Modern Tire Dealer - July 2015

2015 Buyers’ Guide: up-to-date & indispensable Tweet, tweet! How Twitter data can help you improve your business Ask customers difficult questions with confidence THE INDUSTRY’S LEADING PUBLICATION

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Modern Tire Dealer

Our annual ranking of the nation’s top tire dealers... and their views on 3 burning issues

July 2015| Vol. 96, No. 7 | $10 | A Bobit Publication | www.moderntiredealer.com

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Features 22 Customer Experience creates loyalty Here’s how to build brand equity by retaining customers

28 Look to Twiter for a treasure trove of data to enhance your business One dealer’s philosophy: ‘Trow a lot of stuf against the wall and see what works’

30 Burning issues: Tarifs, online sales, tight margins Despite the challenges, Modern Tire Dealer 100 dealers continue to risk, invest and remain confdent in their businesses

Te Industry’s Leading Publication July 2015, Volume 96, Number 7

Departments 4 Editorial The rest of the story: Numbers help clarify the hot-button tariff issue

6 Online

News and navigation tools for MTD’s website

8 News/views Out of nowhere: DOC raises tariffs and makes some retroactive

21 Your marketplace Dealers are optimistic about sales increases for the next three months

55 Counter intelligence

42 2015 Modern Tire Dealer 100 Te top independent tire dealers in the U.S.

Ask leading and diffcult questions with confdence: Selling is all about discovery and delivery

56 European notebook A rocky ride on a space-saver tire: Plus a look at ‘universal wheels’

58 Focus on industry

2015 Buyers’ Guide 66 Manufacturers/marketers Serving the North American tire market

84 State/provincial associations Tire dealer organizations in the U.S. and Canada

86 National associations Industry-related associations including TIA, SEMA and more

Autopromotec 2015: China makes its presence felt in Italy

60 TPMS Buick Enclave – 2008-13: Vehicle’s RCDLR has the ability to detect malfunctions within the system

72 Your turn Dealers examine Twitter’s advantages

64 Products 88 Quik-Link

Modern Tire Dealer is a proud member of:

89 Classifed

TRIB

TIRE RETREAD & REPAIR INFORMATION BUREAU

Member An Industry Association

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MTD July 2015

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Editorial

Te rest of the story

Numbers help clarify the hot-button tarif issue

W

hen the tariffs on consumer tires With the tarif adjustment, that tire comes in at from China are implemented, who $132.06, matching it against the Goodyear Eagle will sufer the consequences? Will Sport All Season. I’m not sure that is the tire Giti your business sufer any repercussions? wanted to compete with price-wise.

Te frst reaction to change tends to be negative Dan’s Tire Service LLC in Williston, N.D., because it potentially takes us out of our comfort markets the Champiro 228 on its website, but zones. If the change is a paradigm shif, people has to special order it. Including charges for seem prone to panic. same-day shipping from the closest wholesale Te tire tarifs will not lead to Armageddon. distributor, the price of the tire to the consumer is But until the changes become reality and you have By Bob Ulrich $155. With tarifs, the cost increases to $259.11! a chance to adapt to them, who knows what the It’s not unreasonable to believe Dan’s Tire efect will be on your business? You have every right to be will not sell a single V-rated Champiro 228 for that price. initially pessimistic. You will adapt, however.

Giti does not market GT Radials against low-cost It’s easy for people who are pro-tarif, like the United Chinese imports. Te same can be said about some of the Steelworkers union, to say America will beneft if they other tire companies on the list, including Cooper Tire & get their way. However, you have to look closely to see Rubber Co. Te tarifs don’t take that into consideration. whether or not their statements are self-serving. Do they Aeolus Tyre Co. Ltd., which only has been exporting tires mean America or themselves? Your business is part of from China to the U.S. for a few years, was slapped with America, isn’t it? combined tarifs of 118.86%! It, too, was not competing All these questions will be answered with the passage of in the lowest-cost radial segment. time. For those of you who can’t wait, I ofer up an analysis “At this point, it is prohibitive for us to sell (Aeolus) of this hot-buton topic by the passenger tires in this market,” numbers without hype or spin said General Manager Jason or opinion (well, maybe a litle Rothstein following the DOC’s opinion). decision.

You don’t have to disregard If the purpose of the what you have heard. ParaphrasDOC was fair trade, it failed ing the late, great Paul Harvey, miserably. the numbers simply will give Giti already has raised its you “the rest of the story.” prices twice this year, which When the U.S. Department will help ofset some of the of Commerce (DOC) recently increased the tarif percent- damage. The company may also choose to eat some ages on almost all passenger and light truck tires imported (probably) or all (not likely) of the additional cost. Most from China, the reactions ranged from delight (domestic of the other companies afected by the tarifs — Aeolus tire manufacturers and marketers not importing tires from excluded — no doubt will follow suit.

China come to mind) to outrage. Just how badly will the Te lowest tarifs this time around, 45.22% for Sailun tarifs afect you?

Group Co. Ltd. and 46.03% for Cooper Tire, are higher Let’s use Giti Tire (USA) Ltd.’s GT Radial Champiro 228 than the 35% atached to all consumer tire imports from as an example. Giti’s parent company, Giti Tire Pte. Ltd., is China in 2009. Te higher tarifs easily will ofset the based in Singapore, but exports consumer tires from three comparatively lower raw material costs this time around.

Chinese plants. It was hit with combined countervailing Recent history tells us all tire prices rise dramatically and anti-dumping duties of 67.17%. when new tarifs are implemented. When the prices of In testing performance all-season tires, Consumer “good” tires are increased, there is a corresponding change Reports listed the approximate retail value of the V-rated in the “beter” and “best” tires.

Champiro 228, size 215/60R16, at $109, which places it From 2009 through most of 2012, were you able to in the middle of the pack in that segment. Increasing that pass along all the price increases? I didn’t think so. You by 67.17% would raise the cost of the tire to $182.21. can expect that to again be the case for the next fve years.

Tat would make it higher than every other performance And there is precedent that fve-year time frame could all-season tire tested by Consumer Reports, including the easily stretch into 10 years. ■ V-rated Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season tire, which costs $170.

Performance Plus Tire & Automotive Superstore in If you have any questions or comments, please email me Long Beach, Calif., sells the same Champiro 228 for $79. at bob.ulrich@bobit.com.

If the purpose of the DOC was fair trade, it failed miserably.

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MTD July 2015

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Online Website: www.moderntiredealer.com

MODERN TIRE DEALER

Publisher Greg Smith Greg.Smith@bobit.com (330) 899-2200 ext. 12, fax (330) 899-2209

Editorial

Tarifs rule on website Last month’s hot topic for news on our website, www.moderntiredealer.com, was the tariffs levied on passenger and light truck tires from China. MTD editors covered the Department of Commerce’s (DOC) decision — and the responses from companies affected by the legislation. Also drawing high interest was the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co./Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. Alliance dissolution. Here are the top 10 news items.

1. DOC affrms tariffs, increases rates for nearly all tire makers 2. New York’s ‘Zeganman’ dies of TBI at 67 3. One manufacturer’s tariff reaction: ‘stunned’ 4. China will resort to ‘old ways’ without tariff 5. Goodyear/Sumitomo divorce: the rest of the story 6. Why one tire maker’s tariff now is retroactive 7. Michelin’s Selleck: Remove Confederate fag 8. Michelin has big plans for Uniroyal 9. Goodyear and Sumitomo dissolve alliance 10. Tire Factory is joining forces with Point S

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Insider information

For analysis on breaking news and behind-the-scenes information, don’t miss MTD Editor Bob Ulrich’s blogs on our website at www.moderntiredealer.com. Ulrich gives his perspective on what’s happening in the tire industry, which can help you understand the repercussions. Some of his latest blogs concern the tire tariffs (no surprise!), Paul Zurcher’s legacy, data on tire dealers’ competitors (Walmart, Costco, etc.) and tire pricing. See blogs in our navigation bar.

Total access — totally free www.moderntiredealer.com

(330) 899-2200, fax (330) 899-2209 Editor: Robert J. Ulrich, ext. 11 Bob.Ulrich@bobit.com Managing Editor: Lori L. Mavrigian, ext. 16 Lori.Mavrigian@bobit.com Senior Editor: Joy Kopcha, ext. 15 Joy.Kopcha@bobit.com Associate Editor: Ann Neal, ext. 18 Ann.Neal@bobit.com

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MODERN TIRE DEALER (ISSN 00268496) (CDN IPM #40013413) (USPS #369-170) is published monthly by Bobit Business Media, 3520 Challenger St., Torrance, California 90503-1640. Periodicals postage paid at Torrance, CA 90503-9998 and additional mailing offces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MODERN TIRE DEALER, P.O. Box 1068, Skokie, IL 60076-8068. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for address changes to take effect. Subscriptions in the U.S. and its possessions, $65; Canadian, $99; Int’l surface mail, $99; Int’l airmail, $198. Single copies, $10, except the January Facts Issue, $30. Address all subscription correspondence to MODERN TIRE DEALER, P.O. Box 1068, Skokie, IL 60076-8068. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks to receive your frst issue. Please address Editorial and Advertising correspondence to MODERN TIRE DEALER, 3515 Massillon Road, Suite 350, Uniontown, OH 44685-6217. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without consent of Bobit Business Media. All statements made, although based on information believed to be reliable and accurate, cannot be guaranteed and no fault or liability can be accepted for error or omission. For your information: We sometimes make our subscriber information (i.e. fax, e-mail or mailing address) available to carefully screened organizations whose products and services may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to have your information made available, please write MODERN TIRE DEALER, P.O. Box 1068, Skokie, IL 60076-8068.

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MTD July 2015

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News/views

Out of nowhere DOC raises tariffs and makes some retroactive With still one more review to go, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) delivered another blow to manufacturers and importers of Chinese passenger and light truck tires on June 12.

The DOC not only affrmed an earlier determination that Chinese tires are being imported at prices below fair value while also being subsidized by the Chinese government, but also ruled in nearly every instance the dumping and subsidies is greater than initially calculated. The result: The anti-dumping and countervailing tariffs on those Chinese tires now are even higher.

those companies. In the anti-dumping case, DOC found those circumstances with the companies in the “others” category. In the countervailing case, it found Giti, Yongsheng and the “all others” companies would be subject to the retroactive tariff.

One industry executive, hoping the preliminary rates would be lowered, was “stunned” by the decision. Some companies offered offcial responses.

Some said “no comment.” Bridgestone Americas Inc., which imports Fuzion and Primewell tires from China, said it was maintaining its “neutral position on this matter.”

Kyle Roberts, director of marketing for Nexen Tire America Inc., said Preliminary anti-dumping % Final anti-dumping % the tariffs will have Sailun Group Co. Ltd. 18.58 14.35 Giti Tire Global Trading Pte. Ltd. 19.17 29.97 “no effect on the Separate rate companies *(See list below) 18.99 25.30 way Nexen Tire will Others 87.99 87.99 go to market and position its brand.”

TBC Corp., which Preliminary countervailing % Final countervailing % has the exclusive Cooper Kunshan Tire Co. Ltd. 12.50 20.73 right to sell Sailun Giti Tire (Fujian) Co. Ltd. 11.74 37.20 in the U.S., was Shandong Yongsheng Rubber Group Co. Ltd. 81.19 100.77 among those with All others 12.03 30.87 no comment. Sailun Group Co. Ltd. was As part of its months-long investigation, the DOC the only company to see its rate drop. also determined “critical circumstances” exist in Jimmy Yang, president of American Kenda Rubber both the anti-dumping and countervailing cases, Industrial Co. Ltd., said the company isn’t surprised meaning the DOC found evidence of a surge in by the DOC’s decision because it largely followed its imports, and that importers knew, or should have preliminary fnding. However, Yang said the fact that known, the products were being subsidized or the rates are higher, and in some cases retroactive, dumped in the marketplace. The fnding of critical “could affect cash fow to all of the importers of Chicircumstances is key because it makes a tariff nese tires. The result of this decision will have some retroactive, and thus serves as an added penalty for impact to Kenda.... We are currently examining the

With one exception, all rates are higher

*Separate rate companies: Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Cooper Chengshan (Shandong) Tire Co. Ltd., Cooper (Kunshan) Tire Co. Ltd., Best Choice International Trade Co. Ltd., Bridgestone (Wuxi) Tire Co. Ltd., Bridgestone Corp., Cheng Shin Tire & Rubber (China) Co. Ltd., Crown International Corp., Goodyear Dalian Tire Company Ltd., Guangzhou Pearl River Rubber Tyre Ltd., Hankook Tire China Co. Ltd., Hebei Tianrui Rubber Co. Ltd., Highpoint Trading Ltd., Hong Kong Tiancheng Investment & Trading Co. Ltd., Hong Kong Tri-Ace Tire Co. Ltd., Hwa Fong Rubber (Hong Kong) Ltd., Jiangsu Hankook Tire Co. Ltd., Kenda Rubber (China) Co. Ltd., Kumho Tire Co. Inc., Mayrun Tyre (Hong Kong) Ltd., Nankang (Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone) Rubber Industrial Co. Ltd., Pirelli Tyre Co. Ltd., Qingdao Crown Chemical Co. Ltd., Qingdao Free Trade Zone Full-World International Trading Co. Ltd., Qingdao Fullrun Tyre Corp. Ltd, Qingdao Fullrun Tyre Tech Corp. Ltd., Qingdao Honghua Tyre Factory, Qingdao Nama Industrial Co. Ltd., Qingdao Nexen Tire Corp., Qingdao Odyking Tyre Co. Ltd., Qingdao Qianzhen Tyre Co. Ltd., Qingdao Qihang Tyre Co. Ltd., Qingdao Qizhou Rubber Co. Ltd., Qingdao Sentury Tire Co. Ltd., Shandong Anchi Tyres Co. Ltd., Shandong Changfeng Tyres Co. Ltd., Shandong Duratti Rubber Corporation Co. Ltd., Shandong Guofeng Rubber Plastics Co. Ltd., Shandong Haohua Tire Co. Ltd., Shandong Haolong Rubber Tire Co. Ltd., Shandong Hawk International Rubber Industry Co. Ltd., Shandong Hengyu Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Shandong Huitong Tyre Co. Ltd., Shandong Linglong Tyre Co. Ltd., Shandong Longyue Rubber Co. Ltd., Shandong New Continent Tire Co. Ltd., Shandong Province Sanli Tire Manufactured Co. Ltd., Shandong Shuangwang Rubber Co. Ltd., Shandong Wanda Boto Tyre Co. Ltd., Shandong Yongtai Chemical Co. Ltd., Shandong Zhongyi Rubber Co. Ltd., Shengtai Group Co. Ltd., Shifeng Juxing Tire Co. Ltd., Shouguang Firemax Tyre Co. Ltd., Southeast Mariner International Co. Ltd., Techking Tires Ltd., Toyo Tire (Zhangjiagang) Co. Ltd., Triangle Tyre Co. Ltd., Tyrechamp Group Co. Ltd., Weihai Ping’an Tyre Co. Ltd., Weihai Zhongwei Rubber Co. Ltd., Wendeng Sanfeng Tyre Co. Ltd., Winrun Tyre Co. Ltd., Zenith Holdings (HK) Ltd. and Zhaoqing Junhong Co. Ltd.

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MTD July 2015

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bites

Dunn replaces store Dunn Tire LLC has replaced one of its Erie, Pa., stores with a sixbay location a couple miles away in Harborcreek, Pa. Dunn Tire has 30 retail locations.

Pirelli promotes health Pirelli Tire North America Inc. partnered with the Men’s Health Network to raise awareness of a healthy lifestyle via a Twitter campaign from June 25 to July 16, 2015.

Tire Pros adds training The Tire Pros subsidiary of American Tire Distributors Inc. added regional roundtable “Think Tank Discussions” on problems dealers face to its dealer training programs.

Goodyear closes plant Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is closing a mixing and retreading facility in the United Kingdom and shifting the production of consumer tires out of its Wittlich, Germany, plant as part of a reorganization plan.

Continental sponsors soccer Continental Tire the Americas LLC is the official tire of the American Youth Soccer Organization and sponsor of the Safe Haven program, a child and volunteer safety program.

Hornsby adds warehouse Hornsby Tire Distributors Inc. opened a distribution center in Mobile, Ala. It is the company’s fifth distribution center.

Pricing data is free Fitment Group Inc. is offering free monthly retail tire pricing reports to tire retailers, distributors and manufacturers.

The data will be delivered monthly via email.

Worldpac adds warehouse Worldpac Inc. has opened a regional branch warehouse in Hauppauge, N.Y. The facility offers expanded service and delivery options to local independent automotive repair professionals.

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market situation very carefully and re-evaluating our production strategy to minimize this impact and to maintain our aggressive growth pattern.”

Pirelli Tire North America Inc. said it’s not directly affected. Chairman and CEO Pierluigi Dinelli said, “We at Pirelli already moved everything from China to other factories.”

Giti Tire (USA) Ltd. was “very disappointed” by the DOC’s decision, and said the company “has demonstrated a substantial long-term commitment to the U.S. market, its customers, the American consumer and its American workforce,” citing the February ground breaking of a $560 million passenger and light truck tire plant in South Carolina.

Maxwell Wee, director of sales for Sentury Tire Americas, called the ruling “a temporary setback,” and said the company expects tire sales “to continue to be robust for the remainder of 2015 and, even in light of the tariff/duties that are being levied, Sentury Tire still has a program that will work for our distributors and dealers to maintain their competitiveness.”

Nearly every duty rate increased, but Yongsheng Sentury Tire’s parwas assessed the highest countervailing rate of ent company, Qingdao all — 100.77%. The company didn’t answer any Sentury Tire Co. Ltd., is of the DOC’s questions during the investigation. opening a new manufacturing facility — in Thailand — in the third quarter of 2015.

On the fip side, the United Steelworkers (USW), which fled petitions alleging unfair trade practices by the Chinese government, called the ruling confrmation of China’s tactics.

Leo Gerard, USW international president, said, “They have once again targeted the U.S. market in an attempt to increase employment in China at the cost of job opportunities here in America.

“We shouldn’t have to wait so long for relief, nor spend so much time and effort proving what is evident to anyone. China is cheating and it’s costing us jobs.”

There’s just one more step required to seal the deal on these tariffs.

On July 14, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is expected to vote on the DOC’s case, and it should make its decision public by July 27. Technically, the anti-dumping and countervailing duties are two separate cases. If the ITC doesn’t agree the U.S. market is being harmed, then one or both tariffs won’t go into effect. If the ITC rules Chinese tires are being dumped or subsidized, the corresponding antidumping or countervailing duty will go into effect until 2020, when the cases are reviewed again. — Joy Kopcha

MTD July 2015

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Ride supports foundation The Automotive Aftermarket Riders’ Club (AARC) will take its annual “Ride for the Future” Oct. 29-31, 2015, to Death Valley to raise funds for the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

CMA begins contest China Manufacturers Alliance LLC (CMA) will choose the first winner of the Double Coin “Smart Money Tire Drawing,” a quarterly contest for eligible steer tires, on Aug. 31, 2015.

Dayco plans warehouse Dayco Products LLC plans to consolidate its U.S. distribution locations into a larger facility in the Memphis, Tenn., area by the third quarter of 2015.

Wegmann is top vendor Wegmann automotive, which makes and markets the Perfect Equipment wheel weight brand in North America, has been named vendor of the year by Prema Canada, a distributor of tire and wheel service supplies in Canada.

Nexen dealers earn prizes Nexen Tire America Inc. awarded its dealers cash and prizes worth nearly $2 million during the first quarter of 2015 as part of its Next Level Associate Dealer Program sweepstakes.

Falken sets up division Falken Tire Corp. has expanded its sales force and established a commercial division headed

by Bob Klimm to focus on radial truck and bus business.

Red Kap has video series Red Kap, a manufacturer of automotive work wear, is preparing to launch “The Craftsmen,” a video series profiling custom builders.

TGI adds Carlisle tires Tire Group International LLC (TGI) has reached an agreement with the Carlstar Group LLC to distribute Carlisle-branded tires in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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Goodyear, Sumitomo end alliance After 16 years, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. are dissolving their global partnership. It brings an end to four joint-venture operating companies – one in North America, another in Europe, and two in Japan. Here’s how the deal breaks down into the all-important question: Who gets what?

Goodyear: The exclusive rights to sell Dunlop-brand tires in both consumer and commercial replacement markets in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as to non-Japanese vehicle manufacturers in those countries; Full ownership of Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe B.V.; The exclusive rights to sell Dunlopbrand tires, both replacement and OE, in the consumer, commercial, motorcycle and racing markets in Europe; Full ownership of Nippon Goodyear Goodyear expects no supply issues after it turns over the Buffalo, Ltd.; and N.Y. plant to Sumitomo. Existing The exclusive right to sell Goodyearplants can absorb that production, brand tires for both the replacement the company says. and OE markets in Japan.

Sumitomo: Full ownership of Goodyear Dunlop Tires North America Ltd., including full ownership of the Dunlop plant in Buffalo, N.Y.; Full ownership of Dunlop motorcycle tire business in North America; The rights to sell Dunlop-brand tires to Japanese vehicle manufacturers in North America; The exclusive rights to sell Dunlop-brand tires in certain countries, including Russia, Turkey and certain African countries, where there previously wasn’t an exclusive agreement; Full ownership of Dunlop Goodyear Tires Ltd. to serve the Japanese OE market with both Goodyear- and Dunlop-brand tires; The exclusive right to sell Dunlop-brand tires for both the replacement and OE markets in Japan; and Payment of $271 million from Goodyear when the deal closes, which is expected to happen by the end of 2015. Goodyear also will repay a preexisting debt of about $55 million to Sumitomo within three years of the closing, and also sell its 3.4 million shares of Sumitomo common stock.

In addition, the companies’ joint purchasing and technology development ventures also are dissolved.

Goodyear and Sumitomo agree a priority is to guarantee a smooth transition for their customers and consumers. Laura Thompson, executive vice president and chief fnancial offcer for Goodyear, says the two companies “will continue to source products from each other through long-term agreements to ensure uninterrupted supply.”

Thompson says Goodyear isn’t concerned about losing the capacity to build about 1 million consumer and commercial tires annually at the plant in Buffalo. Ultimately, the company can push that production to its new Americas plant expected to open in 2017 in Mexico.

For Sumitomo, the breakup gives the company its frst manufacturing facility in North America in 16 years, and thus an outlet to push its biggest global brands — Dunlop and Falken. Sumitomo says its main strategy is to “accelerate global operations by addressing customers’ various needs using Dunlop and Falken brands.” — Joy Kopcha

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Tire group names president Greg Mynaugh has been named president of United Tire and Service LLC, an independent tire group which has 22 retail stores in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Nitto has day for enthusiasts The next Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc.’s Auto Enthusiast Day is set for Aug. 1, 2015, in Anaheim, Calif.

Giti has new website Giti Tire (USA) Ltd. has launched a website to provide a look into the GT Radial teams competing in Formula Drift.

TCG adds Minoo Mehta Tire Consultants Group LLC (TCG has named automotive industry veteran Minoo Mehta to oversee its new retail and sales operations consultancy unit.

Michelin invests in plant Michelin North America Inc. is investing $22 million in its Dothan, Ala., plant to increase the production of high-performance light truck and SUV passenger tires. The LTX M/S2, Latitude Tour and Premier LTX are made at the plant.

Pep Boys considers options The board of directors for Pep Boys — Manny, Moe & Jack is considering a possible sale, merger or other transaction while conducting a review of “strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value.”

The company hired a new CEO, Scott Sider, in June.

ALI offers faster certification Participants in the Automotive Lift Institute Inc.’s (ALI) Lift Inspector Certifcation Program can fast-track their certifcation by attending the “Five Days to Victory” training, testing and practical inspection event in Las Vegas Nov. 1-5, 2015.

Alliance adds sponsorship Alliance Tire Group is a sponsor of country singer Luke Bryan’s 2015 Farm Tour, which will visit working farms this fall and raise funds for scholarships.

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Industry mourns loss of three longtime dealers Robert “Bob” Gatzke, one of the founding partners of Parnelli Jones Inc. and onetime president of the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (NTDRA), died on June 12, 2015. He was 84.

Gatzke began his career with the Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., where he rose to district sales manager in Los Angeles.

He became a retail tire dealer in 1966 when he helped found the Parnelli Jones Firestone chain. He helped the frm grow from eight employees to 500 employees, Bob Gatzke, who led the 43 retail outlets, six wholesale warehouses NTDRA and co-founded the and a race tire division.

Parnelli Jones Firestone As president of the NTDRA, the forerunner chain, died on June 12. to the Tire Industry Association, he conceived, developed and implemented the concept of “The Independent Tire Dealers’ Bill of Rights.”

It was the biggest grass roots response from NTDRA members in the organization’s history.

Gatzke’s achievements while NTDRA president include the Passenger/ Light Truck Tire Mount/Demount training program and the revitalization of the Tire Retreading Institute. In 1991, he served as president of the California Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association-South, and was on its board of directors for nearly 20 years. He was inducted into the Tire Industry Hall of Fame in 1994.

Vernon “Bud” Zolman passed away on June 14, 2015, in Naples, Fla. Zolman, 73, was a life-long resident of northern Indiana.

Early in his career, from 1964 to 1966, he worked for Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. as a roaming store manager and credit manager.

In his hometown of Warsaw, Ind., he helped Ray Monteith and Paul Zurcher start Monteith Tire. Then in 1978, Zolman and his wife Diane (Silvius) opened Bud Zolman’s Tire in Mishawaka, Ind. Zolman also was an original founding Bud Zolman, an original partner in the Best-One Tire & Service founding partner in the Best-One Tire & Auto Service group. His son Nate Zolman, who now is group, died on June 14. president of the renamed Zolman’s Tire & Auto Care, called his dad “the last of the Mohicans,” since fellow original Best-One partners Zurcher, Monteith and Jim Wertenberger of Wertenberger Tire preceded him in death.

