Modern Tire Dealer - April 2015 by EndeavorBusinessMedia-VehicleRepairGroup

Low-cost imports dim prospects for retread growth Busy construction sites and ports spur material handling tire sales R-1234yf demands new training and equipment THE INDUSTRYâ€™S LEADING PUBLICATION

A LIFELINE OF SUPPORT Program groups cater to your needs April 2015 | Vol. 96, No. 4 | $10 | A Bobit Publication | www.moderntiredealer.com

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14101

Te Industry’s Leading Publication April 2015, Volume 96, Number 4

Departments 4 Editorial How to prevent harassment: Defne it, then put proper procedures in place

6 Online

News and navigation tools for MTD’s website

Features 20 For the dealer, by the dealer Program groups ofer a lifeline of support, including exclusive rebates, loans and road hazard warranties

28 Get ready for R-1234yf Te updated air conditioning refrigerant will require upgrades in training and equipment

Commercial Tire Dealer™ 31 Plentiful low-cost truck tire imports cloud retreaders’ outlook

8 News/views Taking care of its customers: Jack Williams Tire tackles supply problems and online shopping

18 Your marketplace Higher average service tickets more than offset weak traffc trends

46 European notebook An insight into tomorrow’s tires: Tire makers provide a look at technology of the future

50 Counter intelligence 100 years old and open to change: Harnessing the power of presentation

52 Focus on industry Continental’s ExtremeContact DWS06: Superior all-season performance with no trade-offs

53 Focus on industry ‘Are you driver enough?’: BFG tour challenges dealers to test the new g-Force line

54 TPMS

36 2015 MTD top 50 retreaders in the U.S. 38 Sales of industrial tires ppick up as ports and construction sites get busier

2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain: BCM learns sensor IDs in the proper sequence to determine correct sensor location

66 Your turn Dealers respond to Goodyear selling tires to consumers on its website

58 Products 62 Quik-Link

44 Commercially viable

63 Classifed

Modern Tire Dealer is a proud member of: TRIB

TIRE RETREAD & REPAIR INFORMATION BUREAU

Member An Industry Association

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Editorial

How to prevent harassment Defne it, then put proper procedures in place

t most, political correctness has taken assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule or over our lives. At the very least, it has mockery, insults or put-downs, ofensive objects or taken over our livelihoods. pictures, and interference with work performance.” As a general rule, I think it sets a bad precedent. According to the EEOC, harassment can occur I don’t like it because it limits free speech (hey, in a variety of circumstances, including, but not I’m a journalist) and fosters entitlement and limited to, the following: disrespect. “I don’t like or agree with what you said, so I • Te harasser can be the victim’s supervisor, am going to hate you or report you to your boss a supervisor in another area, an agent of the By Bob Ulrich employer, a co-worker, or a non-employee. or human resources.” When did disagreeing with people, either • Te victim does not have to be the person individually or in a group, and respecting their opinions harassed, but can be anyone afected by the ofensive conduct. become mutually exclusive? A good example of bad behavior is the way Democrats and Republicans treat Also, unlawful harassment may occur “without economic each other in Congress. injury to, or discharge of, the victim.” It just seems to me people are too sensitive nowadays. Te EEOC doesn’t use the word “unlawful” nonchalantly. Harassment in the workplace, however, is a diferent story, Harassment is a form of employment discrimination although there are rules in place designed to keep casual that violates at least one of the following laws: Title VII comments not meant to ofend from being misinterpreted. of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Te ultimate goal is to keep disrespect from either party to in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with a minimum. If it becomes necessary to punish someone Disabilities Act of 1990. for legitimately unwelcome Te employer is automatically behavior, so be it. liable for harassment by a superWhen does harmless become visor that results in a negative harassment? The U.S. Equal employment action such as terEmployment Opportunity mination, failure to promote or Commission (EEOC) clearly hire, and loss of wages. What are defines harassment at great the appropriate steps employers length at www.eeoc.gov. should take to prevent and cor“Harassment is unwelcome rect unlawful harassment? Te conduct that is based on race, EEOC says they “should clearly color, religion, sex (including communicate to employees that pregnancy), national origin, age unwelcome harassing conduct (40 or older), disability or genetic information. Harass- will not be tolerated. Tey can do this by establishing an ment becomes unlawful where 1) enduring the ofensive efective complaint or grievance process, providing anticonduct becomes a condition of continued employment, harassment training to their managers and employees, or 2) the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a and taking immediate and appropriate action when an work environment that a reasonable person would consider employee complains.” (At Modern Tire Dealer, we follow intimidating, hostile, or abusive. our parent company’s “Non-Harassment Policy and “Anti-discrimination laws also prohibit harassment Complaint Procedure.”) against individuals in retaliation for fling a discrimina“Employers should strive to create an environment tion charge, testifying, or participating in any way in an in which employees feel free to raise concerns and are investigation, proceeding, or lawsuit under these laws; or confdent that those concerns will be addressed. opposing employment practices that they reasonably believe “Employees are encouraged to inform the harasser discriminate against individuals, in violation of these laws. directly that the conduct is unwelcome and must stop. “Pety slights, annoyances and isolated incidents, unless Employees should also report harassment to management extremely serious, will not rise to the level of illegality. at an early stage to prevent its escalation.” To be unlawful, the conduct must create a work environUse common sense whenever incidents occur. Ten let ment that would be intimidating, hostile, or ofensive to the EEOC and your own process guide you. ■ reasonable people. “Ofensive conduct may include, but is not limited to, If you have any questions or comments, please email me ofensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, physical at bob.ulrich@bobit.com.

If it becomes necessary to punish someone for unwelcome behavior, so be it.

MTD April 2015

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Online MODERN TIRE DEALER

Website: www.moderntiredealer.com

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

Editorial (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

Production (330) 899-2200, fax (330) 899-2209 Art Director: Neal Weingart, ext. 14 Neal.Weingart@bobit.com Production Manager: Karen Runion, ext. 10 Karen.Runion@bobit.com

Sales

Tire companies shift into high gear This year’s race season is already in high gear, and you can follow it on www.moderntiredealer.com. On our homepage, go to our News channel and scroll down to Racing News. There you will fnd the latest race results and motorsports programs provided by tire manufacturers. You also will discover inside information on the companies’ tires developed for the various races and venues all around the globe. Read about the tire companies’ marketing plans and driver partnerships, tire tests, driver profles and much more!

MTD ’s website ‘hit list’

Readers of MTD’s website were interested in a wide variety of subjects our editors wrote about over the last month, including new tires, tire aging and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. selling its tires online. Here is the list of our most popular news items on www.moderntiredealer.com in March. 1. Goodyear’s concept tire could recharge electric cars 2, Why one dealer says Goodyear should not sell tires online 3. Hankook reveals plans for Hankook and Laufenn brands 4. Nitto adds two tires to the Grappler line 5. JD Power customers happiest with Michelin and Pirelli 6. TBC introduces Duck Commander tires 7. Tire aging: Tire manufacturers are greedy, says writer 8. Industry veteran Don Dobbs dies at 76 9. Sales counter is the store’s prime real estate 10. $805 million ATD offering will close soon

Total access — totally free www.moderntiredealer.com

South and Texas: Greg Smith Greg.Smith@bobit.com (330) 899-2200 ext. 12, fax (330) 899-2209 Midwest: Michele Vargo Michele.Vargo@bobit.com (330) 899-2200 ext.17, fax (330) 899-2209 West Coast: John Dyal /Te Dyal Company John.Dyal@bobit.com (760) 451-5026, fax (760) 451-5039 West Coast: Marianne Dyal /Te Dyal Company Marianne.Dyal@bobit.com (760) 451-9216 Automotive Aftermarket: Dan Tornton djtinc@gmail.com (734) 676-9135, mobile (313) 410-0945 Classifed Sales: Donna Stewart Donna_Stewart@cox.net (405) 260-1678, fax (405) 260-1684 Reprint Sales: Karen Runion Karen.Runion@bobit.com (330) 899-2200 ext. 10, fax (330) 899-2209

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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.

MTD April 2015

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News/views

Taking care of its customers Jack Williams Tire tackles supply problems and online shopping What do Bachman-Turner Overdrive and Jack Williams Tire Co. Inc. have in common? They both are known for taking care of business. For BTO, as the rock group was known, “Taking Care of Business” was a hit song in 1974. For Jack Williams Tire and its employees, it was the theme for their 14th annual wholesale trade show in Moosic, Pa. Since the late Jack Williams started the business in 1929, the Williams family has taken care of business by taking care of both the wholesale and retail customer (Jack Williams Tire also runs 30 retail

Jack Williams Tire will roll out its MyTireShop.com online tire shopping tool to its 6,500 wholesale accounts this year. “We are still in the test phase,” said Williams. “We’re taking orders in two of our markets. More than 60 dealers have signed up.” MyTireShop.com is designed to give participating retailers complete control over their pricing. “It’s more of a tire sales opportunity,” said Mike Finley, business development manager. “We manage the opportunity online, and the dealer collects for the entire sale, not just the installation. We wanted to make sure the online buyer was their customer, not ours.” Close to 900 people attended the trade show, which featured specials on GT Radial, Continental, General, Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Nokian, Mastercraft, Kumho, Nexen, Sutong, Carlisle, Yokohama and MAST (Michelin Americas Small Tires) tires. Additional show specials included discounts or rebates on wheels, Coats and Hunter tire equipment, Tech repair materials, Challenger lifts, Perfect wheel weights and Schrader TPMS sensors. Jack’s son, Bill, chairman and CEO, was Modern Tire Dealer’s 2006 Tire Dealer of the Year. He is getting ready to promote his son Scott to CEO, Mike Finley (left) goes over MyTireShop.com associate dealer his son Jason to president, and his daughter, program benefts with business owners Mike Ketrow, ReadTracey, to executive vice president. “They have a ington Auto & Tire; Shawn Sefcik, The Hubcap Store LLC; and Jaime Hernandez, Brunswick Tire & Auto. passion for the business,” he said. “It’s exciting to see the second generation go to stores). That is why his grandson, Scott Williams, the third,” said Chris Tolbert, regional senior sales made a point of telling the wholesale customers in director for Nexen Tire America Inc. Tolbert has attendance how the company was addressing last represented Nexen at the trade show for the last 10 year’s supply problems. years. “We had a signifcant increase in business in Ironically, the BTO song is not about having a the fourth quarter, which was unanticipated,” said strong work ethic: Williams, president and COO. The harsh winter in the Mid-Atlantic region was only part of what he called “the perfect storm.” As a result, more than just tire supply was low. There also weren’t enough trucks to deliver product, or enough people to load them. “That will never happen again,” he said. The company has since hired people to improve logistics and better analyze and forecast market trends. A call center manager was also hired. “We’re looking at how to direct ship tires into our 12 warehouses, rather than having them shipped to our main warehouse in Moosic,” he said. “It’s really a matter of improving capacity planning and communication.”

“It’s the work that we avoid, And we’re all self-employed, We love to work at nothing all day.” For the Williams family, it’s all about working hard. Bill Williams may spend the winter months commuting between his Pennsylvania headquarters and Florida vacation home, but the business is his hobby. So even if he is fshing a thousand miles away, he said he will take a customer’s call. “I’m as retired as I’m ever going to get!” — Bob Ulrich

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Toyo sponsors Tough Mudder Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. is the official tire of Tough Mudder, a team-oriented 10-12 mile obstacle course designed to test physical strength and mental grit. Alliance tires top volcano Alliance Tire Group sponsored a successful attempt by a German extreme events team to climb the world’s tallest volcano, located in South America, by truck. The tires were Alliance 390 radial flotation tires. Veterans receive scholarships The University of the Aftermarket Foundation is giving a $20,000 grant to the Wyakin Warrior Foundation to fund the costs of two veterans planning auto care careers. Cooper helps travelers Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has teamed up with Roadtrippers, an Internet travel start-up, to create a custom road trip guide that pinpoints destinations that are just 100 minutes from home. ATS training is for women The Tire Industry Association is hosting a Certified Automotive Tire Service (ATS) Advanced Instructor Training Course for women only. The course will be held Oct. 6-9, 2015, in Phoenix. Desser buys distributor Desser Tire & Rubber Co. LLC is acquiring European aircraft tire distributor Watts Aviation. Located in Gloucestershire, England, Watts distributes a broad range of tires and tubes. Linglong hires Hagan Less than two years after joining Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. as national sales vice president, John Hagan has joined Linglong Americas Inc. as COO. Hankook ‘Great Catch’ begins Hankook Tire Corp. is offering savings of up to $80 on seven passenger and LT tires purchased between April 1 and May 31 in its 2015 Great Catch consumer rebate promotion.

Rovince is investing $2 million in distribution and plants After fve years of growth, Rovince International Corp. is ready to strengthen and extend its distribution network of commercial tires throughout North America. Based in Los Angeles, the company is planning to spend $2 million to improve its manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka and also strengthen its existing distribution networks. Troy Rudnick is in charge of marketing for Rovince, and says the company is working from 75,000-square-feet of warehouse space in California and looking to expand its footprint even more. One short-term goal is to improve service to customers on the East Coast, and Rudnick says the company is looking for additional warehouse space to serve those customers. Rovince distributes tires throughout all 50 states and Canada. Managing Director Devaka Cooray says, “Our customers have placed great trust in our products and we are deeply committing ourselves Rovince’s brands include in providing a well-engineered tire that is both the Summa line of forklift economical and superior comparative to the tires. The company is standard competition.” boosting its marketing “We have invested into a new project where we in the U.S. and has a 75,000-square-foot warehave begun developing a new line. Greentread house in California. Eco+ solid tires will use a much more ecofriendly process, minimizing their carbon footprint. “Last year we recorded a 32% growth in revenues and hope to maintain the upward trend with a positive attitude going into the new year.” Rovince offers a range of solid pneumatic, press-on-band, and solid construction tires, and also is a tire retreader. The Summa HD, Summa Plus and Rovince Skidsteer brands are among the company’s tires made for forklifts, skid steers and backhoes. Rovince also manufactures port tires and the company says it is adding more variants to those existing products. The company has updated its website, www.RovinceTire.com, and installed a log-in tool for dealers to order products online. Purchase orders are processed online and then Rovince contacts the customer to close each order. Rudnick says the company builds its products to comply with U.S. market specifcations. Until now the company simply hasn’t marketed itself on a large scale. “It was about acquiring a good customer base,” he says.

It’s Horizon, not Linglong In our March issue, we mistakenly listed Shandong Linglong Tire Co. Ltd. as the company of record for the Antares brand of winter tires. The tires, which are not produced by Linglong, are distributed by Horizon Tire Inc. in the United States. Horizon Tire has fve U.S.-based domestic distribution centers. Also, Horizon Tire has branch offces in Beijing and Qingdao, China, to facilitate manufacturing and to source products from multiple Pacifc Rim-based tire manufacturers. Linglong is one of them. Modern Tire Dealer apologizes for the error.

MTD April 2015

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Nexen tire ranked highly Nexen Tire Corp. announced its N’blue HD tire received a “very recommendable”’ rating by Auto Bild, a German magazine. Network adds members The Automotive Distribution Network has added two Auto Pride members: Zip Corvette of Mechanicsville, Va., and PDQ Auto Supply of Manville, N.J. Yokohama supports children Yokohama Tire Corp.’s three-year multichannel partnership with non-profit KaBoom! includes cause marketing campaigns, playground builds and annual title sponsorships. Centric Parts adds training Centric Parts has added educational tools covering brake systems, the brake manufacturing process, brake theory and technical issues to its training program. ‘Parts Matter’ campaign begins Federal-Mogul Motorparts has launched a digital advertising and social media campaign called “Parts Matter” to deliver a quality, safety and performance message about replacement automotive parts. SMP awards scholarship Standard Motor Products Inc. (SMP) awarded a $5,000 “Are You TechSmart?” scholarship to a student in a California automotive technology program. Denso wins sales award Denso Products and Services Americas Inc. won the 2014 Exceptional Sales Team Award from the Automotive Distribution Network. Canadian wholesaler expands Tire Discounter Group Inc., a Canadian wholesaler based in Orangeville, Ontario, has opened a distribution center in Ottawa. Worldpac adds warehouse Worldpac Inc. has opened a regional distribution center in Arvada, Colo., a Denver suburb.

