Modern Tire Dealer - January 2026 by Endeavor Digital Editions

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TARIFFS, TIER TRADE-DOWN DOMINATED 2025 WHAT’S NEW IN TPMS SENSORS AND TOOLS HOW TO BUILD YOUR TALENT ENGINE

INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT MTD LOOKS AT THE MARKET AS 2026 BEGINS

January 2026 | Vol. 107, No. 1 | $30 | www.moderntiredealer.com

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The Industry’s Leading Publication January 2026, Volume 107, Number 1

DEPARTMENTS 6

Editorial

Pass or fail? Were my predictions spot-on or off-base?

moderntiredealer.com News and navigation tools for MTD’s website

Industry News

Numbers That Count

Kumho ‘committed to growth’ Company to lead with dealers, new products

26 Market share by channel 28 Replacement PLT brand market share

Focus on Dealers

30 OE tire market share

Johnson Tire Pros preps for next century ‘We’ve had to change as the industry has changed’

32 Dealer distribution

Focus on Dealers

34 Brand distribution

Millar’s Point S builds on reputation ‘You’ve got to be present in your business’

36 Tire sizes

Focus on Dealers

38 Tire pricing

McMahon’s Best-One helps struggling families Oil change promotion generated donations

Focus on Industry

Graber says 2025 was ‘strong’ for Toyo Highlights included U.S. plant investment

Dealer Development

Goodyear launches new Eagle, Wrangler Product portfolio to refresh more rapidly

Why helping shouldn’t hurt Assisting customers doesn’t mean doing all the work

How to build your talent engine Create a chaos-free work environment

40 Commercial tire market 42 North American plant capacities 44 Automotive service 48 Mergers and acquisitions 50 Biggest dealers

FE AT UR ES

Mergers and Acquisitions

52 Tariffs, tier trade-down dominated 2025

EV Intelligence

60 What’s new in TPMS sensors and tools

Selling or raising capital How to choose the right strategic path

Eight more myths about EVs The truth seems to be in short supply

TPMS Ford F150 - 2025

Same dynamics will impact market in 2026, says Healy

How the latest tech can help boost sales

On the cover: 1313483427 | KrulUA | Getty Images Modern Tire Dealer is a proud member of:

Ad Index

w w w . M o d e r n T i r e D e a l e r. c o m

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22 World sales leaders, sales margins and domestic tire shipments

Demand for tier-two increases High level of volatility in month-to-month tier rankings

Business Insight

MTD’S 60TH FACTS ISSUE

Your Marketplace

Photo: Grismer Tire Co.

24 Imports

Focus on Industry

Find out why helping customers shouldn’t hurt your business.

Relevant statistics for an industry in constant motion

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Editorial

Pass or fail? WERE MY PREDICTIONS SPOT-ON OR OFF-BASE? By

Mike Manges

he start of any new year is always a time for predictions and pronouncements about what the next 12 months will bring. But how many pundits look back on previous year’s predictions to see if they got it right? That’s what I’m going to do in this column. In fact, I will evaluate myself, assigning a pass or fail grade to each forecast that I made 12 months ago. Will I pass or flunk? Let’s find out! Last January, I said there would be “no new tariffs on tires” in 2025. Was I ever wrong! My reasoning was the United Steelworkers, having gotten much of what they wanted in 2024 and during preceding years, wouldn’t demand more tariffs. As we all know, the push for tariffs — which turned out to be more of a shove — came straight from the White House instead. From “no tariffs” to many tariffs? Definitely a failing grade for me. I predicted that “more tiremakers would invest in domestic manufacturing.” Several tire manufacturing plant projects in the United States, Canada and Mexico moved forward during 2025. At the same time, Bridgestone Americas Inc. closed its medium truck tire plant in Tennessee and Yokohama TWS closed a plant in South Carolina. (What’s the midway score between “pass” and “fail?”) I also predicted that “more brands will enter the market.” Here I passed with flying colors! I talked with a number of tire manufacturers, distributors and dealers in the lead-up to this issue and all of them, without exception, cited the growth of tierthree and tier-four as the dominant trend in the PLT tire market. Some even discussed the emergence of a fifth tier! I think we can safely say this trend will only pick up steam in 2026. Another prediction I made is that “smaller wholesalers will gain share,” mainly because of the turmoil surrounding American Tire Distributors (ATD) at the time. This forecast played out as I expected, as several smaller wholesalers picked up new business in 2025. I’ll give myself a passing grade here. ATD also emerged from bankruptcy last year, which I predicted. Now under new ownership and adding new products to its menu — a big announcement about a new tire brand joining ATD could be forthcoming — ATD will regain lost ground in 2026. That’s how I see it. Did “auto service opportunities abound” in 2025, as I predicted? The answer is yes, which means another passing grade for me. The average age of light-duty vehicles in the U.S. remains at an all-time high. Consumers can only postpone brake jobs, suspension work and other essential repairs for so long, with the same principle applying to tire replacement. One year ago, I predicted that “more deals will be done,” in relation to tire dealerships acquiring — and merging with — other tire dealerships. (By the way, I believe there’s no such thing as a true “merger of equals,” despite how these deals are some6

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It will be interesting to see how trends unfold in 2026. Photo: 36075608 © Mquirk | Dreamstime.com

times characterized when they’re announced. One entity always takes over the other.) To my knowledge, fewer tire dealership acquisitions were made in 2025 than in 2024, so I have to give myself a failing grade here. That said, we saw increased private equity involvement in tire dealership M&A. This will continue as more private equity firms see the tire industry as a good place to put their money. Finally, I predicted that “independents will continue to dominate.” This was a “no-brainer” — a prediction made with absolute certainty. Independent tire dealers continue to account for most of the retail and wholesale tire sales in the U.S. As I wrote 12 months ago, “Nobody takes better care of customers than independent tire dealers.” That won’t change. So how did I do? A passing grade on four predictions, a failing grade on two predictions and somewhere in the middle on another. (I guess that would be a score of “C” if we were grading with letters!) It will be interesting to see how trends unfold in 2026. One thing you can count on is that MTD will be there to report on them. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy all the data that MTD’s 2026 Facts Issue contains. It’s our unique snapshot of the tire industry and one that we’re excited to present to you. ■ If you have any questions or comments, please email me at mmanges@endeavorb2b.com.