Today, Zolman’s Tire has seven locations.

Edward Petros, the second generation of a four-generation tire business family, died June 21, 2015. He was 80. In 1955 Petros joined the family business, JEPCO Tire in Wheeling, W.Va., with his father, George “Pete” Petros and three uncles. In 1964 he started Tire Sales Inc., a wholesale truck tire retread shop. He ran the company until his son David Petros acquired it, starting the family’s third generation of tire professionals. Three sons and a grandson work in the tire business today.

MTD July 2015

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dates

July 7-9 Tyrexpo India, Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, India +65 6403 2521 www.eci-international.com/india July 15-17 Automechanika Mexico City, Centro Banamex, Mexico City, Mexico (770) 984-8016 www.PAACEAutomechanika.com July 16-18 Latin American & Caribbean Tyre Expo, Atlapa Convention Center, Panama, Republic of Panama (786) 293-5186 www.latintyrexpo.com July 17-19 Georgia Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association Annual Convention, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, St. Simons Island, Ga. (770) 947-2323 www.gtdra.com August 24-27 MIMS Automechanika, Moscow Expocentre, Moscow, Russia www.automechanika.com Nov. 3-7 Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo (AAPEX), Specialty Equipment Market Association ( SEMA) Show, Tire Industry Association (TIA) Global Tire Expo – Powered by TIA, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev. (800) 876-8372 or (301) 430-7280 www.tireindustry.org www.sema.org www.semashow.com

2016 March 8-10 Tyrexpo Africa, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa +65 6403 2521 www.tyrexposeries.com

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Sullivan Tire extends contract with Red Sox second baseman Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia will promote Sullivan Tire Co. Inc. for three more years. The agreement includes Pedroia’s appearance in Sullivan Tire advertising on television, radio and in print media, as well as at company events.

“We are thrilled to have Dustin on our team for another three years,” says Paul Sullivan, vice president of Sullivan Tire. “His strong work ethic, team spirit and family values represent the Sullivan Tire brand, and as avid Red Sox fans, we admire Dustin’s determination and grit, each and every season.”

Sullivan Tire and Pedroia’s eight-year relationship began during the 2008 Red Sox season. The new agreement runs through 2018. A signing ceremony was held at Sullivan Tire’s new 200,000-square-foot Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia distribution center and ware(left) and Paul Sullivan, vice president of house in Taunton, Mass.

Sullivan Tire, at the signing ceremony.

New executives at four tire makers Tire industry veteran John Aben has joined Giti Tire (USA) Ltd. as senior vice president. Aben, who has been in the tire business for 33 years, joins Giti from Nexen Tire America Inc. Kumho Tire U.S.A. has hired Jim Mayfeld as national vice president of sales and marketing. He comes to Kumho from Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., where he was senior director of product planning and technical services.

Triangle Tyre Co. Ltd. has named Pierre Cohade CEO. He is a former executive of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. At Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC, Erik Seidel has been promoted to vice president of consumer replacement tire sales.

ATD purchases Albert Tire American Tire Distributors Holdings Inc. (ATD) purchased Albert Tire LLC, excluding some assets located in the company’s West Deptford, N.J., headquarters. The deal closed June 30, 2015.

Founded in 1919, Albert Tire is a wholesale distributor across the northeast and mid-Atlantic markets. Albert Tire currently operates distribution centers in West Deptford, York, Pa., Beltsville, Md., and Manassas, Va. Albert Tire and ATD are both Goodyear G3X distributors and both have strong, long-standing relationships with Goodyear, according to a statement issued by ATD. Albert Tire recently began marketing the Continental brands. ATD also markets the Continental and General brands and the Gold associate dealer program. ■

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Your marketplace

Dealers are optimistic about sales increases for the next three months

A

ccording to the results of our survey, on average in May. In fact, the respondents noted demand for replacement tires increased that manufacturer pricing on value tires decreased in May. From a volume standpoint, the 0.4% during May, while the price of branded tires dealers reported they sold 0.3% more tires in declined 1.5%.

May on a year-over-year basis, following a 0.2% Te decrease in both branded and value tires increase in April and a 0.3% decrease in March. is not entirely surprising given the fact dealers We are encouraged by the fact that demand trends noted that price declines were mostly due to tire remain positive afer the sharp decline witnessed manufacturers being slightly more aggressive with in February. promotions as of late; however, it is important Notwithstanding any recent sofness in demand By Nick Mitchell to remember that one month’s results do not trends, we continue to believe that the abundance make a trend. of pent-up demand should lead to decent volume growth throughout the remainder of 2015, despite the fact that Dealers’ thoughts on inventory 2014 provides tough comparisons. In fact, demand has Of the dealers who responded to the survey, 67% indicated increased on a year-over-year basis for 14 of the past 15 they had the appropriate amount of inventory in stock for months, according to the dealers surveyed. Furthermore, demand (vs. 50% in April), 22% indicated inventory levels most dealers stated they anticipate trends to improve were too high and 11% indicated inventories were too low. throughout the next three months of this year.

Te inventory levels among the surveyed truck tire dealers were near optimal levels as 78% of those surveyed

Monthly survey A number of independent tire dealers were surveyed concerning current business trends. Except for tire prices and costs, the results of the May 2015 survey are compared with those of May 2014.

Dealers believe sales trends should improve According to the survey results, 44% of passenger tire dealers believe business will improve over the next six months, while 56% believe it will stay about level.

Te outlook for truck tire demand was slightly stronger as 56% of the truck tire dealers we spoke with see business improving, while 44% believe it will stay about level.

The table highlights the outlook respondents have conveyed to us in recent months.

Replacement tire sales volume trends improve According to our survey, consumer demand for replacement tires increased in May. As stated, the dealers in our survey reported they sold 0.3% more tires In May on a year-over-year basis, following a 0.2% increase in April and a 0.3% decrease in March.

Trends turned slightly positive in the truck category as the dealers who responded to the survey reported that volumes increased 2.2% afer a 0.4% increase in April and a 6.6% increase in March.

Lastly, the survey respondents indicated that volumes increased 2.3% in the retread business afer increasing 1.5% in April.

Dealer costs decline Te tire dealers who responded to the survey noted that manufacturer pricing on value and branded tires declined

www.moderntiredealer.com

How dealers view near-term business Dealers

JAN

FEB

Passenger tire Will improve Will worsen Will stay level

50% 0% 50%

78% 0% 22%

80% 0% 20%

50% 0% 50%

44% 0% 56%

63% 0% 37%

Truck tire Will improve Will worsen Will stay level

50% 0% 50%

75% 0% 25%

25% 25% 50%

75% 0% 25%

56% 0% 44%

75% 0% 25%

R-Revised

MAR APR(R)

MAY(P) MAY(14)

P-Preliminary

indicated they had the appropriate amount of inventory, while 22% of respondents noted inventory levels were too high, and no respondents indicated inventories were too low.

Repair sales rose in May Dealers we surveyed indicated automotive repair sales trends improved once again in May. Specifically, the dealers who responded to the survey indicated service sales, which accounted for 15% of the participants’ total revenues, were up 9.6% on a year-over-year basis in May. And that’s on top of an increase of 12.3% in April, as a higher average ticket and strong trafc trends benefted repair departments. ■

Nick Mitchell is senior vice president of research for Northcoast Research Holdings LLC based in Cleveland, Ohio. Mitchell covers a variety of subsectors of the automotive industry.

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Customer Experience creates loyalty Here’s how to build brand equity by retaining customers

By Mike Townsend

I

met with a multi-store tire retail business owner recently who had no idea what “Customer Experience,” aka CE, meant. When I asked him about customer service, he knew immediately what to say: “Customer service is taking care of your customers,” he passionately proclaimed.

In this “Age of the Consumer,” taking care of them will not create loyalty most of the time. Customer service is now part of Customer Experience — and a very small part.

Customer service is geting your food hot and without a hair in it. Customer Experience is geting the same, but includes talking more about the experience the server created than about the amazing omelet.

Te sum of all interactions that a consumer will have with your business is considered by many the best defnition of Customer Experience. Your website, print ads, radio ads, billboards, mobile website, physical location are part of the customer journey.

So are driving by your store, adequate parking, signage, phone skills, showroom, bathrooms, employees (sales and technicians), sales processes, the inspection processes and follow-up afer the sale. All of these must be thought about in the framework of Customer Experience.

In my experience, many independent tire retailers do not have a Customer Experience strategy/process in place. And those who think they do don’t always follow and enforce it consistently.

Customer Engagement In this article, we will deal with Customer Engagement through your most valuable asset — your people.

In regard to how the retail tire sales associate engages the customer, let’s breakdown what a business looks like into four “Customer Experience Process” categories.

1. No process: “We think we do it (but we don’t).”

I will make a bold statement and say stores that have no Customer Experience process/strategy in place typically have a higher turnover rate with employees and customers.

Owners and managers get frustrated with their employees and cannot fgure out how to motivate them to serve the customer the way they, themselves, serve the customer when they are covering the counter.

Businesses that “don’t do Customer Experience” are not fully engaging today’s consumer and are losing customers, slowly but surely, to the few tire retailers who do. In today’s environment, there are fewer ways to diferentiate your business from the larger multi-store retailers. When CE is “missing,” the main reason you are diferent is price.

Having the sharpest price will not sustain your business. In order to build long-term loyalty while building equity in your

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Customer Experience Process

Goal: Systematic

No process

Sporadic

Repeatable

Source: “The Power of Putting your Customers at the Center of your Business”; Townsend Strategies

business, you must out-perform your competition by engaging today’s consumer through a Customer Experience strategy.

2. Sporadic: “We do it 10% of the time.”

Second, there are tire stores that maybe execute some form of CE close to 10% of the time. When “Johnny” is engaged, he will be on his A-game 50% of the time. Perhaps his favorite team won over the weekend and all is well in his world. He will make people feel good either on the phone or in person.

When the aforementioned conditions are not met, Johnny may still be engaged, but he will positively impact only the customers he likes and/or with whom he has a great rapport.

When the owner or the manager is absent, Johnny falls into the 71% of the workforce in the U.S. that is disengaged.

Furthermore, this salesperson usually uses price to win the customer’s afection and/or loyalty.

3. Repeatable: “We have one employee we think does this with some customers.”

Tird, I have seen tire stores that have a repeatable process.

For example, there will be one person out of three front counter sales associates who engages consumers in a way that could be defned as Customer Experience. Again, this person does

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Customer Experience

Forrester Research, Inc., 2015

losing their “serving others well” edge afer several months with the organization.

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4. Systematic: “We execute the process all day every day.”

Lastly, there are a few dealers who have a systematic Customer Experience strategy in place.

I know of one national chain that has progressed across the national map quickly using elements of CE into their go-to market strategy. Te dealership invests a lot of money into continuously training every employee. Remember, training is something you “do,” not something you “did.”

Well-trained employees are happier; as such, they stay longer and rate very high with today’s consumer.

In the Age of the Consumer, the best way to build equity in your business is through the implementation of the Customer Experience process.

The companies that have trained employees with defned not always sell at full price, but sells at a higher price than processes are not afraid to open a store next door to anyone.

Johnny. If management is not aware of the amazing people Why? Tey know how to engage today’s consumer, ofen skills these salespeople possess, the salespeople usually end up without dropping their price.

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Customer Experience Implementation To fully implement a robust Customer Experience strategy in your business is not easy. For many dealers, it requires an entire “culture change” within their organization.

Amazingly, even though the pay of is substantial and diffcult to copy, in my experience, few seem to want to invest the money to do it the “right way.”

In the Age of the Consumer, the best way to build equity in your brand is through the implementation of the Customer Experience process.

Even though you should consider hiring an expert to help you implement it, here are a few quick tips any retail business can do to start building a Customer Experience strategy.

1. Make sure your employees are “happy, happy, happy.” Only happy employees will create the best Customer Experience for your customers. Since not all employees will tell an owner whether or not they are “truly” happy, a blind survey by a third party will virtually ensure you get the real story.

2. Make sure you understand your customers. Develop a fve or six question survey and install it on an iPad or iPhone to properly survey your customers.

3. Make sure your website and/or mobile website is simple and easy to navigate. Most websites have too much information on their landing pages, which creates a frustrating experience for the consumer.

4. Have a defned Customer Experience process in place for phone etiquete. Since customers size up your business

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based on how your people interact on the phone, I believe this will allow you to win over at least 90% of your incoming calls without using low price.

5. Put the process in writing. It should include each team member’s writen job description, with their signatures saying they have read and understand it — and your signature as well. Yes, every employee needs to have a writen job description.

6. Ask yourself, “How can I make the customer feel beter without dropping my price so low?”

7. Encourage salespeople to be “problem solvers” when working with any customer.

8. Listen for customers asking your employees this question: “Are you the owner of this business?”

In my 10 years in the tire business and working on improving customer journeys, I have found any business that can skillfully manage the entire Customer Experience strategy will outperform its competitors by having stellar customer satisfaction, reduced churn, increased revenue and greater employee satisfaction. ■

Mike Townsend has 27 years of sales and customer experience, 10 of them in the tire industry. As a Six Sigma black belt and professional trainer, Townsend says he “has witnessed every scenario and heard every objection in the retail tire environment across every state in the U.S.” For more information, call (865) 318-4588 or email him at mike@townsendstrategies.com.

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feature

Look to Twitter for a treasure trove of data to enhance your business One dealer’s philosophy: ‘Trow a lot of stuf against the wall and see what works’

By Joy Kopcha Signing up to use Twiter is one thing. the number of times your Twiter profle Sending a tweet is another baby step. But was visited and the number of new folusing the social media network to draw lowers you picked up that month. Plus, atention to your business, engage with it tallies the reach of every tweet you your customers and ultimately measure sent (and calls it tweet impressions) and your results is another thing altogether. It counts how many times your handle was might sound frightening and intimidating, mentioned by others. but it doesn’t have to be.

With that data alone you can set goals: Spencer Carruthers owns Kenwood goals to increase how ofen you tweet and Tire Co. Inc. in West Bridgewater, Mass., to atract new followers. Plus with several a one store, three-bay tire dealership. He months, or years, worth of data, you can manages his business’ social media accounts scroll back in time to see your progress. and says it gives him a good picture of his Now, going back to the main menu business, and his customers. at the top of the page, the tweets screen “It gives me some good insight. You get gives you even more data – for every single a good demographic of who’s looking at message. Te bar graph shows four weeks your site,” Carruthers says, noting he’d be of tweets and their collective impressions, dead wrong if he thought gearhead guys which is Twiter’s word for views. If the were the only ones watching. More than graph shows lots of peaks and valleys, it half of his followers are women. “I just Arfa Syed says sharing images on means you aren’t achieving consistency. throw a lot of stuf against the wall and Twitter is key. Research shows tweets Below the graph is an analysis for every with images receive 18% more clicks see what works.” tweet, one message at a time. Click on the Tat might not sound scientifc, but it’s and 150% more retweets. ‘view tweet details’ to see even more – how exactly what Twiter experts like Arfa Syed suggest. Syed is the many clicked on a link, retweeted or favorited the message, digital and social media manager at the Auto Care Association, expanded the details or shared it via email. and she wants others to share Carruthers’ give-it-a-try mentality.

Syed likes another option on that screen. “You have the “Twiter has one of the most user-friendly, back-end analytics ability to export data to keep track of any campaigns.” and ads platforms,” Syed says. “Being socially connected to And, to determine what kind of people are following your your customers in real time becomes easier and seamless.”

Twiter account, click on the followers screen from the main Yes, there are tools you can install and professional social menu. Te audience insights page and its submenus show media frms you can pay to measure your reach on any platform. everything from gender and general interests to the state where Twiter, however, has its own free, easy-to-use page to see the your followers live and what kinds of television shows they numbers. Go to analytics.twiter.com and log in with your like to watch. An added beneft is you can look at all of those Twiter user name and password. Look for the menu across stats, and more, for the Twiter universe as a whole, and then the top of the page. Te frst three menu options (home, tweets compare the big picture to your followers. and followers) are full of tons of data to get started. Here’s a Tis is all more than just random information, Syed says. “Tis quick overview of what you’ll fnd. is invaluable as you tailor your content to be most meaningful.”

On the home screen, Twitter gives you a snapshot for And remember, this is all the free stuf. each month. It highlights your top tweet – the one seen by If you want to “pay to play,” as Syed calls it — or buy advertisthe most people, your top mention – the most popular tweet ing on Twiter — there’s another world of help available. She that mentions your Twiter handle (Modern Tire Dealer’s is @ suggests visiting ads.twiter.com, a platform that walks you mtdmagazine), your top follower – the most popular account step-by-step from goals to execution of an advertising campaign. that follows you, and fnally your top media tweet, which is “Twiter ofers free ad credits occasionally to start, and has your most popular tweet that features a photo. Te monthly ads experts that are willing to hop on the phone with you once report also features a summary of the number of tweets sent, you show interest.” ■

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feature

Burning issues: Tarifs, online sales, tight margins Dealers on the Modern Tire Dealer 100 continue to risk, invest and remain confdent in their businesses

By Ann Neal

T

he independent dealers on this year’s Modern Tire Dealer 100 are fnding ways to grow in the face of government regulation, changing consumer buying habits and economic uncertainty. Over the last 12 months, they have endured tarifs imposed on Chinesemade tires and an unexpected source of online competition. MTD asked dealers for their thoughts on these new threats as well as steps they are taking to improve their proftability. But before we look at their responses to these issues, we’ll look at the most visible evidence of their growth: new outlets.

More stores in more markets Two of the biggest dealers in terms of stores grew signifcantly over the last 12 This image shows the interior design planned for the three Belle Tire stores schedmonths. Reinalt-Tomas Corp. added 23 uled to open in Indiana by early fall of 2015. The stores will be Belle Tire’s frst in the locations to its chain of Discount Tire and Indiana market. All the stores are new construction. In addition, the company plans America’s Tire stores to top the list at 900 to complete renovations of its Michigan and northern Ohio retail locations by 2018. outlets. New stores were opened in a dozen states: Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, California, South Carolina, Tennessee, stores operated by Tire Engineers LLC, also of Birmingham.

Arizona and Ohio.

Next to be acquired were Epperly Tire and Auto Centers (four Monro Mufer Brake Inc. fueled its expansion by acquiring stores) in 2014, Upton Tire Pros (four stores), Trax Tires Tire other dealers, including former list makers Hennelly Tire & Pros (10 stores) and Savannah Tire, Brake and Alignment Auto Inc. and Martino Tire Co. In all, Monro added 63 tire Centers (nine stores) in 2015. Te acquisitions total 34 tire stores for a total of 490 and the No. 3 spot. Te fourth largest stores, which operate under a wholly-owned subsidiary, Tire retailer is Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc., which added seven Engineers LLC, and retain their original names and brand stores to bring its total to 389 outlets. Mavis Tire Supply identities. Te company also added tire-related sales and Corp., which does business as Mavis Discount Tire, added 21 service to its 102 Express Oil Change and Service Center locations through a combination of greenfeld projects and outlets. Tose stores are in the process of being rebranded acquisitions. Te Millwood, N.Y., company, which has opera- as Express Oil Change and Tire Engineers. In addition, the tions in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, company has 108 franchise stores. is No. 5 in the ranking with 167 stores. Somerset Tire Service Also growing mainly through acquisitions is ATV Inc., which Inc., which added fve stores for a total of 155 outlets, is No. does business as American Tire Depot in Southern California.

6 in the ranking.

Te La Mirada-based company added 14 outlets to hold the New to both the Modern Tire Dealer 100 and to tire retail- No. 13 spot with 82 stores. Five stores were opened in the frst ing is Express Oil Change LLC, which debuts at No. 7 with fve months of 2015 alone.

136 stores. Founded in 1981 as an oil change provider, the McCarthy Tire Service Co. grew its footprint by seven Birmingham, Ala.-based chain entered the tire business two locations with the acquisitions of Terry-Haggerty Tire Co. years ago. In 2013, Express Oil Change purchased seven tire of Albany, N.Y., Commercial Truck Tire Center of Syracuse,

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Modern Tire Dealer 100 propelled Heartland Tire Inc. onto the list for the frst time.

Te Brainerd, Minn.-based company is tied for No. 91 with 12 stores. Bauer Built Inc. acquired Central Tire & Tread Inc. of Lexington, Neb., and opened three locations near Chicago and one in Wisconsin to expand its presence in those areas. Te new locations brought Bauer Built, which is headquartered in Durand, Wis., to 35 outlets and the No. 32 spot. Cincinnati, Ohio-based Tire Discounters Inc. also added fve retail stores to land in the No. 9 spot with 94 outlets. Te company plans 12 to 14 new stores in the coming year, with four set to open in the Chatanooga, Tenn., area in the fall of 2015.

Sixteen dealers added one or two stores.

Black’s Tire Service Inc., based in Whiteville, N.C., opened two outlets. “Te stores take a lot of overhead to open; we do it to build our service,” says Rick Benton, vice president. “With margins on tires we are trying to trim costs where we can, but it’s hard because we’re all about service.”

Black’s Tire is in the No. 30 spot with 37 combination commercial/retail outlets.

Black’s Tire Service’s new training center includes areas for training on equipment Te dealer in the No. 2 spot with 769 and a mock showroom for retail training as well as a conference center. Completed in outlets, TBC Corp., says it plans to add October 2014, the facility is next to the company’s headquarters in Whiteville, N.C. eight to 10 stores in the next year. “TBC N.Y., Hartman Fleet Services Inc. of Manassas, Va., and Ragan Tire Group LLC of Concord, N.C. With 49 commercial tire stores, McCarthy ranks No. 23.

Te purchase of three Galaxy Auto Centers and two Goodyear Tire and Service stores in the Minneapolis, Minn., metro area

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Modern Tire Dealer 100 Corp. is well-positioned for sustainable growth; we’ll continue to seek out opportunities that make the most sense for our brands and our customers,” says Dino Medina, vice president of construction and facilities operations.

Burning issue: Tarifs Te ability of any retailer to service customers hinges on product availability. “When a customer comes in, you’ve got to have something for them that day, and it’s our job to fgure out how to do that,” says Sam Forbes, president of Peerless

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Tyre Co. Te Denver-based company is tied for No. 17 with 57 Peerless Tires 4 Less stores in seven states.

Tat job became harder for some dealers in November 2014 when the U.S. government imposed tarifs on tires made in China. “Te tarifs just cause confusion in the marketplace with no particular net gain in my opinion,” says Forbes. “From where it hits us, we’ve had difculty. You have to struggle to fnd other suppliers. When anybody’s down it puts pressure on the rest of the vendors. Te Laufenn brand we brought in to replace the Fuzion. It just tightens up supply.”

Te tarifs also led to pricing uncertainty that caused a lot of issues, according to Bill Ziegler, president of Ziegler Tire & Supply Co. “When the tarif was frst announced it caused some supply issues as some of the large wholesalers and retailers tried to pre-buy inventory. We have tried to deal with the more reputable suppliers so as to be more protected.”

Te Massillon, Ohio-based company is tied for No. 51 with 24 outlets.

Plaza Tire Service Inc., which is tied for the No. 19 spot with 56 outlets, is adjusting its marketing plan in response to the tarifs, according to Mark Rhodes, president. “I personally have plenty of inventory, but the tarif has created a lot of changes in our product screens.

Te uncertainty of what’s going to fll the product screens in the future creates a lot of changes in the marketing plan.

You used to be able to have one line of tires in stock indefnitely. Now it may be this brand for fve months, and this brand for six months.”

Other dealers report litle impact from the tarifs. “On the supply side we haven’t seen much change because there was a lot of purchase ahead of the tarif kicking in,” says Avo Kamberian, vice president of marketing for No. 13-ranked ATV Inc., which operates 82 American Tire Depot stores in Southern California.

He says the strikes at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif., afected the supply chain more than the tarifs.

The tariffs led to some net price increases but declining oil prices ofset signifcant impact, according to Kamberian. “Te oil prices have come down drastically and therefore the cost of products has come down at the same time so that allowed all the manufacturers to lower their cost structures despite increasing the price because of the tarifs.

So overall, there was some price increase.

It’s brand by brand obviously, but the efect in the overall market at the end of the day is negligible.”

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Modern Tire Dealer 100 Nick Phillippi, general manager of Nebraskaland Tire Co. Inc., says the tarifs have not afected Nebraskaland Tire, Kansasland Tire, and Coloradoland Tire stores.

“We did lose our opening price point lineup and had to adjust our entry level tires downward a litle to maintain that business.” Te Lexington, Neb.-based company is No. 28 with 40 stores.

Te impact of the tarifs on supply was minimal at Tireman Auto Centers, according to Randy Jones, who is president of the Toledo, Ohio-based dealership. “We had purchased in advance and had our bases covered.

On the pricing side the impact has been minimal as well.

We anticipated that there would be greater increases. We have not found that to be the case yet.” Te company’s 19 retail stores put it at the No. 58 spot.

TBC Corp. rebranded 64 Tire Kingdom locations across six states to NTB Tire and Service Centers. The rebranding initiative included an exterior refresh and interior redesign. TBC operates more than 400 NTB retail locations.

Burning issue: Online sales Dealers faced a new challenge when Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. began selling tires direct to consumers through its website in May 2015. “It takes the tire sale away from the independent dealer and makes us just an installation point,” says Jason Williams, executive vice president of Jack Williams Tire Co. Inc., in Scranton, Pa. “We are tire dealers, not installation points for manufacturers and online sellers.” Te company is tied for No. 35 with 31 outlets.

David Mickelson, vice president of Graham Tire Co., says he understands Goodyear’s reasoning for going direct to consumers but he is disappointed that current Goodyear

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dealers and Tire Service Network (TSN) dealers do not have a priority in the program. “It makes me question why we pay TSN dues. We will need to place our pricing online to remain competitive, and I believe that the end result will be that the act of purchasing tires is only going to be about price rather than features and benefts. I also believe that in the long run, this will have an adverse efect on the number of Goodyear tires sold.” Graham Tire has 29 outlets in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota and is tied for No. 38.