Chinese company buys stake in Pirelli Pirelli & Cie SpA’s main shareholder, Camfn SpA, has agreed to sell its share in the Italian tire manufacturer to China National Tire & Rubber Co. (CNRC), a subsidiary of China National Chemical Corp. (ChemChina). When the deal is complete, ChemChina will own a 26.2% share in Pirelli. The transaction is expected to close in the summer of 2015. Camfn says “the assets and know-how that make Pirelli a leading global player will remain a central part of the partnership.” Pirelli’s research and development center and headquarters will continue to be located in Italy. CNRC will appoint Pirelli’s chairman, and Marco Tronchetti Provera will remain as Pirelli’s chief executive offcer. Pirelli’s industrial tire operations will be integrated with ChemChina’s Fengshen Tires Stock Limited Co. (Aeolus) tire unit. (Check out what Tronchetti has to say about the deal on www.moderntiredealer.com.)

Savannah Tire sold to fast-lube chain Savannah Tire and Rubber Co., which does business as Savannah Tire, Brake and Alignment Centers, has been sold to Express Oil Change & Service Center LLC, an Alabama-based fast-lube chain and franchisor. Savannah Tire was established by M.J. Kicklighter in 1951. The ninestore dealership is based in Savannah, Ga., and employs 160 people. It is part of the Tire Pros dealer program of American Tire Distributors Inc. In 2013, Express Oil Change & Service Center acquired Tire Engineers, The company says the Tire Engineers acquisition has become a launching pad for Express Oil into the tire business. Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers has over 200 locations across 13 states.

Auto Care Association’s Schmatz to retire Kathleen Schmatz, CEO and president of the Auto Care Association, is retiring effective Dec. 31, 2015. She joined the association in 2002 and was named CEO and president Jan. 1, 2004. Major accomplishments during Schmatz’s tenure as president and CEO include: a 50-state agreement on the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act; a rebranding of the association and industry; the creation of the “Be Car Care Aware” Kathleen Schmatz has announced plans to consumer education retire at the end of 2015 as CEO and presicampaign; the estabdent of the Auto Care Assocation. lishment of an association education program; production of consecutive record-breaking trade shows and events and a signifcant increase in association membership and volunteer leader engagement. A nationally-recognized industry advocate, Schmatz currently serves as an offcer of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and a board member of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE).

MTD April 2015

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Group Michelin honored Deere & Co. named the Michelin Group’s agricultural and earthmover operating units “supplier of the year” and “partner-level supplier,” its highest rating for suppliers. LITDA awards scholarships The Louisiana Independent Tire Dealers Association (LITDA) has awarded $2,000 scholarships to four recipients. Nitto holds event in Texas Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. is holding its Auto Enthusiast Day in April in Arlington, Texas, to celebrate the motoring lifestyle. Nitto’s previous events have been held in California. Program to employ veterans The Auto Care Association is starting Operation Auto Care to connect transitioning military veterans with jobs in the auto care industry. Bridgestone is title sponsor Bridgestone Corp. is serving as the title sponsor of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2015, which will be held Oct. 18-25, in Australia. Red Kap releases video Red Kap has released a new video on brand ambassador “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin, seventime off-road racing champion. Goodyear adds center in China Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. says its first development center in China will allow it to enter new original equipment platforms in that country. CR ranks top tire brands Consumer Reports (CR) magazine released its latest list of best tire brands. Michelin was the top pick, followed by the Continental, Goodyear and Pirelli brands. Apollo hires quality officer Apollo Tyres Ltd. has hired Pedro Matos as its chief quality officer. He will be based in the Netherlands.

DOC lowers anti-dumping tariffs For the second time, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) is admitting to signifcant ministerial errors in calculating the tariffs on imports of certain passenger vehicle and light truck tires from China. The error is resulting in a lower anti-dumping tariff for nearly every tire manufacturer. The DOC’s International Trade Administration indicates in a March 19 document it is amending its preliminary determination of its antidumping duty investigation following concerns presented by the Sailun Group Co. Ltd. In a Feb. 2, 2015, brief fled by Sailun’s attorneys, the tire manufacturer says the DOC “inadvertently double counted the valuation of certain factors of production.” The specifcs are redacted from the public version of the document; however, Sailun asserts four felds were double counted. “The double counting of these inputs has a signifcant impact on Sailun’s calculated preliminary dumping margin of 36.26%. By removing these four double-counted inputs, Sailun’s weighted average dumping margin is reduced to 18.43%,” the company asserts. The DOC ultimately reduced Sailun’s anti-dumping duty by almost half – from 36.26% to 18.58%. That reduction led to the lowering of antidumping duties for 65 other companies, from 27.72% to 18.99%. The only company that didn’t beneft from the adjustment is Giti Tire Global Trading Pte. Ltd., though Giti did allege a signifcant ministerial error. The DOC says it is not amending Giti’s 19.17% duty “because Giti’s ministerial errors are not signifcant.” The rate for Sailun will be effective retroactively to Jan. 27, 2015, the date the original higher rate was published in the Federal Register. The rate for the other affected companies will be effective retroactively to Oct. 29, 2014, which is 90 days before the date of publication.

Lloyd’s Tire celebrates 75 years Lloyd’s Tire and Auto Care Inc. is marking its 75th year serving Santa Cruz, Calif., area customers with a major expansion of its facilities and investments in automotive diagnostic and repair equipment. A family-owned business established in 1940, Lloyd’s says it signifcantly increased effciency and improved customer service with its expansion into a 9,000-square-foot building adjacent to its existing facility on Jan. 1, 2015. Lloyd Johnson, founder of Lloyd’s Tire and The shop now has 15 Auto Care in Santa Cruz, Calif., is shown in the service bays, with room for alignment pit in 1960. The dealership recently added 15 service bays. future expansion. Lloyd’s says it invested in Hunter brand alignment equipment to provide faster, more accurate alignments and service more customers without scheduling appointments. The equipment also accommodates larger vehicles. Co-owner Dean Schwartz says, “This new space and equipment will allow us to provide the best possible service to our customers and maintain our position as a top tier shop.”

MTD April 2015

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April 15-17 North American Tire & Retread Expo Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, La. (786) 293-5186 www.worldtireexpo.com April 16-18 Texas Tire Dealers Association and Texas Independent Automotive Association Tire and Automotive Expo Westin Stonebriar Resort & Hotel, Frisco, Texas (800) 844-8748 or (512) 343-8604 www.texastiredealers.org April 24-25 Virginia Automotive Association Convention 50th Anniversary Celebration and Convention Williamsburg Lodge, Colonial Williamsburg, Va. (800) 488-2732 or (804) 739-1400 www.vaauto.org April 29-May 1 Tyrexpo2015 (Tyres, Wheels & Accessories Exposition of the Americas) Pedegral Events Center, San Jose, Costa Rica www.tyrexpo2015.com May 1-2 Arkansas Independent Tire Dealers Association Little Rock Marriott, State House Convention Center, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 268-8473 www.aitda.net May 3-6 127th Battery Council Convention and Power Mart Expo Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, Savannah, Ga. (312) 644-6610 www.batterycouncil.org May 6-9 Automechanika Johannesburg Johannesburg, South Africa www.automechanika.com May 20-24 Autopromotec - The 26th International Biennial Exhibition of Automotive Equipment and Aftermarket Products Bologna Trade Fair Center, Bologna, Italy +39/051.6424000 www.autopromotec.com

1-800EveryRim buys wheel company An acquisition agreement between longtime friends and competitors Norman Huniu of Capital Factory Original Wheels and Billy Eordekian of 1-800EveryRim-OEM Wheels has been fnalized. “This is fantastic for Capital customers because of the impeccable service that my old friend Billy’s company has always provided,” said Huniu. “I have worked hard running the family business since 1982 and it has gone into the right hands.” Eordekian says, “This is not like Carnegie Steel selling out to J.P. Morgan, but for us in the specialized world of used and reconditioned OEM wheels, it is huge, or at least for us it is! “The best thing about this deal is that we have added more stock wheel pros to our staff, making a total 24 great people. Maybe it will be 25 if my pal Norm gets bored with retirement!” 1-800EveryRim operates out of a 30,000-square-foot warehouse in Pico Rivera, Calif., The company has been in business since 2007.

Industry mourns loss of two leaders David Aldrich, a retreading industry veteran and a member of the Modern Tire Dealer family, died on March 13, 2015. He was 85. Aldrich began his career in the retread business in 1950. In December 1985, he began a dual career as MTD’s retread writer. His frst column emphasized the importance of paying more attention to casing surface preparation. “He truly loved the retreading industry, and I think he had his share David Aldrich Donald Dobbs of buffng dust instead of blood in his veins,” says his son, Don, who for a number of years worked with his father. Donald Dobbs, founder and chairman of Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers Inc., died on March 6, 2015. He was 76. In 1976, Don and his father, Donald W. Dobbs Sr., purchased a single store operated by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in south St. Louis County, Mo. Over 39 years, the Dobbs’ family enterprise grew to 40 retail locations serving communities in Missouri and Illinois. Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers is now the 26th largest independent tire dealership in the U.S., according to the Modern Tire Dealer 100. It is the only local and family-owned and operated major tire and automotive chain in St. Louis, and its surrounding areas, the company says. It also is ranked in the Top 150 privately held companies in St. Louis. The dealership employs more than 600 local associates and maintains its general offces and distribution centers in High Ridge, Mo.

ITDG reports a record year in 2014 The Independent Tire Dealers Group LLC completed its 20th year with record numbers for new members, volume bonuses and dividend payments. Ten shareholders joined in 2014, bringing the total to 97. ■

MTD April 2015

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Your marketplace

Higher average service tickets more than ofset weak trafc trends

ccording to the results of our survey, the dealers in our survey reported they sold demand for replacement tires was down 0.7% fewer tires last month on a year-over-year slightly in February. From a volume basis, following a 0.1% increase in January and standpoint, the dealers reported they sold 0.7% a 0.7% increase in December. Historically cold fewer tires last month on a year-over-year basis, temperatures and record-breaking snowfalls following a 0.1% increase in January and a 0.7% which inhibited travel might be reasons for the increase in December. While it was slightly condecline. Despite this minor setback in February, cerning at frst glance to see tire volumes turn we continue to believe that pent-up demand negative afer 12 consecutive months of growth, should lead to decent volume growth during the the regions that experienced declines were struck By Nick Mitchell remainder of 2015. Trends were positive in the especially hard by temperatures that were much truck category as the dealers who responded to colder than historical norms. Tis included some markets the survey reported that volumes increased 3.8% afer a that faced added pressure from excessive amounts of snow 2.7% increase in January. Lastly, the survey respondents which inhibited driving abilities. Notwithstanding this indicated that volumes decreased 4.7% in the retread minor setback in February, we continue to believe that business afer increasing 2.0% in January. the abundance of pent-up demand should lead to decent volume growth throughout the remainder of 2015. Most Dealer costs increase slightly dealers stated they anticipate trends to improve throughout Te tire dealers who responded to the survey noted the next three months of this year. Until next time, keep that manufacturer pricing on value tires and branded tires the tires rolling out the door. increased in February. In fact, the respondents noted that manufacturer pricing on value tires increased 2.0% during February, while the price of branded tires increased 0.5%. Te increase in value tires is not entirely surprising given the recent duties put in place by the U.S. Department of Dealers OCT NOV DEC JAN(R) FEB(P) FEB(14) Commerce on passenger and light truck tires imported Passenger tire from China. Will improve 75% 56% 38% 50% 78% 57%

How dealers view near-term business

Will worsen Will stay level Truck tire Will improve Will worsen Will stay level R-Revised

0% 25% 88% 0% 12%

0% 44% 57% 0% 43%

0% 62% 43% 0% 57%

0% 50% 50% 0% 50%

0% 22% 75% 0% 25%

14% 29% 57% 0% 43%

P-Preliminary

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

Dealers believe sales trends should likely improve According to the survey results, 78% of passenger tire dealers believe business will improve over the next six months, while 22% believe it will stay about level. Similarly, 75% of the truck tire dealers we surveyed see business improving, and 25% believe it will stay about level. Te table highlights the respondentsâ€™ outlook.

Replacement tire sales: Volume trends decline slightly According to dealer reports, consumer demand for replacement tires was down slightly in February. As stated,

Dealers felt inventory levels were appropriate Of the dealers that responded to the survey last month, 78% indicated they had the appropriate inventory in stock for demand (vs. approximately 67% in January), while the remaining 22% indicated that inventory levels were too high for demand. Te inventory levels among truck tire dealers were similar as nearly 63% of those surveyed indicated that they had the appropriate inventory (vs. about 67% in January), while approximately 25% indicated that inventory levels were too high, and about 13% indicated that inventory levels were too low.

Repair sales rose slightly in February Dealers indicated that the harsh winter weather relative to 2014 also inhibited trafc and sales trends on the service side of the business. Specifcally, the dealers who responded to the survey indicated that service sales, which accounted for 28% of the study participantsâ€™ total revenues, were up 0.9% on a year-over-year basis in February (unchanged in January) as a higher average ticket more than ofset weak trafc trends. â–

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

MTD April 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14109

feature

For the dealer, by the dealer Program groups ofer a lifeline of support, including exclusive rebates, loans and road hazard warranties By Joy Kopcha

hen Manny Geno took over the family tire business in 2006, he wanted to transform it from a grease monkey, good ol’ boy shop to a destination for customers who need tire and automotive work in the small town of Booneville, Miss. Geno, 38, says he’s worked hard to make Geno’s Tire Pros the success he envisioned, but he’s also had some help. He joined Tire Pros in 2008, and since then business at his six-bay shop has more than doubled. “I don’t atribute that all to Tire Pros. I’ve worked my but of,” Geno says. But the group helped him along the way, and gave him the tools he needed to transform the business. “Tire Pros helped me get there quicker and easier than if I did it on my own.” For Geno, the biggest help came in the form of marketing and advertising support. “I think I’m probably similar to most small businesses. You get the Yellow Book, the billboard people, the radio people calling all the time. You try not to be rude to them, but you get overwhelmed,” Geno says. “Tire Pros had lots of benefts, but that’s probably what tipped it.” He had never tried to plan and budget a year’s worth of advertising at once, but now he does with the help of the Tire Pros marketing staf. His marketing representative has worked with other tire dealers in similar rural markets, and shares what has worked for small town dealers elsewhere. On top of that, the nity-grity details of advertising are done for him. He sets his annual advertising budget and decides how much will be spent on billboards or direct mail. His total budget is separated into monthly bills that Geno pays directly to Tire Pros. He reviews proofs of any advertisement, but otherwise doesn’t have to handle anything else. “What I would consider to be a headache is gone.” Groups around the country cater to independent tire dealers and ofer everything from the marketing and advertising support Geno appreciates to customized websites and credit cards, road hazard warranties, special pricing and rebates. Even staf training is ofered by some. Here’s a roundup of dealer-led groups that provided information to Modern Tire Dealer.