MTD January 2026

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“The Raaar Renegaae X has been the SMOOTHEST riiing tire I've ever haa ann I've put almost over 8,000 miles on them.” ETHAN – A SIMPLE TIRE CUSTOMER

“Our customers love an aggressive tire that’s QUIET ann oesn’t break the bank. The Renegaae X ﬁts that moll perfectly!” JOSEPH HATCHER - OWNER HATCH GARAGE

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JON – MANAGER AT TIRE KING

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ModernTireDealer.com DIGITAL RESOURCES FOR THE INDEPENDENT TIRE DEALER

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3515 Massillon Rd., Suite 200 Uniontown, OH 44685 www.moderntiredealer.com PUBLISHER Greg Smith gsmith@endeavorb2b.com (330) 598-0375 EDITORIAL Editor: Mike Manges (330) 598-0368, mmanges@endeavorb2b.com Managing Editor: Sara Welch swelch@endeavorb2b.com Associate Editor: Aden Graves agraves@endeavorb2b.com PRODUCTION Art Director: Erin Brown Production Manager: Karen Runion (330) 736-1291, krunion@endeavorb2b.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Darrell Bruggink / dbruggink@endeavorb2b.com Marianne Dyal / mdyal@endeavorb2b.com Mattie Gorman-Greuel / mgorman@endeavorb2b.com Cortni Jones / cjones@endeavorb2b.com Diane Johnston / djohnston@endeavorb2b.com Sean Thornton / sthornton@endeavorb2b.com Kyle Shaw / kshaw@endeavorb2b.com Lisa Mend / lmend@endeavorb2b.com Chad Hjellming / chjellming@endeavorb2b.com

Photo: Southern Tire Mart at Pilot

MTD READER ADVISORY BOARD Rick Benton, Black’s Tire Service Inc. Jessica Palanjian Rankin, Grand Prix Performance John McCarthy Jr., McCarthy Tire Service Co. Inc. Jamie Ward, Tire Discounters Inc.

The big continue to get bigger

CUSTOMER/SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE (877) 382-9187 moderntiredealer@omeda.com

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. recently sold 42 of its Truck Care Centers to Southern Tire Mart at Pilot.

Southern Tire Mart at Pilot recently acquired more than 40 Goodyear Truck Care Centers. Meanwhile, Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc. continues to pick up locations and Sullivan Tire Co. Inc. recently opened a new distribution center. These were all among the most-read stories on www.moderntiredealer.com this past month. 1.

Southern Tire Mart at Pilot buys Goodyear Truck Care Centers

2. Velocity in, G3X out at Goodyear 3. CEO discusses Les Schwab’s acquisition strategy 4. Sun Auto Tire continues to expand

ENDEAVOR BUSINESS MEDIA, LLC CEO: Chris Ferrell COO: Patrick Rains CDO: Jacquie Niemiec CALO: Tracy Kane CMO: Amanda Landsaw EVP Transportation Group: Chris Messer VP of Content Strategy, Transportation Group: Josh Fisher VSRG Editorial Director: Chris Jones

5. SRNA will be renamed 6. Ostrander outlines Nokian’s North American strategy 7.

USTMA revises 2025 shipment forecast

8. New Prinx plant will serve North America 9. Sullivan Tire opens distribution center 10. Who are biggest commercial tire dealerships?

DIGITAL EDITION Check out MTD’s digital edition at www.moderntiredealer. com/magazine

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SOCIAL MEDIA Like us Facebook: facebook.com/ModernTireDealer Follow us X: x.com/MTDMagazine

Modern Tire Dealer (USPS Permit 369170), (ISSN 0026-8496 print) is published monthly by Endeavor Business Media, LLC. 201 N Main St 5th Floor, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Modern Tire Dealer, PO Box 3257, Northbrook, IL 60065-3257. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Publisher reserves the right to reject non-qualified subscriptions. Subscription prices: U.S. ($84 per year). All subscriptions are payable in U.S. funds. Send subscription inquiries to Modern Tire Dealer, PO Box 3257, Northbrook, IL 60065-3257. Customer service can be reached toll-free at 877-382-9187 or at moderntiredealer@omeda.com for magazine subscription assistance or questions. Printed in the USA. Copyright 2026 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopies, recordings, or any information storage or retrieval system without permission from the publisher. Endeavor Business Media, LLC does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person or company for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident, or any other cause whatsoever. The views and opinions in the articles herein are not to be taken as official expressions of the publishers, unless so stated. The publishers do not warrant either expressly or by implication, the factual accuracy of the articles herein, nor do they so warrant any views or opinions by the authors of said articles.

MTD January 2026

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Industry News

Kumho ‘committed to growth’ COMPANY TO LEAD WITH DEALERS, NEW PRODUCTS

“W

e’re committed to pursuing growth” in 2026, Shawn Denlein, president of sales and marketing, Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc., recently told MTD. He explains what that looks like in this interview. Denlein also reveals how Kumho navigated the challenges of 2025, the role that tire dealers and new products will continue to play in the company’s success and more. MTD: How was 2025 for Kumho Tire U.S.A.? What were some of the company’s achievements? What were some of its challenges?

