er then you or the technician are now subject to a f ne up to $10,000 per occurrence. (I hope you didn’t repair a lot of tires that way).
T is may sound like nonsense but remember our government is now in your business and they may not understand the slight variations that you as a professional tire dealer do. Af er all, they aren’t allowing you to think, but rather they will now tell you how you are going to do it!
I’m simply saying it’s a lot deeper than it appears on the surface and it needs to be thoroughly thought out before it becomes law! Something to consider. Philip Nigh, General Manager/Sales Elgi Rubber Co. Luling, Texas
Due to liability concerns, we’ve stopped selling used tires over six years old
Dear Editor:
We, Tires Unlimited Automotive Services in Port Washington, Wis., have stopped selling used tires over six years old based on their serial number.
However, we do not have a policy of strongly recommending the removal of tires over six years old. Liability concerns for f rst issue/lack of industry direction for the second.
Chuck Prendergast, Owner Tires Unlimited Automotive Services Port Washington, Wis.
Customers traveling to U.S. to make purchases is a huge concern in Canada
Dear Editor:
I’d like to make a couple of comments concerning your July 2013 editorial, “Oh, Canada.”
First, our prime minister is elected, and second, the price disparity is far more than the one item you quoted. Customers traveling to the United States to purchase all manner of goods, including tires, is a huge concern for all retailers in Canada. T e closer to the border, the bigger the problem.
I do enjoy your articles. Ed King, T ames OK Tire & Service London, Ontario, Canada
Park customers’ vehicles near your showroom windows to help prevent thef
Dear Editor:
Concerning Managing Editor Lori Mavrigian’s recent blog “Protecting your property — and your customers’ on your website, when leaving vehicles out for af er-hours pick up, we back up the vehicle near the showroom windows so that a prospective thief will not know if someone is inside and able to see them.
An added benef t is that it allows our front desk camera to see them in addition to the exterior cameras.
Ron Fogal, General Manager Pumpelly Tire Co. LLC Lake Charles, La.
MTD’s National Advisory Council members speak out
We asked members of our National Advisory Council what’s on their mind. Here are two of their responses:
We will upgrade our current aligner to accommodate more intuitive systems on newer makes/models of passenger cars and light trucks to include, but not limited to, Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Tripp Lee, General Manager Frasier Tire Service Sumter, S.C.
If tire manufacturers would put an ounce of ef ort toward consumer tire awareness, we would all benef t.
Plus, manufacturers need to lower their prices to be competitive. Instead, they have chosen to make their programs almost impossible to understand with all their special discounts and programs.
T ey should stick to the KISS strategy (Keep It Simple, Stupid).” Jef Cohen, Co-owner Traction Wholesale Center Bensalem, Pa.
If you are interested in joining our National Advisory Council, we’d love to hear f om you. Send an email to Editor Bob Ulrich at bob.ulrich@bobit.com or call (330) 899-2200.-Ed.
Join Modern Tire Dealer’s National Advisory Council Each month, Modern Tire Dealer is guided and inf uenced by a select group of readers — members of our National Advisory Council. T ese members’ opinions are the heart of the monthly Your Marketplace column, compiled by industry analysts Nick Mitchell and John Healy. If you’d like to join this prestigious group, please let us know. We’d love to hear from you. Contact Editor Bob Ulrich at bob.ulrich@bobit.com or call (330) 899-2200, ext. 11.