Program: ATDServiceBAY Ofered by: American Tire Distributors Inc. Website: www.atdservicebay.com Who’s eligible? Independent tire dealers and repair shops with minimum annual purchases of $25,000. Number of participants: More than 26,000

Manny Geno considers Tire Pros, and all the tools they offer him, his dealership’s secret weapon. “It’s up to me, the dealer, to implement them. I’m not going to be able to use all of them, but it certainly has been a big plus for us.”

What are you ofering new in 2015 to help dealers? We are introducing new advertising opportunities, from plastic postcards in the mail to social media and web graphics that can be used on bay banners, yard signs and window clings. Tire brands ofered: ATDServiceBAY dealers can leverage the many tire brands that ATD ofers. ATD’s inventory crosses all tiers of the category from fag brand tier one through price competitive import brands. Te most popular service you ofer: Te Tire Protection Plan, which is designed to give a consumer’s tires nationwide coverage against road hazard damage. Enrolled dealers sell the plan to consumers, keep the proceeds and are responsible only for a consumer’s claims within a 25-mile radius. Consumers who are traveling outside that radius and have a claim call a toll-free telephone number and are directed to one of 30,000 locations that will honor the warranty. Tis is a very popular program with our dealers because it allows them an additional income stream while providing their customers with the peace of mind they want.

MTD April 2015

Program: Big O Tires & Service Centers Ofered by: TBC Corp. Website: www.bigotires.com Who’s eligible? Te minimum requirement is $100,000 in liquid assets and net worth of $300,000. Te initial franchise fee of $30,000 is waived for military veterans. Number of participants: 400 What are you ofering new in 2015 to help dealers? Big O Tires is currently driving to achieve signifcant expansion, which means opportunities for existing franchisees, new franchisees and successful existing independent auto/tire business owners. Incentives for new franchisees include discounts on royalty fees for the frst two years, including a reduction of more than 50% in the frst year, plus an advertising match of up to $25,000 during the frst nine months of operation. Incentives for independent business owners converting their existing shops include the benefts ofered to new franchisees, plus a waiver of the initial $30,000 franchise fee; access to a $75,000, 36-month loan for tire inventory; and up to a $25,000 match to convert signage or remodel an existing building. Tire brands ofered: In addition to our exclusive premium Big O branded product including the Big Foot A/T, and house brands Aspen and Mesa A/P, we ofer Michelin, BFGoodrich, Cooper, Goodyear, Dunlop, Yokohama, Sumitomo, Nito, Continental, General, Hankook and Pirelli.

Program: Independent Tire Dealers Ofered by: Community Wholesale Tire Distributing Website: www.ITDroll.com Who’s eligible? Independent tire dealers who partner with Community Wholesale Tire and promote the ITD brand with high quality customer service and professional looking facilities. Number of participants: 130 What are you ofering new in 2015 to help dealers? Our improved dealer website helps our dealers increase their sales and market awareness. Also, ITD University training sessions focus on sales and marketing, as well as improving shop efciency. Tire brands ofered: Our key brands include Bridgestone, Firestone, Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Toyo, Continental, General, Pirelli, Kumho, Hercules and Mickey Tompson. Te most popular service you ofer: Our ITD University classes are well atended and have provided our dealers with a lot of specifc ideas and practices to improve their businesses.

Program: Independent Tire Dealers Group LLC (ITDG) Ofered by: Independent Tire Dealers Group Website: www.itdgusa.com Who’s eligible? Independent tire dealers across the U.S. who buy a minimum of $200,000 from authorized ITDG vendors and suppliers. Number of participants: 140 members with more than 550 locations in 41 states. What are you ofering new in 2015 to help dealers? Our program has been quite stable for many years. Without offering specific details, some of our vendor and supply programs have been enhanced from prior years. Te ITDG program continues to ofer improved margins immediately

www.moderntiredealer.com

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14110

Program groups and culminate with a year-end volume bonus and dividend for stockholders. Tire brands ofered: Cooper, Hankook, Laufenn, Continental, General, GT Radial, Sampson, Advance, Nexen, Pirelli, Kumho, Sumitomo, Yokohama, Landsail, Diamondback and various brands through TCi Tire Centers, Carroll Tire and NTW. Te most popular service you ofer: Access to our negotiated supplier/vendor programs with ongoing access to reference material via the ITDG website.

Program: Mickey Tompson Marketing Alliance Ofered by: Mickey Tompson Performance Tires and Wheels Website: www.mickeythompsontires.com/mtma Who’s eligible? Any brick and mortar retailer. Te program is open to dealers in the U.S. and Canada, and is designed for private owners, not corporations. We have single store owners and a chain with 26 stores in the program. Number of participants: More than 600 What are you ofering new in 2015 to help dealers? We are looking at ofering new display options and a possible co-op program to help dealers advertise our brands. Tire brands ofered: Mickey Tompson and Dick Cepek Te most popular service you ofer: Te marketing alliance program.

Program: Mr. Tire/Big 3 Tire Ofered by: K&M Tire Inc. Website: www.mrtireoutlet.com and www.big3tire.com Who’s eligible? Nearly any consumer retail, commercial or farm tire dealer that can purchase 400 tires of any brand from K&M Tire that meets our exterior appearance criteria and falls within our delivery service area. Number of participants: 742. (588 Mr. Tire locations and 154 Big 3 locations) In some states the Mr. Tire name is trademarked by another entity, so only Big 3 is available in those states. Elsewhere, both names are available. What are you ofering new in 2015 to help dealers? More exclusive consumer rebates on passenger and light truck tires, including some commercial and farm tire brands for the frst time ever. We are expanding our Automotive Parts Rebate Programs to include two new members, and expanding our preferred vendor program participants to include a leading producer of motor oil and lubricants. We’re ofering online access to custom wheel applications and purchasing and increasing quarterly earn-back potential for member dealers on select Yokohama products. Finally, all members are eligible to participate in the Bridgestone/Firestone national consumer rebate campaigns. Tire brands ofered: For passenger and light truck tires: Bridgestone, BFGoodrich, Continental, Cooper, Dunlop, Fierce, Firestone, Fuzion. Commercial truck tires: Bridgestone, Continental, Double Coin, Firestone, Dunlop, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kumho, Michelin, O’Green, Roadmaster and Supercargo. Farm and utility tires and tubes: BKT, Carlisle, Cultor, Firestone, Goodyear, Hi-Run, Mitas, Titan, Trelleborg and Co-op Tubes. Te most popular service you ofer: Exclusive consumer and automotive parts rebates.

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14111

MTD April 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14112

Program groups Program: myTireShop Ofered by: Jack Williams Tire Co. Inc. Website: www.mytireshop.com/dealerinfo Who’s eligible? Engaged programming dealers with Jack Williams Tire Co. Number of participants: 65 What are you ofering new in 2015 to help dealers? Our website, www.mytireshop.com, is an online shopping site that directs retail tire shoppers to local independent tire dealers. We also ofer extended fnancing, a no interest credit card and enhanced tire sales training. Tire brands ofered: Continental, General, Mastercraf, Yokohama, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Kumho, Nexen, GT Radial, Hemisphere and Goodyear. Te most popular service you ofer: Nationwide warranty tire road hazard and service program with roadside assistance.

What are you ofering new in 2015 to help dealers? A brand new website with the ability for them to localize and SEO to their location. New social media roll out of PPC, SEO, etc. New logo design. New in-store POS. Tire brands ofered: All major brands of wheels and tires are available at RNR locations. The most popular service you offer: Award-winning radio, television and print promotions.

Program: Tire Factory Ofered by: Tire Factory Inc. Website: www.tirefactory.com and www.jointirefactory.com

Program: RNR Tire Express and Custom Wheels Ofered by: SPF Management LLC Website: www.rnrwheels.com or www.rnrtires.com Who’s eligible? Qualifed candidates that desire to own and operate their own franchise Number of participants: 13 franchisees with 72 locations in 20 states

Who’s eligible? Independent tire and service dealers who meet membership criteria Number of participants: 149 members/ owners, consisting of more than 200 locations, plus 15 afliate locations, which are not branded members of the co-op. What are you ofering new in 2015 to help dealers? Technology solutions to drive member growth and proftability, which include a branded and integrated point-of-sale (POS) system; MechanicNet, a digital marketing system that includes customer contacts via email, postcards and texts of vehicle status updates, plus customer reviews, reminders of auto service previously denied and a complete car repair history

K&M Tire Inc. highlighted the benefts of its program group to dealers during its annual dealer meeting in January in Dallas.

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14113

MTD April 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14114

Program groups online; a website, www.tirefactory.com, with more than 500,000 indexed web pages for individual members; Epicor, a rapid and accurate mechanical quoting system that drives up margins based on industry actuals and processes quotes in minutes with automatic parts ordering and costing data; a new member onboard training program which focuses on sales and customers, as well as technology and products; and a Web-based training platform, Tire Factory University, which gives dealers and their employees access to retail – and retention-friendly topics. A staf can sharpen its skills without leaving the sales foor. Tire brands ofered: Goodyear, Cooper, Dunlop, Kelly, Yokohama, Hankook, Falken, Nokian, plus exclusive brands Summit, Runway, Trazano, Blacklion and AgPro. Te most popular service you ofer: Tere are three: Direct tire costs in small quantities from member-owned regional distribution centers; the Tire Factory website, which is found at www.tirefactory.com, as a driver to member stores; and promotions and discounts from key manufacturers, that are accompanied by POS sales kits. Plus, there’s been a large trend of dealers adopting the branded POS system.

Program: Tire One/Tread Pros Ofered by: U.S. Autoforce Te program ofers three levels of commitment. For more information contact Chad Moon, TireOne program director, at cmoon@usautoforce.com.

Program: Tire Pros Ofered by: American Tire Distributors Inc. Website: www.tirepros.com Who’s eligible? Independent tire dealers Number of participants: 650 stores as of March 10, 2015 What are you ofering new in 2015 to help dealers? Increased national and regional marketing exposure; a robust training program targeting both owner proftability and improved store operational efciencies; four exclusive marketing campaigns focused on ‘buy local’ through the independent Tire Pros dealer; and, a boosted credit card program, now with the lowest fees ever and featuring frequent enhancements to manufacturer consumer rebate programs. Tire brands ofered: Most tier one and tier two major brands, plus numerous tier three and tier four products. Te most popular service you ofer: Our full-service marketing department works with Tire Pros dealers to create individual marketing plans, then manages all aspects of their advertising from creating a professional annual plan, selecting the right media, negotiating the pricing, paying the invoices and managing the dealers co-op to ensure the maximum beneft for the dollars available.

Program: Tire Solutions Ofered by: Tire Solutions Inc. Website: www.mytiresolutions.com Who’s eligible? Independent tire and auto centers that meet program requirements Number of participants: 165 What are you ofering new in 2015 to help dealers? We ofer independent tire and auto centers an innovative marketing

Dealers like Brown’s Parkrose Tire Factory in Portland, Ore. can beneft from the familiar look and branding of their group’s store, but still retain individuality.

program that includes retail pull through and dealer rewards. Tire brands ofered: Hankook, Toyo, Vanderbilt, Sumitomo, Harvest King, Towmax, Goodyear, Sailun Te most popular service you ofer: Helping dealers increase car counts with personalized marketing and training.

Program: Treadmaxx Ofered by: Kaufman Tire Inc. Website: www.kaufmantire.net Who’s eligible? Tire retailers Number of participants: More than 2,000 What are you ofering new in 2015 to help dealers? Valueadded vendor programs, POS and credit card systems, parts purchase programs, retail showroom design, database marketing, website development, national account purchasing program for oil and programs geared toward managing labor costs. Tire brands ofered: Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Too, Cooper, Mastercraf, Pirelli, Continental, General, Kumho, Starfre and Carlisle. Te most popular service you ofer: Delivery of tires

Program: Xpress Tire & Auto Service Ofered by: Conrad’s Tire Service Inc. Website: dealer.xpress-tire.com Who’s eligible? Automotive tire and service installers who meet certain purchase volume criteria Number of participants: More than 125 What are you ofering new in 2015 to help dealers? Many of our dealers are predominantly repair service oriented. What we do is get them engaged in the tire business. On an ongoing basis we give them a strong internet position, active advertising via direct mail, cable and radio. We take a retailer approach to wholesaling. A major objective this year is to help train our dealers on how to sell tires. Tire brands ofered: Cooper, Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Starfre, Doral and assorted private labels. Te most popular service you ofer: Te public website, at www.xpress-tire.com. Each dealer has its own landing page and the ability, if it chooses, to quote tire availability and pricing. ■

MTD April 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14115

feature

Get ready for R-1234yf Te updated air conditioning refrigerant will require upgrades in training and equipment By Joy Kopcha

s more automotive manufacturers transition to using R-1234yf refrigerant, the need to update technicians’ training and the equipment in your shop is imminent. Automakers are making the switch from R-134a to R-1234yf in order to meet growing pressure to reduce the environmental impact of air conditioning systems, and improve vehicle emissions standards. Te Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide (MACS) says “automakers can receive emissions credits for using environmentally friendly refrigerants, meaning afermarket technicians will begin to see an increase in vehicles using R-1234yf. “Te number of vehicles using R-1234yf is expected to increase exponentially in the coming years as the refrigerant

replaces the current industry standard R134a.” As part of the switch, MACS, along with Robinair, a Bosch Automotive Service Solutions brand, is ofering a free test preparation webinar on Section 609 for the training and certifcation of 100 technicians. Te webinar is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on May 6, 2015, and will last about 90 minutes. Technicians can become Section 609 certifed to work on vehicles using the refrigerant when they take, turn in and pass the writen test provided. Technicians can register for the training at www.macsw.org.

Te other adjustment comes in updated equipment

The Robinair AC 1234-6 ACS features a large, colorful graphic display screen and an on-board printer capable of printing vehicle service reports to give to customers.

The Mahle ArcticPro ACX1280 won the ‘best use of technology’ award and stood out from the MACS competition with its optional internal or external refrigerant identifer.

Robinair’s AC1234-6 ACS machine recovers, recycles and recharges air conditioning systems that use the new R-1234yf refrigerant. Robinair says its machine is fully automatic and comes with an integrated refrigerant identifer that samples the coolant before it’s recovered. It identifes leaks, charges within a half-ounce and shows how much oil was removed from the system during service. The AC1234-6 automatically checks for air accumulating in the tank and reflls the tank as needed and meets all the requirements of SAE J2843. Mahle Service Solutions, a division of Mahle Afermarket Inc., ofers the ArcticPro equipment line, which it says is approved and recommended by several vehicle manufacturers. Diferent models ofer the choice of an integrated or external refrigerant identifer. Te ArcticPro features a self-test function and quick service vacuum

pumps to fll and drain oil. Te machine also has the capability to set up a customized database. Te ArcticPro complies with the SAE J2843, and at the 2015 MACS Worldwide Trade Show, it was named the “best use of technology” by a panel of automotive media members. Protecting the new R-1234yf refrigerant from contaminants is the priority for products from AirSept Inc. In marketing those products, Frank Walker points to the higher cost of the new coolant compared to its predecessor, R-134a, saying it can cost up to 30 times more, and thus protecting every drop is critical. Te AirSept refrigerant canister flter helps service providers protect their supplies. Te flter fts between the refrigerant tank and fll hose that connects to the machine. It traps debris as it fows out of the cylinder and stops it from contaminating a shop’s existing tanks and equipment. It works with R-1234yf, as well as other refrigerants and is available with half-inch ACME or quarter-inch

MTD April 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14116

A/C refrigerant SAE Flare ftings on any 30-pound cylinder or equipment tank. The AirSept dual automatic recycle guard stops contaminants from a cust o m e r ’s vehicle and air conditioning system from spoiling a shop’s refrigerant supply during the recovery process. And the AirSept Click Lock security system warns technicians if an air conditioning system has been opened since the last time the repair The AirSept canister flter works to keep debris out of a shop’s refrigershop serviced it. ant supply. It works with the new It snaps over any R-1234yf, as well as other refrigerants. fting and can’t be opened without causing visible damage to the cap. Each lock features a unique serial number which technicians can track with past repair orders.

Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. is producing a new lubricant to be used in conjunction with R-1234yf. Te Idemitsu Double End Cap polyalkylene glycol (PAG) oil is a synthetic lubricant which closes the carbon chain, preventing the oil from reacting with nearby molecules and is thus more stable, Idemitsu says, than other openended or single-capped lubricants. It protects the compressor, prevents corrosion inside the system and won’t react to form harmful acids. Te company cites an analysis of DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc. compressor warranty claims from 2012 which showed that in 24% of cases, the incorrect PAG oil was used. ■

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14117

Idemitsu’s double end-capped PAG oil is tolerant of moisture, even at high tempertures, and thus protects an air conditioner’s parts from corrosion.

MTD April 2015

Commercial Tire Dealer™

Plentiful low-cost truck tire imports cloud retreaders’ outlook By Ann Neal

roduction of retreaded truck tires grew nearly 5% in 2014, according to Modern Tire Dealer market data. Yet David Stevens, managing director of the Tire Retread and Repair Information Bureau (TRIB) says retreaders expect a fat year in 2015. “I don’t think anyone is forecasting much in the way of growth,” he says. One reason for the lackluster outlook is the growth of low-cost truck tire imports. “Te hope is that with some of the continued investment in trucks, you get more trucks out there, so there’s more replacement demand that will go to the retread business. But puting constraints on that is competition with low-cost import tires,” says Stevens. Service Tire Truck Centers Inc. of Bethlehem, Pa., is “continually watching the pricing coming from Chinese imports, which is pressuring the Tier 2 tires and retreading,” according to Scot Bennet, vice president of sales. Te company is ranked No. 12 on this year’s Top 100 list, up one spot from last year. Imports are afecting casing supply at Allen Park, Mich., based Belle Tire Distributors Inc., which is ranked No. 22 , down two spots. “Casings continue to be an issue in regards to major brands,” says Tom Bowman, vice president of the commercial division. “With all the Tier 3 and Tier 4 imports fooding our North America market, the quality is geting tougher to fnd in the Tier 1 and Tier 2 casings.” Bill Ziegler, president of Ziegler Tire and Supply Co., says the Massillon, Ohio-based company has been challenged by casing supply and price competition. “Casing availability has been very difcult for the year, although it has been easing up. Casing prices are starting to drop a litle. Te low price on Chinese tires has defnitely started to squeeze the pricing on retreads and this has afected our volumes. As the raw material prices have declined the retread rubber manufacturers have been slow to lower prices and the Chinese imports have been quick to lower their prices,” he says. Te company is No. 27 in the rankings, up two spots from last year. Customers choose a lower cost tire because they don’t understand cost per mile, according to Rick Majewski, vice president of Wilson County Tire and Retreading in Lebanon, Tenn. “I think they ought to put a tarif on Chinese tires to pay for the highways because they’re pricing the tires so low they are going to put the retreader out of business. If everyone retreads a premium product, the retread will outrun the Chinese tire in mileage. But people don’t look at long-term cost, they look at acquisition cost, that’s the problem.” Wilson County Tire and Retreading is part of Sumerel Tire Service Inc., which is owned by Rick’s brother Bob Majewski. Te Newport, Ky.-based company is ranked No. 60 on the list,

www.moderntiredealer.com

Andrew Stivers applies tread rubber at the Great Lakes Best-One Tire and Service’s Bandag retreading plant in Alliance, Ohio. The plant’s 13 employees retread more than 100 truck tires a day during the spring season. Plant manager Jerry Baniecki says an expansion is planned in the next few months. The 34,000-square-foot plant includes a retread shop, offce space and pull-through service bay.

up three spots from last year. Te plant opened in July 2014 and has seven employees. Even with the pricing pressures from imported tires, the plant was proftable by August. Majewski says his core customers are dealers who do not have their own retread plants, and he expects business levels to double in 2015. While volumes were higher overall, business levels were down for OTR retreaders serving the mining industry. Government regulations placed on coal mining and the use of coal in power generation are behind the decline, according to Jim John of Craf Tire Inc./Shrader Retreading in Uniontown, Pa. “Also, road construction and housing construction are still lagging behind a normalized pace.” Te company dropped two spots to No. 37.

Acquisitions in a nutshell Several dealers added market coverage and retread capabilities through acquisition. Best-One Tire & Service purchased a Bandag retread plant in Alliance, Ohio, from American Tire Distributors Inc. (ATD) in August 2014. ATD had acquired the plant from Terry’s Tire Town Holdings Inc. earlier in 2014. Te Alliance plant operates under the Great Lakes Best-One Tire & Service banner. Best-One Tire Group now has 16 retread plants and holds the No. 5 spot, the same as last year. Also in August 2014, McCarthy Tire Service Co. Inc. purchased Terry-Haggerty Tire Co. from Jim and Tom Terry. Te acquisition gave McCarthy a combined commercial-retail location and a stand-alone retread shop in Albany, N.Y. Te purchase increased McCarthy’s production capabilities for Bandag retreading by 200 units a day. McCarthy now has

Top retreaders seven Bandag retread plants and one OTR retread plant. Te Albany plant helped push it to No. 7, up one spot from last year. Bob Sumerel Tire Co. Inc. of Erlanger, Ky., gained a Bandag plant in Wooster, Ohio, as part of a transaction involving fve Kaufman Tire Inc. locations. Te purchase increased capacity by 150 truck tire retreads a day. Bob Sumerel Tire now has six retread plants and ranks No. 16, the same as last year. ComCar Industries Inc. of Auburndale, Fla., retreaded its

Building business through training

Jack’s Tire and Oil Management Co. Inc. is training its sales force to beter understand issues unique to feet owners and managers. Te Logan, Utah-based company is ranked No. 20, down two spots. “Everybody sells tires and retreads. We have to make sure we understand their hot butons,” says Bob Feldbauer, CEO and president. Te hot butons for trucking companies are driver retention and compliance with the federal government’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) initiative to improve feet safety. Feldbauer says the training helps the sales force explain how quality retreading services help fleets maintain CSA scores and retain drivers. Heartland Tire Inc. began training its customers in the nuts and bolts of retreading operations in 2014. Based in Brainerd, Minn., Heartland Continental’s BestDrive branding is offers retail and commercial visible throughout the lobby of its Rather than walking customers through a typiplant in Detroit, Mich., which began cal plant tour, Heartland Tire immerses them in services through 12 locations. operating in March. The plant is retread operations through a two-day, handsTe company acquired fve retail Continental’s third company-owned on training session. The training program is stores in the Minneapolis area and operated plant in the U.S. helping Heartland to develop more business. in October 2014. Heartland own casings for its trucks up to November 2014. At that time, retreads tires for its commercial stores as well as retread ComCar sold its Bandag plant to Boulevard Tire Center based customers across the Midwest. Te company holds the No. in Deland, Fla. ComCar was retreading about 9,000 medium 88 spot; it was not ranked on the Top 100 last year. truck tires annually. Boulevard now has six retread plants and “Many people have taken a plant tour at one time or another, holds the No. 15 spot, the same as last year. but that is just a quick snapshot of how a tire fows through the plant,” says Jim Anderson, director of retreading. To educate More “BestDrive” shops open customers about its process, benefts and value, Heartland “Others” account for 4.5% of domestic retreaded truck expanded the typical plant tour to two days of hands-on training. tire market share, behind Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions Heartland splits atendees into two groups of fve or six. (42%), Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (25%), Michelin Retread One group learns about tread designs, correct application, Technologies Inc. (23.5%) and Marangoni North America warranty information and more in a classroom seting as the Inc. (5.%). “Others” includes Continental Tire the Americas other group is trained in the plant. LLC, which opened its newest company owned and operated Te atendees spend the most time in the initial inspection retread shop in March 2015 in Detroit, Mich. It is one of three and the RR (Returned as Received) areas. “Let’s face it; we as Continental plant locations in the U.S. Te shops are branded an industry haul around way too many casings that will never “BestDrive.” A BestDrive retread plant has been operating in make it through initial inspection,” says Anderson. “Te only Memphis, Tenn., since September 2014 and in Phoenix, Ariz., way to make this situation beter is through educating the since May 2011. Production for the three BestDrive plants customer who will in return educate the end user.” places Continental at No. 42 on the Top 100 list. Anderson says there is no beter way to educate a customer Continental is focused on creating a retread footprint that than placing him or her alongside the person working the will allow it to beter service feet business, according to R. initial inspection station. Te knowledge acquired is carried Scot Miller, ContiLifeCycle manager for the U.S. and Canada. out into the feld where commercial tire salespeople can add “Our strategy is to target retread opportunities that include value to their end users. Customers also examine examples of existing retread operations for conversion such as Piedmont returned as received casings. Learning why a casing is rejected Truck Tires in North Carolina or to partner with entrepreneurial is more efective than seeing a note on a report that a tire did new start-ups as we did with DLS Retreading in South Carolina. not make it through the inspection process. Our fnal approach is to establish our company-owned BestDrive Te company is launching a monthly newsleter for retreading retread tire facilities in markets that have a high demand for customers in April 2015. Heartland is also gaining more exposure retread where the frst two options are not available.” through trade shows, event sponsorship and involvement in Continental says 13 independent dealers are ContiLifeCycle relevant trade associations. activities which Anderson says are licensees. With the exception of Piedmont Truck Tires and paying dividends already. “It doesn’t mater what industry you’re DLS Retreading, the company declined to identify them or in, you must fnd new ways to beter serve your customers and discuss plans for new licensees and company-owned locations. make it easy for them to do business with you,” he says. ■

MTD April 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14118

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14119

RUBBER USED (lbs. in millions)

27.3 Bandag (precure)

16,162

30 25

3,550 7

23.6 Bandag (precure)

12,789

9,112

16 0 2,338 0 6 200 2,100 0

Best-One Tire Group Snider Tire Inc., dba Snider Fleet Solutions McCarthy Tire Service Co. Inc. Pomp’s Tire Service Inc.

TCi Tire Centers LLC

5 6 7

Monroe, Ind. Greensboro, N.C. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Green Bay, Wis. Duncan, S.C.

123 6

1,753 0

242

Bend, Ore.

1,348 10

11.1

12 Service Tire Truck Centers Inc. 13 B.R. Retreading

Bethlehem, Pa. Glasgow, Ky.

1,200 0

8.6

10 4.5

14 Bauer Built Inc., dba Bauer Built Tire 15 Earl W. Colvard Inc., dba Boulevard Tire Center 16 Bob Sumerel Tire Co. Inc. 17 Cross-Midwest Tire Co.

Durand, Wis.

1,000 0

Deland, Fla.

936

6 3

0 55

900 705

0 6

0 5.1 16 NA

810

800

784

20 21 22 23 24 25

27 Ziegler Tire & Supply Co. 28 Community Tire Co.

8,183 7,690 7,277 6,293

5,178

Oliver (precure), Marangoni (RingTread precure), Galgo Michelin (Pre-Mold, Custom Mold) Segmented radial molds, Marangoni (cut tread) Michelin (Pre-Mold)

5.8

Bandag (precure)

3,276 3,150 2,843

10 4.1

Bandag (precure) Bandag (precure, Continuum) Oliver and Daeho (precure, mold cure) Bandag (precure)

5.1

Michelin (Pre-Mold)

2,757

700

Bandag (precure)

2,484

100 660

3.8

Bandag (precure)

2,480

2 4 1

28 20 0

686 650 0

0 0 46

0 0 0

3.5 4.4 4.8

2,448 2,309 2,116

St. Cloud, 3 Minn. Massillon, 2 Ohio St. Louis, Mo. 1

500

3.6

575

4.5

30 2.8

Bandag (precure) Bandag (precure) Mold cure, sculpture, precure Bandag (precure, Continuum) Michelin (Pre-Mold, Custom Mold) Mold cure, segmented mold cure

Erlanger, Ky. Kansas City, Mo. New Pride Corp. Oakland, Calif. Atlanta Commercial Tire Inc. Forest Park, Ga. Jack’s Tire and Oil Manage- Logan, Utah ment Co. Inc. Parkhouse Tire Inc. Bell Gardens, Calif. Belle Tire Distributors Inc.** Allen Park, Mich. McGriff Treading Co. Inc. Cullman, Ala. Tredroc Tire Services** Antioch, Ill. H & H Industries Inc. Oak Hill, Ohio

26 Royal Tire Inc.

111

16,637

Michelin (Pre-Mold, Custom 6,135 Mold) 23 N/A Precure, mold cure 6,000

Portland, Ore. 1

PROCESS

12 126 1,737 0

110 1,500 40

10 NRI Inc., dba Northwest Wholesale and Retreading 11 Les Schwab Tire Centers*

Goodyear (UniCircle, precure, mold cure)

Goodyear (UniCircle, precure, mold cure, Flex-cure), segmented mold cure, precision cut treads 0 14.7 Bandag (precure) 0 16 Michelin (Pre-Mold, Custom Mold) 10 10.8 Bandag (precure and Continuum) 0 N/A Bandag (precure)

142 918

TOTAL POINTS

INDUSTRIAL 2

OTR

4,350 20

TRUCK

17 10

SHOPS

COMPANY

28 110 4,700 0

RANK

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Fort Smith, dba Goodyear Commercial Ark. Tire & Service Centers Southern Tire Mart* Columbia, Miss. Bridgestone Americas Tire Nashville, Operations LLC, dba GCR Tenn. Tires & Service Purcell Tire & Rubber Co. Potosi, Mo.

HEADQUARTERS

2015 MTD Top 50 Retreaders in the U.S.

150 40

4,268 4,164 3,517

2,835 2,834

2,065 2,021 2,005

MTD April 2015

45 Dorsey Tire Co. Inc. 46 White’s Tire Service Inc.

47 Pete’s Tire Barns Inc. 48 Hill Tire Co.

49 Colony Tire Corp. 50 Ranger Tire/J.A.R. Rubber Corp.

TOTAL POINTS

41 Redburn Tire Co. 42 Continental Tire the Americas LLC, dba BestDrive LLC 43 Dillon Tire Inc., dba Cross Dillon Tire* 44 Eastern Iowa Tire Inc.

PROCESS

39 Allied Oil & Tire Co.*

RUBBER USED (lbs. in millions)

37 Craft Tire Inc./Shrader Retreading 38 Bergey’s Retread Technologies 39 T & W Tire and Retread Inc.

INDUSTRIAL

36 Raben Tire Co. Inc.

OTR

35 Morton Supplies Inc.

TRUCK

34 RDH Tire and Retread Co.

33 Parrish Tire Co.

SHOPS

COMPANY Valley Tire Co. Inc. Custom Bandag Inc. New Holland Tire Inc.* Sullivan Tire Co. Inc.