Denlein: 2025 was a challenging year, not just for us, but I think for everyone in the industry. We had internal risks and external changes that affected the overall supply chain. We believe that we overcame these difficulties thanks to the launch of new products ... (and) the introduction of new, what we call ‘experiential events.’ We had two rideand-drives this year around our product launches — the Road Venture RT and also the (Ecsta Sport A/S) PA71 and (the Ecsta Sport S) PS72 — and we had a lot of positive reviews of our products and also third-party testing, so that really helped. In particular, we had a steady stream of favorable evaluations and positive word-of-mouth around the new products, which helped us break through some of the difficult circumstances that we had. We were also able to improve our sales mix, which centered around new products. As you know, one of the big challenges we had, too ... was that we had that unexpected fire that occurred at one of our plants in (South) Korea and this caused temporary difficulties in maintaining a stable supply pipeline. And import tariffs forced us to raise prices. So with all that said, we believe we were able to navigate those challenges successfully. But I would say it definitely was a challenging year.

“I think that we have a very good relationship with our dealers and that has really helped us,” says Shawn Denlein, president of sales and marketing, Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. Photo: Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc.

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compared to 2025. My concern is that consumers’ disposable income continues to decrease. And I also believe that price sensitivity will likely increase accordingly this year, through the whole year. I believe at times like this, we must continue, as a company, to be prepared and strive to ensure that we express the value of our products and services, so we can exceed market expectations. MTD: Kumho is reporting four consecutive years of double-digit growth. What kind of growth? Are you talking about volume? Units? Market share? Dollars?

MTD: What’s your take on the state of PLT tire demand in the U.S.? Do you expect to see more or less of the same in 2026?

Denlein: Double-digit growth in both sales volume and revenue and, as well, we’ve gained market share each year. As you know, that’s not easy to do. It was really driven by multiple initiatives across our company. We’ve provided tailored support for each dealer. We mentioned those new products and they’ve really exceeded market expectations. The other thing, too, is that we’ve enhanced our logistics services. And we just continue to grow with our business partners year after year. It’s really allowed us to continue our strong growth momentum. We’ve been able to diversify our customer base. Kumho has a good balance between retail and wholesale and also mass merchants. So we’ve spread that out, which I think enables us to withstand some of the softness in the marketplace. We really do listen to the customer and we try to meet each customer’s needs. We’re more nimble, I think, than some of our competitors.

Denlein: I expect total PLT demand in 2026 to show slight growth or you could say, (it will) remain at a similar level

MTD: Kumho says it “has a clear and definite goal and road map to become a top second-tier company.” How will you get there? MTD January 2026

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Industry News

Denlein: We’re focused on increasing the market success of Kumho Tire by launching all-new products that really exceed market expectations and along with this, carrying on initiatives that elevate the added value through improvement and innovations in the services we provide. When we look at this, I think there are several things that we focus on that are really important for a tire manufacturer. One is quality products ... (and) continued growth in OE. I also think since our industry has evolved, you have to have really strong logistics, which we’ve worked on. We’ve added warehousing. We’ve also added more staff internally here at corporate headquarters. I think this is really important. I believe we have to be profitable and I strongly believe we have to deliver a brand that’s profitable for our customers. And we have to have a strong marketing strategy. MTD: How have your new products been received by your dealers and distributors and also end users? Denlein: (Customer reaction to) the (Road Venture) RT was remarkably astonishing. In particular, as the compliments and the word spread about the product’s performance and the design of the product, we witnessed sales increasing immediately and actually naturally — really without the need to do a lot of promotional activities. The other event, (where) we launched the PA71, which is a performance all-season (tire), and the PS72, which is a summer tire ... that went really well, too. We had great success with that, really driven around the testing we did and also consumer feedback. In 2026, we plan to launch two new products, the Road Venture HT and Crugen GT Pro. Top-tier performance is the goal — quality at a reasonable price. When you look at it, we’re confident that the value these new products deliver will be among the best in the industry. MTD: Looking at manufacturing, have tariffs impacted Kumho’s sourcing strategy for products sold in North America and if so, in what ways? Are 12

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‘I believe we have to be profitable and I strongly believe we have to deliver a brand that’s profitable for our customers. And we have to have a strong marketing strategy.’ Shawn Denlein, president of sales and marketing, Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc.

there any investments planned for Kumho’s plant in Macon, Ga., this year? Denlein: The impact of the tariffs on imported products was not that significant (as) to affect our supply pipeline. But we do plan to increase the production and supply of replacement products at the Georgia plant. With that said, however, currently we have no plans to expand the Georgia plant’s production capacity in the short-term. That’s more long-term. With the newly announced investment of our new European plant — and then along with investments at our Korean plant — that should dramatically enhance productivity, specifically around high-valueadded products. (Editor’s note: Kumho Tire recently announced that it will build a new plant in Poland, which will be the company’s first factory in Europe. Some tires made there will be shipped to the United States.) As a company, our intention is to place even greater emphasis on selling higher-margin products. So moving forward, in terms of being able to produce tires and production, with these particular investments, we don’t see really any issues on that side for us. MTD: Can you comment on Kumho’s OE strategy in the U.S.? Denlein: We try to keep a balance of replacement versus OE (and) we really do a good job of that. We don’t want