At least two dealers expect more manufacturers to begin online tire sales. “Michelin will be doing the same thing in the

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Modern Tire Dealer 100 But that could change.

“Te hand wringing from where I’m siting is that if Goodyear pulls this of, all the manufacturers will be doing it.”

Paul Couture, president of Mesa, Ariz.-based Paragon Enterprises Inc., which does business as Advanced Auto Service & Tire Centers, says he is participating despite some objections. “In efect, we and other dealers have competed with manufacturers and suppliers since I started in business 26 years ago with corporate stores ATV Inc. has opened fve American Tire Depot stores in Southern California so far in 2015. and other areas. In many The new stores are in Diamond Bar (pictured), Downey and Torrance in Los Angeles ways this continues along County, Laguna Niguel in Orange County, and Yucca Valley in San Bernardino County. the same lines.” Te Mesa, near future. We will monitor how this manufacturer Internet Ariz.-based company has 14 stores to tie for the No. 77 spot. marketing works out. It is defnitely not good for the indepenBenton points out that Goodyear is involving its dealers dent dealer,” says Rusty Coats, operations director for Bore/ in the program and steering business to them. “As long as MPC LLC, which does business as Big O Tires in Missouri we fnd ways to keep the tires proftable, it’s OK. We need to and Arkansas. Te company is tied for the No. 77 spot with 14 drive more proft back to the dealers. We’ve got to stay with stores. Forbes says Peerless Tires 4 Less stores do not do busi- current trends. We know the trend is toward the Internet. Te ness with Goodyear, so there’s no direct efect at this moment. Internet is a necessary evil, but we’ve got to make it good for

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Modern Tire Dealer 100 the dealers. Dealers’ costs are going up, not down, so we’ve got to fnd ways to drive more proft to dealers.”

Burning issue: Tight margins To help boost their margins, dealers invested in stores, technology and training. “We are adding a new store, upgrading equipment and implementing a technical training program with an on-site tech trainer and training facility,” says Jim Ramsey, CEO and president of Lamb Ventures LP, which does business as Lamb’s Tire & Automotive. Te Austin, Texas-based company opened its newest store in June for a total of 15 outlets and a tie for No. 71 in the ranking.

Training has become a vital part of the business model at Graham Tire, according to Jen McCann, marketing coordinator for the company’s Minnesota and Iowa stores. Graham also is implementing customer relationship management sofware for its sales force and focusing on digital marketing to increase trafc to its website as well as its stores. “Our company is always working to increase proftability, though we know it really has more to do with the small steps we do to improve individuals who work for Graham.”

Training is essential at Tireman Auto Service Centers as well. Dramatic improvements to the on boarding process lead to a quicker ramp-up for new employees, says Jones.

“We are using Web-based applications for training as well as using tablets that can verify learning.” Te company is also remodeling older stores and improving its mobile applications for online shoppers.

Te Benton family opted to increase the skills and knowledge of its employees in order to help improve the proftability of Black’s Tire Service. “Our business is our people, so we try to fnd ways to be efcient and innovative, it’s a daily challenge,” says Benton. “It’s hard to do so much cost-cuting. If you are service, what do you cut?”

Black’s Tire Service chose to invest in its people, and the BTS Training Academy opened in October 2014. Te approximately 6,200-square-foot facility houses conference and training areas and a retail showroom. Employees from the company’s stores as well as its wholesale dealer partners participate in sales, equipment and safety training.

“It’s a big investment up front, but we’ve already seen beter morale in our dealers. We’re giving back to them and giving them opportunities to train at no cost to them. Training helps us get more efcient and reduces turnover. It lets people know we’re investing in them for the future, and that means a lot to them,” says Benton. ■

Other sources for tires

Tires are available for purchase from seemingly endless sources outside the independent dealer channel. Here are some of the largest providers of consumer tires.

BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. 147 of BJ’s 206 stores have tire centers.

Brands: Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal Costco Wholesale Corp.

470 warehouses in the U.S. Brands: Michelin, BFGoodrich, Bridgestone Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Nearly 2,500 of 3,400 supercenters and 471 discount stores have a tire and lube center.

Brands: Nitto, Kumho, General Tire, Goodyear, Michelin, Douglas Tires (a Walmart private brand made

by Goodyear), Dunlop and Bridgestone; Walmart says its assortment of brands varies by store.

Sam’s Club 648 stores in the U.S. Brands: Michelin, Goodyear, Pirelli, BFGoodrich Kmart and Sears 979 Kmart stores and 717 Sears stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Seven Sears Auto Centers operate in Kmart stores.

668 Sears Auto Centers operate in association with, out of or independently of Sears stores.

Brands: Goodyear, Michelin, Continental, Kumho, Dunlop, Hankook, BFGoodrich, General, Uniroyal, Nankang, Nanco, Riken Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack 803 locations in 35 states and Puerto Rico.

Brands: BFGoodrich, Continental, Cooper, Falken, Hankook, Michelin, Pirelli, Carlisle

40

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18125

MTD July 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18126

TBC Corp., dba Tire Kingdom, Merchant’s Tire & Auto Centers, NTB, Big O Tires Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Erik Olsen, CEO

769 0

0

769 0

3

Monro Muffer Brake Inc., dba Mr. Tire, Tread Quarters Discount Tires, Autotire, Tire Warehouse, Tire Barn, Towery’s Tire and Auto Care and The Tire Choice Rochester, N.Y. John Van Heel, CEO and president Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc. Bend, Ore. Dick Borgman, CEO Mavis Tire Supply Corp., dba Mavis Discount Tire Millwood, N.Y. Stephen and David Sorbaro, owners Somerset Tire Service Inc. Bridgewater, N.J. Bill Caulin, president Express Oil Change LLC, dba Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, Tire Engineers, Epperly Tire, Upton Tire, Trax Tire and Savannah Tire1 Birmingham, Ala. Ricky Brooks, CEO Rent A Wheel / Rent-A-Tire LP Los Angeles, Calif.

John Bowlin and Don Sabino, co-founders Tire Discounters Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio Chip Wood, chairman

490 0

0

490 0

389 0

389 0

Toyo, Dean, Federal, Ohtsu, Hankook, Bridgestone, Cooper, Mastercraft, Pirelli

www.lesschwab.com

BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Dunlop, Firestone, Fuzion, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Michelin, Pirelli, Uniroyal, Yokohama and 130 others Bridgestone, Firestone, Continental, Toyo, Pirelli, Michelin, Goodyear, Runway, Falken

www.mavistire.com

10

11

5

0

WEBSITE

2

BRANDS

TOTAL OUTLETS

900 0

WHOLESALE

COMMERCIAL 0

RETAIL

900 0

COMPANY Reinalt-Thomas Corp., dba Discount Tire/America’s Tire Scottsdale, Ariz.

Bruce Halle, chairman

RANK 1

4

Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Pirelli, www.discounttire.com Continental, Yokohama, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Nitto, Falken, Cooper, General, Kumho, Hankook, Carlisle, ProComp, Arizonian, Pathfnder, Road Hugger, GT Radial, Barum, Nankang BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Commodore, Continental, www.tbccorp.com Cooper, Dunlop, Epic, Falken, Firestone, General Tire, Geotrac, Goodyear, Hankook, HiFly, Kumho, Mesa, Michelin, Mickey Thompson, Mudclaw, Neptune, Nexen, Nitto, Performer, Pirelli, Radial A/S, Sigma, Sumitomo, Terramax, Thunderer, Touring SDL, Towmax, Uniroyal, Velozza, Vogue Tyre, Yokohama, Big O, Toyo and three others Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Michelin, BFGoodrich, www.monro.com Pirelli, Yokohama, Falken, Ohtsu, Autogrip, Runway, Blacklion, Achilles, Vee

167 0

0

167 0

155 0

0

155 7

136 0

0

136 0

Michelin, BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Firestone, Goodyear, Cooper, Continental, General, Falken, Uniroyal, Fuzion, Dunlop, Kelly, Hankook, Kumho, Yokohama, Pirelli, Mastercraft

www.expressoil.com

116 0

0

116 0

Nexen, Nitto

www.rentawheel.com

94

0

0

94

Belle Tire Distributors Inc.2 Allen Park, Mich.

Steven Craig, CEO

88

2

3

93

Town Fair Tire Centers Inc. East Haven, Conn.

Neil Mellen, CEO and president Sullivan Tire Co. Inc. Norwell, Mass.

Robert Sullivan, president

87

0

0

87

67

1

15 83

13

ATV Inc., dba American Tire Depot La Mirada, Calif.

Ara Tchaghlassian, president

82

0

0

82

14

Pomp’s Tire Service Inc. Green Bay, Wis. Jim Wochinske, president

3

67

5

75

6

7

8

9

12

42

COMMERCIAL/RETAIL

2015 Modern Tire Dealer 100: Te top independent tire dealers in the U.S.

0

Michelin, BFGoodrich, Pirelli, Yokohama, Goodyear, Kelly, Nexen, Cooper, Bridgestone, Continental, Falken, Toyo, Nankang, Hemisphere, Goodride, Milestar, Vee 1 Bridgestone, Firestone, Continental, General, Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Toyo, Mastercraft, Sumitomo, Kumho, Hankook, Falken, Pirelli, Kenda, Nexen, Ohtsu, Cooper, Uniroyal 0 BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Michelin, Pirelli, Toyo, Uniroyal and two others 12 Goodyear, Dunlop, Michelin, Kelly, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Bridgestone, Firestone, Yokohama, Kumho, Continental, Double Coin, Hankook, Gladiator, Jetzon, Sailun, Sumitomo 0 Accelera, BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Delinte, Dunlop, Falken, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Kumho, Mayrun, Michelin, Nexen, Nitto, Pirelli, Federal, Riken, Saffro, Toyo, Tracmax, Windforce, Winrun, Achilles 8 Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Bridgestone, Firestone, Fuzion, Hankook, Goodyear, Dunlop, Continental, General, Yokohama

www.ststire.com

www.tirediscounters.com

www.belletire.com

www.townfair.com

www.sullivantire.com

www.americantiredepot.com

www.pompstire.com

MTD July 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18127

19

21

22

23

24

25

26

26

28

28

30

30

32

44

27

33

6

66

3

0

15

48 63

0

57

0

0

57

0

57

0

0

57

56

0

0

56

16 Sumitomo, Multi-Mile, Bridgestone, Toyo, Firestone, www.dktire.com Yokohama, Carlisle, Aplus, Maxxis, Buckshot, BKT, Wanli, Kenda, Hankook, Federal, Goodyear, Titan, Alliance 1 Multi-Mile, Goodyear, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Pirelli, www.vipauto.com Bridgestone

0

56

0

56

55

0

0

55

Kost Tire and Auto Care Binghamton, N.Y. Michael Kost, president McCarthy Tire Service Inc. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. John McCarthy Jr., president Snider Tire Inc., dba Snider Fleet Solutions Greensboro, N.C. John Snider, president Service Tire Truck Centers Inc. Bethlehem, Pa. Ronald Bennett, CEO and president Certifed Tire & Service Centers Inc. Riverside, Calif.

Jeff Darrow, president Tire Guys Inc./Tire-Rama Inc. Billings, Mont.

David Wehr, CEO and president Nebraskaland Tire Co. Inc., dba Nebraskaland Tire, Kansasland Tire and Coloradoland Tire Lexington, Neb. Gary Wright, president Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers Inc. High Ridge, Mo. David Dobbs, CEO and president Commercial Tire Inc. Meridian, Idaho Bob Schwenkfelder, CEO Black’s Tire Service Inc./BTS Tire and Wheel Distributors Whiteville, N.C. Ricky Benton, president Bauer Built Inc., dba Bauer Built Tire Durand, Wis. Jerry Bauer, chairman and CEO

53

0

0

53

4

14

31 49

0

Bridgestone, Firestone, General, Yokohama, Double www.mccarthytire.com Coin

0

0

46 46

0

Michelin, Continental, Yokohama, BFGoodrich, General, Kelly

www.snidertire.com

0

0

42 42

0

Michelin, Yokohama, BFGoodrich, Cooper, Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly

www.sttc.com

41

0

0

41

0

Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Falken, Jinyu

www.certifedtire.com

0

41

0

41

2

Cooper, Yokohama, Bridgestone, Firestone, Countrywide

www.tirerama.com

17

21

2

40

1

Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Cooper, Mastercraft, Alliance, Titan, Michelin

www.thetirestore.com

40

0

0

40

1

www.gotodobbs.com

6

24

7

37

1

Goodyear, Michelin, Continental, Pirelli, Cooper, Dunlop, Cordovan, BFGoodrich, Sumitomo, Bridgestone Yokohama, Bridgestone, Cooper, Firestone, Fuzion

0

37

0

37

4

Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Cooper, Mastercraft, www.blackstire.com Roadmaster, Falken, Federal, BFGoodrich, Michelin, Hankook, Continental, Mickey Thompson, Lexani

0

15

20 35

0

Michelin, BFGoodrich, Continental, General, Hercules, Bridgestone, Firestone, Kumho, Roadmaster

WEBSITE

Purcell Tire & Rubber Co. Potosi, Mo. Roger Lucas, CEO Southern Tire Mart LLC Columbia, Miss.

Thomas and James Duff, owners Peerless Tyre Co., dba Peerless Tires 4 Less Denver, Colo.

Sam Forbes, president Dunlap & Kyle Co. Inc., dba Gateway Tire & Service Batesville, Miss.

Robert Dunlap, chairman and CEO VIP Tires & Service Corp.

Lewiston, Maine John Quirk, CEO and president Plaza Tire Service Inc. Cape Girardeau, Mo. Mark Rhodes, president Kauffman Tire Inc. Atlanta, Ga. Mark Kauffman, president

BRANDS

WHOLESALE

19

TOTAL OUTLETS

17

COMMERCIAL

17

COMMERCIAL/RETAIL

16

RETAIL

15

COMPANY

RANK

2015 Modern Tire Dealer 100: Te top independent tire dealers in the U.S.

Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Hankook, Toyo, Solideal, Titan, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Samson, Yokohama, General, Uniroyal, Maxam Bridgestone, Firestone, Continental, General, Yokohama, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Double Coin, Gladiator Bridgestone, Firestone, Cordovan, Hankook, Fuzion, Laufenn

www.purcelltire.com

www.stmtires.com

www.peerlesstyreco.com and www.buytires4less.com

1

Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Bridgestone, www.plazatireservice.com Firestone, Dayton, Summit, Nokian, Falken, Yokohama, Pirelli, Jetson, Toyo, AutoGrip 14 Goodyear, Michelin, Toyo, Cooper, Pirelli, www.kauffmantire.com Continental, BFGoodrich, Carlisle, Dunlop, Fierce, General, Gladiator, Kelly, Kumho, Mastercraft, Pegasus, Starfre 0 Goodyear, Hankook, Bridgestone, Firestone, Falken, www.kosttire.com Fuzion, Continental, General

www.commercialtire.com

www.bauerbuilt.com

MTD July 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18128

WHOLESALE 2

0

0

33

0

35

Dunn Tire LLC Buffalo, N.Y. Randall Clark, chairman

31

0

0

31

35

Jack Williams Tire Co. Inc. Scranton, Pa. Bill Williams, CEO

31

0

0

31

37

Mountain View Tire & Service Inc. Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

Nicholas Mitsos, CEO and president AKH Co. Inc., dba Discount Tire Centers Anaheim, Calif.

Andy Andonian, chairman Graham Tire Co. Sioux Falls, S.D./Spencer, Iowa Bob and Tom Graham, owners McGee Tire Stores Inc. Lakeland, Fla. Kevin McGee, president

30

0

0

30

29

0

0

8

17

22

Christensen Enterprises, dba Action Gator Tire Stores Orlando, Fla. Fred Christensen, president AAA/Bob Sumerel Tire & Service Cincinnati, Ohio Craig Sumerel, president

42

42

34

38

38

40

40

42

42

42

47

47

47

46

WEBSITE

TOTAL OUTLETS 34

BRANDS

COMMERCIAL 0

RETAIL

0

33

COMPANY

Conrad’s Tire Service Inc., dba Conrad’s 34 Tire Express & Total Car Care Cleveland, Ohio John Turk, CEO and president Fletcher’s Tire & Auto Service Inc. 33 Phoenix, Ariz.

Jerry Fletcher, president

RANK

COMMERCIAL/RETAIL

2015 Modern Tire Dealer 100: Te top independent tire dealers in the U.S.

Goodyear, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Sigma, Doral, Sumitomo, Sailun, Towstar

www.econrads.com

BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Capitol, Continental, Dayton, Firestone, Fuzion, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kumho, Michelin, Nexen, Nitto, Toyo, Uniroyal, Yokohama 4 BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Carlisle, Continental, Cooper, Dunlop, Firestone, Fuzion, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Kenda, Kumho, Michelin, Mickey Thompson, Pirelli, Prometer and fve others 12 Mastercraft, Continental, General, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Toyo, Yokohama, Nokian, Kumho, GT Radial, Nexen, Hemisphere 0 Goodyear, Cooper, Dunlop, Kelly, Starfre, Nankang, Westlake

www.fetcherstireandauto.net

29

0

www.discounttirecenters.com

4

29

0

Dunlop, Pirelli,General, Bridgestone, Kumho, Continental, Falken, Hankook, Cooper, Firestone, Geostar, Kelly, Minerva, Nankang, Nitto Goodyear, Kelly, Dunlop, Hankook, Cooper, Titan

6

0

28

0

www.mcgeetire.com

25

0

3

28

0

26

0

0

26

0

T.O. Haas Tire Co. Inc. Lincoln, Neb. George Hoellen, president and owner

26

0

0

26

0

Royal Tire Inc. St. Cloud, Minn.

Mick Pickens, president Clark Tire & Auto Hickory, N.C. John Clark, owner and CEO Colony Tire Corp.

Edenton, N.C. Scott Creighton, president Ben Tire Distributors Ltd., dba Neal Tire and Auto Service Toledo, Ill. Terry Carlon, president Valley Tire Co. Inc. Charleroi, Pa. James Stankiewicz, president Earl W. Colvard Inc., dba Boulevard Tire Center Deland, Fla. Earl Colvard, president

10

0

16 26

0

Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Alliance, BFGoodrich, BKT, Bridgestone, Capitol, Carlisle, Continental, Cooper, Crown, Deestone, Dick Cepek, Double Coin, Falken, Federal, Firestone, Fuzion, General, Goodride, Hankook, Hercules, Ironman, Kumho, Maxxis, Michelin, Mickey Thompson, Nexen, and 11 others Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Dunlop, Falken, Fierce, Firestone, Fuzion, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Kumho, Nitto, Omni, Westlake Cooper, Continental, Yokohama, Bridgestone, Michelin, Hankook, Firestone, Goodyear, BFGoodrich, Toyo, Uniroyal, GT Radial, Nexen, Crosswind, Pirelli, Carlisle, General Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Bridgestone, Firestone, Goodyear, Kumho, Nitto, Nexen, Hankook, Mickey Thompson, Dick Cepek, Continental, General, Prometer, Trazano, Durun Bridgestone, Firestone, Mastercraft, Summit, Michelin, Toyo, Roadmaster, Yokohama

24

0

2

26

2

1

17

8

26

4

0

25

0

25

6

10

4

11 25

0

Michelin, BFGoodrich, Continental, General, Yokohama, Sumitomo, Uniroyal

4

3

18 25

0

Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Riken, Cooper, www.boulevardtire.com Starfre, Bridgestone, Firestone, Primewell, Kumho, Yokohama, Nitto, Continental, General

www.dunntire.com

www.jackwilliams.com

www.mountainviewtire.com

www.grahamtire.com and www.grahamtire.net

www.actiongatortire.com

www.bsts.com

www.tohaastire.com

www.royaltire.com

Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Continental, www.clarktire.com Dunlop, Fierce, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Nankang, Sumic, Toyo, Vanderbilt, Accelera, General, Zeetex Cooper, Falken, Mastercraft, Michelin, Yokohama, www.colonytire.com Toyo, BFGoodrich, Continental, Uniroyal, General, Cordovan, Sumic, Autogrip, Black Lion, Achilles Bridgestone, Firestone, Goodyear, BFGoodrich, www.bentire.com Yokohama, Cooper, Multi-Mile, GT Radial, Michelin

www.valleytireco.com

MTD July 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18129

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18130

55

56

56

58

58

60

60

60

63

63

63

66

50

7

17

1

25

2

8

16

0

24

5

0

19 24

Flynn’s Tire Group, dba Flynn’s Tire & Auto Service West Middlesex, Pa. Joe Flynn III, president Grismer Tire Co., dba Grismer Tire & Auto Service Dayton, Ohio John Marshall, president Pete’s Tire Barns Inc. Orange, Mass.

Peter Gerry, CEO and president

19

0

5

24

23

0

0

23

0

22

0

22

0

Jensen Tire & Auto Omaha, Neb. Matthew Jensen, president Express Tire Auto Service Centers3 Escondido, Calif.

Greta Waggoner, vice president Southern Indiana Tire Inc., dba Southern Indiana Tire, Best One Tire & Service and Best One Fleet Service Princeton, Ind. Paul Weaver, president Tireman Auto Service Centers Ltd. Toledo, Ohio Randy Jones, president Allen Tire Co. Lakewood, Calif.

Fred Allen, president Big Brand Tire & Service Camarillo, Calif.

Greg Robinson, president

21

0

0

21

1

21

0

0

21

0

Goodyear, Kelly, Toyo, Cooper, Michelin, BFGoodrich

www.expresstire.com

3

12

4

19

6

Bridgestone, Firestone, Continental, General, Yokohama, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Double Coin, Gladiator, Hankook, Mastercraft

www.southernindianatire.com

19

0

0

19

0

Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Goodyear, Multi-Mile, Hankook, Pirelli, Cooper

www.thetireman.com

18

0

0

18

0

Michelin, BFGoodrich, Cooper, Toyo, Pirelli, Nexen, GT Radial

www.allentireco.com

17

0

1

18

1

Appalachian Tire Products Inc. Charleston, W.Va. Jennifer Dial, president Evans Tire & Service Centers Inc., dba Evans Tire & Service Centers and TAG Motorsports Vista, Calif.

John Andonian, president Warren Tire Service Center Inc. Queensbury, N.Y. Robert Kellogg, president Bob Sumerel Tire Co. Inc. Erlanger, Ky. Bob Sumerel, CEO Ramona Tire Inc., dba Ramona Tire & Automotive Service Centers Hemet, Calif.

Don Digby, CEO

8

9

1

18

1

Continental, Michelin, Goodyear, Kumho, www.bigbrandtire.com BFGoodrich, Cooper, Dunlop, Falken, General, Pirelli, Yokohama, Hankook, Nokian, Uniroyal, Delinte, Nexen, Procomp, Accelera Durun, Federal, Gladiator, Kingstar, Nitto, Wynstar, Republic Goodyear, Kelly, Dunlop, Cordovan, General, Super www.apptire.com Grip, Primex, Michelin, Toyo

17

0

0

17

0

Goodyear, Kelly, Pirelli, Yokohama, Hankook, Westlake, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Kingstar

www.evanstire.com/ www.tagmotorsports.com

14

3

0

17

0

Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Continental, General, Kumho, Aelous

www.warrentiresvc.com

1

6

10 17

0

Bridgestone, Firestone, Yokohama, General, Cooper, www.bobsumereltire.com Continental, Goodyear, Carlisle

16

0

0

0

Bridgestone, Firestone, Fuzion, Michelin, BFGoodrich, GT Radial, Hankook, Yokohama, Continental, Pirelli

16

Michelin, Goodyear, BFGoodrich, Kelly, Uniroyal, Dunlop, Fierce, Pirelli, Hankook, Summit, GT Radial, Continental, General, Yokohama 2 Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton, Continental, General, GT Radial, Mitas, Fuzion, Carlisle, Samsun 10 Bridgestone, Firestone, Fuzion, Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Continental, General, Yokohama, Mastercraft, Cooper, Kumho, Durun, Mastertrack, Titan, Samson, Carlisle, Thunderer, Roadmaster, Falken 4 Goodyear, Kelly, Dunlop, Yokohama, GT Radial, Nokian, Nexen, Hankook, Titan, Great Lakes, Roadmaster, Pirelli, Vogue, Vanderbilt, Sumitomo, Sailun, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Solideal 0 Bridgestone, Firestone, Michelin, Nokian, BFGoodrich, Fuzion, Primewell

WEBSITE

Raben Tire Co. LLC Evansville, Ind. Thomas Raben, president Ziegler Tire & Supply Co. Massillon, Ohio William Ziegler, president S&S Firestone Inc., dba S&S Tire Lexington, Ky. Brooks Swentzel, president

BRANDS

WHOLESALE

54

TOTAL OUTLETS

51

COMMERCIAL

51

COMMERCIAL/RETAIL

51

RETAIL

47

COMPANY

RANK

2015 Modern Tire Dealer 100: Te top independent tire dealers in the U.S.

www.rabentire.com

www.zieglertire.com

www.sstire.com

www.fynnstire.com

www.grismertire.com

Michelin, Uniroyal, BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, www.petestire.com Cooper, Continental, Goodyear, Firestone, Ohtsu, General, Double Coin, Nokian, Greenball, Carlisle, Kanati Goodyear, Cooper, BFGoodrich, Cordovan, Michelin, www.jensentireandauto.com Kelly, Dunlop, Fierce, Uniroyal, Toyo, Sumitomo

www.ramonatire.com

MTD July 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18131

71

71

71

77

77

77

77

77

77

77

77

52

WEBSITE

71

BRANDS

71

WHOLESALE

71

TOTAL OUTLETS

66

COMMERCIAL

66

COMMERCIAL/RETAIL

66

Delta World Tire Co. of N.O. Inc. New Orleans, La. Paul Bernstein, president P.R. Walker Inc., dba Tire Tracks Joliet, Ill. Frank Shipla, president Chabill’s Tire Service LLC Morgan City, La. Charles Gowland, manager Stratham Tire Inc. Brentwood, N.H. Denise Littlefeld, president Cassidy Tire and Service Addison, Ill. Ahern family members, owners Custom Bandag Inc. Linden, N.J. Fred De Jesus Sr., CEO and president Morpheus Investments, dba Tire Works Total Car Care Las Vegas, Nev. Jeff and Roshie Weightman, owners Daniels Tire Service Inc. Santa Fe Springs, Calif.

