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TPMS Hyundai Elantra – 2023

Virginia Tire goes to school

Virginia Tire & Auto LLC sponsored the inaugural session of the Women in Trades Lunch and Learn Series at Osbourn High School in Manassas, Va. Julie Holmes, co-CEO of the growing dealership, talked to young women about careers in the tire and auto repair industry.

Right to Repair returns

Four U.S. House members reintroduced the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act to Congress to ensure the “preservation of consumer choice, a fair marketplace and safe operation of vehicles.”

Canada targets lead weights

The Canadian government has announced plans to curtail the manufacturing and sale of lead wheel weights. Companies have until Feb. 3, 2024, to transition to alternative materials, such as steel.

BP to buy TravelCenters

BP plc plans to purchase TravelCenters of America Inc. in a deal estimated at around $1.3 billion. It includes the company’s truck stops and convenience stores, as well as the TA Truck Service business it has built since late 2016.

BKT unveils E-Ready logo

Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) recently unveiled its E-Ready logo, which will appear on products the company makes for electric-powered equipment. BKT says the designation represents a breakthrough in the path toward solutions for electric mobility.

Prinx adds roadside help

Prinx Chengshan Tire North America Inc. has introduced the Fortune Tires’ Premium Tire Roadside Assistance Program for ST radial tires. The benefits include 24/7 roadside assistance, replacement of flat tires with a spare or if a spare is unavailable, a towing service is provided at no expense up to $100 for up to three years after purchase.

Tire Discounters grows

Tire Discounters Inc. has acquired Skip Cottrell’s Tire, a single-store location in West Somerset, Ky. The deal gives Tire Discounters 16 stores around Lexington.

ITDG names Jason Rook president, CEO

The Independent Tire Dealers Group LLC (ITDG) has named Jason Rook its next president and CEO. Rook will replace Dave Marks, who is retiring this year after leading the group for the past five years.

Rook assumed his new role on Feb. 1.

Rob Slagle, chairman of ITDG’s board, says Rook “brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position and is well-suited to lead ITDG into the future.”

Prior to joining ITDG, Rook had worked for Tube and Solid Tire since 2013 and was promoted to CEO of that company last year. Before working at Tube and Solid Tire, he worked at St. Louis Wholesale Tire.

“We believe that Jason will be an excellent leader for ITDG and will continue to build upon the strong foundation that Dave has established,” says Slagle. “We look forward to working with him as we continue to serve our members and drive the success of the independent tire dealer community.”

Rook has an extensive background in the automotive industry, with more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and management.

ITDG officials say he is “passionate about helping independent tire dealers succeed and is looking forward to working with the ITDG team to support and grow the organization.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead ITDG as its new president/ CEO,” says Rook. “I am excited to work with the talented team at ITDG to continue providing value to our members and helping them thrive in this competitive and dynamic business environment.”

Rook and Marks will work together to ensure a smooth transition.

In a separate move, longtime ITDG associate Chris Barry was promoted to vice president of sales.

Barry joined ITDG in 1998 and since then has helped the group grow from $16 million in total purchases to more than $344 million in 2021. ITDG has 164 members who represent more than 1,000 locations throughout 45 states.

Pep Boys has a new CEO

Pep Boys — Manny, Moe & Jack has named Scott Collette its new CEO. Collette has assumed day-to-day leadership of the company, which has more than 900 stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Collette most recently was chief operating officer of home improvement retail chain Menards.

In his new role, Collette will “prioritize retention and recruitment efforts, while bringing a keen focus on talent development and workplace culture to Pep Boys,” say Pep Boys officials.

“Under Collette’s leadership, the company is looking to expand and grow its footprint with a focus on strategic, high-growth markets.