to get ourselves too locked into, from a production standpoint, OE. We really see OE in a couple of ways. I think it’s a pullthrough for the customer and it also creates awareness (among) the consumer. And moving forward, our strategy is to really hone in on higher-inch products ... and basically, you could also say, higher trim levels on vehicles. And we’ve spread it out, too. Hyundai and Kia have been very important to us as strategic partners. But we’re doing Volkswagen. We’re also doing Toyota. So we’ve really branched out as we’ve developed OE. And the plant here in Macon ... it’s pretty much OE-driven, so that’s an advantage, too. I think a lot of these OE (vehicle) manufacturers recognize the fact that there could be some limitations when (there) are catastrophic events. So anytime you can have a plant here servicing the market, it gives us an advantage. MTD: What can we expect to see from Kumho in 2026? Denlein: I think that 2026 is definitely going to be another challenging year due to market variabilities. I’m of the mindset that these paradigm shifts can present opportunities for us. We’re committed to pursuing growth as we have and (are) preparing to do that. We’re launching two new products. We continue to be active in marketing. Motorsports, adding truck events and continuing with our sports sponsorships are things we’ll be focused on in 2026. I think that we have a very good relationship with our dealers and that has really helped us. We listen. We’re attentive to their needs. We’re very nimble to the market. And I think that’s been a part of our success. We’ve really earned the trust of our dealers and also, as a company, we’ve really invested in resources internally, in terms of people. We continue to add people. I would also say that morale is really good in the company, which is really important. And I think all of that — when you put that all together — we should have continued success in 2026. — Mike Manges MTD January 2026

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Industry News

Bites Beasley Tire expands Houston, Texas-based Beasley Tire Service has opened two locations — one in Conroe, Texas, and another in Dallas. “This strategic growth strengthens coverage for both retail and commercial customers” across Texas, according to Beasley Tire officials. Both locations will offer Beasley Tire’s full line-up of products and services.

Sullivan Tire opens D/C Norwell, Mass.-based Sullivan Tire Co. Inc. has opened a 40,000-square-foot distribution center in Merrimack, N.H. The facility “warehouses tires that are supplied to both retail shops and wholesale customers in northern New England,” say Sullivan Tire officials. “Plans call for the center to be expanded to a total of 150,000 square feet by next summer.”

Kumho plant announced Some products made at Kumho Tire’s recently announced first European plant will be sold in the United States. The factory, which will be located in Opole, Poland, is scheduled to begin operations in August 2028, “pending investment and regulatory approval,” according to Kumho officials. It represents an investment of $587 million.

Sun added 37 stores Mesa, Ariz.-based Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc. said it added nearly 40 locations during 2025, the most recent ones being a new Plaza Tire Service outlet in Waterloo, Ill., and the acquisitions of Bennie’s Auto Repair in Poplarville, Miss., and T&A American Car Care Center in Milton, Fla.

Goodyear sells chemical Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Co. finalized the sale of the majority of its chemical business to an affiliate of Gemspring Capital Management LLC. The transaction, valued at $650 million, went through on Oct. 31. Goodyear intends to use the proceeds for debt reduction.

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Sentury Tire USA opens fourth D/C

entury Tire USA has opened its fourth distribution center in the United States — a 150,000-squarefoot facility in Dallas, Texas. The warehouse is “designed to redefine speed, access and scale to better serve our U.S. partners,” say Sentury Tire USA officials. Sentury Tire USA has opened a new “The Dallas hub is strategically distribution center in Dallas, Texas. positioned to expedite delivery times, Photo: Sentury Tire USA expand inventory depth and connect seamlessly with shipments f lowing directly from Sentury’s cutting-edge Morocco factory. “Together with its established Thailand supply line, the new center creates a dual-engine distribution network built for resilience and growth. “This expansion arrives at a pivotal moment, coinciding with Sentury’s newly launched associate dealer programs, Hyperdrive and Elyte, for both the Delinte and Landsail brands, respectively.” “This is more than logistics,” says Maxwell Wee, executive vice president of Sentury Tire USA. “By diversifying our supply channels, we’re building a competitive advantage for our dealers with faster access and stronger support.”

New Prinx plant will build for U.S.

rinx Chengshan has begun construction on its third plant, a facility in Malaysia that will build PLT and TBR tires for the North American market. The company recently broke ground on the plant Prinx Chengshan’s plant in Malaysia will start in Kedah Rubber City, building tires in October 2026. Malaysia. Photo: Prinx Chengshan Executives from Prinx Chengshan Tire (Shandong), including its chairman, hosted the groundbreaking event, which was attended by Prinx Chengshan Tire North America President Samuel Felberbaum. Prinx officials say the plant represents a significant milestone in the company’s “global expansion and reinforces its commitment to serving the U.S. and Canadian markets.” “This facility will significantly expand our global production capacity to serve our customers in the United States and Canada,” says Felberbaum. The complex will feature two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities: one dedicated to PLT tires and the other dedicated to TBR tires. Phase one of the plant will see it have an annual capacity of six million passenger and light truck tires, plus 600,000 TBR tires. Phase two will allow for expansion “upwards of 15 million PLT and 1.5 million TBR tires,” according to Prinx officials. Production is scheduled to start in October 2026. MTD January 2026

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Industry News

Bites Icahn buys 17% of Monro Icahn Enterprises LP, which owns Pep Boys — Manny, Moe & Jack, has accumulated ownership of nearly 17% in Monro Inc. Monro announced that its board “has unanimously voted to approve a limited duration shareholder rights plan,” which has a one-year duration and expires on Nov. 6, 2026.

CMA hires Junkins CMA/Double Coin has named Cara Junkins director, OTR and ag, for North and Central America. In her new role, Junkins will oversee the company’s expansion of products in OTR and ag tire sales, with a focus on new markets and opportunities.

TGI earns patents Tire Group International LLC (TGI) has received three U.S. Federal Patents that recognize the Cosmo brand’s “relentless push toward tire innovation, performance and style,” according to TGI officials. This includes a patent for the tread design of the Cosmo GripIt XT Extreme all-terrain tire.