Douglas Daniels, chairman and CEO Lamb Ventures LP, dba Lamb’s Tire & Automotive Austin, Texas Jim Ramsey, CEO and president Rental Concepts LLC, dba RNR Custom Wheels & Performance Tires Fayetteville, Ark. David Harrison, president Bruneel Tire Inc., dba Bruneel Tire Factory Boise, Idaho Craig Bruneel, president Western Tire Centers Inc., dba Jack Furrier Tire & Auto Care Tucson, Ariz.

Jack Furrier, president Ted Wiens Tire & Auto Centers Las Vegas, Nev. Ted Wiens Jr., president T&W Tire Inc. Oklahoma City, Okla.

Co-owners Paragon Enterprises Inc., dba Advanced Auto Service & Tire Centers Mesa, Ariz.

Paul Couture, owner Bore/MPC LLC, dba Big O Tires in Missouri and Arkansas Columbia, Mo. Mark Fenner, president Northwest Tire Inc. Bismarck, N.D. Dan Pearson, president Steve Shannon Tire Co. Inc. Bloomsburg, Pa. Steve Shannon, CEO and president

RETAIL

66

COMPANY

RANK

2015 Modern Tire Dealer 100: Te top independent tire dealers in the U.S.

13

3

0

16

0

Michelin, BFGoodrich, Cooper, Uniroyal, Delta, Sumitomo, Towmax, Vanderbilt

www.deltaworldtire.com

15

1

0

16

1

www.tiretracksusa.com

15

0

1

16

0

Michelin, Bridgestone, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Uniroyal, Fuzion, Goodyear, Continental, Dunlop, General, Nexen, Pirelli, Sumitomo, Delta, National Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Riken, Goodyear, GT Radial, Westlake

1

14

1

16

2

www.strathamtire.com

0

15

0

15

2

Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Goodyear, Kelly, Dunlop, Westlake, Hankook, Double Coin, Bridgestone, Firestone, Summit Continental, General, Toyo, Gladiator, Kumho

0

15

0

15

0

Cooper, General, Firestone, Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear, Continental, Yokohama

www.custombandag.com

15

0

0

15

0

Yokohama, Pirelli, Continental, General, Toyo, Fuzion, Falken, Cooper, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Goodyear, Michelin, Starfre

www.tireworks.co

7

2

6

15

0

15

0

0

15

1

Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Cooper, Yokohama, Vogue, www.danielstireservice.com Starfre, BFGoodrich, Nitto, Kumho, Michelin, Continental Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Fierce, Michelin, www.lambstire.com BFGoodrich, Continental, General, Firestone, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Hankook, Nitto

15

0

0

15

0

Nexen, Falken, Yokohama, Kumho

14

0

0

14

0

Mastercraft, Hankook, Goodyear, Nokian, Westlake www.bruneeltirefactory.com

13

1

0

14

1

Cooper, Dean, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, www.jackfurriers.com Goodyear, Bridgestone, Firestone, Hankook, Nexen, Toyo, Sumitomo, Continental, Yokohama

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0

3

14

1

www.tedwiens.com

0

14

0

14

0

Bridgestone, Firestone, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Hankook, Fuzion, Continental, General, Cooper Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Yokohama, Continental, Hankook

14

0

0

14

1

Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Cooper, GT Radial, Toyo, Michelin, BFGoodrich

www.advancedauto.com

14

0

0

14

0

Big O, Yokohama, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Nitto, Sumitomo, Goodyear

www.mfaoil.com

11

0

3

14

5

Bridgestone, Firestone, Falken, Nokian, Yokohama, National, Delta, Titan, Goodyear

www.nwtire.com

14

0

0

14

2

Yokohama, Continental, Michelin, Kumho, General, Bridgestone, Firestone, Uniroyal, Dayton

www.steveshannon.com

www.chabillstire.com

www.cassidytire.com

www.rnrarkansas.com

www.tandwtire.com

MTD July 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18132

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1

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F & F Tire & Service Co. Janesville, Wis. Jeff DeVries, president Mock Beroth Tire Inc. Winston-Salem, N.C. Carey Mock, president Gulf Coast L&P Inc., dba RNR Custom Wheels & Tires Moss Point, Miss.

Shannon Strunk, owner Tredroc Tire Services Inc.2 Antioch, Ill. Stevan Weakley, CEO Parkhouse Tire Inc. Bell Gardens, Calif.

Jim Parkhouse, CEO Rims USA LLC, dba RNR Custom Wheels & Tires Spartanburg, S.C. Chris Raffo, owner Virginia Tire & Auto Fairfax, Va. Mike Holmes, CEO Whalen Tire Inc. Butte, Mont.

Tom Whalen, owner Mathis Tire and Auto Service Memphis, Tenn.

Curtis Clifton, general manager Associated Tire Stores Inc., dba Discount Tire and Automotive, Plains Tire Co. and Tire Discounter Logan, Utah Larry Nicholls, president Heartland Tire Inc. Brainerd, Minn.

Dave Mitchell, owner

WEBSITE

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Free Service Tire Co. Inc. Johnson City, Tenn.

Lewis Wexler Sr., chairman and CEO Callaghan Tire Inc. Bradenton, Fla. Dan Callaghan, owner Cross-Midwest Tire Co. Kansas City, Mo. Greg Trum, president McGriff Tire Co. Inc., dba McGriff Tire Pros and McGriff Tire Cullman, Ala. Barry McGriff, president St. Lucie Battery & Tire Co. Fort Pierce, Fla. Doug Miller, president CJ’s Tire and Automotive Service Inc. Birdsboro, Pa. Skip Levengood, president

BRANDS

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WHOLESALE

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TOTAL OUTLETS

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COMMERCIAL

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COMMERCIAL/RETAIL

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RETAIL

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COMPANY

RANK

2015 Modern Tire Dealer 100: Te top independent tire dealers in the U.S.

Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Hankook, Falken, Continental, General, Cooper, Yokohama, Pirelli, Nankang, Nokian, Jetzon, Milestar, Ohtsu Bridgestone, Firestone, Continental, General, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Yokohama

www.freeservicetire.com

0

Bridgestone, Firestone, Yokohama, Continental, General, Cooper, Gladiator

www.crossmidwest.com

12 13

0

BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Dayton, www.mcgrifftirepros.com Firestone, General, GT Radial, Michelin, Yokohama, www.mcgrifftire.com Uniroyal

6

0

13

0

13

0

0

13

0

12

0

0

12

0

Toyo, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Cooper, www.slbatterytire.com Bridgestone, Continental, Falken, Hercules, Maxxis, Ohtsu, Sumitomo, Trelleborg Hankook, Falken, Goodyear, Continental, Pirelli, www.cjtire.com Michelin, BFGoodrich, Ohtsu, Nexen, Kelly, General, Toyo, Yokohama, Uniroyal, Bridgestone, Dunlop, Firestone, Kumho, Nitto, Laufenn BFGoodrich, Continental, Goodyear, Hankook, www.tiredeals.com Michelin, Uniroyal

12

0

0

12

2

12

0

0

12

0

0

0

12 12

0

0

0

12 12

0

12

0

0

12

0

12

0

0

12

0

0

12

0

12

12

0

0

12

0

6

4

FOOTNOTES: 1) Express Oil’s store count includes 102 company-owned Express Oil and Service Center stores that have added retail tire sales and service and are being rebranded as Express Oil

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www.callaghantire.com

Cooper, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Bridgestone, Firestone, Fuzion, Kumho, Nexen, Capitol, Goodyear, Nitto Goodyear, Michelin, Continental, Kumho, Pirelli, Yokohama, Bridgestone, Firestone, Cooper, Dayton, Fuzion, Delta, Falken, GT Radial, Hankook, Kelly, Nankang, Nexen, Mastercraft, Nitto, Primewell Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton, Continental, General, Michelin, Toyo, Yokohama, Titan, Hankook, Omni Cargo, Tech King, Roadmaster Bridgestone, Michelin, Yokohama, Firestone, BFGoodrich, General, Continental, Cooper, Double Coin, Titan, Solideal Goodyear, Michelin, Continental, Kumho, Pirelli, Yokohama, Bridgestone, Firestone, Cooper, Dayton, Fuzion, Delta, Falken, GT Radial, Hankook, Kelly, Nankang, Nexen, Mastercraft, Nitto, Primewell BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Dunlop, Firestone, Fuzion, Goodyear, Kelly, Michelin, Towmaster

www.mockberothtire.com

1

Michelin, BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Firestone, Yokohama, Continental, Goodyear, Cordovan

www.whalentire.com

12

1

Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Continental, Pirelli, Delta

www.mathistire.com

0

12

0

Goodyear, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Toyo, Continental, www.webtires.net Mastercraft, Capitol, Dynatrac, General, Uniroyal, www.plainstire.com Sumic, Sigma, Sutong, HiFly, Trailcutter, Winter www.tirediscounter.net Claw

2

12

0

Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly

and Tire Engineers. The remaining 34 companyowned outlets are independent tire dealerships acquired since 2013 that maintain their original brand identity. In addition, there are 108 Express Oil and Tire Engineers franchise stores.

www.rnrwheels.com

www.tredroctire.com

www.parkhousetire.com

www.rnrwheels.com

www.vatire.com

www.heartlandtireservice.com

2) Does not include Belleroc Tire Services, a joint venture between Tredroc Tire Services and Belle Tire Distributors.

3) Express Tire Auto Service Center also operates four stores in Mexico.

MTD July 2015

Counter intelligence

Ask leading and difcult questions with confdence Selling is all about discovery and delivery

W

e have been looking at the imporquestions, and rapport-building questions. A true tance of asking questions, the right counter intelligence professional gathers the right questions in the right order for the information via the right questions that make the right reasons that generate the right results. closing questions almost automatic, right?

It’s impossible to be in sales or customer service As a former counter intelligence professional, and not ask questions. Sales is all about discovery I preferred to ask, “Are you going to be leaving and delivery. We discover the customer’s wants your car with us today? It was a bit of a double and needs by asking questions, and we deliver entendre. I was actually asking two questions, “Am valid and helpful recommendations based on I going to get the sale?” and “Will you be waiting our discovery. Tink for a minute how many By Wayne Williams here or picking your car up later?” questions are required for a simple oil change, I’d like to ofer some leading questions/comstarting with, “How may I help you today?” ments that we all use and perhaps a few we don’t. Tese I was always amazed by the number of customers are closing questions/comments as we atempt to assume arriving at the sales counter having pre-diagnosed their the sale. vehicle’s problem, and then amazed at the questions they • When would you like to pick up your car? asked. Customers traditionally ask, “How much is it to • What is the best number to reach you? ...?” or “How much do you get for ...?” You can fll in the • May I have your keys? blanks. Tey also like to use words such as “small” and • We can get started on it right away. “easy” and “only,” as if fxing a “small” electrical problem • We should be able to complete the work today. is “easy.” Don’t all problems start small?

• Our services are guaranteed unconditionally for 90 days.

Tese questions are usually followed by my all-time • Don’t forget we ofer nationwide warranty coverage. favorite question and comment. Te most dangerous • My technicians are especially good at these types of jobs. question asked by a customer at a retail counter is, “Can • Te technician working on your car is one of my best.

I ask you a simple question?” And my favorite comment • It’s your lucky day. My best alignment guy is here, and we follows it, “My mechanic says ...” I must now confess, the just had the alignment machine re-calibrated. questions I always wanted to respond with, “What’s your mechanic’s name, and what are you doing here?”

As you confdently assume the sale, you also will be Well, people are funny and questions are important! building the customer’s confdence. With this confdence, I’d like to ofer some encouraging solutions you can use moving forward, you can ask the most difcult question when asking the toughest two questions in our industry, we ask at the retail sales counter, the question that is make starting with closing-type questions (asking for the sale). or break, “Were you completely happy with the service And the last point is the question we all hate to ask.. but we provided today?” If you have the confdence to ask this frst, the closing questions. question over and over each and every day with each and every customer, you are a counter intelligence champion.

Gaining confdence I remember when I frst entered the sales profession; I Studies have shown that how we say what we say is more was assigned a sales territory in Southern California selling important than what we say. When it’s time to close the sale, tires, wheels and shock absorbers. I was given a three-ring you must have confdence in the questions you have asked notebook with names and addresses, a go-get-’em-tiger pep and be confdent you can successfully select and perform talk and, of course, a quota. I also received some advice the services you are about to recommend to the customer. from a fellow salesman, “Go ask ‘em what they want and Your recommendation should include comments based get it to ‘em.” So I did. I learned that the beter my queson the questions you asked and the customer answered. tions, the beter my sales, and the beter my paycheck; If, during your discovery period, the customer said, discovery and delivery.

“I don’t want any more problems,” referring to a leaking Ask questions. Listen carefully. Be confdent. And sell, radiator, you must confdently recommend new hoses, sell, sell. Any questions? ■ radiator cap, etc. In prior articles, I outlined important types of questions that set the table for the closing questions: Wayne Williams is president of ExSell Marketing Inc., Open-ended questions that get the customer talking: a “counter intelligence” frm based in La Habra, Calif. He fact-finding questions, qualifying questions, leading can be reached at exsellmkting@gmail.com.

www.moderntiredealer.com

55

European notebook

A rocky ride on a space-saver tire Plus a look at ‘universal wheels’

T

his month my article revolves around a learned when my used but still perfectly formed recent road experience I had as opposed space-saver tire was placed back in the boot of my to a market view, just to be diferent for car. Tese alternative products, as long as used a change. sensibly at no more than 50 mph, can be used Toward the end of May I was driving to the a number of times and therefore are regarded airport to travel to Italy for the Autopromotec as a reliable safety tire when a puncture occurs. show when I discovered I had what appeared to In fact, European law states it is an ofense to be a small bolt embedded in one of my rear tires. drive over 50 mph on a space-saver, but even so Usually this would not present a problem, but it seems tire fters all over Europe are sometimes my car is fairly new and therefore fted with a By John Stone stunned to fnd a worn out (and extremely dangerspace-saver tire as opposed to the normal sized ous) space-saver tire still being used by ignorant version. or maybe lazy drivers months afer a puncture.

Obviously I knew about these thinner, supposedly From my own recent experience, I can confrm driving emergency tires which are primarily designed to get you with a space-saver tire fted is no picnic. to the nearest tire dealer at an absolute maximum of 50 In fact, in researching I have discovered that a new mph. Now I was about to fnd out what it actually felt like version of the tire is now available with some car brands to drive with one — not to my nearest dealer, but to the which takes the driving limit up to 80 mph with a stifer airport which was around 90 miles away. construction that is primarily aimed at larger vehicles So how would my car behave and would I actually including 4x4s and SUVs. It copes well with being driven be able to drive with at higher speeds. the tire for a total of just under 200 miles (with Universal wheel? the return journey from I also have discovered that many European-based vehicle the airport)? Te good breakdown associations now are carrying a new universal news is I made the return spare wheel on their vehicles which can be fted to most journey safe and sound. cars that have a fve-studded wheel fting. Tis new wheel Te bad news to report concept permits tire technicians to change the positioning was how having a space- and diameter of where the wheel nuts and bolts atach to saver fted afected my match the ftment on the wheel hub. driving performance. Not Once the universal spare wheel has been fted, drivers only was it constantly dif- can continue on their journey and in due course visit a fcult to maintain a speed tire dealer/garage to have a new tire fted. Tey then leave of 50 mph, but instantly the universal spare wheel at the premises and notify their my steering and brak- breakdown service provider with details of where it can ing performance (even be picked up for use on another vehicle. In my opinion at a reduced speed) was this is an excellent solution which hopefully will be used Here’s my ftted space-saver tire. noticeably afected. Tis extensively as it becomes more popular. provided me with a very edgy and nervous drive.

On my return I took my punctured tire to my local tire A growing movement dealer where fortunately, on inspection, it was discovered At the moment there is a strong, growing campaign by that the damage had not been caused by a bolt but a large- drivers to get car manufacturers to return to including a headed screw and the tire was repairable. full-sized spare tire with future new vehicles.

Even if this campaign is eventually successful, I feel Use only in an emergency European drivers still will have to cope for some time yet Tis experience got me thinking about the whole concept with the stress of using a space-saver tire... as I had to! ■ of space-saver tires and I discussed them with the tire dealer who expressed a concern over the long-term feasibility John Stone has been working within the global tire industry of what in efect should be used as an emergency tire but for the past 20 years. In 2004 he launched his own consulting very ofen isn’t. company, Sapphire Media Services, which caters to business First of all, I can bury several commonly held myths media clients around the globe. Stone also writes for tire and about space-savers, such as them being a very short-term automotive-related publications in Europe, South Afica solution to get a vehicle to the nearest tire dealer. As I and Asia.

56

MTD July 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18133

Focus on industry

Autopromotec 2015 China makes its presence felt on the trade show foor

By Bob Ulrich

T

he diferences between Autopromotec in Bologna, Italy, and the trade shows in Las Vegas during Automotive Afermarket Industry Week are both subtle and dramatic. Autopromotec, which is known as a trade “fair,” covers nearly 1.7 million square feet at the Bologna Trade Fair Center. Tat makes it physically larger than the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show and Automotive Afermarket Products Expo combined. Yet it has fewer exhibitors.

“Te buildings at Autopromotec are much more spread out, which gives the impression that there are fewer people at the fair,” said Freda Prat-Boyer, president of the Tire Industry Association, which hosts the Global Tire Expo at the SEMA Show. “But on the other hand, it gives the exhibitors plenty of room and helps to promote the image of the vendor.”

All the shows are global in nature, and cater to industry buyers. While Autopromotec skews to Italian companies, a record 663 of the 1,587 exhibitors represented countries outside Italy at this year’s trade fair. The total number of exhibitors was up 12% compared to 2013 (Autopromotec is held every two years).

According to Emanuele Vicentini, brand manager for Autopromotec, the event could be even larger.

“We are interested in growing more, but smartly,” he said.

“Te goal is not doubling the size of the show. Te goal is to increase by 5% every (fair), maybe maintaining the same amount of exhibitors but keeping atention on the quality.”

Of the 47 countries represented by exhibitors at Autopromotec this year, China had the second-most number of booths. Te U.S., with help from the Italian Trade Commission, was sixth or

“The challenge we will be facing now is to stay true to our commitments and work to enhance internationalization of the Autopromotec brand,” said Autopromotec Brand Manager Emanuele Vicentini. This was his ffth Autopromotec.

seventh, says Vicentini. “China overtook Germany for the frst time. In the tire sector, China has taken more of a leading role.”

Despite intermitent rain over the course of the fve-day event, atendance increased 1.4% to 103,989 visitors. Te number of international atendees was up 9% versus Autopromotec 2013.

Online sales Atendance at the 20 AutopromotecEdu 2015 seminars topped 2,300 people. Tere were an additional 33 events, meetings and workshops organized by associations, institutions and media partners.

As part of AutopromotecEdu, Luca Montagner, associate director of ICDP (International Car Distribution Programme) Italy, forecast how the behavior of European customers buying online will change in the next fve years.

At the Kenda Industrial Co. Ltd. booth, Vice-Chairman Jimmy Yang (center) met with (clockwise from top right) Sergio Maggioni, Pablo Accettura, Fiorenzo Zuin, Gianfranco Costantino and Maura Coppino.

58

• Visits to Internet websites for the purpose of booking service appointments will increase signifcantly.

• Te sales of tires online will increase (currently, 20% of motorists buy tires on the Internet, according to Montagner).

• Te sale of spare parts online also will increase (an estimated 30% of motorists buy parts on the Internet).

Online sales “could have a dramatic efect, to the detriment in particular of the independent market,” he said.

MTD July 2015

While Falken is “reprioritizing” its North American racing sponsorships, the company continues to promote Europe’s Nürburgring 24-Hour race.

Trade fair wars Europe hosts at least one automotive afermarket trade show every year. Te next Autopromotec will not be held until May 24-28, 2017.

Te Reifen International Trade Fair, also a biennial event, will be held in Essen, Germany, in 2016.

In 2018, there will be two major trade fairs in Europe.

Reifen, organized by Messe Essen GmbH, will be held May 29-June 1. Te frst Tire Cologne, organized by Koelnmesse GmbH, will be held in Cologne, Germany, over the same four days.

In preparation for the Tire Cologne, the existing city center is receiving a 600 million euro upgrade (approximately $667 million). Te expansion will begin next year and be completed by 2030. ■

The Uniroyal RainSport 3 with Shark Skin Technology is sold exclusively through Continental AG in Europe.

European Notebook columnist John Stone (center) talks with Pneurevue’s Martin Mensa (right) and Bright Technology Co. Ltd.’s Jack Hu.

Europe versus the U.S. The tire needs differ, says Atturo’s Mathis There is a difference in the tires sold in Europe versus the United States, according to Michael Mathis, co-owner and vice president of international marketing for Atturo Tire Corp.

“Europeans care much more about matching OE specifications in load and speed rating than nearly any other market in the world, including the U.S.,” he said. “In a lot of countries in Europe, buyers, by regulation, have to match their OE speed rating.

“In the U.S., the buyer doesn’t care as much about V, W or Y ratings. They care more about the price.”

Atturo’s Y-rated AZ850 performance SUV tire was developed more with the Michael Mathis appropriately showEuropean market in mind. Six of its 29 cased Atturo Tire’s AZ850 at Autopromotec 2015 in Bologna, Italy. sizes are run-fat sizes.

The predominantly V-rated AZ800 is designed for SUV, crossover and sport trucks in the U.S. Both tires are manufactured in Taiwan by Federal Corp.

www.moderntiredealer.com

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18134

59

TPMS

Buick Enclave – 2008-2013 Vehicle’s RCDLR has the ability to detect malfunctions within the system SUBJECT VEHICLE: 2008 – 2013 Buick Enclave.

RELEARN PROCEDURE? Yes. SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? TPMS sensor activation tool ( J-46079) may be used. You also need the tire pressure monitor diagnostic tool (EL-46079/J-46079).

T

he tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on the 2008–2013 Buick Enclave alerts the driver when a large change in the pressure of one tire exists while the vehicle is being driven. Te system also will display individual tire pressures and their locations on the driver information center (DIC). The TPMS system uses the uses the engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), instrument panel cluster (IPC), DIC, remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR), a radio frequency (RF) transmiting pressure sensor in each wheel/tire assembly, and the serial data circuit to perform the system functions. When the vehicle is stationary, the sensors go into stationary mode.

In this mode, the sensors transmit once every 60 minutes to minimize sensor batery consumption. As vehicle speed increases, the sensors go into drive mode, in which they transmit once every 60 seconds. NOTE: Te sensor’s pressure accuracy is about 2 psi (14 kPa) at temperatures from 14 degrees Fahrenheit to 158 degrees F (-10 Celsius to 70 degrees C). Te RCDLR receives and translates the data contained in each sensor transmission, then sends the tire pressure and tire location data to the DIC. When the TPMS detects a signifcant loss or gain of tire pressure, a “CHECK TIRE PRESSURE” message will appear

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Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18135

on the DIC, and the low tire pressure warning indicator is displayed on the IPC. Te RCDLR has the ability to detect malfunctions within the TPMS. Any malfunctions detected will cause the DIC to display a “SERVICE TIRE MONITOR” warning message.

Tire pressure monitor warning indicators When a low tire pressure condition is detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire pressure warning light located on the instrument cluster. A message to check the pressure in a specifc tire displays in the DIC. Te TPMS warning light and the DIC warning message come on at each ignition cycle until the tires are infated to the correct infation pressure. Using the DIC, tire pressure levels can be viewed. When the system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light fashes for about one minute and then stays on for the remainder of the ignition cycle.

A DIC warning message also displays. Te malfunction light and DIC warning message come on at each ignition cycle until the problem is corrected.

NOTE: Te low tire pressure warning light may come on in cool weather when the vehicle is frst started, and then turn of as the vehicle is driven.

Tis could be an early indicator that the tire’s air pressure is geting low and needs to be infated to the proper pressure.

MTD July 2015

Reset procedures NOTE: If a tire pressure sensor or the RCDLR is replaced, or if the wheels have been rotated, tire pressure sensors must be relearned. Te relearn procedure can be performed using either the keyless entry system or a scan tool. See “Using keyless entry system” or DIC or “Using scan tool.” When a low tire pressure condition is detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire pressure warning light located on the instrument cluster. A message to check the pressure in a specifc tire will be displayed in the DIC. Check the air pressure of all tires and adjust to specifcation. Ensure warning indicators go out afer a few minutes.

Tire pressure sensor relearn Once the learn mode has been enabled, each of the sensor’s unique identifcation (ID) codes can be learned into the RCDLR’s memory. When a sensor’s ID has been learned, the RCDLR sends a serial data message to the IPM to sound a horn chirp. Tis verifes the sensor has transmited its ID and the RCDLR has received and learned it. Te RCDLR must learn the sensor IDs in the proper order to determine correct sensor location. Te frst learned ID is assigned to lef front, the second to right front, third to right rear and fourth to lef rear. Each sensor takes a pressure measurement sample once every 30 seconds while in stationary mode.

If the tire pressure increases, or decreases by more than 1.6 psi (11 kPa) from the last pressure measurement, another measurement will occur immediately to verify the change in

www.moderntiredealer.com

pressure. If a pressure change has indeed occurred, the sensor transmits a re-measure mode transmission.

When the RCDLR receives a re-measure mode transmission while in sensor learn mode, it will assign that sensor’s ID to the location on the vehicle relative to the order in which it was learned. Te TPMS will cancel the learn mode if more than two minutes have passed and no sensors have been learned, or if the RCDLR has been in learn mode for more than fve minutes. If the learn mode is canceled before any IDs are learned, the RCDLR will remember all previously stored IDs and their locations.