HEADQUARTERS

RANK 29 30 31 32

1 3 2 3

40 66 5 30

550 500 500 460

0 0 2 0

0 0 0 4

3.4 3.8 3 3.4

Michelin (Pre-Mold) Bandag (precure) Daeho/Elgi (precure) Bandag (precure)

1,993 1,862 1,850 1,661

450

2.7

Bandag (precure)

1,660

4.5

1,610

365

Evansville, 3 Ind. Uniontown, 2 Pa. Franconia, Pa. 1

420

2.2

2.3

400

10 2.5

Oklahoma 2 City, Okla. Omaha, Neb. 1

400

2.3

Phoenix, Ariz. 5 Fort Mill, S.C. 3

30 0

370 375

0 0

2.4 3.0

Computerized strip and tread grooving, Bandag Daeho (precure), Bandamatic (precure), Oliver (SureCure precure) Michelin (Pre-Mold), Goodyear (UniCircle) Marangoni (Mammoth) & computer cut tread Marangoni (RingTread precure), ContiLifeCycle, other Michelin (Pre-Mold, Custom Mold) Michelin (Pre-Mold, Custom Mold) Bandag (precure) ContiLifeCycle

Lincoln, Neb. 2

347

2.4

1,306

Davenport, Iowa Pooler, Ga. Wilson, N.C.

368

20 2.5

Bandag (precure, Continuum) Bandag (precure)

1 1

0 30

345 270

0 4

0 0

1.6 2.4

Orange, Mass. Forest Park, Ga.

295

1.7

330

3.1

Edenton, N.C. 1 Bayshore, 1 N.Y.

0 2

325 286

0 2

0 6

2 2.1

Charleroi, Pa. Linden, N.J. Terre Hill, Pa. Norwell, Mass. WinstonSalem, N.C. Cleveland, N.C. Morton, Ill.

1,563

1,470 1,426 1,401 1,400 1,400 1,346 1,312

1,288

Bandag 1,207 Marangoni (RingTread 1,180 precure), Vipal (precure), ContiLifeCycle (precure), White’s Bead-to-Bead (mold cure) Bandag (precure) 1,175 Marangoni (RingTread 1,155 and Unitread), ContiLifeCycle, and Oliver (Megamile precure) Michelin (Pre-Mold) 1,137 Marangoni (precure), Vipal 1,096 (precure), Hawkinson Mold (Intermodal), Bandamatic

Here’s how the points are calculated: Each April, Modern Tire Dealer ranks the “Top 100 Retreaders in the U.S.” based on the average amount of tread rubber used to retread different types of tires. Twelve pounds of rubber, on average, are used to produce one light truck tire retread, while 24 pounds are used to produce one medium/heavy truck tire retread. An average of 325 pounds is used to build one OTR tire retread. MTD awards one point for every seven pounds of rubber used per retread. Each light truck tire retread equals 1.7 points, each truck tire retread equals 3.5 points, and each OTR retread equals 46 points. The point total does not include industrial tires. Numbers are rounded to the nearest point. The “Top Retreaders” list was started in 1988, when the top 10 retreaders were: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., ABC Treadco Inc., Pro-Tread Corp., Les Schwab Tire Centers, Edward-Warren Tire Co., Northwest Retreaders Inc., Ray Carr Tires, Radar Tire Inc., Purcell Tire & Rubber and McGriff Treading Co. (* estimated. N/A = not available. **does not include Belleroc Tire Services, a joint venture between Tredroc Tire Services and Belle Tire Distributors.

To see the entire “Top 100 Retreaders” list, visit www.moderntiredealer.com. www.moderntiredealer.com

Industrial tires

Sales of industrial tires pick up as ports and construction sites get busier By Ann Neal

hen the mining industry slumped, OTR retreader Noah Hickman of H&H Industries Inc. looked elsewhere for business. “We’ve branched out into markets such as ports, construction, and other areas to combat the slowdown of the coal market,” says Hickman, whose Oak Hill, Ohio-based company holds the No. 25 spot on Modern Tire Dealer’s “2015 Top 100 retreaders” list. Te type of tire being retreaded has not changed. “Most of these tires we’re capping are the same: 1800-33,18.00-25 for ports, 25-inch for construction, and all sizes for material handling,” says Hickman. More activity at the nation’s ports and on construction sites is boosting sales of industrial tires, too. “Economic recovery and a strong dollar encourage consumer spending,” says Bruce Besancon, vice president of marketing for Alliance Tire Americas Inc. “Fourth-quarter spending in 2014 was the best it’s been in eight years, and forecasts indicate that trend is likely to continue. Tat means warehouses and ports will be busy. Construction is recovering, too, so we’ll see demand for tires at both the OEM and the replacement levels.” Tom Van Ormer, director of pricing for East Bay Tire Co., a wholesaler, exporter and commercial dealer with nine locations in California and Hawaii, says a rebound in business at rental and construction companies is boosting demand for forklif and material handling tires. Continental Tire the Americas LLC also sees more demand for forklif tires and tires for harbor and port operations. “We are expecting to grow another 30% in 2015 as we continue to prove the lowest cost of ownership,” says Gary Sass, U.S. sales manager for commercial specialty tires.

Alliance says it developed the Galaxy Giraffe XLW with extremely sturdy sidewalls, special tread design and a very large, fat footprint to handle dynamic loads and provide stability for the operator.

Rovince International Corp. believes demand for forklif and material handling tires will steadily increase in 2015 thanks to more transit and a general increase in commerce, according to Troy Rudnick, who heads up marketing for the California-based industrial tire distributor. “We also believe that the commercial truck tire industry is a good indicator for the demand for forklif tires. Te more loading and unloading of these trucks, the more demand there will be for forklif tires.” Jim Enyart, technical service manager at BKT Tires USA Inc., a subsidiary of Balkrishna Industries Ltd., says the prospects for 2015 are defnitely improving. “We are optimistic with the improving economy and expect this market to improve as the year develops.” Fleets are becoming more cost conscious and more aware of driver comfort benefts, according to Justin MacLanders of Michelin North America Inc. As a result, the company is seeing more demand for radial tires and growth in the industrial market. MacLanders is the original equipment key account manager for the company’s industrial and earthmover product line. Camoplast Solideal Inc. expects the steady growth in the materials handling segment to continue throughout 2015 in Europe and in North America. “We’re seeing a defnite resurgence of diferent industries particularly in the manufacturing segments where they’ve been a litle dormant for a number of years. So we anticipate some growth across the board,” says Darren Straten, product manager for material handling. Some regions are growing more than others. “Obviously the Northeast and the Rust Belt are seeing a lot of their manufacturing coming back. We’re also seeing quite a signifcant amount of growth in the southern states,” says Straten. So what does a strengthening economy mean for forklif and material handling tires? MTD asked several manufacturers and distributors for their perspectives on technologies and products.

MTD: What are the technological or market trends in forklif and material handling tires? Besancon, Alliance: Tere are tens of thousands of forklifs running on smooth concrete foors in warehouses and on loading docks, but there are also many that are being used in equipment yards, outdoor environments, construction sites, and military bases. Material handling equipment regularly faces the same challenges. If you look at container terminals in ports, for instance, you can see the challenges that a container handling machine faces every day: steaming hot asphalt in many places, UV radiation all day long, shifing center of gravity, heavy loads, and 24-hour-a-day operation.

MTD April 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14120

Industrial tires When we design a tire like the Galaxy PortStar, we have to take all those factors into account in its construction and formulate a special compound that will meet these harsh demands. We do the same thing with forklif and telehandler tires. Telehandlers are one of the types of machines we see growing in popularity due to their versatility. Enyart, BKT: Te trend is increased radial oferings that are more economical and efcient over the long haul. Tere are more low profle and larger diameter oferings to increase stability of the forklifts when in the lift mode. End user

purchasing decisions appear more short term due to the past weakness in the construction industry. Straten, Camoplast Solideal: We see a big trend toward solid tires taking up 85% of the material handling market in westernized markets. But in North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa we are also seeing a very strong presence of solid tires. With regards to technology, forklifs have evolved. For the same size of machine theyâ€™re able to do more work, travel faster and lif higher loads. Tey have stability systems and technologies to allow operators to be much more productive. Advancements in OEM forklift technology are puting a much greater demand on tires. Weâ€™re at the peak of technology to ensure our tires our capable of handling the loads, the speeds and the demands of a modern forklif feet. Tatâ€™s everything from its ability to resist heat to its overall life and now a big push towards rolling resistance. Finding a good balance of all these performance criteria is critical. Sass, Continental: Specialized rubber compounds that will deliver the lowest rolling resistance in the industry; remanufactured products to help reuse steel bands and solid tire cores.

Michelin says its XMCL backhoe tire minimizes downtime and drives a higher return on investment through a steel-belted casing that adds resistance to punctures.

Van Ormer, East Bay Tire: We do not see a lot of technical advances in the industrial tire segment. In the pneumatic section it seems to still be dominated by quality bias products, even though there is an infux of cheap or mediocre imports hiting the market. We are seeing a slight increase in radial forklif products, but not in any portion comparable to other segments of our industry like ag or OTR tires. Tere is an increase in Solid Dawg solid pneumatic and press-on tires in appropriate applications, and we think this will continue. Our own Tuf Dawg and premium Bad Dawg lines continue to grow market share in the pneumatic feld.

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14121

MTD April 2015

MacLanders, Michelin: Today’s industrial machines are capable of more power, torque, and load capacity than ever before. To maximize productivity, machines and tires are ofen pushed to their limits. High torque, overload, and rotation on the rim lead to deterioration of the bead sole. Te B2 technology, ofered exclusively by Michelin, enhances the robustness of the bead zone and extends tire life through key factors in reducing operating costs, optimizing machine performance, and improving productivity. Continental says Te Michelin Stabil’x XZM radial tire SC 18 (pictured) reduces damage due to heat generation and SC 20 tires and eliminates all tube-related problems set a benchmark through the innovation of our tubeless for economy and bead seal which replaced the need of a environmental compatibility. tube and fap. Tis radial tire also improves They are marresistance to road hazards and punctures. keted as “super Rudnick, Rovince: The developelastic tires,” ment of more versatile and longer lasting which offer the lowest cost per compounds. hour to operate. Ydo Doornbos, managing director, Trelleborg Wheel Systems Americas Inc.: Trelleborg’s Pit Stop Line feature is the latest innovation for the materials handling industry. Pit Stop Line tires feature a highly visible orange line. Tis indictor is designed to reveal itself across the surface of the tire when it reaches the point where it should be replaced. Replacing tires too early costs you money, replacing too late can have profound safety implications. With the Pit Stop Line appearing 100 hours or fve to 15 working days before the tire needs replacing, operators are able to plan their tire changes, avoiding unplanned downtime. MTD: Are you seeing more radialization in forklif tires and material handling tires? If yes, what is driving the demand? Besancon, Alliance: Te need for stability and stif sidewalls means we probably won’t see a tremendous shif to radials in material handling tires. Te key to any tire, be it bias or radial, is that the tire must deliver not only a cost-per-hour advantage, but also address all of the operational needs of the application. Radial tires can typically deliver a very good cost per hour in many applications, but we must never forget the overall need for stability in a material By reducing vibration, the continuhandling operation. ous center lug We are always making sure we develop of the Solideal purpose-built tires for an application so Xtreme forklift tire we won’t rule out any type of construction lowers heat buildas long as it stands up to the challenges of up, increases life, improves operator the machine and the environment. Where comfort and slows we may see a shif to radials is in material wear on driveline handling, if the radial tires can deliver components, more cost-efciency over the life of the according to the company. tires. But I don’t think they’re a factor yet.

www.moderntiredealer.com

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14122

Industrial tires Enyart, BKT: Radialization of this market has been promoted primarily by the manufacturers as they know the long-term benefts and decreased costs of radials in this application. Te construction business has had several years with a depressed demand, and it appears that upgrading to premium tires is difcult at this point. As the industry and economy recovers, buyers will

be more inclined to invest in long-term solutions to their tire needs. Straten, Camoplast Solideal: We don’t see any radialization at all. Tere are a number of reasons. Generally a forklif is traveling around 12 miles per hour at top speed. So it doesn’t require the ability to travel at higher speeds that a radial tire would provide. You also have the drawback of radials in that they do Rovince offers a full line of resilient cushion press on (pictured) and solid pneumatic rubber tires, all of which come in black or non-marking rubber.

not have the stability that you would get out of the solid tire. You don’t have the puncture resistance and as much tread life with radials either. Radials have their place, specifcally in the port markets on large container handlers where you are running 25-inch tires. But in the mass forklif feets there is no need or trend toward radialization. Sass, Continental: Only in larger applications to replace bias ply construction. Sidewall durability continues to plague the radial market. Press on bands and solid tires will still be the dominant players. MacLanders, Michelin: Because there is a push for radialization for longevity, the Michelin XZM radial product ofers exceptionally long life time: 2.0 to 7.5 times versus bias and 2.0 to 3.0 times versus pneumatic shaped solids. Te Michelin XZM ofers comfort without suspension. Tis equates to beter shock absorption, protection of the operator, possibility to carry fragile goods, and protection of the machine. Rudnick, Rovince: No, we have not seen a push for radials at all in the Southern California market. Bias pneumatics and solid tires are, hands down, still the most sought afer types of forklif tires. ■

An orange line embedded in Trelleborg’s new Pit Stop Line tire appears across the surface of the tire when it reaches the replacement point, according to the company.

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14123

MTD April 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14124

Commercially viable Goodyear beefs up benefts for Commercial Tire & Service Network

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is enhancing its year-old Goodyear Commercial Tire & Service Network with new features and benefts in 2015. Gary Medalis, director of marketing for Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems, says, “We laid the foundation for Commercial Tire & Service Network last year by connecting dealers and ofering them excellent benefts, everything from direct mail programs to dealer locator priority, and beyond.” Tose new features include: • Custom, state-of-the-art Dealer websites “that will let the end user know that you are part of the Goodyear Commercial Tire & Service Network in order to drive more trafc to your location;” • A special purchasing program for shop and truck equipment, tools and other items; • Training support through the Goodyear Learning Center; • A new, all-digital Dealer Tool Kit that will serve as a onestop, online shop for news, promotions, product information and links to other Web sites. In addition, network members will have access to the new Goodyear Smart Tech App, which Warren Croyle, brand

marketing operations manager for Goodyear Commercial says “is designed to make the road service process easier for our servicing dealers and the end user. “And for the first time, we are expanding Goodyear Commercial Tire & Service Network member benefts to aligned Goodyear commercial tire dealers in Canada. Tis will give us a consistent brand and program across all of North America.” Te network is driving top and botom line growth for its members, Croyle says. “Tese upgrades and enhancements will add even more value to what we believe is already the best commercial tire network in the industry, and at the end of the day will help our members serve the end user even more efectively.” To learn more, visit www.goodyeartrucktires.com.