Studs out in Washington? The Washington State Transportation Commission is recommending a phase-out of studded tires, citing cost savings and road maintenance as benefits. Washington allowed the use of studded tires year-round until 1971.

Magana joins Pep Boys Pep Boys — Manny, Joe & Jack has appointed Chris Magana senior vice president of commercial. A 30-plus-year tire industry veteran, Magana most recently served as vice president of North America consumer sales at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

Simha enters market Investment firm Simha Partners LP is looking to acquire and scale tire dealerships and auto repair providers. The company bills itself as “an alternative investment firm.”

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Steve Shannon Tire expands

loomsburg, Pa.-based Steve Shannon Tire Co. has opened a 12,000-square-foot retail store in Woodbury, N.J. “This location complements two more locations we purchased in the area in September,” says Jesse Shannon, co-owner of Steve Shannon Tire. “They are in Chesilhurst and West Collingswood, N.J. These three locations are our first in New Jersey.”

A new outlet in Woodbury, N.J., gives Steve Shannon Tire Co. three locations in “The Garden State.” Photo: Steve Shannon Tire Co.

Velocity in, G3X out at Goodyear

oodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has unveiled a new associate dealer program, Velocity, as the Goodyear G3X and Cooper Medallion programs go away. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has “The Velocity program brings together dropped its G3X program. Goodyear, Kelly, Cooper and Starfire brands Photo: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. under one unified program for indirect dealers,” a Goodyear spokesperson recently told MTD. “Goodyear’s Tire & Service Network and Mastercraft Century programs remain in place.” The spokesperson also confirmed that G3X “will no longer exist.” Indirect dealers that had been part of G3X “are part of Velocity now.” In addition, the Cooper Medallion program has been discontinued. According to MTD research, the Goodyear G3X program had around 3,000 members, while the Cooper Medallion program had around 4,900 members. The Goodyear Tire & Service Network program encompasses around 2,250 members. The Mastercraft Century program has about 3,000 members.

MTD welcomes Welch, Graves

ara Welch and Aden Graves have joined MTD. Welch is MTD’s new managing editor, while Graves is MTD’s new associate editor. Welch comes to MTD from Farm and Dairy, a weekly newspaper based in Ohio that serves the agricultural industry. As managing editor of Farm and Dairy, she supervised the operation of that publication’s print and digital platforms, among Sara Welch Aden Graves other responsibilities. Photo: MTD Photo: MTD Graves is a recent graduate of Kent State (Ohio) University’s award-winning School of Media and Journalism. While at Kent State, Graves worked as an editor at The Kent Stater, the university’s newspaper, where he managed a team of reporters, drove social media engagement and more. Both Welch and Graves report to MTD Editor Mike Manges. “We are excited to welcome Sara and Aden to the MTD team and the tire industry,” says Manges. “Their commitment to top-quality journalism will help MTD further its mission of providing tire dealers with the content they need to excel in today’s hyper-competitive market.” MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:29 AM

2601MT

2601MTD_10-17_News.indd 17 2601MTD_ZCRubber.indd 1

1/13/26 11:29 AM 12/30/25 1:13 PM

NumbersThatCount

Relevant statistics from an industry in constant motion

8,233

Total number of locations owned by the 10 largest tire dealerships on the 2025 MTD 100. Source: MTD Photo: Tire Discounters Inc.

31,000

Square feet Steve Shannon Tire Co. recently added to its retread plant in Bloomsburg, Pa. Source: MTD Photo: Steve Shannon Tire Co.

19%

Number of respondents to MTD’s Tire Dealer Automotive Service Study who say they offer ADAS service. Source: MTD Tire Dealer Automotive Service Study Photo: Hunter Engineering Co.

74%

Percent of consumers who returned to new car dealerships for service in the past 12 months. Source: 2025 Cox Automotive Service Industry Study Photo: MTD

2601MTD_18-19_Numbers.indd 18

277,000

Estimated number of radial rear replacement ag tires shipped in the U.S. during 2025. Source: MTD Photo: BKT USA Inc.

MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:29 AM

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Yo u r M a r ket p l a ce

Demand for tier-two increases HIGH LEVEL OF VOLATILITY IN MONTH-TO-MONTH TIER RANKINGS By

John Healy

ecent tire dealer commentary suggests consumer demand for replacement passenger and light truck tires was positive on a net basis in November 2025 compared to November 2024. We note that a net 69% of our independent dealer contacts saw positive demand trends during November, up sequentially from the 62% demand trend in October 2024. Consumer deferment and trade-down have been consistent themes over the past several months, but we believe we will continue to see this soften as more consumers start to think about winter weather in many parts of the country. Our recent check-ins with tire dealers indicate that retail sellout trends were roughly up in the low single digits, yearover-year, in November, slightly ahead of October 2025 results. Independent dealers highlighted average sellout increases of 1.7%, up from a 1.3% increase in October, with trends flat to slightly up, on average, during the third quarter. Looking more closely at volume for the month of November on a regional basis, the Southeast, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest all saw positive volumes. Other regions saw flat or negative volume trends, with the Southwest seeing the weakest trends, down roughly 1% year-over-year. Looking back, we saw summer trends that were positive, and

the fall months showed strong trends, with September, October and November all seeing increases in retail sellout trends. Fall brought a lift in seasonal activity, as dropping temperatures and visible signs of the changing seasons in some parts of the country encouraged consumers to address maintenance and replacement needs. December followed with a positive comp, following a healthy increase in November. With the weather continuing to change in some regions, we would not be surprised to see full-month volumes flat or even slightly positive in December. Given volatile industry conditions, due to inflation and other macroeconomic factors, we continue to examine several data points to assess the health of automobile travel demand, which correlates to tire usage and wear. Looking at miles driven over the last month, which has a significant correlation with the need for a new set of tires, trends were down in the low single digits during November, following a low single-digit decline in the second quarter of the year. The third quarter, on average, showed declines of 1.9%, followed by low single-digit drops. Our Miles Driven Momentum Index registered roughly a 1% year-over-year decrease in November 2025, but improved from a decline of 3.1% in October.