As soon as the frst sensor ID is learned, all other IDs are erased from the RCDLR’s memory.

NOTE: Before proceeding with the steps below, ensure that no other sensor learn procedure is being performed simultaneously, or that no tire pressures are being adjusted on another TPMS-equipped vehicle within close proximity.

NOTE: In the following procedures, a TPMS sensor activation tool ( J-46079) may be used in place of increasing/decreasing pressures to enable sensor. To use, place activator antenna against the tire sidewall close to the wheel rim at the valve stem location, and then press and release the ACTIVATE buton.

NOTE: If TPMS sensor activation tool ( J-46079) is used, and vehicle is having trouble entering relearn mode, check the bateries in the activation tool. Low bateries may allow some functions to work, but not allow the vehicle to perform the learn function. When the internal batery is fresh (fully charged), the indicator is “full” or all dark. When the batery

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18136

61

TPMS

• On vehicles equipped with keyless entry, simultaneously press the keyless entry transmiter’s lock and unlock butons until a double horn chirp sounds, indicating the learn mode has been enabled. Te lef front turn signal will also be illuminated.

• On vehicles not equipped with keyless entry, press and release the driver information center (DIC) INFO button until the TIRE LEARN message appears on the DIC display. Press and hold the SET/RESET buton until a double horn chirp sounds indicating the Learn Mode has been enabled.

Te lef front turn signal also will be illuminated.

3) Starting with the lef front tire, activate

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Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18137

the tire pressure sensor using one of the following methods: • Increase/decrease the tire pressure for eight to 10 seconds then wait for a horn chirp. Te horn chirp may occur before or up to 30 seconds afer the eight to 10 second pressure increase/ decrease time period has been reached. Once the horn chirp has sounded, the sensor information is learned and the turn signal Figure 1: An exploded view of the tire pressure in the next location to be monitoring system (TPMS) assembly. learned will illuminate. eight to 10 seconds then wait for a horn chirp. Te horn chirp may occur before Hold the antenna of the Tire Pres- or up to 30 seconds afer the eight to 10 sure Monitor Diagnostic Tool (EL- second pressure increase/decrease time 46079/J-46079) aimed upward against period has been reached. Once the horn the tire sidewall close to the wheel rim at chirp has sounded, the sensor information the valve stem location. Press and release is learned and the turn signal in the next the activate buton and wait for a horn location to be learned will illuminate. chirp. Once the horn chirp has sounded, Hold the antenna of the Tire Presthe sensor information is learned and sure Monitor Diagnostic Tool (ELthe turn signal in the next location to 46079/J-46079) aimed upward against be learned will illuminate. the tire sidewall close to the wheel rim at 4) Afer horn chirp has sounded and the the valve stem location. Press and release right front turn signal is illuminated, repeat the activate buton and wait for a horn procedure for the next three sensors in chirp. Once the horn chirp has sounded, the following order: right front, right the sensor information is learned and rear and lef rear. the turn signal in the next location to 5) Afer lef rear sensor has been learned, be learned will illuminate. a double horn chirp will sound, indicating 6) Afer the horn chirp has sounded, all four sensor IDs have been learned. repeat the procedure for the next three Turn ignition switch to OFF position. sensors in the following order: right Adjust all tire pressures to specifcation. front, right rear and lef rear.

7) Afer the lef rear sensor has been Using Scan Tool learned, a double horn chirp will sound, NOTE: Before proceeding with the indicating all four sensor IDs have been steps below, ensure that no other sen- learned. Turn the ignition switch to sor learn procedure is being performed OFF position. Adjust all tire pressures simultaneously, or that no tire pressures to specifcation. are being adjusted on another TPMSequipped vehicle within close proximity. Demounting/mounting procedures 1) Connect scan tool. Turn ignition switch CAUTION: The tire should be to ACC position. Apply parking brake. demounted from the wheel using the 2) Using scan tool, select “SPECIAL tire changer manufacturer’s instrucFUNCTIONS.” tions. Use the following information to 3) Select “SENSOR LEARN MODE avoid damage during the demounting/ ENABLE”, and press ENTER key. mounting procedures.

4) Press ON sof key. A double horn NOTE: If the vehicle’s tires are replaced chirp will sound, indicating the learn with those not having a TPC spec number, mode has been enabled. the TPMS may give an inaccurate low 5) Starting with the lef front tire, activate pressure warning. Non-TPC spec tires may the tire pressure sensor using one of the give a low pressure warning that is higher following methods: or lower than the proper warning level Increase/decrease the tire pressure for achieved by TPC spec numbered tires.

Art courtesy of General Motors Corp.

is depleted, the indicator shows “empty” or all light.

Using the keyless entry system or DIC: 1) Turn the ignition switch to ACC position. Apply the parking brake.

2) Initiate the TPMS learn mode using one of the following procedures:

MTD July 2015

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS Component Wheel nut Tire pressure sensor Torx screw

Ft.-lbs. (N.m) 100 (140) In.-lbs. (N.m) 13 (1.5)

3) Remove the Torx screw (1) from the tire pressure sensor (2) and pull it straight of the tire pressure valve stem (3) as seen in Figure 1.

4) Remove the tire pressure valve stem by pulling it through the rim.

NOTE: When servicing the tire pressure sensor always use a new tire pressure monitor (TPM) and a new TORX screw during installation.

Installation NOTE: If a tire pressure sensor or the RCDLR is replaced, or if the wheels have been rotated, tire pressure sensors must be relearned. See “Reset procedures.”

Tire pressure sensor CAUTION: DO NOT inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire sealant into tires, as this may cause a malfunction of the tire pressure sensors. If any tire sealant is noted upon tire demounting, replace the sensor.

Also remove all residual liquid sealant from the inside of the tire and wheel surfaces.

Removal 1) Raise vehicle on a suitable support. Remove tire/wheel assembly from vehicle.

2) Demount tire from wheel following tire changer manufacturer’s instructions.

www.moderntiredealer.com

1) Assemble the tire pressure sensor (2) to the valve stem and install the new Torx screw (3). TPMS valves and Torx screws are one-time use only.

2) Apply tire soap to the rubber portion of the valve stem (1).

3) Using a tire valve stem mounting tool, pull the valve stem through in a direction parallel to the valve hole on the rim.

4) Mount the tire to the rim.

5) Install tire on wheel. Install tire/wheel assembly on vehicle.

Retrain tire pressure sensor. See “Reset procedures.” ■ Information for this column comes fom Mitchell 1’s “Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide” for domestic and import vehicles. 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.

For archived TPMS articles, visit www.moderntiredealer.com.

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18138

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Products Bosch Blue Brake Pads have protective towel wrapping

AutoEnginuity updates scan tool

Robert Bosch LLC has added protective towel-wrapping to select Bosch Blue Disc Brake Pad sets, using material similar to shop towels that technicians use daily. The company says Bosch Blue pads feature advanced, platform-specifc formulations for optimal performance and OE-style, multi-layer shims for superior noise dampening, making them the choice for the “everyday driver” looking for performance, quality and value.

Hardware kits are included for select applications. Coverage includes domestic, Asian and European vehicles.

ROBERT BOSCH LLC Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 18170 www.mtdquiklink.com/18170

Hercules unveils Raptis R-T5 all-season UHP tire

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AutoEnginuity LLC has released version 13.2 of its Giotto scan tool for the Windows platform. The company says the release optimizes controller area network (CAN) packet retrieval from the vehicle bus to improve data rates for several manufacturers’ enhanced powertrain and transmission controllers. AutoEnginuity says important features in this release include Chrysler transmission quick learn for the transmission variant 41 modules, fuel composition reset for ‘09 GM light trucks; full BMW M4 (F82) model coverage and improved Ford / Mazda actuation handling for initialization or reset commands by no longer requiring the user to uncheck.

AUTOENGINUITY LLC Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 18173 www.mtdquiklink.com/18173

Denso releases 2015 TPMS sensor catalog

The new Hercules Raptis R-T5 all-season UHP tire uses top-tier technologies and innovative design to deliver outstanding traction, control and wear. The high-grade silica tread compound and Hercules EvacuTrack grooves provide better wet traction while 3D UltraWave siping and an asymmetric tread design ensure greater control and tighter handling. Available in 38 W-rated sizes covering 17- to 20-inch rim diameters, the Raptis R-T5 offers a 500 AA A UTQG rating and a 45,000-mile/75,000-km limited warranty, road hazard protection and the company’s 30-day Trust Our Ride test drive program.

HERCULES TIRE AND RUBBER CO. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 18171 www.mtdquiklink.com/18171

Denso Products and Services Americas Inc.’s 2015 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor and service kit catalog includes 36 new TPMS sensor part numbers covering an additional 60 million cars and trucks in operation. The company says the correct part can be located by manufacturer, reference information on service kit part numbers, part number with photo guide, and buyer’s guide by part number. Denso offers 52 First Time Fit TPMS sensor part numbers. Its product line covers 70% of all vehicles on the road, including 2015 models, for coverage of more than 80 million cars and trucks in operation.

DENSO PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AMERICAS INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 18174 www.mtdquiklink.com/18174

New app documents vehicle condition

Premium CUV/SUV tire from Kumho

Record360 Inc. says its new mobile app enables auto service providers to document customer vehicles and virtually eliminates the problem of customers claiming damage while their vehicles are in for repair. The Record360 app provides high quality, time-stamped, geo-tagged records of property at the time of exchange. Just a few clicks on a mobile device are needed to capture video, images, highlights and necessary annotations to document the condition of an asset, according to the company. The Record360 app scans VINs to automatically capture extended vehicle specifcations.

RECORD360 INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 18172 www.mtdquiklink.com/18172

The Crugen Premium KL33 all-season CUV and SUV tire from Kumho Tire U.S.A. is available in 29 sizes with rim ranges from 16 to 22 inches and T, H, and V speed ratings.

Kumho says it is the ideal upgrade for crossovers and light SUVs and a natural choice for luxury vehicles. The touring, all-season performance tire has a 60,000-mile limited warranty and offers longer tread life, excellent cold traction and reduced rolling resistance from an advanced rubber compound engineered to run cooler and stay fexible at lower temperatures.

KUMHO TIRE U.S.A. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 18175 www.mtdquiklink.com/18175

MTD July 2015

A/C leak sealer Tracer Products has released Tracerline Cool Seal A/C Leak Sealer, an additive that quickly and permanently seals slow leaks in compressors, condensers, evaporators, accumulators, O-rings and hoses. The company says the nonpolymer, oil-soluble formula is safe for A/C system components and recovery equipment. It seals leaks as large as 0.020 inch (0.5 mm) and is compatible with all popular refrigerants. Cool Seal can be injected into an A/C system using various delivery methods. The TP-2210CS Cool Seal Syringe Kit services one vehicle.

TRACER PRODUCTS Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 18176 www.mtdquiklink.com/18176

Kenda adds Klever S/T for SUVs and CUVs Kenda USA has added the Klever S/T for sport and crossover utility vehicles to its Kenda Klever line.

The company says the new Klever S/T will help fll a gap in the SUV/ CUV marketplace with a 60,000 mileage warranty and M&S all-season capabilities. The Klever S/T uses an asymmetrical tread design and advanced engineering to supply all-season performance for vehicles requiring speedrated technology (T/H/V, depending on size). The Klever S/T is designed to provide a long tread life, maximize ride comfort and deliver balanced tire performance for snow and wet weather for a wide range of CUVs and SUVs. KENDA USA Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 18177 www.mtdquiklink.com/18177

New wrench from Gates removes stubborn pulleys Gates Corp. has introduced a wrench for removing stubborn accessory pulleys. The new Micro-V Pulley Strap Wrench is designed to grasp and hold automotive SAE v-ribbed belt driven pulleys. The company says this simple-to-use solution results in improved effciency, reduced component damage and a safer removal process for technicians. The company says the patented tool is tested and approved by professional technicians.

GATES CORP. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 18178 www.mtdquiklink.com/18178

Federal-Mogul expands steering line Federal-Mogul Motorparts introduced 241 part numbers for its Moog brand steering and suspension line through the frst fve months of 2015. Among the Moog parts introduced this year are 112 control arms and assemblies, 24 wheel hub assemblies, 23 tie rod ends, 23 coil spring sets, 20 stabilizer link kits, 17 bushing

www.moderntiredealer.com

kits, 14 complete strut assemblies, seven ball joints, and one track bar. The latest parts include Moog Problem Solver front inner tie rod ends for nearly 600,000 General Motors light trucks and SUVs, model years 2014-2015, and approximately 447,000 Chevrolet Camaros, model years 2001-2006.

FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 18179 www.mtdquiklink.com/18179

New workshop equipment line from Chicago Pneumatic Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co. (CP) has a new line of workshop equipment for professional automotive and heavy vehicle maintenance. The line includes jack stands, bottle and floor jacks, air-hydraulic jacks and presses, torque wrenches and other accessories. CP says all equipment is fully certifed and meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The advanced ergonomic and design features of this new workshop equipment range can increase productivity while providing a safer work environment.

CHICAGO PNEUMATIC TOOL CO. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 18180 www.mtdquiklink.com/18180

Fast, waterproof tape from Permatex The Permatex division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. has introduced a waterproof tape for use in a wide variety of automotive and general repair applications. Permatex Self-fusing Silicone Tape (P/N 82112) is a fast-acting tape that bonds to itself and instantly creates an airtight, waterproof seal. The company says the new tape can be used for quick and secure repairs on hoses, pipes, cables, wiring, electrical connections and more.

PERMATEX Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 18181 www.mtdquiklink.com/18181

Arnott adds air springs Arnott Inc. has introduced aftermarket right rear and left rear air springs for the 2010 to 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212 chassis) and the 2012 to 2014 CLS-Class (W218 chassis), both with Airmatic. The air springs feature a new multi-ply Continental ContiTech air spring bladder, German-made crimping rings, high-impact resin top mount and bottom piston, a 4 mm air ftting, and an air spring dust boot to protect the assembly from debris.

ARNOTT INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 18182 www.mtdquiklink.com/18182

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Manufacturers/marketers

2015 MTD Buyers’ Guide A directory for equipment and services for your sales counter, ofce and service bays — plus associations!

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ooking for a new tire supplier? Want to contact an automotive parts manufacturer? Interested in a new computer system or mounting/balancing equipment? It’s easy to fnd contact information using Modern Tire Dealer’s updated Buyers’ Guide!

On the following pages you will fnd our directory of manufacturers and marketers serving the North American tire market. Included is contact information as well as product listings for companies ofering tires, equipment, services and much more. (Products are ofen broad categories, not specifc goods or services.)

Also, following the manufacturers/marketers you will fnd listings for national associations and state/ provincial associations.

1-800EveryRim.com - OEM Wheels 9935 Beverly Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA 90660. (562) 692-0109 or (800) 383-7974.

RimPix: 951-RimText www.1-800everyrim.com Products: OEM wheels and accessories, wheel repair and chrome plating.

or (877) 693-8665. FAX: (909) 980-8822. www.acdelco-tools.com Products: tires, vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment, garage tools and equipment, tire retailer support programs.

garage tools and equipment, tire repair materials, wheel repair equipment.

Action Equipment Co. Inc. 2800 Hayes St., Newberg, OR 97132.

(503) 537-1111. FAX: (503) 537-1117. www.actionconveyors.com Products: scrap tire disposal/recycling equipment.

Akebono Brake Corp.

310 Ring Rd., Elizabethtown, KY 42701.

(866) 253-2666. FAX: (270) 234-5504. www.akebonobrakes.com Products: brake products.

ADVICS North America Inc. 1650 Kingsview Dr., Lebanon, OH 45036.

(800) 225-4081. FAX: (513) 563-5169. www.advics-na.com Products: brake products.

31 Inc. 100 Enterprise Dr., Newcomerstown, OH 43832. (740) 498-8324 or (800) 438-3302. FAX: (740) 498-8325. www.31inc.com Products: retreading materials, tire gauges, tire marking products, tire pressure monitoring systems, tire repair materials, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring system equipment, tire repair equipment.

ACDelco 6200 Grand Pointe Dr., Grand Blanc, MI 48439. (800) 606-2350. www.acdelco.com Products: vehicle service products.

ACDelco Tools 9168 Pittsburgh Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. (909) 980-3323

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Akuret Tire Aeolus Tyre Co. Ltd. No. 48 South Rd., Jiaodong-Jiaozuo Henan Province P, China 454003 (443) 326-8240. www.globalvalueleader.com Products: OTR tires, ultra-high performance tires, high performance tires, touring tires, light truck tires, CUV/ SUV tires, medium truck tires.

Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc. 2706 Treble Creek, Suite 100, San Antonio TX 78258. (210) 492-4868 or (800) 288-6825. FAX: (210) 492-4890. www.autovalue.com www.bumpertobumper.com Products: vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment,

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

FAX: (800) 467-4638. www.tbcbrands.com Products: advertising/marketing programs, radial and bias agricultural tires, ATV tires, industrial tires, lawn and garden tires, radial and bias medium/ heavy truck tires, bias light truck tires, OTR tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, aluminum truck wheels, 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.

MTD July 2015

Alliance Tire Americas Inc. (brands: Alliance, Galaxy and Primex) 201 Edgewater Dr., Suite 285, Wakefeld, MA 01880. (781) 321-3910 or (800) 343-3276. FAX: (781) 322-2147. www.atgtire.com Products: ag/farm tires, OTR tires, truck tires.

Altura Tyres 4637 Allen Rd., Stow, OH 44224.

(330) 374-1000 or (800) 321-0941.

FAX: (330) 374-0038. www.tyresinternational.com Products: ag/farm tires, OTR tires.

AME Intl.

2324 Circuit Way, Brooksville, FL 34604.

(352) 799-1111 or (877) 755-4263.

FAX: (352) 799-1112. www.ameintl.net Products: tire repair materials, garage tools and equipment, tire service tools and equipment, tire repair materials.

American Omni Trading Co. 15354 Park Row, Houston, TX 77084.

(281) 600-8473 or (800) 785-2702.

FAX: (281) 600-8475. www.american-omni.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, tire faps, tire tubes, truck tires.

tire repair equipment, insurance programs, roadside assistance programs, tire retailer support programs, Web and other online assistance.

ANCO®, a Federal-Mogul Motorparts brand World Headquarters: 27300 W 11 Mile Rd., Southfeld, MI 48034.

(248) 354-7700. www.ANCOwipers.com Products: ANCO has for nearly a century been the leader in premium replacement wiper blades, reflls, washer pumps and wiper arms. Our full line of wiper blades utilize exclusive designs and materials, and are engineered with the latest technology to ensure maximum safety and visibility and a clear streak-free wipe in any driving environment. From passenger cars to commercial vehicles ANCO ofers a variety of conventional, hybrid, rear and beam style wiper blades, giving you the most comprehensive coverage for all vehicles. That’s why ANCO is the Clearest Choice in Wiper Blades™.

American Pacifc Industries, Inc. 8320 E Hartford Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85255. (480) 387-5980 or (800) 944-8414. FAX: (480) 268-7478. www.apitire.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires, wheels and accessories.

www.moderntiredealer.com

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

FAX: (800) 467-4638.

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

ARI Network Services Inc. See TCS Technologies, an ARI Company. www.tcstire.com

Arnott Inc. Air Suspension Products 100 Sea Ray Dr., Merritt Island, FL 32953.

(321) 868-3016 or (800) 251-8993.

FAX: (321) 868-3703. www.arnottindustries.com Products: suspension components.

ASA Automotive Systems Andreoli & Associates Inc. 13801 Reese Blvd. W, Suite 150, Huntersville, NC 28078. (704) 895-2780 ext. 32 or (800) 438-4487, ext. 32.

FAX: (704) 895-2985. www.hitstiresoftware.com Email: sales@aasys.com Products: computers and software.

American Tire Distributors 12200 Herbert Wayne Ct., Huntersville, NC 28070. (800) 632-1897 or (800) 222-1167. FAX: (704) 992-1280. www.atd-us.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, tire tubes, truck tires, tire flls and sealants, tire gauges, tire marking products, tire pressure monitoring systems, tire repair materials, tire studs, tire valves, wheel weights, wheels and accessories, tire pressure monitoring system equipment,

Nathan Miller, PV Specialist Products: ag/farm tires, high performance tires, lawn and garden tires, industrial and passenger tires.

25 Manchester St., Suite 100, Merrimack, NH 03054. (603) 889-8700 or (866) 210-6717. FAX: (603) 880-3438. www.asaautomotive.com Products: computers and software.

ASA Wheels 7101 Vorden Pkwy., South Bend, IN 46628. (574) 287-2316 or (800) 445-0179. FAX: (574) 236-7700. www.tirerackwholesale.com Products: tires, vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment, wheels and accessories, roadside assistance programs.

ATE Premium Brake Parts Apollo Vredestein Tires Inc. 13 Bridge St., Metuchen, NJ 08840.

(732) 549-2440 or (800) 221-3422.

FAX: (732) 549-2450. www.apollovredestein.com Emil Herbak, Country Mgr; Bill Haney, AG and Industrial Tire Specialist;

6755 Snowdrift Rd., Allentown, PA 18106. (610) 289-0488 or (800) 564-5066. FAX: (610) 289-1766. www.ate-na.com Products: brake products.

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Manufacturers/marketers Bee Line Co. Atturo Tire Corp.

3901 Grove Ave., Gurnee, IL 60031.

(224) 631-1110 or (855) 632-8031.

FAX: (847) 589-8446. www.atturo.com Products: SUV/LT tires.

2700 62nd St. Ct., Bettendorf, IA 52722.

(563) 332-4066 or (800) 728-7828.

FAX: (563) 332-6517. www.beeline-co.com Products: tire service tools and equipment, garage tools and equipment.

BFGoodrich, a brand of MNA Inc. Autopromotec 2015 Promotec S.r.l., Via Emilia 41/b, Anzola, Emilia, Bologna, Italy 40011. +39-051-6424000.

FAX: +39-051-733008/051-731886. www.autopromotec.it Email: info@autopromotec.it Products: trade show representation.

One Parkway S, Greenville, SC 29615.

(864) 458-5000. www.bfgoodrichtires.com Products: passenger tires, light truck tires, truck tires.

325 N Main St., Middlebury, IN 46540.

(574) 825-5802. FAX: (574) 825-7972. www.bj-rocket.com Products: ag/farm tires, casings, light truck tires, OTR tires, truck tires, used tires, retreading materials, tire repair materials, retreading equipment, tire repair equipment, tools and tool accessories.

BADA Wheel Weights

4280 Professional Center Dr., Unit 400, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

(561) 383-3000 or (800) 321-2446.

FAX: (561) 383-3040. www.bigotires.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, batteries, chemicals, fuel system products, oil products and lubricants, tire gauges, tire pressure monitoring systems, tire repair materials, tire studs, tire valves, 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, nitrogen infation equipment, oil/lubrication equipment, ride control/shocks and struts, suspension equipment, tire display racks, tire mounting and balancing equipment, tire pressure monitoring system equipment, tire repair equipment, tools and tool accessories, fnancing and credit programs, tire retailer support programs, Web and other online assistance.

759 Hennessy Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101. (800) 818-0759. www.ammcoats.com Products: wheel weights.

Bartec USA 44231 Phoenix Dr., Sterling Heights, MI 48314. (586) 686-1300.

FAX: (586) 323-3801. www.bartecusa.com Products: tire pressure monitoring systems and equipment.

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8190 Roll & Hold Pkwy., Macedonia, OH 44056. (330) 467-0236 or (800) 981-8321. FAX: (330) 467-0443. www.blackburnwheels.com Products: wheels and accessories, wheel repair and chrome plating.

Borbet Wheels

Big O Tires LLC

B&J Rocket America Inc.

Blackburn’s Hubcap & Wheel Solutions

7101 Vorden Pkwy., South Bend, IN 46628. (574) 287-2316 or (800) 445-0179. FAX: (574) 236-7700. www.tirerackwholesale.com Products: tires, vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment.

Bosch Automotive Service Solutions 28635 Mound Rd., Warren, MI 48092.

(586) 574-2332 or (800) 533-6127. www.boschdiagnostics.com Products: vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment, garage tools and equipment, tire repair materials, wheel repair equipment, consulting.

Branick Industries Inc. 4245 Main Ave., Fargo, ND 58103.

(701) 281-8888 or (800) 437-4394.

FAX: (701) 281-5000. www.branick.com Products: vehicle service equipment, tire service tools and equipment, garage tools and equipment, retreading equipment, tire repair materials.

Breyton Wheels 7101 Vorden Pkwy., South Bend, IN 46628. (574) 287-2316 or (800) 445-0179. FAX: (574) 236-7700. www.tirerackwholesale.com Products: tires, vehicle service equipment, tire service tools and equipment, wheels and accessories.

BKT USA, Inc.

Bridgestone, a brand of BATO

2660 W Market St., Suite 100, Fairlawn, OH 44333. (330) 836-1090 or (888) 660-0662. FAX: (330) 836-1091. www.bkt-tires.com Brian Robinson, VP Products: agriculture/farm tires, industrial tires, construction tires, material handling tires, ATV tires, UTV tires, lawn and garden tires, OTR tires.

535 Marriott Dr., Nashville, TN 37214.

(615) 937-1000 or (800) 543-7522.

FAX: (615) 937-1414. www.bridgestonetire.com Products: light truck tires, motorcycle tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, truck tires.

MTD July 2015

Bridgestone Afliated Retailer Nationwide Network

Bridgestone Commercial Solutions

535 Marriott Dr., Nashville, TN 37214.

(615) 937-3385, (615) 937-1429 or (800) 543-7522. FAX: (615) 493-0781. www.afliatedretailer.net Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment, garage tools and equipment, tire repair materials, consulting, fnancing and credit programs, roadside assistance programs, tire retailer support programs, computers/software/digital/Web.