Michelin creates seamless tubes for farm tires

Cooper’s new Roadmaster designed for drop-deck trailers

Michelin North America Inc. is introducing a lineup of tire tubes for agricultural, implement and compact line equipment. Michelin Tubes, designed to ft all tires, are made of 100% butyl rubber in a seamless design that can prevent splitting or puncture after installation. “This seamless construction is unique to the Michelin Tubes and is just one way the product helps ensure peace of mind after installation,” says James Crouch, farm and compact segment market manager for Michelin North America. Many farmers fll their tubes with fuid to increase equipment weight in order to minimize slip and ultimately gain traction. Adding ballast to a tractor allows farmers to customize the weight of their machines, depending on the application, which in turn allows them to maximize the tractor’s horsepower. However, some of the liquid ballast used by farmers can be corrosive to the tire and, as a result, may leak into the wheel. Crouch says the butyl rubber construction of the Michelin Tubes provides an airtight seal to defend against corrosive liquid ballast options. Crouch says the tubes also can help extend the life of farm tires. If a tire is punctured or damaged during the season, a tube can be installed as a temporary measure until the tire can be replaced. “The new Michelin Tubes are constructed of the same material as the inner liner of the Michelin agriculture tire,” says Crouch. Michelin says its tubes will ft up to nearly 200 different tire sizes for all types of agricultural, implement and compact line tire dealers throughout North America. MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 14160 www.mtdquiklink.com/14160

There’s a new Roadmaster tire specifcally engineered to withstand the demands of drop-deck trailers. The RM272 features a new tread design and compounding that provides improved tread wear and protection against cutting and chipping. With 16/32-inch tread depth, it’s available in size 255/70R22.5 in load range H. “It’s one tough tire designed for one demanding application,” says Gary Schroeder, director of commercial vehicle and original equipment manufacturer sales for Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. “Tires on a drop-deck trailer take some of the harshest punishment. Often they don’t get replaced due to mileage, they get replaced due to tread damage, such as scrubbing or tearing. “The new RM272 is designed to withstand these conditions and we believe this tire will be a top performer in the industry.” Featuring a four-belt steel casing, the RM272 has a slightly rounded tread footprint, along with a reinforced shoulder, to help withstand extreme side forces. “When the tire was in development, we tested its performance against three types of concrete surfaces to match diffcult realworld conditions, including concrete with exposed limestone, and grooved bridge decking. “These tests enabled Cooper engineers to validate that the tire’s durability and performance levels exceeded everyday operating conditions.” COOPER TIRE & RUBBER CO. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 14161 www.mtdquiklink.com/14161

MTD April 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14125

European notebook

An insight into tomorrow’s tires Tire makers provide a look at technology of the future

t has certainly been a period of “show time” electrical energy. In efect, the BH03 will generate in Europe in the past couple of months with electricity through the action of piezoelectric and the internationally prestigious Geneva Motor thermoelectric materials in the tire that respectively Show in Switzerland, following February’s Tire transform deformation and heat energy created by Technology Expo in Germany (which I reported the rolling tire into electricity. Xavier also stated, on in the March edition of MTD). “With the demand for electric cars continuing However, this article is not about another to grow, our BH03 technology has the exciting show, as my reason for atending this event was potential to signifcantly enhance the solution to capitalize on the perfect opportunity to meet of future mobility challenges.” and discuss the future with most of the global By John Stone Meanwhile, the Goodyear Triple Tube concept tire market’s leading manufacturers. tire consists of three internal air chambers located Traditionally, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Bridgestone beneath the tread area and close to the inboard and outboard Corp., Continental AG, Pirelli & Cie SpA, Yokohama Rub- shoulders of the tire. Te function of the Triple Tube ber Co. Ltd. and Apollo Vredestein B.V. have exhibited at revolves around an internal pump that circulates air from the motor show, because it is the perfect stage to promote their latest original equipment paterns alongside the very latest vehicle marque designs. Terefore, I spent time at the show, having arranged appointments with each tire producer, to fnd out about their latest developments.

Goodyear At the Goodyear booth, I met with Xavier Fraipont, director of tire technology in consumer tires in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, who was keen to point out the innovative benefts of two ground-breaking concept paterns on display that could radically change the perception of passenger car tires in the future. Fraipont said, “Our two new futuristic tire concepts — the BH03 and the Triple Tube — look set to ‘stretch the imagination’ and provide a tantalizing glimpse of what practical innovations could be on the horizon for the global tire industry.” Te Goodyear BH03 ofers the possibility of charging the bateries of futuristic electric cars by transforming the heat and deformation generated by the rolling tire into

Goodyear’s Triple Tube concept tire has three internal air chambers that adjust to road conditions.

the main air chamber to three individual air chambers/ tubes, enabling the tire to automatically adjust to the three diferent positions/shapes — eco/safety, sporty and wet traction — according to the road conditions at the time. Te eco/safety shape creates equal infation in all three tubes for reduced rolling resistance, while the sporty shape reduces infation within the inboard shoulder tube to ensure dry handling through an optimized tread contact patch. Finally, the wet traction shape maximizes infation in the center tube to give high aquaplaning resistance through a raised tread in the center of the tire.

Bridgestone

The BH03 was one of two futuristic tire concepts from Goodyear on display at the Geneva Motor Show.

When I interviewed Gert Meylemans, Bridgestone Europe’s head of PR and corporate communications, he was keen to mention the company’s next chapter in reafrming the profle of its iconic Firestone brand in Europe with the recent launch of the Firestone “Multiseason” range, which is the brand’s frst venture into the “all-season” segment in

MTD April 2015

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European notebook Europe. He said, “Although the Firestone brand is famous in North America, it has held a relatively low profle in Europe over the past 15 years until its re-emergence last year with the Firestone Destination HP range for SUV vehicles.” Te Firestone Multiseason tire is specifcally promoted as a mid-segment brand, which has been specially manufactured for Europe to particularly excel in all weather conditions when fted to small- and mediumsized cars primarily doing urban driving in cities and towns and areas renowned for consistently bad weather conditions. Te Firestone Multiseason also provides impressive wet grip and excellent hydroplaning resistance and will be available in Europe in July in AirFree Concept tire nine sizes from 13 up Bridgestone’s is a non-pneumatic tire. to 16 inches. Meylemans also spoke about Bridgestone’s Ecopia EP500 ecologic tire, which is currently fted to the BMW i3 electric car. Te tire presents a distinctive large tire diameter and narrow tread design for impressive advancements in aerodynamics, rolling resistance and improved grip performance. Finally, I examined Bridgestone’s AirFree Concept, a nonpneumatic tire incorporating spokes thread through the rubber, which requires no maintenance as there is no air, making it a fully “‘cradle to grave” solution that maximizes the recycling of worn tires

Continental Next on my visiting agenda was Continental. I chated with Alexander Bahlmann, head of media and PR for the European tire division, who explained that taking center stage on the booth was the new Conti.eContact range, which was recently introduced as the frst tire from Continental to have been specifcally designed for hybrid cars. Bahlmann said, “Our new Conti.eContact range is also the frst summer tire to be graded an A rating in wet grip and rolling resistance within the European tire labeling legislation and is initially available in six size options in 17 and 18 inches with a V rating. With hybrid cars now increasingly popular on a global basis, we are ready to further develop this tire concept of a unique vehicle segment.” Another big crowd-puller at the Continental booth was a vehicle fted with Conti’s much publicized dandelion tire concept. Alexander said, “So far, this revolutionary dandelion compound has been incorporated on our latest WinterContact TS 850P tire and successfully tested on wet and dry road surfaces, as well as on snow and ice.”

Yokohama When I visited the Yokohama booth, I was met by David Andrew Oliva, communications manager, marketing department for the Replacement Business Division, Yokohama Europe

GmbH, who informed me that Yokohama was launching its very latest highway terrain tire, the H/T GO56 for 4x4/SUV vehicles, within its popular Geolandar brand. Te Geolandar H/T GO56 will become available in the next few months and has been exclusively produced for Europe. During the development stage of the tire, Yokohama conducted a survey of all European countries, with results indicating that various markets were looking for specifc performances in wet braking, tread wear and handling. Te results were taken into account when the tire was being manufactured. Oliva told me, “Our GO56 tire ofers a unique compound which features ‘orange oil’ that improves wet grip and signifcantly shortens wet braking distances in European weather conditions. It also reduces low rolling resistance, improves pass-by-noise to meet current European standards, plus an innovative tread design which incorporates new advanced technology that will enhance wear performance and drive comfort.” Te Geolandar H/T GO56 will initially become available in 25 size options from 15 up to 20 inches, and completes Yokohama’s comprehensive line-up of 4x4/SUV tires for Europe.

Pirelli At the Pirelli booth, I spoke with Mateo Bataini, senior vice president for sales planning and supply chain, and Andrea Casaluci, operational marketing director, and learned about the company’s “Seal Inside” technology, which forms part of Pirelli’s “Extended Mobility” philosophy. Battaini explained that Seal Inside allows motorists to continue driving without loss of tire pressure following a puncture of up to 4 mm. A sealing agent on the inside of the tire, once activated, solidifes around the foreign object that has caused the puncture to prevent air escaping. Also, once the object has been removed, the sealing agent expands to plug the gap. Tis latest technology is a further example of Pirelli’s total commitment to safety innovation. Casaluci also pointed out that during the course of 2014, Pirelli introduced 266 new homologations, with 213 for the premium and prestige vehicle sectors. Te company now hold a record 1,846 current homologations on a global basis.

Apollo Vredestein Finally, at the Apollo Vredestein booth a company spokesman pointed out that during the past 12 months, Apollo has had an extremely active trading period. Tat includes seting up of a greenfeld production facility in Hungary to support its main manufacturing plant in Te Netherlands, which has reached maximum capacity. Te new Hungarian plant will play an important roll in the future, with product demand expected to signifcantly increase in 2015.

So, although I was atending a motor show, it proved to be the perfect stage to witness the tires of tomorrow all under one roof. ■ John Stone has been working within the global tire industry for the past 20 years. In 2004 he launched his own consulting company, Sapphire Media Services, which caters to business media clients around the globe. Stone also writes for tire and automotive-related publications in Europe, South Afica and Asia.

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Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14127

Counter intelligence

100 years old and open to change Harnessing the power of presentation

ince 1911, Daniels Tire Service has been and used reclaimed wood to add some character. Te serving the greater Los Angeles and surbig, fat, black computer monitors are now hidden with rounding areas with dependable, quality a message board that broadcasts simple interchangeable products and service. Daniels Tire Service is a messages. We modifed the Daniels Tire Service logo to premier provider of commercial tires and operates freshen it up, and then laser cut the new design into the a collection of retail tire and automotive repair reclaimed wood on the counter and into the message locations. One of their locations happens to be boards. A litle design goes a long way. a few blocks from my home, and I’ve used them The whole team at Daniels Tire got behind the successfully for a variety of automotive services project: Owner John Daniels, General Manager Brent By Wayne Williams for the last six years. Cole and Store Manager Sean Sookwongse. Tis team Te retail sales counter is prime real estate. It’s understands customer service and customer experience; imperative that the sales counter, itself, help facilitate activities they do more than talk about it; they practice it daily. on both sides of the counter. It’s torture for me to watch sales Te scope of the project was simple, and the results speak staf and customers interact around this small counter space for themselves. Look at the before and afer photos. ... it’s awkward, dysfunctional, boring, ridiculous, and lacks intelligent design. Components of change Te sales counter is only 18 inches deep and seven feet long. Willingness to change; desire to improve; a focus on Te surface space is consumed by monitors, keyboards and customer experience; two steel stools; two message boards; phones. Tere is very litle room for the sales staf to work one custom-made counter extension; one digital screen and almost no room for the customers. Tough there are message board; a two-tier tire stand to highlight tire specials; two stools for the customers to sit on, there is no overhang reroute a few cables; and add a few plants and air freshener. so customers sit sidesaddle at the counter. Tough providing Consider these facts: the stools for customers is thoughtful, the execution is less than ideal. • 75% of all buying decisions are made in the store. • 90% of consumer purchases are made at brick and mortar Te solution locations. Design a simple extension that adds 14 inches to the depth • 60% of tire purchasers research on-line before buying. and one foot to the overall length; this almost doubles the • 75% of consumers depend on a dealer website. surface space. We decided to use a welded steel frame for • 92% of consumers buy their tires in the store. stability and strength, with a matching black Formica surface, Te best time to give it your best is at the time of purchase! Like we said in earlier articles, the sales counter is prime real estate; it’s a pivotal place; it’s the best place in your store to infuence customers; it’s the best place to tell your story, your best message; it’s the place to maximize your message. Tis simple extension to the sales counter is designed to infuence the buyer. Studies consistently show that the customer experience is vitally important to repeat business and customer loyalty. If we have the good fortune to have customers visit our store, we should make our best efort at the counter. Not only are we saying the right things, the counter is the place to optimize your message. Te collective message at the new Daniels Tire sales counter is this, “For over 100 years, we’ve been taking care of customers, we’re good at it, you can trust us, and we care.” You must deliver what customers want. It’s one thing to say you care about customers, you must prove it. You must prove it at the counter every day in every way; make it comfortable, make it pleasant, and make it professional. Tis is the place to put your best message into action. As you can see, the dealership’s original counter top was small, cramped and ineffcient. Optimize your message; optimize your value to the customer.

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We did all this for less than $2,500, plus some time and efort. Everything is beter at this counter. It’s certainly more counter intelligent. If it doesn’t work at the counter, it doesn’t work! ■

Wayne Williams is president of ExSell Marketing Inc., a “counter intelligence” frm based in La Habra, Calif. He can be reached at exsellmkting@gmail.com.

We created and printed Daniels Tire inserts that convey the “exact” Daniels Tire message and work in harmony with their primary tire vendor. All the tire brand messaging is simple and handy at the counter. No clutter! We created a “feature tire(s)” display that stands next to the counter within easy reach for presentation purposes. We also added sturdy seating for the customers.

We hid the back of the monitor with a simple message and a little more barn wood.

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We used 100-yearold barn wood from Michigan and laser cut a new logo and placed it in the center of the counter.

The new counter works for both the dealership’s employees and their customers. It is now clean, effcient and ready for the next 100 years.

Focus on industry

Continental’s ExtremeContact DWS06 Superior all-season performance with no trade-ofs By Bob Ulrich

on’t screw it up.” That was the mantra among the Continental dealers who loved the ExtremeContact DWS. And engineers at Continental listened. Afer three years in development, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 will launch in May. Te ultra-high performance all-season tire looks the same as its predecessor. Tat is about the only similarity between the two tires. Te original DWS, which stands for Dry, Wet and Snow, was introduced six years ago. It was known for its balanced, all-season performance; Continental dealers were particularly pleased with its snow traction. In addition, it featured “Tuned Performance Indicators” — the leters D, W and S — built into the tread. When the “S” wore down, for example, the tire was no longer optimized for snow performance. When all three indicators disappeared, the tire had Construction highlights of the DWS06 include 1) a high strength, tworeached the end of its legal tread depth and needed ply sidewall; 2) a Sport Sidewall Insert for responsive handling; and 3) a spiral would cap ply for a smooth ride and a W or Y speed rating. The to be replaced. tire also has “Tuned Performance” and visual alignment indicators. However, dealers also saw the need for longer tread wear and a stronger sidewall. Continental successfully But the most signifcant improvement is in tread wear. Te addressed those issues in designing the DWS06, and improved 50,000-mile limited tread wear warranty was achieved with the wet, dry and snow traction as well. help of its new SportPlus Technology. For staggered ftments, the rear tire warranty is 25,000 miles because the tires can’t DWS06 vs. DWS be rotated front from front to rear and vice-versa. Bob Liu, performance tires product manager for Continental “In the North American Market, everyone cares about Tire the Americas LLC, says the DWS06 is “an evolutionary tread life,” says Liu. Te 50,000-mile warranty matches the product.” It is comparatively much beter than the DWS in Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season, Pirelli P Zero All Season wet traction, and superior in dry and snow traction thanks Plus and Yokohama Advan Sport A/S warranties in the UHP to Traction Grooves and X-Sipes. How Continental defnes all-season segment. In addition, Continental is backing the “comfort” also was improved. DWS06 with a three-year roadside assistance program; a 12-month or frst 2/32nds-inch road-hazard warranty; and a 72-month manufacturer’s limited warranty. Te sidewall also was enhanced. Te new two-ply sidewall has 35% greater impact resistance. “We kept the family look of the DWS. It has a clean sidewall, which seems to be very popular in this segment.” Te rolling resistance of the DWS06 also remains the same. Liu says improving rolling resistance was not as much of a focus as the other performance characteristics. Beginning in May, the new ExtremeContact DWS06 will replace the DWS. It will be priced less than the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 and Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position, according to Continental. By September, all 87 of the tire’s W- and Y-rated sizes will be available, including 13 new sizes. Tey will range from Tom Schadl (foreground) of K&M Tire Inc. in Delphos, Ohio, 205/55ZR16 91W to 295/25ZR22 97Y. Te frst 52 sizes, and Mario Crociata of Whitey’s Tire Service in Brooklyn, N.Y., recently tested the new DWS06 on a 2015 Ford Escape which will cover more than 80% of the segment’s volume, at Continental’s Uvalde, Texas, test track. will be introduced in May. ■