Snapshot of Dealer’s PLT Tire Volumes (Year-Over-Year Change) Sep-24

Oct-24

Nov-24

Sep-25

Oct-25

Nov-25

Average

Increase

53%

12%

55%

40%

62%

69%

40%

Flat

20%

44%

18%

33%

16%

26%

Decline

27%

44%

27%

38%

15%

34%

Total

100%

SOURCE: NORTHCOAST RESEARCH ESTIMATES

2601MTD_20-21_YourMarketplace.indd 20

We note that the month showed declines versus a flat-to-slightly-down November 2024. We continue to see miles driven trends track ahead of pre-pandemic trends and expect to continue to see flat-to-slightly-elevated trends.

TIER-TWO ON UPWARD SWING

We also note that consumers continue to trade down to tier-two and tier-three tires, but some dealers have called out firmer trends for tier-one tires. Our most recent survey of tire dealers indicates that tier-two and tier-one brands were the most in-demand during November. This marks the third consecutive month of tier-two brands being the most in-demand segment and the fourth time this has happened on a year-to-date basis. Last month’s trends were in line with the long-term trends we have seen from our survey, with tier-two being the most in-demand segment in the decade-plus history of our Tire Demand Index. Tierone brands have taken back the second position as consumers look to balance performance and value. We also see, for the first time this year, tier-three in the third spot when compared to tier-one and tier-two. With tier-two being atop our survey, we view this as a sign that consumers are showing preference for higher-tier brands as the weather in some regions continues to change. We do see a high level of volatility in our month-to-month tier rankings, but expect tier-two brands to be the most in-demand segment long-term, offering consumers a balance between cost and performance. ■ John Healy is a managing director and research analyst with Northcoast Research Holdings LLC, based in Cleveland, Ohio. Healy covers a variety of subsectors of the automotive industry. If you would like to participate in the monthly dealer discussions, contact him at john.healy@ northcoastresearch.com.

MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:29 AM

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2026 MTD Facts Issue

Industry snapshot MTD LOOKS AT THE TIRE MARKET AS 2026 BEGINS

2025

2601MTD_22-23_FACTS_SalesShipments.indd 22

AROUND THE CORNER Will tariffs stick? That largely depends on the U.S. Supreme Court, which was expected to rule on the legality of the Trump tariffs this past November, but has not issued its verdict yet. Other factors that may inf luence consumer sentiment, the general economy and demand for tires include the possible economic impact of military actions in both the Western Hemisphere and overseas; the price of crude oil, which declined during 2025, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration; and the overall cost of goods, which remains elevated. (The Consumer Price Index has climbed nearly 3% over the last 12 months, according to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.) A rebound in miles driven would certainly benefit tire manufacturers, distributors and dealers. Pent-up demand for tire replacement and auto service could also break loose in 2026 as the average age of personal vehicles is expected to remain at an all-time high. At the retail level, expect more consolidation as private equity firms continue to roll up small- to mid-size tire dealerships. Further changes are expected in the wholesale channel as American Tire Distributors finds its new equilibrium and other independent distributors seek to grow their share. Here’s a look at how some of the world’s largest tire manufacturers fared during 2025, in terms of tire sales:

All estimates in this section are the result of MTD research, unless otherwise noted.

Image: 1313483427 | KrulUA | Getty Images

was shaping up to be a relatively normal — perhaps even predictable — year until April 2, when United States President Donald Trump applied tariffs to nearly 100 countries, firing the first salvo in a global trade war. The development wasn’t entirely unexpected as Trump had campaigned on implementing tariffs during the run-up to the November 2024 presidential election, but the announcement nevertheless sent shockwaves throughout the economy and created a new degree of uncertainty within the U.S. tire market. After tariffs were announced, tire manufacturers, distributors and dealers worked to shore up their supply chains and implemented other strategies to insulate their bottom lines, with some ordering ahead and stocking up to keep their shelves full. Meanwhile, many vehicle owners, already reeling from the elevated cost of goods, continued to defer needed tire replacement and auto service. Those consumers who could no longer defer new tire purchases continued to trade down to less-expensive brands, a trend that has consistently gained momentum since COVID-19. As a result, many consumer tire distributors and dealers found new profit opportunities selling tier-three and tier-four products. Uncertainty also impacted the trucking and agricultural sectors in 2025 as new truck orders and ag equipment sales plummeted. Many budget-conscious trucking fleets gravitated toward less-expensive replacement tires to keep their power units and trailers rolling, while demand for retreaded tires remained steady — creating openings for enterprising commercial tire dealers who could meet this demand. Tire manufacturers continued to rationalize North American production facilities in response to changing market conditions, a process that happens every year. Two tiremakers closed plants, others moved ahead with planned upgrades and production shifts and one manufacturer began building tires at a new factory in Mexico.

MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:29 AM

U.S. PASSENGER TIRE SHIPMENTS

World Leaders in New Tire Sales

(in millions of units, rounded to the nearest one-hundred-thousandth)

(Fiscal year 2025; in billions of U.S. dollars)

TIRE MANUFACTURER

2025

2024

Year

Replacement

Michelin Group

$26.6

$27.0

2025

221.3

41.3

2024

220.2

42.8

2023

218.0

46.6

2022

216.1

41.5

2021

222.0

37.5

2020

202.6

36.2

Bridgestone Corp.