535 Marriott Dr., Nashville, TN 37214.

(615) 937-1000. www.trucktires.com Products: light truck tires, OTR tires, truck tires, retreading materials, tire repair materials, roadside assistance programs, trade show representation, computers/software/digital/Web.

Bridgestone Americas, parent company of BATO 535 Marriott Dr., Nashville, TN 37214.

(615) 937-1000 or (800) 543-7522.

FAX: (615) 937-1414. www.bridgestoneamericas.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, motorcycle tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, truck tires, retreading materials.

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) 535 Marriott Dr., Nashville, TN 37214.

(615) 937-1000. www.bridgestonetire.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, motorcycle tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, truck tires, retreading materials, tire repair materials, retreading equipment, roadside assistance programs, tire retailer support programs, trade show representation.

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations - Ag division (Firestone brand) 4600 NW 2nd Ave., Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50313. (515) 283-1440.

FAX: (515) 283-1610. www.frestoneag.com Products: ag/farm tires.

CarCareONE by Synchrony Financial 950 Forrer Blvd, Kettering, OH 45420.

(866) 209-4457. FAX: (866) 947-3063. www.mysynchrony.com/business Products: CarCareONE, a Synchrony Financial auto industry consumer fnance program, provides easy and convenient fnancing for your customers that in turn, enables you to perform the services and repairs they want and need. Ofering your customers CarCareONE instant credit is proven to help you drive repeat business and create customer loyalty. Sign-up today! Call toll free: (866) 209-4457.

Cardone Industries 5501 Whitaker Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19124. (215) 912-3000 or (800) 777-4780. www.cardone.com Products: vehicle service products.

Centric Parts 14528 Bonelli St., City of Industry, CA 91746.

(626) 961-5775 or (800) 758-3004.

FAX: (626) 961-5877. www.centricparts.com Products: vehicle service products.

Bridgestone Canada Inc. TireStarz Associate Program 5770 Hurontario St., Suite 400, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5R 3G5.

(416) 996-6237 or (800) 267-1318.

FAX: (330) 572-7043.

Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment, garage tools and equipment, tire retailer support programs, computers/software/ digital/Web.

www.moderntiredealer.com

ChampionÂŽ, a Federal-Mogul Motorparts brand World Headquarters: 27300 W 11 Mile Rd., Southfeld, MI 48034.

(248) 354-7700. www.alwaysachampion.com Products: The globally recognized Champion brand brings its latest technologies to the ignition, flter and chemical additives market to help service professionals and consumers maximize performance and reliability.

Champion spark plugs have been part of breakthrough product development in every type of engine from small engine and marine to automotive and motorsports dominance. Champion air, oil and cabin air flters are designed for optimal ft, performance and ease of installation.

Chicago Pneumatic 1800 Overview Dr., Rock Hill, SC 29730.

(803) 817-7349 or (800) 624-4735.

FAX: (800) 228-9096. www.cp.com Products: vehicle service products, garage tools and equipment.

China International Tire Expo (Shanghai) - CITEXPO Rm. 1702, Bldg. 6, SOHO New Town, Beijing, China 100022. +86-1085898181.

FAX: +86-1085898180. www.citexpo.com.cn Products: trade show representation.

China Manufacturers Alliance LLC 406 E Huntington Dr., Suite 200, Monrovia, CA 91016. (626) 301-9575 or (888) 226-5250. FAX: (626) 301-9579. www.doublecointires.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, truck tires.

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

FAX: (800) 467-4638. www.powerkingtires.com/tires/specialty/wheels Products: steel truck and trailer wheels, aluminum truck wheels.

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Manufacturers/marketers Daewoo Tires

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company CIMS Tire Registration P.O. Box 1610, Akron, OH 44309-1610.

(330) 794-9190 or (855) 444-5120.

FAX: (330) 784-6900. www.cimstireregistration.com Products: consulting, tire retailer support programs, computers/ software/digital/Web.

Clore Automotive 8735 Rosehill Rd., Suite 220, Lenexa, KS 66215. (913) 310-1050 or (800) 328-2921. FAX: (913) 310-1075. www.cloreautomotive.com Products: vehicle service products, garage tools and equipment.

Coker Tire Co. 1317 Chestnut St., Chattanooga, TN 37402. (800) 251-6336.

FAX: (423) 756-5607. www.cokertire.com Products: antique/classic tires, motorcycle tires, specialty tires, tire faps, tire tubes, truck tires, vehicle service products, tire service products, wheels and accessories.

Continental Tire the Americas LLC 1830 MacMillan Park Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29707. (704) 583-3900 or (800) 847-3349. FAX: (704) 583-3939.

Website: www.continentaltire.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/continentaltire Twitter: @continentaltire Instagram: @continental_tire Products: light truck tires, motorcycle tires, passenger tires, truck tires.

Continental Tire the Americas LLC - Commercial Vehicle Tire Div. 1830 MacMillan Park Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29707. (704) 583-3900 or (800) 450-3187. FAX: (704) 583-8737. www.continental-truck.com www.continental-specialty-tires.us www.generaltire.com/tires/commercial Products: light truck tires, motorcycle tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, tire faps, tire tubes, truck tires, tire service products, tire repair materials, roadside assistance programs.

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P.O. Box 550, Findlay, OH 45839-0550.

(419) 423-1321. FAX: (419) 424-4108. www.coopertire.com Products: light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, truck tires.

900 Wilshire Dr., Troy, MI 48084.

(248) 339-2880. www.daewoo.com Products: OTR tires, tire tubes, truck tires, vehicle service equipment, fnancing and credit programs.

Dawg Pound Tires

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

FAX: (800) 467-4638. www.cordovantires.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, of-the-road tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, tire service products, wheels, vehicle service products, 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.

Counteract Balancing Beads Inc. 70 Watson Pkwy. South Unit #8, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1L 0C3.

(519) 837-3331 or (800) 572-8952.

FAX: (519) 837-3088. www.counteractbalancing.com Products: cleaners and polishes, wheel weights.

CTEK Power Inc. 9347 Ravenna Rd., Unit A, Twinsburg, OH 44087. (330) 963-0981 or (800) 941-7611. FAX: (330) 963-0982. www.smartercharger.com Products: battery charging and testing equipment.

2200 Huntington Dr., Unit C, Fairfeld, CA 94533. (707) 437-4700 or (800) 831-8473. FAX: (707) 437-4800. www.dawgpoundtires.com Products: ag/farm tires, OTR tires, specialty tires, tire faps, tire tubes.

Delphi Product & Service Solutions 5820 Delphi Dr., Troy, MI 48098.

(877) GO-DELPHI. www.delphiautoparts.com Products: cooling/air conditioning products, electrical/ignition products, fuel system products, personnel protection and safety products, diagnostic equipment.

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

FAX: (800) 467-4638. www.deltatire.com Products: advertising/marketing programs, radial and bias agricultural tires, ATV tires, industrial tires, lawn and garden tires, SUV/CUV/light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, bias light truck tires, of-the-road tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, steel and aluminum truck wheels, 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.

Cypress Auto Lift Parts, distributor for Hydra-Lift #114-15028 32nd Ave., Surrey, British Columbia, Canada V4P 1A3.

(604) 560-2235 or (800) 387-5718. www.hydra-lift.com Products: garage tools and equipment.

MTD July 2015

Federal-Mogul Motorparts East Bay Tire Co. DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc. 3900 Via Oro Ave., Long Beach, CA 90810. (310) 834-6352 or (888) 96-DENSO. FAX: (310) 952-7526. www.densoautoparts.com Products: cooling/air conditioning products, electrical/ignition products, flters/fltration systems, fuel system products, spark plugs, tire pressure monitoring systems, wiper blades.

2200 Huntington Dr., Unit C, Fairfeld, CA 94533. (707) 437-4700 or (800) 831-8473. FAX: (707) 437-4800. www.eastbaytire.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, motorcycle tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, tire faps, tire tubes, truck tires.

Federal Corp.

Eldorado Tire

Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels 4600 Prosper Dr., Stow, OH 44224.

(330) 928-9092 or (800) 222-9092.

FAX: (330) 928-0503. www.dickcepek.com Products: light truck tires, wheels and accessories.

Dill Air Controls 1500 Williamsboro St., Oxford, NC 27565. (800) 815-3455.

FAX: (919) 692-2304. www.dillvalves.com Products: TPMS programs, OEM and AM sensors and service kits for passenger, light truck, medium /heavy tires, REDISensor, installation and torque tools, air infators and gauges, truck service gauges, truck valve stems, extensions, chucks, couplers, double seal caps, gauge check stations, OTR valves/hardware, tire inspection products, TPMS data, training videos, techline support and many Dill products are MADE in the USA.

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

FAX: (800) 467-4638. 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, of-the-road tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, steel and aluminum truck wheels, 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.

Emanuel Tire, LLC 1300 Moreland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21216. (410) 947-0660 or (800) 445-1887. FAX: (410) 947-3708. www.emanueltire.com Products: tire disposal/recycling/ shredding.

Dunlop Tires 200 Innovation Way, Akron, OH 44316.

(330) 796-2121. FAX: (330) 796-0528. www.dunloptires.com Products: light truck tires, motorcycle tires, passenger tires, truck tires.

Duro Tire and Wheel 14290 Lochridge Blvd., Covington, GA 30014. (770) 788-2060 or (866) 788-2060. FAX: (770) 788-2099. www.durotire.com Products: light truck tires, motorcycle tires, passenger tires, specialty tires.

www.moderntiredealer.com

World Headquarters: 27300 W 11 Mile Rd., Southfeld, MI 48034.

(248) 354-7700. www.FederalMogulMP.com Products: steering components, suspension components, gaskets and seals, brake products, engine parts, chemical additives, spark plugs, flters/fltration systems, wiper blades and lighting products.

No. 14, Yunong Rd., Shilin Dist., Taipei City 111, Taiwan. 886-2-2831-2688.

FAX: 886-2-2831-4198. www.federaltire.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires.

Federated Auto Parts/The Group 508 Greenville Ave., Staunton, VA 24401.

(540) 885-8460. FAX: (540) 885-7612. www.federatedautoparts.com Products: vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment, garage tools and equipment, roadside assistance programs, tire retailer support programs, trade show representation, computers/software/digital/Web.

Fel-Pro®, a Federal-Mogul Motorparts brand 27300 W 11 Mile Rd., Southfeld, MI 48034. (248) 354-7700. www.felpro-only.com Products: As “The Gaskets Professionals Trust™,” Fel-Pro has maintained nearly a 100-year heritage of engineering excellence through the highly innovative use of advanced materials, designs and production processes and our unique focus on developing products for the repair environment. In fact, Fel-Pro gaskets are the #1 choice of today’s professional technicians, engine rebuilders and stock car teams as well as NHRA and semi-pro race teams.

Falken Tire 8656 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. (909) 466-1116 or (800) 723-2553. FAX: (800) 950-2561. www.falkentire.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, truck tires.

Firestone, a brand of BATO 535 Marriott Dr., Nashville, TN 37214.

(615) 937-1000 or (800) 543-7522.

FAX: (615) 937-1414. www.frestonetire.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, tire tubes, truck tires.

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Manufacturers/marketers Fitment Group

Goodride Tires

Hankook Tire America Corp.

294 S Lake Ave., Suite 610, Duluth, MN 55802. (218) 722-3419. www.ftmentgroup.com Products: consulting, computers/ software/digital/Web.

Distributed exclusively by Omni-United USA in the United States 5350 Birch Pointe Dr., Interlochen, MI 49643. (855) 906-6646.

FAX: (888) 852-4152. www.omni-united.com Products: passenger tires, truck tires.

1450 Valley Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470.

(973) 633-9000 or (800) HANKOOK. FAX: (800) TIRES-OK. www.hankooktireusa.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, truck tires.

Fleet Equipment Corp.

567 Commerce St., Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417. (201) 337-7332 or (800) 631-0873. FAX: (201) 337-3294. www.fectrucks.com Products: garage tools and equipment, tire service tools and equipment.

Gabriel Ride Control 39300 Country Club Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48331. (615) 221-7433 or (800) 251-5932. FAX: (615) 221-7190. www.gabriel.com Products: vehicle service products.

Goodyear North American Tire 200 Innovation Way, Akron, OH 44316.

(330) 796-2121 or (800) GOODYEAR. FAX: (330) 796-0528. www.goodyear.com Products: light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires, retreading equipment.

Greenball Corp.

222 S Harbor Blvd., Suite 700, Anaheim, CA 92805. (714) 782-3060 or (800) 946-9412. FAX: (866) 878-3802. www.greenball.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, OTR tires, specialty tires.

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

FAX: (800) 467-4638. www.harvestkingtires.com Products: advertising/marketing programs, radial and bias agricultural tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, 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.

Gaither Tool Co. Inc. 21 Harold Cox Dr., Jacksonville, IL 62650.

(217) 245-0545 or (800) 452-5010.

FAX: (217) 245-0940. www.gaithertool.com; www.winntec.net Products: truck tires, lifts and jacks, tire handling equipment, tire mounting and balancing equipment, tire repair equipment, tools and tool accessories.

Gates Corp.

1551 Wewatta St., Denver, CO 80202.

(303) 744-1911. www.gates.com Products: vehicle service products, garage tools and equipment.

GT Radial

Haweka USA/Allpart Supply

A brand of GITI Tire (USA) Ltd. 10404 Sixth St., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. (909) 980-0968 or (866) GT-TIRES (488-4737).

FAX: (909) 476-4028. www.gtradial-us.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, truck tires.

3508 Ave. F East, Arlington, TX 76011.

(866) 442-9352 or (800) 381-1330.

FAX: (866) 770-3239. www.haweka-usa.com Products: lifts and jacks, tire mounting and balancing equipment.

Hennessy Industries Inc.

General Tire 1830 MacMillan Park Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29707. (704) 583-3900 or (800) 847-3349. FAX: (704) 583-3939.

Website: www.generaltire.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/generaltire Twitter: @generaltire Instagram: @general_tire Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, truck tires.

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GTC North America Inc. 4580 Stephen Circle NW, Suite 202, Canton, OH 44718. (330) 498-5000.

FAX: (330) 498-5002.

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

(CoatsÂŽ and AMMCOÂŽ Brands) 1601 J.P. Hennessy Dr., La Vergne, TN 37086. (615) 641-7533 or (800) 688-6359. FAX: (615) 641-6069. www.ammcoats.com Products: vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment.

GTE Tools 7581 Convoy Ct., San Diego, CA 92111.

(877) 832-4339. www.gtetools.com Products: tools and tool accessories.

MTD July 2015

Horizon Tire Hercules Tire and Rubber Co. 16380 E U.S. Rte. 224, Suite 200, Findlay, OH 45840. (419) 425-6400 or (800) 677-9535.

Email: info@herculestire.com www.herculestire.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires.

8999 Market Street Rd., Houston, TX 77029. (713) 673-5588.

FAX: (713) 673-5578. www.horizontire.com Products: passenger/SUV/LT/winter tires, medium truck radial/bias tires, ST radial/bias tires, OTR tires, steel/aluminum wheels.

and balancing equipment, tire pressure monitoring system equipment, tire repair equipment, tools and tool accessories, welding equipment, work benches, fnancing and credit programs, insurance programs, roadside assistance programs, tire retailer support programs, Web and other online assistance, computers and software.

Hunter Engineering Co. Heritage Tires/SURE Tire Co. 935 Main Plaza Dr., Wentzville, MO 63385. (636) 332-5100 or (866) 882-1612. FAX: (636) 327-5130. www.suretire.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, tire faps, tire tubes, truck tires.

11250 Hunter Dr., Bridgeton, MO 63044.

(314) 731-3020 or (800) 448-6848.

FAX: (314) 731-1776. www.hunter.com Products: garage tools and equipment, tire service tools and equipment.

Hofman 309 Exchange Ave. Conway, AR 72032.

(501) 450-1500 or (800) 251-4500.

FAX: (501) 450-2085. www.hofmann-usa.com Products: tire service equipment.

Hofmann Power Weight 1715 Joe B. Jackson Pkwy., Murfreesboro, TN 37127. (615) 893-0643. www.hofmann-powerweight.com Contact: Gregory Parker — info@hofmann-powerweight.com Founded in 1931, the Hofmann Power Weight wheel balance weight brand is known for the highest quality product available in the market. Hofmann Power Weight is the OEM brand of choice for all European made vehicles and is used at the highest levels of European motorsports. Track proven and Autobahn approved, Hofmann Power Weight delivers the highest level of performance available today. Hofmann Power Weight is a brand of WEGMANN automotive, the world’s number one manufacturer of wheel balance weights. Through our global network of manufacturing and distribution centers, WEGMANN automotive is able to deliver over 1-billion parts annually to customers around the globe.

Founded on impeccable service and innovation, WEGMANN automotive is your “one-source” supplier.

www.moderntiredealer.com

Independent Tire Dealers Group LLC (ITDG) 754 N U.S. Hwy. 1, Tequesta, FL 33469.

(561) 630-8737. FAX: (561) 630-8657. www.itdgusa.com Products: ag/farm tires, antique/classic tires, light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, tire faps, tire tubes, truck tires, 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, flters/fltration systems, fuel system products, gloves, oil products and lubricants, personnel protection and safety products, spark plugs, steering components, suspension components, tire flls and sealants, tire gauges, tire identifcation, tire marking products, tire pressure monitoring systems, tire repair materials, tire studs, tire valves, transmission/drive line 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 infation equipment, oil/lubrication equipment, shop maintenance equipment, suspension equipment, tire display racks, tire handling equipment, tire mounting

IMI 25 Penncraft Ave., Suite C, Chambersburg, PA 17201.

(800) 233-7086. FAX: (717) 264-5483. www.imiproducts.com Products: Founded in 1973, IMI has been an industry leader in providing solutions to address truck tire and wheel efciency and safety. Our goal at IMI is to deliver extra miles in extraordinary ways by providing high quality solutions and exceptional customer service.

Our class leading products, including EQUAL, STS Tire Sealant, Checkpoint, and IMI Wheel Refnishing, are designed to outperform the competition.

Independent Tire Sales 3150 Jacob St., Wheeling, WV 26003.

(304) 233-5700 or (800) 624-6908.

FAX: (304) 233-5723.

Products: tires.

Innovative Products of America® Inc. (IPA®) 234 Tinker St., Woodstock, NY 12498, (845) 679-4500 or (888) 786-7899.

FAX: (845) 679-4600. www.ipatools.com Products: tire service tools and equipment, vehicle service products, garage tools and equipment.

Iowa Mold Tooling Co. Inc. (IMT) 500 Highway 18 W, Garner, IA 50438.

(641) 923-3711 or (800) 247-5958.

FAX: 641-923-6063. www.imt.com Products: garage tools and equipment, tire service tools and equipment.

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Manufacturers/marketers ITA Tires 21800 Oxnard St., Suite 420, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. (800) 752-4741. www.itatire.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires.

Italian Trade Commission 401 N Michigan Ave., Suite 3030, Chicago, IL 60611. (312) 670-4360.

FAX: (312) 670-5147. www.italtrade.com/usa Products: tires, vehicle service products, garage tools and equipment, tire service tools and equipment.

Products: vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment, garage tools and equipment.

Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, truck tires, tire retailer support programs, trade show representation, computers/software/digital/Web.

K&M Tire Inc. 965 Spencerville Rd., Delphos, OH 45833. (419) 695-1061 or (800) 686-1734. FAX (419) 695-9519. www.kmtire.com Products: tires, vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment, garage tools and equipment, tire repair materials, fnancing and credit programs, roadside assistance programs, tire retailer support programs, computers/software/digital/Web.

KYB Americas Corp.

140 N Mitchell Ct., Addison, IL 60101.

(630) 620-5555. FAX: (630) 620-8133. www.kyb.com Products: vehicle service products.

Lakin Tire West 15305 Spring Ave., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670. (562) 802-2752 or (800) 488-2752. FAX: (562) 802-7584. www.lakintire.com Products: passenger tires.

Kelly Tires Jetzon Tire 4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. (866) 822-4968.

FAX: (800) 467-4638. www.jetzontire.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, of-the-road tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, steel and aluminum truck wheels, 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.

200 Innovation Way, Akron, OH 44316.

(330) 796-2121. FAX: (330) 796-0528. www.kellytires.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, truck tires.

Kenda USA 7095 Americana Pkwy., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068. (614) 866-9803 or (866) 536-3287. FAX: (614) 866-9805. www.kendatire.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, motorcycle tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, tire tubes.

John Bean

King Tony America (KTA)

309 Exchange Ave. Conway, AR 72032.

(501) 450-1500 or (877) 482-4866.

FAX: (501) 450-2085. www.johnbean.com Products: tire service tools and equipment.

2432 Peck Rd., City of Industry, CA 90601. (562) 699-3190 or (877) 708-6657. Fax: (562) 699-3195. www.kingtonyamerica.com Products: garage tools and equipment.

Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. 151 Snyder Ave., Barberton, OH 44203.

(800) 433-0708. FAX: (330) 753-6419. www.johndow.com

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4847 E Virginia St., Suite G, Evansville, IN 47715. (812) 474-6245.

FAX: (812) 474-6254. www.maddenco.com Products: computers/software/digital/ Web.

MAHLE Aftermarket Inc. 23030 Mahle Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48335. (248) 347-9700 or (800) 338-8786. FAX: (248) 596-8899. www.mahle.aftermarket.com Products: vehicle service products.

Ken-Tool

703 S Glover Ave., Urbana, IL 61802.

(217) 384-8891. FAX: (815) 301-8327. www.jmktdis.com Products: computers/software/digital/ Web.

JohnDow Industries

400 Oser Ave., Suite 1650, Hauppauge, NY 11788. (631) 501-1053.

FAX: (631) 501-1060. www.liquimoly.us Products: vehicle service products.

MaddenCo Inc.

768 E North St., Akron, OH 44305.

(330) 535-7177 or (888) 536-8665.

FAX: (330) 535-1345. www.kentool.com Products: personnel protection and safety products, tire service tools and equipment, vehicle service products, garage tools and equipment, tire repair materials.

JMK Computerized Tire Dealer Information Systems

Liqui Moly USA

10299 Sixth St., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. (800) HI-KUMHO (445-8646).

FAX: (909) 428-3992. www.kumhotireusa.com

MAHLE Service Solutions 10 Innovation Dr., York, PA 17402.

(717) 840-0678 or (800) 468-2321.

FAX: (717) 755-8304. www.servicesolutions.mahle.com Products: vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment, garage tools and equipment.

MAM Software Inc. 3435 Winchester Rd., Suite 100, Allentown, PA 18104. (610) 336-9045 or (800) 803-9762. FAX: (610)-336-9055. www.mamsoftware.com Products: computers and software.

MTD July 2015

Marangoni Tread N.A. 708 Myatt Dr., Madison, TN 37115.

(615) 868-4050. FAX: (615) 868-0402. www.marangoni-na.com Products: retreading materials and equipment.

Martins Industries 1200 Industrial Blvd., Farnham, Quebec, Canada J2N 3B5, (450) 293-9000 or (866) 409-7225. FAX: (450) 293-9004. www.martins.industries.com Products: garage tools and equipment, consulting.

Mastercraft Tires A product of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company P.O. Box 550, Findlay, OH 45839-0550.

(419) 423-1321. FAX: (419) 424-4108. www.mastercrafttires.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, truck tires.

fuel system products, oil products and lubricants, spark plugs, steering components, suspension components, tire gauges, tire pressure monitoring systems, tire repair materials, tire studs, tire valves, transmission/drive line products, wheels and accessories, wiper blades, fnancing and credit programs, tire disposal/recycling/shredding, Web and other online assistance.

Michelin, a brand of MNA Inc. One Parkway S, Greenville, SC 29615.

(864) 458-5000 or (800) MICHELIN. FAX: (864) 458-9139. www.michelin-us.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, motorcycle tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires.

4600 Prosper Dr., Stow, OH 44224.

(330) 928-9092 or (800) 222-9092.

FAX: (330) 928-0503. www.mickeythompsontires.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, wheels and accessories.

545 Old Peachtree Rd., Suwanee, GA 30024. (770) 962-5932 or (800) 4-MAXXIS. FAX: (770) 962-7705. www.maxxis.com Products: light truck tires, motorcycle tires, passenger tires, specialty tires.

3875 California Rd., Orchard Park, NY 14127. (716) 662-8980 or (888) 444-5847. FAX: (716) 662-8985. shop.mcgard.com Products: wheels and accessories.

Merchant’s Tire & Auto Service Centers 4280 Professional Center Dr., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

(561) 383-3000 or (800) 926-8473. www.merchantstire.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires, 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, flters/fltration systems,

www.moderntiredealer.com

650 Engineering Dr., Norcross, GA 30092. (770) 448-3900 or (800) 829-3900. FAX: (770) 446-8627. www.mightyautoparts.com Products: tire service products, vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment, garage tools and equipment, consulting.

Mile-X Equipment Inc. 801 N 2nd St., Coldwater, OH 45828.

(419) 678-1442 or (800) 837-3818.

FAX: (419) 678-2489. www.mile-x.com Products: vehicle service products.

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels

Maxxis International - U.S.A.

McGard LLC

Mighty Auto Parts

Mitas Tires North America Inc. 7400 Carmel Executive Park, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28226. (704) 542-3422.

FAX: (704) 542-3474. www.mitasag.com Products: ag/farm tires, OTR tires.

moda wheels

Midas 4280 Professional Center Dr., Unit 400, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

(561) 383-3000. www.midas.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires, 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, flters/fltration systems, fuel system products, oil products and lubricants, spark plugs, steering components, suspension components, tire gauges, tire pressure monitoring systems, tire repair materials, tire studs, tire valves, transmission/drive line products, wheels and accessories wiper blades, fnancing and credit programs, tire disposal/recycling, Web and other online assistance.

7101 Vorden Pkwy., South Bend, IN 46628. (574) 287-2316 or (800) 445-0179. FAX: (574) 236-7700. www.tirerackwholesale.com Products: tires, vehicle service products, tire service products.