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Focus on industry

‘Are you driver enough?’ BFG tour challenges dealers to test the new g-Force tire By Ann Neal

Te g-Force Comp-2 is being manufactured in Michelin’s Tuscaloosa, Ala., tire plant. Wilson says the new tire will be less expensive and more proftable than the current Super Sport ofering. Improvements in manufacturing processes enable the company to ofer the tire to dealers at a lower price. “Tere’s greater proftability from a lower price perspective versus the current product that’s on the market. But also because of the technological advancements and the new sizes, we think we can demand a slightly higher retail price, therefore creating more proft opportunity for dealers,” says Wilson. “Tis will be our best ultra-high performance all-season tire ever. It will give you the best wet and dry traction and braking versus leading competitors. You will also have beter snow traction than leading competitors,” he says. Te new tire’s proprietary UltiGrip, g-Force Tread and

he new BFGoodrich brand g-Force Comp-2 A/S comes in more sizes, is more durable and has more all-weather capabilities than its predecessor. Michelin North America Inc. says 50% of the volume of the new ultrahigh performance Z-rated tire will come from new sizes. Te tire was released in 33 sizes covering two-thirds of the market on April 1. Fify-nine sizes will be available by the end of the frst quarter of 2016 covering 89% of the market. Rim sizes range from 16 to 22 inches. Te g-Force Comp-2 A/S is available in the U.S. and Canada. Michelin is adding 31 new sizes to the Z category. “Te launch of the g-Force Comp-2 A/S brings us back to an approach we once owned, releasing revolutionary product with forwardthinking new sizes,” says Marcus Wilson, ultra-high performance marketing manager for the BFGoodrich brand. “We spend a lot of time shoulder-to-shoulder with enthusiasts at grassroots events and get tremendous insight in what performance seekers demand. Our intent with the g-Force Comp-2 A/S and all our UHP ofers is to be in with, and in many cases out in front of, the cuting edge sizes being introduced at OE.” Te company plans to discontinue g-Force Super Sport A/S in Z-rated sizes and replace them with the new Comp-2 tire. Te remaining H- and V- rated sizes within the Super Sport A/S will continue until 2016 and be replaced Marcus Wilson, marketing with the next-generation Advantage T/A. manager, says the tread Te Comp-2 tire will ft a range of vehicles, design of the g-Force CompThe consistent tread block rigidity of the including American muscle, European and 2 A/S gives the appearance new g-Force Comp-2 A/S tire resists irregular of a shorter sidewall height Asian luxury, as well as tuner car options that resonates with the wear typically associated with directional and plus ftments . It has a 45,000-mile tread brand’s core consumers. tread design, according to the company. wear warranty compared to the 35,000-mile warranty of the g-Force Super Sport A/S. Performance Racing Core technologies will change consumer Te brand’s core consumers are “performance seekers,” perceptions of the all-season tire, according to Paul Gerrard, according to Wilson. “Traction, toughness and handling are the a lead driving instructor at the tire’s launch event on March 4. three key areas for performance for this consumer. We knew Gerrard says the “jack-of-all-trades” reputation of all-season we had to at least meet their needs in those three categories tires is going away. “When that reputation was earned, the and if at all possible exceed them. We feel confdent we’ve tires were a lot less capable than today. So you have to reset been able to deliver that.” every few years. You still want a winter tire in full winter Wilson says the Comp-2 tire will give drivers the ability conditions and a summer tire on the race track, but the gap to accelerate faster, brake shorter and maintain control in is narrowing with a state-of-the-art all-season tire like g-Force all seasons. “It’s not just an ultra-high performance tire for Comp-2 A/S. Tat statement is not necessarily true for every performance seekers, it’s an ultra-high performance tire for all-season tire but it is true for the g-Force Comp-2. You have everyone.” to change consumer perception of what these tires can do.” Te tire’s key Tier 2 competitors for performance and price Te company will demonstrate the g-Force Comp-2 A/S are the Yokohama Avid Envigor, General G-Max A/S 03, to dealers in 20 locations across the U.S. between April and and Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2. Te average manufacturer August. Te frst stop on the “Are You Driver Enough?” tour is suggested retail price of the g-Force Comp-2 A/S is $162. scheduled for April 22-24 in the Los Angeles, Calif., market. ■

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TPMS

2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain BCM learns sensor IDs in the proper sequence to determine correct sensor location SUBJECT VEHICLE: 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. RELEARN PROCEDURE? Yes. The TPMS sensor relearn procedure must be performed afer every tire rotation, body control module replacement, or sensor replacement. SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? Yes. TPMS special tool (EL-46079 or EL-50448).

he tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) of the 2010 – 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain uses the instrument panel cluster (IPC), body control module (BCM), four radio frequency transmiting pressure sensors, and the serial data circuit to perform the TPMS relearn mode functions. Once the relearn mode has been enabled, each of the sensors’ unique identifcation codes can be learned into the BCM memory. When a sensor ID has been learned, the BCM sounds a horn chirp indicating the sensor has transmited its ID and the BCM has received and learned it. Te BCM must learn the sensor IDs in the proper sequence to determine correct sensor location. Te frst learned ID is assigned to the lef front location, the second to right front, the third to right rear and the fourth to lef rear. Te turn signals will individually illuminate indicating which location is to be learned in the proper sequence. When the TPMS detects a signifcant loss or gain of tire pressure, the tire pressure monitor indicator icon is illuminated on the instrument cluster and if equipped, a check tire pressure type message is displayed on the driver information center (DIC). Both the indicator icon and driver information center message can be cleared by adjusting the tire pressures to the recommended pressures and driving the vehicle above 25 mph (40 km/h) for at least two minutes. Sensor activation methods TPMS special tool (EL-46079 or EL-50448): Each sensor has an internal low frequency coil. When the TPMS tool is used in activate mode, it produces a low frequency transmission that activates the sensor. Te sensor responds to a low frequency activation by transmiting in learn mode. When the BCM receives a learn mode transmission while in TPMS learn mode, it will assign that sensor’s ID to the location on the vehicle relative to the order in which it was learned.

Pressure change 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 8.3 kPa (1.2 psi) from the last pressure measurement, another measurement will occur immediately to verify the change in pressure. If a pressure change has indeed occurred, the sensor transmits in learn mode. When the BCM receives a learn mode transmission while in TPMS 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 relearn mode will cancel if the ignition is cycled to OFF or if more than two minutes has elapsed for any sensor that has not been learned. If the relearn mode is canceled before the frst sensor is learned, the original sensor IDs will be maintained. If the relearn mode is canceled afer the frst sensor is learned, the following will occur: • All stored sensor IDs will be invalidated in the BCM memory. • If equipped, the DIC will display dashes instead of tire pressures. • DTC C0775 will be set.

Tire pressure monitor warning indicators As stated before, the TPMS warns the driver when a signifcant loss or gain of tire pressure occurs in any of the four tires and

MTD April 2015

allows the driver to display the individual tire pressures and their locations on the DIC. When the TPMS detects a signifcant loss or gain of tire pressure, the tire pressure monitor indicator icon is illuminated on the instrument cluster. NOTE: If power is disconnected from the BCM or if the vehicle batery is disconnected, each tire pressure monitor sensor ID is retained but all of the tire pressure information is lost. Te DIC will display all dashes and the scan tool will indicate a default tire pressure value of 1,020 kPa (148 psi) for each tire. Driving the vehicle above 25 mph (40 km/h) for at least two minutes will activate the sensors causing the DIC to display the current tire pressures. Te BCM has the ability to detect malfunctions within the TPMS. In the event a DTC is set, the tire pressure monitor indicator icon on the instrument cluster will fash for one minute and then remain illuminated afer the ignition is turned ON and the instrument cluster bulb check has been completed. Any malfunction detected will cause the driver information center to display a service tire monitor system type message. DIC: Press MENU on the turn signal lever until Vehicle Information Menu is displayed. Use to scroll through the following menu items: • Unit • Tire pressure • Remaining oil life

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Te display will show the approximate pressures of all four tires. Tire pressure is displayed in either kilopascal (kPa) or pounds per square inch (psi).

Reset procedures NOTE: The TPMS sensor relearn procedure must be performed afer every tire rotation, BCM replacement, or sensor replacement. NOTE: When the tire pressure monitor system detects a signifcant loss or gain of tire pressure, the tire pressure monitor indicator icon is illuminated on the instrument cluster and if equipped, a check tire pressure type message is displayed on the driver information center. Both the indicator icon and driver information center message can be cleared by adjusting the tire pressures to the recommended pressures and driving the vehicle above 25 mph (40 km/h) for at least two minutes.

Tire pressure sensor relearn NOTE: If using the TPMS tool to activate the sensors, any stray sensor signals will not afect the relearn procedure. In the event a particular sensor’s information is displayed on the special tool upon activation but the horn does not chirp, it may be necessary to rotate the wheel valve stem to a diferent position due to the sensor signal is being blocked by another component. NOTE: If using the pressure increase/decrease sensor

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activation method, ensure that no other learn procedure is being performed simultaneously or that tire pressures are not being adjusted on another TPMS-equipped vehicle within close proximity. Stray signals from other TPMS-equipped vehicles just driving by can be inadvertently learned. If any random horn chirps are heard from the vehicle while performing the learn procedure, most likely a stray sensor has been learned and the procedure will need to be canceled and repeated. Under these circumstances, performing the TPMS relearn procedure away from other vehicles would be highly recommended. In the event that a particular sensor activation does not cause the horn to chirp, it may be Figure 1: Identifying the driver information center (DIC) buttons. necessary to rotate the wheel valve stem to a diferent position due to the sensor signal is being blocked special tool indicates that the sensor activation signal is by another component. being transmited. Wait for a horn chirp. If the horn does not chirp, repeat the sensor activation sequence with the 1) Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position. tool. Once the horn chirp has sounded, the sensor informa2) Activate the relearn mode using a scan tool or DIC butons tion is learned and the turn signal in the next location to (refer to the owner’s manual). A double horn chirp sounds be learned will illuminate. indicating the relearn mode has been enabled and the lef front turn signal will also be illuminated. 4) Afer the horn chirp has sounded and the right front turn 3) Starting with the lef front tire, activate the tire pressure signal is illuminated, repeat the procedure for the next three sensor using one of the following methods: sensors in the following order: right front, right rear, lef rear. 5) Afer the lef rear sensor has been learned, a double horn • Increase/decrease the tire pressure for eight to 10 seconds chirp will sound, indicating all four sensor IDs have been then wait for a horn chirp. Te horn chirp may occur before learned. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Adjust or up to 30 seconds afer the eight to 10 second pressure all tire pressures to specifcation. increase/decrease time period has been reached. Once the horn chirp has sounded, the sensor information is learned Demounting/mounting procedures and the turn signal in the next location to be learned will CAUTION: Te tire should be demounted from the wheel illuminate. using the tire changer manufacturer’s instructions. Use the fol•Hold the antenna of the TPMS special tool (EL-46079 or lowing information to avoid damage during the demounting/ EL-50448) aimed upward against the tire sidewall close mounting procedures. to the rim at the valve stem location. Press and release the NOTE: If the vehicle’s tires are replaced with those not activate buton. Ensure that the transmit indicator on the having a TPC spec number, the TPMS may give an inaccurate low pressure warning. Non-TPC spec tires may give a low pressure warning that is higher or lower than the proper warning level achieved by TPC spec numbered tires. NOTE: If a tire pressure sensor or the RCDLR is replaced, or if the wheels have been rotated, the tire pressure sensor must be retrained. See reset procedures.

Art courtesy of General Motors Corp.

TPMS

Tire pressure sensor CAUTION: Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire sealant into the tires, as this may cause a malfunction of the tire pressure sensors. If

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14129

MTD April 2015

In this mode, the sensor’s unique identifcation code cannot be learned into the RCDLR’s memory. Te sensor must be taken out of OFF mode by spinning the tire/wheel assembly above 25 mph (40 km/h) for at least 10 seconds in order to close the sensor’s internal roll switch. ■

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.

Art courtesy of General Motors Corp.

Removal 1) Raise the vehicle on a suitable support. Remove the tire/wheel assembly from the vehicle. 2) Demount the tire from the wheel following the tire changer manufacturer’s instructions while paying special atention to the following to avoid damaging the tire pressure sensor: Place the sensor’s cap and valve on a dry, clean surface afer removal. Te cap is aluminum and the valve is nickel-plated to prevent corrosion. Do not substitute a cap or valve made of any other material.

• Position the bead breaking Figure 2: Tire pressure sensor installation. fxture 90 degrees from valve with the air passage facing away from stem when separating the tire bead from the wheel. the wheel. 3) Install the sensor nut, and position • Position the mounting/demounting the sensor body parallel to the inside head so the tire iron can be inserted wheel surface while tightening the nut slightly clockwise of the sensor body to 62 in.-lbs. (7 N.m). when prying the tire bead up and over 4) Before installing the tire on the wheel, the mounting/demounting head. note the following items to avoid tire pres• Using the tire machine, rotate tire/wheel sure sensor damage upon tire mounting: assembly clockwise when transferring the • Position the mounting/demounting tire bead to the outside of the wheel rim. head 180 degrees from the valve stem. • Repeat items for the inner bead. Position the bead transition area 45 degrees counterclockwise of valve stem. 3) Remove the tire pressure sensor nut. • Using the tire machine, rotate the (see Figure 2). tire/wheel assembly clockwise when 4) Remove the sensor from the wheel transferring the tire bead to the inside hole. of the wheel rim. 5) Remove the sensor grommet from • Repeat the items for the outer bead. the valve stem. 5) Install the tire on the wheel. Install the tire/wheel assembly on the vehicle. Installation Retrain the tire pressure sensor. See reset 1) Clean any dirt or debris from the procedures grommet sealing areas. Install the grommet on the sensor valve stem. NOTE: A service replacement tire 2) Insert the sensor in the wheel hole pressure sensor is shipped in OFF mode.

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 website www.mitchell1.com. For archived TPMS articles, visit Modern Tire Dealer’s website at www.moderntiredealer.com.