$24.9

$25.4

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

$15.1

$16.0

Continental AG

$14.7

$15.0

Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd.

$7.4

$6.9

Pirelli & Cie SpA

$7.4

$7.6

2019

222.7

45.1

Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd.

$6.7

$6.5

2018

217.0

47.0

Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.

$6.2

$6.3

2017

209.3

46.0

Zhongce Rubber Group Co. Ltd.

$6.0

$5.2

2016

207.7

49.0

Sailun Group

$5.2

$4.6

2015

205.9

46.3

U.S. REPLACEMENT TIRE SALES BY SEGMENT

(In billions; total value of 2025 U.S. replacement tire market: $64.1 billion)

(in millions of units, rounded to the nearest one-hundred-thousandth)

SEGMENT

2025

2024

Year

Replacement

Passenger

$39.2

$36.6

2025

36.9

6.2

2024

36.2

6.5

2023

34.0

5.8

2022

37.0

6.2

2021

38.1

5.6

2020

30.4

5.0

Light truck

$10.7

$8.4

Commercial truck

$11.7

$10.0

OTR

$1.9

$2.0

$.690

$.720

2019

32.0

5.9

ON MARGIN

2018

31.1

5.6

Average tire sales margins did not fluctuate significantly in 2025, with slight gains in passenger wholesale and medium truck tire margins and slight declines in passenger retail and light truck retail margins. Medium truck tire retread margins remained flat year-over-year, according to MTD research.

2017

30.8

5.4

2016

31.4

4.9

2015

29.0

4.6

U.S. AVERAGE TIRE SALES MARGINS

Image: 1313483427 | KrulUA | Getty Images

U.S. LIGHT TRUCK TIRE SHIPMENTS

U.S. MEDIUM TRUCK TIRE SHIPMENTS

(in millions of units, rounded to the nearest one-hundred-thousandth)

Segment

2025

2024

Year

Replacement

Passenger (retail)

26.0%

27.0%

2025

24.4

4.4

Passenger (wholesale)

12.8%

12.0%

2024

21.2

5.8

20.2

6.5

Light truck (retail)

24.0%

24.5%

2023

Medium truck

17.8%

17.5%

2022

28.0

6.5

Retread (medium truck)

18.0%

2021

22.7

5.9

2020

18.5

4.5

2019

18.9

6.5

2018

21.0

6.2

2017

19.2

5.7

2016

18.4

5.3

2015

18.0

6.3

SHIPMENT EBB AND FLOW At the original equipment level, fewer units were shipped in the passenger, light truck and medium truck tire channels than were shipped during 2024. However, replacement passenger, light truck and medium truck tire shipments increased, with the medium truck tire category seeing the biggest gain. w w w . M o d e r n T i r e D e a l e r. c o m

2601MTD_22-23_FACTS_SalesShipments.indd 23

1/13/26 11:29 AM

2026 Imports

Imports held steady DISTRIBUTORS, DEALERS CONTINUED TO PLACE ORDERS

espite uncertainty created by President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement and the market fluctuations that it sparked, distributors and dealers continued to order tires throughout 2025, making it another big year for imports. Thailand maintained its position as the top exporter of passenger, light truck and medium truck tires to the United States, though the Asian country shipped fewer medium truck tires than it did in 2024. Mexico, an early tariff target, maintained a steady stream of exports to the U.S., with flat year-over-year growth in the overall consumer category, which includes passenger and light truck tires, and a slight increase in the passenger tire category. Brazil enjoyed the biggest year-over-year increase, growing its medium truck tire exports by a whopping 200%. Cambodia, which came on strong in 2024 as tire exporters tried to get ahead of anticipated tariffs, shipped 50.6% more passenger tires to the U.S. than during 2024 and nearly 56% more in the consumer tire category. Cambodia also boosted its medium truck tire shipments to the U.S. by more than 90%. The Philippines debuted on the top 10 passenger tire list by shipping 17.4% more units to the U.S. on a year-over-year basis. Pakistan cracked the top 10 medium truck tire list with a 50% increase in exports to the U.S. India was hit with a 50% tariff this past summer, yet shipped enough units to the U.S. during the entire year to show up on the medium truck tire top 10.

2025 U.S. Consumer Tire Imports (in millions of units, rounded)

Country

2025

2024

% Change

Thailand

55.6

50.8

9.4

Mexico

25.3

Cambodia

19.8

12.7

55.9

Vietnam

17.8

21.3

-16.4

Canada

14.8

15.2

-2.6

Indonesia

12.8

15.2

-15.8

South Korea

10.9

10.4

4.8

Japan

9.1

10.5

-13.3

Philippines

5.9

6.0

-1.7

Chile

5.8

*preliminary estimates

2025 U.S. Medium Truck Tire Imports

2025 U.S. Passenger Tire Imports

(in millions of units, rounded)

Country

2025

2024

% Change

Country

2025

2024

Thailand

45.8

42.4

8.0

Thailand

6.5

7.0

-7.1

Mexico

23.1

23.0

0.4

Vietnam

4.0

3.0

33.3

Cambodia

13.4

8.9

50.6

Japan

2.6

1.7

52.9

Vietnam

12.9

15.5

-16.8

Cambodia

2.3

1.2

91.7

Canada

11.3

11.5

-1.7

Canada

1.3

1.5

-13.3

Indonesia

11.2

13.3

-15.8

China

1.0

0.9

11.1

South Korea

9.2

9.0

2.2

Brazil

0.9

0.3

200.0

Japan

7.5

8.7

-13.8

India

0.8

0.6

33.3

Philippines

5.4

4.6

17.4

South Korea

0.8

0.6

33.3

Chile

5.0

Pakistan

0.3

0.2

50.0

*preliminary estimates

2601MTD_24-25_FACTS_Imports.indd 24

% Change

*preliminary estimates

MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:29 AM

2601MT

2601MTD_24-25_FACTS_Imports.indd 25 2601MTD_FirstChoiceSourcingSolutions.indd 1

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2026 Market share by channel

Proper channels INDEPENDENTS MAINTAINED THEIR DOMINANCE

ndependent tire dealerships moved more passenger and light truck tires than any other group in 2025, maintaining 67% share of the replacement retail tire channel. Auto dealerships, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, tire manufacturer-owned stores and miscellaneous outlets also maintained their share of market 2025 versus 2024.