Mohawk Lifts 65 Vrooman Ave., P.O. Box 110, Amsterdam, NY 12010. (518) 842-1431 or (800) 833-2006. FAX: (518) 842-1289. www.mohawklifts.com Products: garage tools and equipment.

MOOG® Steering and Suspension A Federal-Mogul Motorparts brand 27300 W 11 Mile Rd., Southfeld, MI 48034. (248) 354-7700. www.moogproblemsolver.com Products: As the automotive service industry’s trusted “Problem Solver®,” MOOG steering and suspension parts are engineered to deliver improved performance, longer component life and faster, easier installation. These

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Manufacturers/marketers advantages have made MOOG the number one choice of service professionals and NASCARÂŽ crew chiefs and the Ofcial Steering and Suspension of NASCAR. Industry-leading MOOG products are available for virtually any foreign-nameplate or domestic passenger vehicle.

Morgan Marketing Solutions Inc. 16814 Park Hill, Dallas, TX 75248-1444.

(972) 931-7993. www.morganmarketingsolutions.com Products: consulting.

MRF Ltd. 4637 Allen Rd., Stow, OH 44224.

(330) 374-1000 or (800) 321-0941.

FAX: (330) 374-0038. www.tyresinternational.com Products: OTR tires, truck tires.

Multi-Mile Tires 4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. (866) 822-4968.

FAX: (800) 467-4638. 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, of-the-road tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, steel and aluminum truck wheels, 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.

cants, personnel protection and safety products, retreading materials, tire flls and sealants, tire gauges, tire identifcation, 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 infation equipment, oil/lubrication equipment, retreading equipment, service trucks and associated equipment, shop heating/cooling 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.

ing systems, wheel weights, steel and aluminum truck wheels, 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.

NAPA

Nexen Tire America Inc.

2999 Circle 75 Pkwy., Atlanta, GA 30339.

(770) 956-2200 or (800) LETNAPA. FAX: (770) 956-2201. www.napaonline.com Products: tire service products, vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment, garage tools and equipment.

21073 Pathfnder Rd., Suite 100, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. (909) 923-4011 or (800) 576-3936 (NEXEN).

FAX: (909) 923-3991. www.nexentireusa.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, roadside assistance programs, tire retailer support programs.

National Pronto Association/ The Group 204 N Dooley St., Suite 300, Grapevine, TX 76051. (817) 430-9449 or (800) 477-6686. FAX: (817) 430-9559. www.pronto-net.com Products: vehicle service products, garage tools and equipment, tire service tools and equipment, roadside assistance programs, tire retailer support programs, trade show representation, computers/software/ digital/Web.

Net Driven 201 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. (570) 207-2005 or (877) 860-2005. FAX: (570) 300-1879. www.netdriven.com Products: consulting, computers/ software/digital/Web.

NitroFill LLC 3750 Park Central Blvd. N, Pompano Beach, FL 33064. (954) 970-1691 or (877) 2GO-FILL. FAX: (954) 970-1695. www.nitrofllnow.com Products: nitrogen infation equipment, roadside assistance programs.

Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. 5665 Plaza Dr., Suite 250, Cypress, CA 90630. (714) 252-0007 or (800) 648-8652. FAX: (714) 252-0008. www.nittotire.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires.

National Tire

Myers Tire Supply Co. 1293 S Main St., Akron, OH 44301.

(330) 253-5592 or (800) 998-9897.

FAX: (330) 761-6133. www.myerstiresupply.com Products: chemicals, cleaners and polishes, cooling/air conditioning products, gloves, oil products and lubri-

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

FAX: (800) 467-4638. www.nationaltire.com Products: advertising/marketing programs, radial and bias agricultural tires, ATV tires, industrial tires, lawn and garden tires, SUV/CUV/light truck tires, medium/heavy truck tires, bias light truck tires, of-the-road tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitor-

Nokian Tyres Inc. P.O. Box 623, Essex Junction, VT 05453-0623. (800) 565-2525.

FAX: (802) 662-8297. www.nokiantires.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires.

MTD July 2015

NTB Tire & Service Centers 4280 Professional Center Dr., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

(561) 383-3000 or (800) 926-8473. www.ntb.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires, 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, flters/fltration systems, fuel system products, oil products and lubricants, spark plugs, steering components, suspension components, tire gauges, tire pressure monitoring systems, tire repair materials, tire studs, tire valves, transmission/drive line products, wheels and accessories, wiper blades, fnancing and credit programs, tire disposal/recycling/shredding, Web and other online assistance.

Pace Tire Supply

Phillips 66 Lubricants

P.O. Box 1103, Hudson, OH 44236.

(330) 653-5695 or (877) 540-7223.

FAX: (330) 653-5693. www.pacetiresupply.com Products: tire service products, vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment, garage tools and equipment, computers/software/digital/Web.

Houston, TX 77042. (832) 765-2149. www.phillips66lubricants.com Products: oil products and lubricants.

Ohtsu Tire 8656 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. (909) 466-1116 or (800) 7232553. FAX: (800) 950-2561.

Products: light truck tires, passenger tires.

Omni-United USA 5350 Birch Pointe Dr., Interlochen, MI 49643. (855) 906-6646. FAX: (888) 852-4152. www.omni-united.com Products: passenger tires, truck tires.

Otto’s Tire Supply 487 Highland Rd., Macedonia, OH 44056. (888) 978-7431.

FAX: (330) 319-7416. www.toolsbyotto.com Products: tire service products, vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment, garage tools and equipment, computers/software/digital/Web.

www.moderntiredealer.com

4012 S. River Rd., 4B, St. George, UT 84790. (435) 673-0777 or (888) 749-7977. FAX: (435) 673-0222. www.brakebleeder.com Products: vehicle service products, garage tools and equipment.

Pirelli Tire North America

Patch Rubber Co.

100 Pirelli Dr., Rome, GA 30161.

(800) PIRELLI. FAX: (706) 368-5832. www.us.pirelli.com Products: light truck tires, motorcycle tires, passenger tires.

100 Patch Rubber Rd., Weldon, NC 27890. (252) 536-2574.

FAX: (252) 536-4940. www.patchrubber.com Products: retreading materials, tire repair materials, tire repair equipment.

Plombco Inc.

O.Z. Wheels 7101 Vorden Pkwy., South Bend, IN 46628. (574) 287-2316 or (800) 445-0179. FAX: (574) 236-7700. www.tirerackwholesale.com Products: light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires, brake products, suspension components, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheels and accessories, wiper blades.

Phoenix Systems LLC

Perfect Equipment 1715 Joe B. Jackson Pkwy., Murfreesboro, TN 37127.

(615) 893-0643. www.perfectequipment.com Contact: Gregory Parker — info@perfectequipment.com Products: Founded in 1939, the Perfect Equipment wheel balance weight brand stands for quality and reliability. Known as the OEM brand of choice in North America, Perfect Equipment delivers valuable insight into the latest design changes on domestic new vehicles.

As a leader in the North American aftermarket, Perfect Equipment provides the market with options when it comes to materials, including zinc, steel and lead.

Regardless of your preference, we have a solution that is right for you. Perfect Equipment is a brand of WEGMANN automotive, the world’s number one manufacturer of wheel balance weights.

Through our global network of manufacturing and distribution centers, WEGMANN automotive is able to deliver over one billion parts annually to customers around the globe. Founded on impeccable service and innovation, WEGMANN automotive is your “one-source” supplier.

66 Edmond, Valleyfeld, Quebec, Canada J6S 3E8. (800) 611-7074.

FAX: (450) 371-0812. www.plombco.com Plombco is a wheel weight manufacturer that has developed the most innovative and comprehensive product lines in the industry. With quality-minded employees, the company produces over one million units per day in its two highly automated facilities. Plombco products are sold to OEM’s and aftermarket customers across the Americas, Europe and Asia. Plombco is also the maker of the patented Plasteel® premium wheel weights that cost less than zinc and lead wheel weights.

To order your free sample, visit www.plasteelwheelweights.com / 1-888-558-7854.

Plus Sizing Guide 2537-D Pacifc Coast Hwy., Suite 330, Torrance, CA 90505. (310) 357-7293.

FAX: (310) 427-7199. www.plussizingguide.com Products: The Ultimate Wheel and Tire Plus-Sizing Guide: tire and wheel application solutions for OE and plus sizes, print and digital formats, current and vintage vehicles, ftment /measuring tools.

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Manufacturers/marketers Reifen 2016-Essen Trade Shows Power King 4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. (866) 822-4968.

FAX: (800) 467-4638. www.powerkingtires.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, aluminum truck wheels, 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.

1500 Front St., Suite B2, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. (914) 962-1310.

FAX: (914) 962-1320. www.reifen-messe.de Products: trade show representation.

Revolution Supply/Oro-Tek TPMS 7421 Anaconda Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92841. (714) 891-0100 or (877) 738-9990. FAX: (714) 902-9669. www.coyoteaccessories.com; www.orotekusa.com Products: tire service products, tire repair materials, vehicle service products.

RoadLux Tires Distributed exclusively by Omni-United USA in the United States 5350 Birch Pointe Dr., Interlochen, MI 49643. (855) 906-6646.

FAX: (888) 852-4152 www.omni-united.com Products: truck tires.

Robert Bosch LLC, Automotive Aftermarket NA

Pre-Q Galgo Corp.

4329 Bronze Way, Dallas, TX 75237.

(214) 330-7300 or (888) 737-7300.

FAX: (214) 331-2222. www.pre-q.com Products: retreading materials.

Radar Tires A Omni-United brand 5350 Birch Pointe Dr., Interlochen, MI 49643. (855) 906-6646.

FAX: (888) 852-4152. www.radartires.com Products: passenger tires, truck tires.

Raybestos Brakes 4400 Prime Pkwy., McHenry, IL 60050.

(815) 363-9000. www.raybestosbrakes.com Products: brake products.

Red Kap 545 Marriott Dr., Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37214. (615) 565-5114.

FAX: (615) 882-2502. www.redkapauto.com Products: personnel protection and safety products.

2800 S 25th Ave., Broadview, IL 60155.

(708) 865-5200 or (888) 715-3616. www.boschautoparts.com Products: vehicle service products, garage tools and equipment, tire service products.

Schrader International 1940 Opdyke Court, Auburn Hills, MI 48326. (434) 369-4741 or (800) 345-0578. FAX: (434) 369-6592. www.schraderinternational.com Products: tires, tire service products, vehicle service products, tire retailer support programs

SD International Room A, 9th Floor, Yi Dan Building, Zhao Jia-Bang Rd., Shanghai, China 200030. www.sd-international.cn Products: passenger tires.

Sentinel Tire Rotary Lift 2700 Lanier Dr., Madison, IN 47250.

(812) 273-1622 or (800) 640-5438. www.rotarylift.com Products: garage tools and equipment.

Rovince Tire 172 E Manville St., Compton, CA 90220.

(310) 885-9797 or (888) 453-TIRE. FAX: (310) 885-3456. www.rovincetire.com Products: specialty tires.

Safro Tires 14350 Macaw St. La Mirada, CA 90638.

(562) 340-6252. FAX: (562) 677-3907. www.safrotires.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires.

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

FAX: (800) 467-4638.

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, of-the-road tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, steel and aluminum truck wheels, trailer wheels, alignment equipment, brake service equipment, lifts and jacks, tire display racks, tire mounting and balancing equipment, Web and other online assistance.

Sentury Tire Americas

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

FAX: (800) 467-4638. www.gosailun.com Products: advertising/marketing

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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 and aluminum truck wheels, trailer wheels, alignment equipment, brake service equipment, lifts and jacks, tire display racks, tire mounting/balancing equipment, tire pressure monitoring system equipment, Web and other online assistance.

16000 NW 59th Ave., Miami, FL 33014.

(305) 621-5101. FAX: (305) 624-7881. www.senturytiresusa.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires.

MTD July 2015

Shamrock Marketing Inc.

Summit Tires/SURE Tire Co.

11206 Bluegrass Pkwy., Louisville, KY 40299. (502) 266-7403 or (800) 354-4495. FAX: (502) 266-7405 www.shamrockmarketinginc.com Products: tire repair materials, retreading equipment, tire service tools and equipment.

935 Main Plaza, Dr., Wentzville, MO 63385. (636) 332-5100 or (866) 882-1612. FAX: (636) 327-5130. www.summittire.us Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, tire faps, tire tubes, truck tires.

Shandong Linglong Tire Co., Ltd. No. 777 Jinlong Road, Zhaoyuan City, Shandong Province, China 265406. +86-535-8246819 or +86-535-8242610.

FAX: +86-535-8229244. www.en.linglong.cn Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires.

SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service 4280 Professional Center Dr., Suite 400, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

(561) 383-3000 or (800) 621-8545. www.speedeeoil.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, antifreeze, batteries, belts and hoses, brake products, exhaust system components, spark plugs, tire gauges, wiper blades, cooling/air conditioning products, flters/fltration systems, fuel system products, oil products and lubricants.

Superior Tire & Rubber 40 Scientifc Rd., Warren, PA 16365.

(800) 289-1456. FAX: (814) 726-0740. www.superiortire.com Products: specialty tires.

SuperSprings International Inc. 5055 Sixth St., Carpinteria, CA 93013.

(805) 745-5553 or (800) 898-0705.

FAX: (805) 745-5501. www.supersprings.com Products: vehicle service products.

Steelman TPMS Sigma Tires 4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. (866) 822-4968.

FAX: (800) 467-4638. www.sigmatires.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, of-the-road tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, steel and aluminum truck wheels, 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.

Snap-on Equipment 309 Exchange Ave., Conway, AR 72032.

(501) 450-1500 or (877) 482-4866.

FAX: (501) 450-2085. www.snaponequipment.com Products: garage service equipment, tire service equipment.

Sonil Ventilfabrik B-48, GIDC Industrial Estate, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India 361004. +91 288-2560107.

FAX: +91 288-2562891. www.sonil.co.in Products: tire service products.

www.moderntiredealer.com

6445 Montessouri St., Las Vegas, NV 89113. (702) 362-7011 or (800) 255-7011. FAX: (775) 898-8773. www.steelmanselecttpms.com Products: gloves, tire service products, tire repair materials, garage tools and equipment.

SURE Tires Inc. 935 Main Plaza Dr., Wentzville, MO 63385. (636) 332-5100 or (866) 882-1612. FAX: (636) 327-5130. www.suretire.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, tire faps, tire tubes, truck tires.

Stellar Industries Inc. 190 State St., Garner, IA 50438.

(641) 923-3741 or (800) 321-3741.

FAX: (641) 923-2812. www.stellarindustries.com Products: tire service tools and equipment.

20 Group - Dealer Strategic Planning 2932 Enchanting Cir., Virginia Beach, VA 23456. (757) 301-9897.

FAX: (757) 689-3610. www.dsp-20group.com Products: consulting.

TAF Management Inc. Sumitomo Tires 4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. (866) 822-4968.

FAX: (800) 467-4638. www.sumitomotire.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 and aluminum truck wheels, 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.

8007 Captains Ct., Frederick, MD 21701.

(301) 662-7223. FAX: (301) 662-7224. www.tafmanagement.com Products: consulting, employment services.

TASCO See TCS Technologies, an ARI Company www.tcstire.com

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

FAX: (800) 467-4638. www.tbcbrands.com Products: advertising/marketing programs, radial and bias agricultural tires, ATV tires, high performance tires,

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Manufacturers/marketers industrial tires, lawn and garden tires, SUV/CUV/light truck tires, medium/ heavy truck tires, bias light truck tires, of-the-road tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, winter tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, steel and aluminum truck wheels, 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.

200 E Coshocton St., Johnstown, OH 43031. (740) 967-9015 or (800) 433-TECH. FAX: (740) 967-3583. www.techtirerepairs.com Products: tire service products, tire repair materials, vehicle service products.

ing materials, steering components, suspension components, tire flls and sealants, tire gauges, tire identifcation, tire pressure monitoring systems, tire repair materials, tire valves, wheel weights, wheels and accessories, wiper blades.

Tech-Life Inc.

Tire Group International LLC

7581 Convoy Ct., San Diego, CA 92111.

(877) 832-4339. www.tech-life.com Products: tools and tool accessories.

7500 NW 35th Terrace, Miami, FL 33122.

(305) 696-0096 or (855) TGI-TIRE. FAX: (305) 696-5926. www.tiregroup.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, motorcycle tires, of-the-road tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, tire faps, tire tubes, truck tires, tire service products, consulting, fnancing and credit programs, insurance programs, tire retailer support programs, trade show representation, computers/software/ digital/Web.

Tech International

The Hybrid Shop 5611 Wellington Rd., Suite 115, Gainesville, VA 20155. (800) 397-2690. www.thehybridshop.com Products: vehicle service products.

The Timken Co. TBC International 4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. (866) 822-4968.

FAX: (800) 467-4638. 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, of-theroad tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires.

TCF Equipment Finance Inc. 11100 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 801, Minnetonka, MN 55305. (952) 656-3231 or (800) 442-7811. FAX: (952) 656-5081. www.tcfbank.com Products: fnancing and credit programs.

4500 Mt. Pleasant St. NW, North Canton, OH 44721. (234) 262-3000. www.timken.com/aftermarket Products: vehicle service products.

The TireJobs Company 8007 Captains Ct., Frederick, MD 21701.

(301) 662-7223. FAX: (301) 662-7224. www.tirejobs.com Products: consulting, employment services.

Timberland Tires 5350 Birch Pointe Dr., Interlochen, MI 49643. (855) 432-1386.

Website: www.timberlandtires.com E-mail: dealers@timberlandtires.com or info@ timberlandtires.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires

Tire Centers, LLC (TCi) TCS Technologies 3313 Williams Enterprise Dr., Cookeville, TN 38506. (888) 449-8473.

FAX: (888) 338-8473. www.tcstire.com Products: consulting, tire retailer support programs, Web and other online assistance, computers and software.

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310 Inglesby Pkwy., Duncan, SC 29334.

(877) 564-5562. www.tirecenters.com Products: ag/farm tires, casings, light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, tire faps, tire tubes, truck tires, used tires, antifreeze, batteries, bearings, gaskets and seals, belts and hoses, brake products, chemicals, cleaners and polishes, cooling/air condition products, electrical/ignition products, exhaust system components, flters/ fltration systems, fuel system products, oil products and lubricants, retread-

Tire Kingdom Service Centers 4280 Professional Center Dr., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

(561) 383-3000 or (800) 926-8473. www.tirekingdom.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires, 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, flters/fltration systems, fuel system products, oil products and lubricants, spark plugs, steering components, suspension components, tire gauges, tire pressure monitoring systems, tire repair materials, tire studs, tire valves, transmission/ drive line products, wheels and accessories, wiper blades, fnancing and credit programs, tire disposal/recycling/ shredding, Web and other online assistance.

MTD July 2015

TreadSpec

Tire Pros

TIRECO Inc.

12200 Herbert Wayne Court, Huntersville, NC 28078.

(800) 632-1897 or (800) 222-1167.

FAX: (704) 992-1280. www.TirePros.com Products: Tire Pros Francorp is a subsidiary of American Tire Distributors, Inc. (ATD) with over 660 retail locations nationwide. Positioned as the nation’s largest network of elite, independent tire dealers, the Tire Pros franchise program brings tire dealers together under a shared national brand and ofers them dedicated retail sales consultation and marketing support, training, fnancial management, and additional buying enhancements to help them remain competitive in today’s fast-changing retail marketplace. Through their afliation, independent tire dealers are able to ofer an industry-leading warranty package featuring complimentary roadside assistance that is honored at over 30,000 service centers nationwide, among many other benefts. To learn more, visit TirePros.com/become-dealer.

500 W 190th St., Suite 600, Gardena, CA 90248. (310) 767-7990 or (800) 227-8925. FAX: (310) 217-9267. www.tireco.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, motorcycle tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, tire faps, tire tubes, truck tires, wheels and accessories.

Titan Tire Corp.

Goodyear Farm Tires, made by Titan 2345 E Market St., Des Moines, IA 503177597. (515) 265-9200 or (800) USA-BEAR. FAX: (515) 265-9301. www.titan-intl.com Products: ag/farm tires, antique/classic tires, OTR tires, brake products.

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

FAX: (800) 467-4638. www.towmaxtires.com Products: specialty tires, ST radial tires.

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.

7101 Vorden Pkwy., South Bend, IN 46628. (574) 287-2316 or (800) 445-0179. FAX: (574) 236-7700. www.tirerackwholesale.com Products: light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires, brake products, suspension components, tire gauges, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheels and accessories, wiper blades.

5665 Plaza Dr., Suite 300, Cypress, CA 90630. (714) 236-2080 or (800) 678-3250. FAX: (714) 229-6199. www.toyotires.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires.

3451 S 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85040.

(602) 437-5020 or (800) 223-4540.

FAX: (602) 437-5025. www.tsissg.com Products: garage tools and equipment, tire service products.

Tire Systems Engineering Inc. 16825 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe, MI 48230. (313) 886-6860.

FAX: (313) 882-3173.

Products: consulting.

www.moderntiredealer.com

Trelleborg Wheel Systems Americas, Inc. 1501 Exeter Rd., Akron, OH 44306.

(866) 633-8473 or (330) 396-7141. www.trelleborg.com/wheelsystems.us Products: farm tires, forestry tires, lawn and garden tires, industrial tires.

Tyres International Inc.

Tire Rack Wholesale

Tire Service Equipment Mfg. Co. Inc./Saf-Tee Siping & Grooving

225 N Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 101, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007.

(847) 979-8043. www.treadspec.com Products: garage tools and equipment, tire retailer support programs.

4637 Allen Rd., Stow, OH 44224.

(330) 374-1000 or (800) 321-0941.

FAX: (330) 374-0038. www.tyresinternational.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, OTR tires, specialty tires, truck tires.

Uniroyal, a brand of MNA Inc. One Parkway S, Greenville, SC 29615.

1-800-Uniroyal. www.uniroyaltires.com Products: passenger tires, light truck tires, truck tires.

United Software & Design Inc. Augusta, ME 04330. (207) 512-4748. www.tire-dealer-software.com Products: consulting, computers/ software/digital/Web.

Tracer Products

Valvoline

956 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury, NY 11590. (516) 333-1254 or (800) 641-1133. FAX: (516) 876-8411. www.tracerline.com Products: garage tools and equipment.

3499 Blazer Pkwy., Lexington, KY 40509.

(859) 357-7302. FAX: (859) 357-7733. www.valvoline.com Products: vehicle service products, roadside assistance programs.

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

FAX: (800) 467-4638. www.trailerkingtires.com Products: specialty tires, ST radial tires.

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

FAX: (800) 467-4638. www.vanderbilttires.com Products: advertising/marketing programs, radial and bias agricultural

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Manufacturers/marketers 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, of-the-road tires, passenger tires, trailer tires, specialty tires, tire tubes, tire valves, tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel weights, steel and aluminum truck wheels, 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.

VDO TPMS Replacement Parts 6755 Snowdrift Rd., Allentown, PA 18106. (610) 289-0488 or (800) 564-5066. FAX: (610) 289-1766. www.redi-sensor.com Products: tire service products.

Vee Rubber America Inc. 15338 Central Ave., Suite 112, Chino, CA 91710. (909) 287-3424.

FAX: (909) 503-0399. www.veerubberusa.com Products: light truck tires, motorcycle tires, passenger tires.

Vogue Tyre & Rubber Co. 1101 Feehanville Dr., Mount Prospect, IL 60056. (800) 323-1466. www.voguetyre.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, wheels and accessories.

Voxx Wheels 320 Maple Ave., Torrance, CA 90503.

(310) 783-1613. FAX: (310) 783-1623. www.voxxwheel.com Products: wheels and accessories.

82

Yokohama Tire Corp.

Wagner ThermoQuiet® A Federal-Mogul Motorparts brand 27300 W 11 Mile Rd., Southfeld, MI 48034. (248) 354-7700. www.wagnerbrake.com Products: Wagner ThermoQuiet CeramicNXT brake pads feature exclusive OE21 low copper formulations that set new benchmarks for our ceramic pad performance: 15% more stopping power, 35% quieter and up to 40% better fade performance. In fact, they’re the best-performing pads we’ve ever made.

WECnology LLC 4 Chandler Ln., Amherst, NH 03031.

(603) 249-5530. www.wecnology.com Products: consulting, Web and other online assistance, computers and software.

1MacArthur Place, Suite 800, Santa Ana, CA 92707. (714) 662-9500 or (800) 423-4544. FAX: (714) 870-3838. www.yokohamatire.com Products: light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires.

Z C Rubber America Inc., CRA/Arisun 663 Brea Canyon Rd., Suite 4, Walnut, CA 91789. (909) 598-5587 or (855) 924-5678. FAX: (909) 598-5587. www.arisuntires.com Products: ag/farm tires, light truck tires, OTR tires, passenger tires, specialty tires, truck tires.

ZF Services LLC 777 Hickory Hill Dr., Vernon Hills, IL 60061. (847) 478-6868 or (800) 321-0784. FAX: (847) 478-6843. www.zf.com/us Products: vehicle service products.

Wheel Consultants Inc. 2537-D Pacifc Coast Hwy., Suite 330, Torrance, CA 90505. (310) 357-7293.

FAX: (310) 427-7199. www.plussizingguide.com Products: Publishers of “The Ultimate Wheel and Tire Plus-Sizing Guide”: tire and wheel application solutions for OE and plus sizes, print and digital formats, current and vintage vehicles, ftment and measuring tools.

Wheel Specialists 701 S Perry Lane, Tempe, AZ 85281.

(480) 968-1314. FAX: (480) 968-1396. www.wsiaz.com Products: light truck tires, passenger tires, wheels and accessories.

Worldpac 37137 Hickory St., Newark, CA 94560.

(800) 888-9982, ext. 5470. www.worldpac.com Products: tire service products, vehicle service products, tire service tools and equipment, garage tools and equipment, personnel protection and safety products.