Torque specifcations Component

Ft.-lbs. (N.m)

Wheel nut

100 (140) In.-lbs.(N.m)

Tire pressure sensor nut

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62 (7)

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Products Wireless OBD-II module for TPMS OTC, a Bosch Automotive Service Solutions brand, has introduced an all-in-one tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) tool with wireless OBD-II dongle, activation and relearn capabilities. The company says it is the industry’s frst wireless OBD-II module for TPMS sensor registration. The device has key fob signal test and infrared print capabilities and includes three years of software updates. The stand-alone, nextgeneration TPMS tool will save automotive repair shops valuable time by combining steps and offering near-universal vehicle coverage for most OEMs. The 3838 also allows for cloning of universal sensors. BOSCH AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE SOLUTIONS Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 14170 www.mtdquiklink.com/14170

Yokohama expands Geolandar line Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) has added a crossover all-season tire with a 65,000-mile tread wear warranty to its Geolandar line. The Geolander G055 is initially available in 19 sizes from 16 to 20 inches in H – and V-speed ratings in the U.S. and Canada. The company says the Geolandar G055 features all-season performance and extended tread life due to Yokohama’s advanced orange oil technology. The tire offers superior traction in wet and wintry conditions and confdent wet handling. In addition, road noise is minimized by an integrated shoulder and full nylon cover that improves stability while resisting irregular wear. YOKOHAMA TIRE CORP. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 14171 www.mtdquiklink.com/14171

Tire cage for small, non-highway tires Ken-Tool Corp. has added its latest, and smallest, tire cage to its line of tire infation restraining devices, with the introduction of the 36000-T107 Utility Tire Infation Cage. It is designed for tires for turf care equipment, golf carts, all-terrain vehicles and personal mobility scooters which are too small to be safely placed in a large passenger or truck tire cage. The company says it is designed solely for non-highway use tires carrying the letters NHS (NonHighway Service) on the tire’s sidewall and is not to be used on highway tires, nor NHS industrial tires or multi-piece wheels. KEN-TOOL CORP. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 14172 www.mtdquiklink.com/14172

Shop pants from Red Kap Red Kap says there are pants and there are “made-to-work-on vehicles” pants. Pants that have more pockets because when you’re fat on your back busting a tire, you need easy access to your tools. These pants have scratch-free buttons, so you don’t have to worry about scratching a paint job. Comfort is no stranger to the technician, tech or gearhead thanks to features like Red Kap’s stretch waistband, double knees, and inseam gusset. There’s only one pair of pants that’s garage-born and made specifcally for the auto industry, says the company: The Performance Shop Pant only from Red Kap. RED KAP Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 14173 www.mtdquiklink.com/14173

New premium brand of calipers Cardone Industries Inc. has introduced Cardone Ultra Premium Calipers, a brand of premium remanufactured calipers that features an exclusive, silver coating to protect against rust and corrosion. The new calipers come equipped with all the necessary installation hardware, including a new banjo bolt and mounting bracket on all applicable applications, according to Cardone. The company says its new brand of premium remanufactured calipers complements all wheel types. CARDONE INDUSTRIES INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 14174 www.mtdquiklink.com/14174

Two-post lift services a range of vehicles Forward Lift, a brand of lifts from Vehicle Service Group LLC, says its 10,000-pound capacity two-post I10 lift comes with three-stage front arms which are designed to properly lift a wide range of vehicles. Most two-post lifts are either symmetric or asymmetric, forcing a shop owner to choose one over the other. However, the I10 Lift’s Spot-Rite three-stage front arms enable the lift to hold heavier and lighter vehicles. The lift has 10,000 pounds of capacity, which is enough to pick up vehicles up to and including Class 2 pickup trucks. FORWARD LIFT Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 14175 www.mtdquiklink.com/14175

MTD April 2015

Lightweight tripod jack stand Rotary Lift, a Dover Corp. brand, has introduced a lightweight jack stand designed to stabilize vehicles loaded on two-post surface and in-ground lifts. The new RS4 supplementary tripod jack stand has 4,000 pounds of capacity and can be raised to a maximum height of seven feet. Two new RS4 jack stands can support a vehicle weighing up to 8,000 pounds. The RS4 stands are easy to set up and can be carried from bay to bay. ROTARY LIFT Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 14176 www.mtdquiklink.com/14176

Creeper has adjustable headrest Integrated Supply Network Inc. has introduced a Monster brand 40-inch creeper with a three-position adjustable headrest (part no. MST13018). The new creeper is available as of April 1, 2015. The company says the creeper is designed with a heavy-duty vinyl cover and padded cushion for added comfort. It has drop shoulder grooves and six industrial swivel casters for easy maneuvering. The creeper is made of rugged steel construction with a heavy duty powder coat for that smooth finish. Maximum capacity is 300 pounds. The creeper is also available with a fxed headrest (part no. MST13019). INTEGRATED SUPPLY NETWORK INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 14177 www.mtdquiklink.com/14177

Two new Kelly Edge tires Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has introduced the Kelly Edge A/S (pictured) and Kelly Edge AT to cover the performance touring, passenger, CUV, SUV and all-terrain tire segments. The company says the products will help usher in a new generation of consumer tires for the Kelly brand. The Kelly Edge power line of products is intended to offer great performance with broad size coverage in a single line that helps reduce retailer inventory, and also provides marketing support to drive tire buyer preference in the economy tier. The line has 85 unique sizes to cover 89% of the economy tier market. GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 14178 www.mtdquiklink.com/14178

MultiPro TPMS sensor 31 Inc.’s X-tra Seal MultiPro Multi-Application TPMS sensor (part number 17-45007) covers many Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Volvo applications. 31 Inc. says its MultiPro series of multi-application TPMS sensors are pre-programmed and

www.moderntiredealer.com

ready to use out of the box. Simply install the MultiPro sensor in the tire/wheel, and relearn, if necessary. Unlike other pre-programmed sensors, the MultiPro offers both snap-in and clamp-in valve options (the valves are interchangeable). 31 INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 14179 www.mtdquiklink.com/14179

Vero Series V200 balancer Hennessy Industries Inc.’s Coats Vero Series V200 wheel balancer reduces balance-related comebacks with Coats’ exclusive Direct Drive technology and innovative ProBalance Technology. The V200’s Direct Drive technology holds a 10-year warranty. ProBalance Technology is a unique balancing algorithm and unbalance correction methodology that minimizes both static and couple unbalance. The industrial-grade touchscreen interface standardizes wheel balancing into a step-by-step process and boasts an intuitive “No Touch” interface. This helps technicians perform 85% of wheel balances without ever touching the screen. HENNESSY INDUSTRIES INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 14180 www.mtdquiklink.com/14180

Milanni luxury line expands Vision Wheel Inc. has expanded its Milanni wheel line for sport and luxury vehicles. The additions include Sultan 9042 (pictured) in chrome and matte black with anthracite spoke ends. Designed for luxury SUVs the 7-spoke style is available in sizes 22x9.5 and 24x9.5. Other additions are Virtue (9022) and Tycoon (9052). The new wheels feature brilliant painted fnishes with mirror machined face or milled spokes as well as new Phantom Chrome, according to the company. The cast aluminum wheels are available in vehicle-complementing sizes with aggressive ftments to complete the look of any ride. VISION WHEEL INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 14181 www.mtdquiklink.com/14181

WHO WILL IT BE IN 2015?

MODERN TIRE DEALER’S 23rd ANNUAL

Nominations are still open for Modern Tire Dealer’s Tire Dealer of the Year

There is no higher honor a tire dealer can receive than winning this prestigious award. In selecting our Tire Dealer of the Year, judges will consider fve elements: 1. Business Success 2. Marketing Skills 3. Management Skills 4. Industry Knowledge 5. Community Involvement Any independent tire dealer, except our previous winners, is eligible for the competition. In addition to the industry recognition, the MTD Tire Dealer of the Year will receive a minimum of $1,000 from MTD for his or her favorite charity. The winner also will be featured on the cover of our September issue and spotlighted in a feature article. To immediately nominate a dealer, log onto www.moderntiredealer.com and fll out our online nomination form, or you can fll out the form on this page and mail it along with the reasons your candidate meets the fve criteria. For more information about nominations, contact MTD Editor Bob Ulrich at: bob.ulrich@bobit.com.

I nominate for Modern Tire Dealer’s Tire Dealer of the Year: Name _____________________________________ Dealership __________________________________ City _____________________________ State _____ Email ______________________________________ Phone______________________________________ Nominated by: Name ______________________________________ Relationship with nominee ______________________ Email ______________________________________ Phone______________________________________ Mail to: Modern Tire Dealer of the Year, 3515 Massillon Road, Suite 350, Uniontown, OH 44685. Deadline for entries is May 22, 2015.

NOW is the time to act! You’ll fnd the nomination form on our website: www.moderntiredealer.com/doy-2015

Bruce Halle’s

lifelong focus on INTEGRITY distinguishes him as our Tire Dealer of the Year

Join these distinguished past winners September 2014 | Vol. 95, No. 9 | $10 | A Bobit Publication | www.moderntiredealer.com

2014: Bruce Halle, Discount Tire, Scottsdale, Ariz. 2013: Dan & Diane Hennelly, The Tire Choice, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. 2012: Bob Sullivan, Sullivan Tire Co., Inc., Norwell, Mass. 2011: Nick Mitsos, Mountain View Tire & Service Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. 2010: John Snider, Snider Tire Inc., Greensboro, N.C. 2009: Bill Ziegler, Ziegler Tire & Supply Co., Massillon, Ohio 2008: Ken Towery, Ken Towery’s AutoCare SuperCenter, Louisville, Ky. 2007: Charlie Creighton, Colony Tire Corp., Edenton, N.C. 2006: Bill Williams, Jack Williams Tire Co., Moosic, Pa. 2005: Paul Zurcher, Zurcher Tire Inc., Monroe, Ind. 2004: Bob and Juanita Purcell, Purcell Tire & Rubber Co., Potosi, Mo. 2003: John Marshall, Grismer Tire Co. Inc., Dayton, Ohio 2002: Tom Raben, Raben Tire Co., Evansville, Ind. 2001: Larry Morgan, Morgan Tire & Auto Inc., Clearwater, Fla. 2000: Les Schwab, Les Schwab Tire Centers, Prineville, Ore. 1999: Raynal Pearson, Pearson Tire Co., Richfeld, Utah 1998: Tom Gegax, Team Tires Plus Ltd., Minneapolis, Minn. 1997: Walt Dealtrey Sr., Service Tire Truck Centers, Bethlehem, Pa. 1996: David Stringer, Stringer Tire Co., Jacksonville, Fla. 1995: Tony Troilo, Rosson & Troilo Motor Co., Brandy Station, Va. 1994: Jerry Bauer, Bauer Built Inc., Durand, Wis. 11993: Barry Steinberg, Direct Tire & Auto Service, Watertown, Mass.

Modern Tire Dealer’s annual donation to charity in the name of the winning tire dealer is a highlight of the Tire Dealer of the Year award.

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. Page

800-687-1557 + Toll Free Extension

Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc.

14127

www.mtdquiklink.com/14127

American Omni Trading Company

14113

www.mtdquiklink.com/14113

Arnott Inc.

14111

www.mtdquiklink.com/14111

Bartec USA

14130

www.mtdquiklink.com/14130

BKT Tires USA Inc.

14105

www.mtdquiklink.com/14105

Bridgestone Tire

14104

www.mtdquiklink.com/14104

Continental Tire, Commercial Vehicle Tires

14121

www.mtdquiklink.com/14121

Double Coin Tires

14122

www.mtdquiklink.com/14122

Federal-Mogul Motorparts

14107

www.mtdquiklink.com/14107

Federated Auto Parts

14126

www.mtdquiklink.com/14126

Gaither Tool Company Inc.

14129

www.mtdquiklink.com/14129

General Tire

14108

www.mtdquiklink.com/14108

Hankook Tire America Corporation

34-35

14119

www.mtdquiklink.com/14119

Horizon Tire Inc.

14103

www.mtdquiklink.com/14103

Kenda USA

IBC

14131

www.mtdquiklink.com/14131

Kumho Tire USA Inc.

14102

www.mtdquiklink.com/14102

Mahle North America

14115

www.mtdquiklink.com/14115

Marangoni Tread North America Inc.

14118

www.mtdquiklink.com/14118

Maxxis International—USA

14112

www.mtdquiklink.com/14112

Nexen Tire America Inc.

IFC

14101

www.mtdquiklink.com/14101

Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc.

OBC

14132

www.mtdquiklink.com/14132

North American Tire & Retread Expo

14124

www.mtdquiklink.com/14124

Pirelli Tire North America

14109

www.mtdquiklink.com/14109

Plombco Inc.

14117

www.mtdquiklink.com/14117

Red Kap

14125

www.mtdquiklink.com/14125

Robert Bosch LLC

14114

www.mtdquiklink.com/14114

Sentury Tire Americas

14116

www.mtdquiklink.com/14116

STEELMAN Select TPMS, by JS Products

14128

www.mtdquiklink.com/14128

TBC Brands

14120

www.mtdquiklink.com/14120

Tub O’ Towels

14110

www.mtdquiklink.com/14110

Yokohama Tire Corporation

14106

www.mtdquiklink.com/14106

ZC Rubber America Inc.

14123

www.mtdquiklink.com/14123

Advertiser

Web site

MTD April 2015

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MTD April 2015

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Your turn

Dealers respond to Goodyear selling tires to consumers on its website Each month we ask members of our National Advisory Council (NAC) a question or questions on a current hot topic. Tis month we asked, “What do you think about Goodyear selling its tires directly to consumers via its website? Will you participate in Goodyear’s program as an installer for tires it sells on the Web? Do you feel it will help or hurt your business? And do you think other tire manufacturers will do the same in the near future?” Here are some of their responses.

1. I think this is total B.S. Now we have to compete against our supplier. We have joined the network with a wait-and-see atitude. We feel this is going to hurt our business because the leads we used to get from the Goodyear website are going to go to Goodyear frst. Te compensation for the tire installation will be just like a national account. Tis is less than if we installed the tires ourselves, and furthermore we will not receive co-op which helps us ofset the cost of Goodyear’s program! I hope the other tire manufacturers don’t follow suit! 2. While I’m not a proponent, it just confrms that every industry is becoming exponentially more competitive. I do believe some other manufacturers will sell directly, afer the dust settles with Goodyear. Overall, I do not believe the impact will be that signifcant in the short term, however, the long-term impact could be diferent. 4. Te total volume of tires purchased online will continue to increase with or without us; especially as more “Millennials” enter the market. Yes, the program may bring us more new customers and should provide ample opportunities for upselling and additional service sales. Conversely, proft margins on tire sales continue to erode. Surrendering premium product sales to our supplier is not something we like! It’s a shell game with us coming out again on the losing end as far as the tires sales. We would concede that true new customers provide new opportunities — an unknown, but an unknown with potential we will have to maximize. Independent dealers like us cannot aford to surrender another large share of the tire replacement market. It remains to be seen if other manufacturers will follow suit — I would imagine they are all waiting to see if Goodyear will be successful. 5. Goodyear selling direct to the consumer can create a problem depending on where they set the retail price. You cannot be everything to everybody. 3. We will not participate, but we are not an authorized Goodyear dealer. I think this is a terrible path to go down, but the manufacturers are basically all greedy and really do not care who they step on to get increases.

7. Now Goodyear is going to sell tires direct to the consumer, isn’t that in essence price fxing? Because how as a dealer do you sell for more than what Goodyear sells the tires for online? Tat makes the dealer look like a schmuck. Tire dealers are the ones who have made these tire manufacturers what they are today by using our experience to present the best tires for the customers’ needs. I do believe other manufacturers will follow suit. Now manufacturers have eroded the proftability for dealers even more by selling direct to the consumer — and now your supplier is your competition. Will we mount their tires? Probably, because we always try to make the customer ours and it will prety much be like a national account — just receiving a commission. But I think they are going down the wrong path because it erodes the loyalty the dealers have had with Goodyear.

What’s on your mind? NAC members shared other topics on their minds this month: Why don’t Walmart, big box stores and other places that sell just tires have to comply with the same consumer protection (Bureau of Automotive Repair) laws that a full service shop has to that sells tires and service? Tom Huls, Franchisee Tokah Inc., dba Big O Tires #5779 Yucca Valley, Calif.

Te tire manufacturers’ prices have stayed the same. Why haven’t we seen a price drop with the cost of oil dropping? Te tire companies raised their prices when oil prices went up. Tey told us it took a signifcant amount of oil to produce a tire, and that’s why tire prices went up. Where is the relief when prices go down! Jerry Reygaert, Owner Reys Auto & Tire Shelby Township, Mich.

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.

MTD April 2015

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14131

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 14132