MTD July 2015

Modern Tire Dealer 3515 Massillon Road, Suite 350 Uniontown, OH 44685 (330) 899-2200, fax (330) 899-2209 www.moderntiredealer.com

State associations Alabama Tire Dealers Association Cheryl Lentz, Sabrina Lentz Knop, Exec. Dirs., 6096 County Rd. 434, Trinity, AL 35673 (256) 616-3587 Email: alatiredealers@cs.com www.alatiredealers.com President: Shane Adams, Trax Tires, 3907 Government Blvd., Mobile, AL 36635 (251) 611-0406 Dealer members: 128 Supplier members: 62

Arkansas Independent Tire Dealers Association Eddie Warrington, Exec. Dir., 2 Robinwood Dr., Searcy, AR 72143 (501) 268-8473 or (877) 312-8473 Email: eddiewarrington@att.net www.aitda.net President: Andy Bartlett, Bartlett Tire Center, 66 Batesville Blvd., Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 569-3620 Dealer members: 85 Supplier members: 45

California Tire Dealers Association Ed King, Exec. Dir., P.O. Box 68454, Oro Valley, AZ 85737-8454 or 11230 N. Scioto Ave., Tucson, AZ 85737 (650) 357-0600 Email: edking@catiredealers.com www.catiredealers.com President: George Pehanick, 1-800-EveryRim-OEM Wheels, 9935 Beverly Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (800) 383-7974 or (707) 437-4700 Members: 300

Georgia Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association Stacy Jarrett, Admin. Assist., P.O. Box 801378, Acworth, GA 30101 (770) 947-2323 Email: ga_tiredealers@bellsouth.net www.gtdra.com President: David Polhill, Duncan Tire Co., 1112 Hillcrest Pkwy., Dublin, GA 31021 (478) 272-9595 Dealer members: 115 Supplier members: 30

Iowa Tire Dealers Association, a division of the Iowa Motor Truck Association President and CEO: Brenda Neville,

84

717 E Court Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 244-5193 Email: Brenda@iowamotortruck.com www.iowamotortruck.com Dealer members: 30 Supplier members: 20

Kansas/Nebraska/Oklahoma — Mid-America Tire Dealers Association Shawn Herrick, Exec. Dir., 7321 NW Rochester Rd., Topeka, KS 66617 (785) 286-1110 Email: herrick.shawn@gmail.com www.matda.org President: Scott Woellhof, Champlin Tire Recycling, P.O. Box 455, Concordia, KS 66901 (785) 243-3345 Members: 180

Louisiana Independent Tire Dealers Association P.O. Box 82531, Baton Rouge, LA 70884 (225) 767-7640 or (800) 887-9806 Email: info@litda.org www.litda.org President: Roger Spears, Twin City Supply LLC, P.O. Box 3023, West Monroe, LA 71294 (318) 325-9864 Email: rogerdspears@msn.com Dealer members: 85 Supplier members: 40

Maryland — Chesapeake Automotive Business Association Jim Donohue, Exec. Dir., 75 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122 (410) 647-0505 Email: jim@caba.biz www.caba.biz Dealer members: 100 Supplier members: 150

Michigan Tire & Vehicle Service Association President: James Hallan, 603 S Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 372-5656 Email: jhallan@retailers.com www.retailers.com

Minnesota — North Central Tire Dealers & Suppliers Association

President: Tom Warrant, Tire Associates, 305 Lundin Blvd., Mankato, MN 56002 (507) 625-2975 Dealer members: 100 Supplier members: 50

Missouri Tire Industry Association David Overfelt, Exec. Dir.; P.O. Box 1326, Jeferson City, MO 65102 (573) 616-2065 Email: dsoverfelt@gmail.com www.mtia4u.org President: Matt Jost, Jost Tire Co. Inc., 116 E Peters Ave., Owensville, MO 65066 (573) 437-8473 Members: 125

Montana Tire Dealers Association Bradley Grifn, Exec. VP, 1645 Parkhill, Suite 6, Billings, MT 59102 (406) 256-1005 or (800) 388-0236 Email: brad.grifn@mtretail.com www.mtretail.com President: Ryan Anderson, Montana Tire Distributors Inc., P.O. Box 3531, Billings, MT 59103 (406) 259-9877 Dealer members: 101 Supplier members: 20

New England Tire & Service Association Dick Cole, Exec. Dir., P.O. Box 1012, Yarmouth, ME 04096 (207) 846-0986 Email: netsapros@aol.com www.netsa.org President: Mark Rochefort, 90 River St., Montpelier, VT 05602 (802) 229-4941 Dealer/supplier members: 512

New Jersey State Tire Dealers Association President and Exec. Dir.: Al Breese, Jack Williams Tire Co., 1302 Pheasant Run, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 (732) 887-7281 Email: abreese@jwtire.com Treasurer: Bud Mullaney, Mullaney’s Tire & Car Care Center, 310 Broad St., Matawan, NJ 07747. (732) 566-9580 Members: 75

Bonnie McCleary, Exec. Dir., 13304 Stone Rd., Minnetonka, MN 55305 (952) 544-6805 Email: bonniemccleary@northcentraltiredealers.com www.northcentraltiredealers.com

MTD July 2015

New York Tire Dealers Association Inc.

South Carolina Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association

Canada

258 Broadway, Amityville, NY 11701 (631) 789-9505 www.nytda.com President: Ernie Caramanico, Amityville Firestone, 258 Broadway, Amityville, NY 11701 (631) 789-3373 Members: 120

Leigh Faircloth, Exec. Dir., P.O. Box 11035, Columbia, SC 29211 (803) 252-7128 Email: leigh@associationsplus.com President: Darrell Cobb, Cobb Tire & Auto Repair, 2101 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville, SC 29615 (864) 268-2588 Dealer members: 170 Supplier members: 80

Atlantic Tire Dealers Association

North Carolina Tire Dealers Association Reece Hester, Exec. Dir., P.O. Box 17046, Raleigh, NC 27619 (877) 784-0111 Email: reece.hester@nctda.com www.nctda.com President: T. Beroth, Stokes Tire Co., P.O. Box 1176, King, NC 27021 (336) 983-4352 Dealer members: 375 Supplier members: 40

Tennessee Tire Dealers Association Contact: Barry Reese, VP and Gen. Mgr. of TCS Technologies, an ARI Co., 3313 Williams Enterprise Dr., Cookeville, TN 38506 (888) 449-8473 or (931) 526-6228 Dealer members: 300 Supplier members: 77

Texas Tire Dealers Association Ohio Tire & Automotive Association Edward Cain, Exec. Dir., 50 W Broad St., Suite 2020, Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 221-7950 Email: otdra@ohioretailmerchants.com www.otdra.com President: Colin Gallagher, American Tire Distributors Inc., 23371 Aurora Rd., Bedford Heights, OH 44146 (440) 374-5211 Members: 190

Oregon/Washington — Northwest Tire Dealers Association Dick Nordness, Exec. Dir., 93705 E Grenada Court, Kennewick, WA 99338 (509) 948-2433 Email: nordness@hotmail.com www.nwtiredealers.org President: John Thompkins, Tire Rama, E 6401 Sprague Ave., Spokane, WA 99212 (509) 535-7777 Dealer members: 408 Supplier members: 52

Tire Dealers Association of Western Pennsylvania Inc. Jack Greiner, Exec. Sec., P.O. Box 1524, Greensburg, PA 15601 (724) 836-0309 Email: tiredealers@hotmail.com www.tdaofwpa.org President: Ron Brutt, 1792 Pine Hallow Rd., McKees Rocks, PA 15136 (412) 771-0124 Members: 70

www.moderntiredealer.com

Charles C. Space, Exec. Dir., 4600 Spicewood Springs Rd., Suite 103, Austin, TX 78759 (512) 343-8604 or (800) 844-8748 Email: space@ecpi.com www.texastiredealers.org President: Jim Ramsey, Lamb’s Tire & Auto Centers, 2100 Kramer Lane, Suite 150, Austin, TX 78758 (512) 257-2350 Dealer members: 450 Supplier members: 75

Virginia Automotive Association

Frank Connor, Exec. Dir., 93 Henderson St., Riverview, New Brunswick E1B 4B6 (506) 386-4306 Email: fconnor@nbnet.nb.ca www.atda.ca President: Shane Sutherland, S+S Tire + Auto Service Ltd., 315 Brunswick St., Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 1H2 (506) 458-8262 Dealer members: 125

Ontario Tire Dealers Association Bob Bignell, Exec. Dir., 34 Edward St., Box 516, Drayton, Ontario N0G 1P0 (888) 207-9059 Email: bbignell@otda.com www.otda.com President: Glenn Warnica, 34 Edward St., Box 516, Drayton, Ontario N0G 1P0 (888) 207-9059 Members: 800-plus

Association des Spécialistes du Pneu et Mécanique du Québec CP 51017 - CP Cléroux, Laval, Québec H7T 2Z3 (866) 454-0477 Admin. Assist.: Marie-Eve Ducharme Email: info@aspmq.ca www.aspmq.ca

Tire Dealers Association of Canada

Steve Akridge, Exec. Dir., 6126 Fox Haven Pl., Midlothian, VA 23112 (804) 739-1400 or (800) 488-2732 Email: sakridge@vaautomotive.org www.vaautomotive.org President: Bobby Cutchins, Bobby’s Tire & Auto Care, 1381 Armory Dr., Franklin, VA 23851 (757) 569-9662 Dealer members: 230 Supplier members: 40

Bob Bignell, Exec. Dir. 34 Edward St., Box 516, Drayton, Ontario N0G 1P0 (888) 207-9059 Email: bbignell@otda.com www.otda.com President: Eric Gilbert, 34 Edward St., Box 516, Drayton, Ontario N0G 1P0 (888) 207-9059 Members: 2,300

Wisconsin Automotive Care Association

Andy Nagy, Exec. Dir., P.O. Box 58047, Calgary, AB T2X 3V2 (403) 264-3179 Email: andy@wctda.ca www.wctda.ca President: Clement Collet, West End Tire, 1991 Dugald Rd., Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 0H3 (204) 663-9037 or (888)748-1515 Members: 800

Gary Manke, Exec. Dir., 5330 Wall St., Suite 100, Madison, WI 53718 (608) 240-2065 Email: midwestequ@aol.com www.wiaca.com President: Mike Borlee, Mike’s Service Center, 1698 Main St., Green Bay, WI 54302 (920) 468-7522 Dealer members: 129

Western Canada Tire Dealers Association

85

National associations AERA Engine Rebuilders Association 500 Coventry Ln., Suite 180, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 (815) 526-7600 or (888) 326-2372 Email: info@aera.org www.aera.org Ofcers: Jim Rickof, Pres.

Members: 2,100

American Trucking Associations Inc. (ATA) 950 N Glebe Rd., Suite 210, Arlington, VA 22203-4181 (703) 838-1700 Email: media@trucking.org www.truckline.com Ofcers: Bill Graves, CEO & Pres.

Members: 50 afliated state trucking associations

Association of Equipment Manufacturers 6737 W Washington St., Suite 2400, Milwaukee, WI 53214 (414) 272-0943 Email: aem@aem.org www.aem.org Ofcers: Dennis Slater, Pres.

Members: 850-plus

Auto Care Association 7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1300, Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 654-6664 Email: info@autocare.org www.autocare.org Ofcers: Kathleen Schmatz, CEO & Pres.; Alexis Medrano, Coordinator, Member Services Members: 2,000-plus companies representing more than 150,000 businesses

Auto International Association (AIA), a segment of the Auto Care Association 7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1300, Bethesda, MD 20814. (301) 654-6664 Email: info@autocare.org www.aiaglobal.org Ofcers: Andres Castrillon, AIA Liaison

Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association N83 W13410 Leon Rd., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 (414) 386-0366 Email: info@afa.org www.afa.org Ofcers: Brian Barber, Pres.

Members: 400

86

Automotive Lift Institute Inc.

Battery Council International

P.O. Box 85, Cortland, NY 13045 (607) 756-7775 Email: info@autolift.org www.autolift.org Ofcers: R.W. (Bob) O’Gorman, CEO & Pres.

Members: 21 Associate members: 198

330 N Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 644-6610 Email: info@batterycouncil.org www.batterycouncil.org Ofcers: Mark O. Thorsby, CAE Members: 245

Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) 10 Four Seasons Pl., Suite 801, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9B 6H7 (416) 620-4220 Email: info@apma.ca www.apma.ca Ofcers: Flavio Volpe, Pres.

Members: 400-plus

Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association 4460 Brookfeld Corporate Dr., Suite H, Chantilly, VA 20151-1671 (703) 968-2772 Email: kripli@apra.org www.apra.org www.hdrg.org www.BIGRShow.com Ofcers: Joe Kripli, Pres.

Members: 1,000

Automotive Recyclers Association 9113 Church St., Manassas, VA 20110 (571) 208-0428 or (888) 385-1005 Email: michael@a-r-a.org www.a-r-a.org Ofcers: Michael Wilson, CEO Members: 1,000 direct member recyclers, 3,500 afliated recyclers

Automotive Service Association 8209 Mid Cities Blvd., North Richland Hills, TX 76182-4712 (817) 514-2900 Email: asainfo@ASAshop.org www.asashop.org Ofcers: Dan Risley, Pres. & Exec. Dir.; Tony Molla, VP

Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association 7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1300, Bethesda, MD 20814 (240) 333-1023 Email: larry.northup@autocare.org www.awda.org Ofcers: Larry Northup, Exec. Dir. Members: 600-plus

Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association 170 Attwell Dr., Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 5Z5 (416) 364-9333 or (800) 758-7122 Email: mnantais@cvma.ca www.cvma.ca Ofcers: Mark A. Nantais, Pres.

Members: 3 (FCA Canada Inc., Ford Motor Co. of Canada Ltd., General Motors of Canada Ltd.)

Canadian Tire Dealers Association 171 Ambassador Dr., Unit 5, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5T 2J1 (905) 795-3329 Email: ctdaofce@ctdealers.com www.ctda.ca Ofcers: Neil Maizen, Exec. VP & CIO; Ron Baugh, Exec. Dir. Members: 489

Car Care Council 7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1300, Bethesda, MD 20814. (240) 333-1045 Email: rachel.weymouth@autocare.org www.carcare.org Ofcers: Administrator, Car Care Council

Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network 3943-2 Baymeadows Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32217 (904) 737-2900 Email: info@cvsn.org www.cvsn.org Ofcers: Dave Willis, Pres.; Edward Neeley, VP; Andy Robblee, Treas.; Angelo Volpe, Exec. VP Members: 90-plus independent aftermarket distributors operating 500-plus locations

Equipment and Tool Institute Inc. P.O. Box 82146, Rochester, MI 48308 (248) 656-5085 Email: jessiek@etools.org www.etools.org Ofcers: Jessie Korosec, Mktg. Mgr.; Greg Potter, Exec. Mgr. Members: 80 member companies, 400 total members

MTD July 2015

Global Automakers 1050 K St., Suite 650, Washington, DC 20001 (202) 650-5555 Email: info@globalautomakers.org www.globalautomakers.org Ofcers: John Bozzella, CEO & Pres.

Members: 12 motor vehicle manufacturers

MEMA — Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association 10 Laboratory Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3966 (919) 406-8850 Email: syamartino@mema.org www.mema.org Ofcers: Steve Handschuh, Pres. & CEO; Sheila Yamartino, Exec. Assist.; Wendy Earp, Sr. VP, Sec., Treas. & CFO; Paul McCarthy, Sr. VP, Strategy, Planning and Information Services Members: 1,000-plus companies

NARSA — The International Heat Transfer Association 3000 Village Run Rd. Suite 103, #221, Wexford, PA 15090-6315 (724) 799-8415 Email: info@narsa.org www.narsa.org Ofcers: Wayne Juchno, Exec. Dir.; Douglas Shymoniak, Mgr. Sls. & New Business Dev. Members: 500-plus

National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) 2220 CR 210 West, Suite 108-435, St. John’s, FL 32259 (855) 636-2783 Email: admin@nastf.org www.nastf.org Ofcers: Allen Pennebaker, Chair.; Skip Potter, Exec. Dir. Members: 5,000

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) 101 Blue Seal Dr., SE, Suite 101, Leesburg, VA 20175 (703) 669-6600 Email: tserratore@ase.com www.ase.com Ofcers: Tim Zilke, pres. & CEO; Trish Serratore, Sr. VP

Performance Warehouse Association 79405 Hwy. 111, Suite 9 PMB 464, La Quinta, CA 92253

www.moderntiredealer.com

(760) 346-5647 Ofcers: Ken Woomer, Chmn.; Tracie Nunez, Pres.; LaNell Richard, VP Email: info@pwa-par.org www.pwa-par.org Members: 395

Retread Tire Association (RTA) 900 Weldon Grove, Pacifc Grove, CA 93950 (831) 646-5269 or (831) 917-6449 Ofcers: Harvey Brodsky, Mng. Dir.; Jefrey Parks, Ofce Admin.

Email: info@retreadtire.org www.retreadtire.org Members: 350-plus

Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) 1400 K St. NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005 (202) 682-4800 Email: info@rma.org www.rma.org Ofcers: Charles Cannon, CEO & Pres.; Tracey Norberg, Sr. VP Regulatory Afairs and General Counsel, Dan Zielinski, Sr. VP of Public Afairs Members: 8

Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765-0910 (909) 610-2030 Email: info@sema.org www.sema.org Ofcers: Christopher Kersting, Pres.

Members: 6,814

Suppliers’ Council to the Canadian Tire Industry 100 Sleeman Ave., Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 6G4 (416) 271-2140 Email: info@sccti.org www.sccti.org Ofcers: Mauro DiTullio, Pres.; Peter Gelinas, VP; Peter Parik, Exec. Dir. Members: 18

Tire and Rubber Association of Canada 2000 Argentia Rd., Plaza 4, Suite 100, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5N 1W1 (905) 814-1714 Email: info@tracanada.ca www.tracanada.ca; www.betiresmart.ca Ofcers: Glenn Maidment, Pres.

Members: 25

The Tire Society Inc. 810 E. 10th St., Lawrence, KS 66044 (785) 865-9403 or (800) 627-0326 Email: tst@allenpress.com www.tiresociety.org Ofcers: Saied Taheri, Pres.; Randy Jenniges, VP Members: 200-plus

Tire and Rim Association Inc. 175 Montrose West Ave., Suite 150, Copley, OH 44321 (330) 666-8121 Email: tra@us-tra.org www.us-tra.org Ofcers: D.B. Zahuranec, Pres.; R.E. Consolacion, Exec. VP Tire company members: 23 Rim and/or wheel members: 14 Allied part members: 4 Total members: 70

Tire Industry Association (TIA) 1532 Pointer Ridge Pl., Suite G, Bowie, MD 20716-1883 (301) 430-7280 or (800) 876-8372 Email: info@tireindustry.org www.tireindustry.org Ofcers: Freda Pratt-Boyer, Pres.; Glen Nicholson, VP; Tom Formanek, Sec.; Mike Wolfe, Treas.

Staf: Roy Littlefeld, Exec. VP; Kevin Rohlwing, Sr. VP of Training; Sandra Martinez, VP of Oper.; Donna Sage, Dir. of Communications Members: 7,000-plus

Tire Retread and Repair Information Bureau (TRIB) 1013 Birch St., Falls Church, VA 22046 (703) 533-7677 Email: info@retread.org www.retread.org Ofcers: David Stevens, Mng. Dir.; Brian Hayes, Pres.; Tim BeVier, VP; Phil Boarts, Sec.; Mike Berra, Treas.

Members: 500

Tread Rubber & Tire Repair Materials Manufacturers Group (TRMG) Ofcers: Phil Boarts, Chmn., Michelin North America Inc., One Parkway S., Greenville, SC 29615 (864) 458-6848 Email: phillip.boarts@us.michelin.com Members: 15 company members Total members: 30

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Instant information direct from MTD advertisers

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.

Advertiser

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Page

800-687-1557 + Toll Free Extension

Web site

AAPEX Show

27

18114

www.mtdquiklink.com/18114

ADVICS North America Inc.

15

18107

www.mtdquiklink.com/18107

Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc.

37

18122

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American Omni Trading Company

24

18111

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American Tire Distributors

17

18108

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Atturo Tire Corporation

32

18117

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Bartec USA

62

18137

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BKT Tires USA Inc.

11

18105

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Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company

53

18132

www.mtdquiklink.com/18132

Continental Gold Retailer Program

45

18128

www.mtdquiklink.com/18128

Continental Tire, Commercial Vehicle Tires

34

18119

www.mtdquiklink.com/18119

Cooper Tire

19-20

18109

www.mtdquiklink.com/18109

Falken Tire

13

18106

www.mtdquiklink.com/18106

Gaither Tool Company Inc.

60

18135

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GT Radial

41

18126

www.mtdquiklink.com/18126

Hankook Tire America Corporation

29

18115

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Hercules Tires

48-49

18130

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Horizon Tire Inc.

9

18104

www.mtdquiklink.com/18104

Independent Tire Dealers Group

47

18129

www.mtdquiklink.com/18129

Kenda Tires USA

IBC

18139

www.mtdquiklink.com/18139

Kumho Tire USA Inc.

7

18103

www.mtdquiklink.com/18103

Mahle Aftermarket Inc.

33

18118

www.mtdquiklink.com/18118

Maxxis International—USA

23

18110

www.mtdquiklink.com/18110

Monroe Shocks & Struts

59

18134

www.mtdquiklink.com/18134

MOOG Steering & Suspension

39

18124

www.mtdquiklink.com/18124

Nexen Tire USA

IFC-2

18101

www.mtdquiklink.com/18101

Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc.

OBC

18140

www.mtdquiklink.com/18140

Perfect Equipment

35

18120

www.mtdquiklink.com/18120

Pirelli Tire North America

26

18113

www.mtdquiklink.com/18113

Plombco Inc.

36

18121

www.mtdquiklink.com/18121

Reliable Int’l Exhibition Services Co. Ltd.

63

18138

www.mtdquiklink.com/18138

Robert Bosch LLC

31

18116

www.mtdquiklink.com/18116

SEMA Show

57

18133

www.mtdquiklink.com/18133

Sentury Tire Americass

43

18127

www.mtdquiklink.com/18127

STEELMAN Select TPMS, by JS Products

61

18136

www.mtdquiklink.com/18136

Synchrony Financial

25

18112

www.mtdquiklink.com/18112

TBC Wholesale

5

18102

www.mtdquiklink.com/18102

Voxx Products

40

18125

www.mtdquiklink.com/18125

Yokohama Tire Corporation

51

18131

www.mtdquiklink.com/18131

ZC Rubber America Inc.

38

18123

www.mtdquiklink.com/18123

MTD July 2015

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Your turn

Dealers examine Twitter’s advantages Each month we ask members of our National Advisory Council (NAC) a question or questions on a current hot topic. Tis month we asked, “Do you use Twiter to connect with your customers? If you are using Twiter, are you doing it or do you have a member of your staf take care of the tweets? How ofen do you tweet, and what kinds of things do you post? Do you think this form of social media is important to the success of your business?” Here are some of their responses.

Prices on Chinese tires have come down but have not sparked any interest in sales.

1. We do not use Twiter currently; however, social media is very important and the dealers using it currently are ahead of the curve.

2. We are just beginning to investigate Twiter.

3. We currently do not use Twiter on a daily basis; however, as we expand our social media footprint Twiter will be something we will make use of on a daily basis with more than two tweets being made daily.

4. All tweets I do myself, but this will be handled in the near future by some Millennials on my staf who are more in touch with the social media. Social media is one of the fast-growing contact points to get more people, more of the Millennials’ generation and some others who are online, in touch with us.

Readers of Modern Tire Dealer’s website comment on news items and articles. Here are a few examples.

What’s on your mind?

We also asked our NAC what was on their mind. Tey responded with: Since the countervailing tarif on tires produced in and imported from China, it seems the only thing China has lef to sell competitively is medium commercial truck tires.

Subsequently, we are seeing the market becoming saturated with imported Chinese truck tires at remarkable price levels (akin to the late 1990s). These low prices are extremely atractive to both the wholesaler and the end-user. Due to this we’ve seen some atrition in our traditional market share and it’s worrisome to this independent dealer who struggles daily to survive!

Tripp Lee, General Manager Frasier Tire Service Inc. Sumter, S.C.

Jef Cohen, Co-owner Traction Wholesale Center Bensalem, Pa.

Commercial or medium truck tire pricing is very aggressive as dealers and distributors may be siting on some inventories.

Jon Shields, Branch Manager Carroll Tire North Atlanta – C33 Marieta, Ga.

Website readers chime in

Excellent article by Wayne Williams in the April issue of MTD titled “Counter culture.”

Wayne is spot on... treating the customer right, and understanding the dynamics of good sales practices, really shows in his “Counter culture” approach. Well done.

George McConnell, Engineering Group Manager, Full size Truck Paint Operations, Retired General Motors Warren, Mich.

I’d like to comment on an item on your website titled “Online tire sales afect tire registration.”

With our software system, we just put Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers on the invoice and it goes to CIMS Tire Registration and it’s done.

I feel these online tire suppliers should have to do the same!

To me it’s just part of taking care of your customers!

Dean Biddle, President Dean’s Tire Pros & Auto Care Chesterton, Ind.

For more information on the company Biddle uses, see CIMS’ website at www.cimstireregistration.com. – Ed. With the frst round of raising the duties on Chinese tires, the price of all tires went up. Tat was for a defned period of time and was not extended.

Tis new decision looks like it’s a forever thing with no date of expiration.

Jon Jafess, Former Tire Dealer Former President of the New York Tire Dealers Association

Join Modern Tire Dealer’s National Advisory Council Each month, Modern Tire Dealer is guided and infuenced by a select group of readers — members of our National Advisory Council. Tese members’ opinions are the heart of the monthly Your Marketplace column, compiled by industry analyst Nick Mitchell. 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.

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MTD July 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18139

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 18140