U.S. CONSUMER TIRE RETAIL MARKET SHARE

THE PRIVATE EQUITY FACTOR

Private equity firms continued their investment in independent tire dealerships during 2025. Four of the 10 largest tire dealerships on the 2025 MTD 100, including three in the top five, are owned by private equity firms or count private equity groups among their owners. Below is a list of tire dealerships on the 2025 MTD 100 that are publicly known to have private equity owners.

PRIVATE EQUITY-OWNED TIRE DEALERSHIPS MTD 100 DEALERSHIP Rank

OWNER

Mavis Tire Express Services Corp.

BayPine LP/TSG Consumer Partners/David and Stephen Sorbaro

Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc.

Meritage Group LP

Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc.

Leonard Green & Partners

Big Brand Tire & Service

Percheron Capital

Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers

Audax Private Equity

CHANNEL

2025

2024

2023

Independent tire dealerships

67.0%

66.0%

Straightaway Tire & Auto

O2 Investment Partners LP

Auto dealerships

9.5%

Left Lane Auto LLC

Bertram Capital (partial)

Mass merchandisers

8.5%

9.0%

Goodturn Tire & Auto

Garnett Station Partners

Warehouse clubs

8.5%

Telle Tire & Auto Centers

Next Horizon Capital (partial)

Tire company-owned stores

5.5%

6.0%

Miscellaneous outlets

1.0%

A WHOLESALE LOOK

Independents continued to dominate the U.S. consumer tire wholesale channel with 80% market share, flat versus last year. Other channels, including tire company-owned and miscellaneous distributors, managed to maintain their respective shares during 2025, as well.

U.S. CONSUMER TIRE WHOLESALE MARKET SHARE CHANNEL

2025

2024

2023

Independent wholesale-distributors

80.0%

Tire company-owned

11.0%

10.5%

Miscellaneous outlets

9.0%

9.5%

DEALERS BY NUMBER OF OUTLETS

According to MTD research, single-location tire dealerships make up around 54% of the total number of U.S. tire dealerships. Those dealerships with two to 10 stores make up 7%. And those dealerships with 11 or more locations make up 39%. To appear on the annual MTD 100, a tire dealership must have at least 11 locations. There are more than 11,000 locations that are owned and operated, in total, by tire dealerships listed on the 2025 MTD 100, which was published last July.

INDEPENDENT TIRE DEALERS (# OF OUTLETS) NUMBER OF OUTLETS

PERCENTAGE

Single location

54.0%

WELCOME TO THE CLUBS

Two of the three major warehouse clubs in the U.S. have steadily continued to add locations. At the end of 2023, Costco Wholesale Corp. had 591 locations. At the end of 2024, it had nearly 620 locations. By the end of 2025, it had 633 outlets. BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. also has grown its network, but with fewer additions.

NUMBER OF WAREHOUSE CLUBS IN THE U.S. WAREHOUSE CLUB

2025

2024

2023

Sam’s Club

600

Costco Wholesale Corp.

633

618

591

BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc.

257

247

252

EXAMINING THE REST

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. confirmed that it has 494 company-owned retail stores, down from 504 locations at this time last year. Bridgestone Retail Operations has maintained the same number of company-owned locations year-over-year. Walmart Auto Care Centers opened a dozen locations in the last 12 months. Pep Boys — Manny, Moe & Jack’s website says Pep Boys presently has “over 800 locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.”

OTHER TOP TIRE RETAILERS IN THE U.S.

2025 LOCATIONS

2024 LOCATIONS

Walmart Auto Care Centers

2,582

2,570

Bridgestone Retail Operations

2,240

Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack

800+

850+

RETAILER

2-10 locations

7.0%

Ford Quick Lane & Auto Centers

800+

800

11+ locations

39.0%

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

494

504

MTD January 2026

2601MTD_26-27_FACTS_ChannelMarketShare.indd 26

All estimates in this section are the result of MTD research, unless otherwise noted.

1/13/26 11:29 AM

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2026 Replacement PLT brand market share

Tier-three, tier-four gain share CONSUMERS OPT FOR LESS-EXPENSIVE BRANDS

ith household debt in the United States on the rise — reaching $18.5 trillion in the third quarter of 2025, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York — and a near 3% increase in the general cost of goods over the last 12 months, many consumers who returned to the replacement tire market traded down, some out of economic necessity and others by choice, to less-expensive, third- and fourth-tier brands last year. Because of this trend, several less-expensive brands experienced an uptick in demand, appearing on our replacement passenger and light truck tire brand market share lists for the first time. While it’s expected that some consumers will remain relatively immune to snowballing economic pressure and will continue to select tier-one and tier-two tire brands, less-expensive brands will remain an attractive option for budget-constrained buyers in 2026.

2601MTD_28-29_FACTS_ReplacementPLTMarketShare.indd 28

2025 REPLACEMENT PASSENGER TIRE MARKET SHARE

2025 REPLACEMENT LT TIRE MARKET SHARE

(based on an estimated 36.9 million units)

(based on an estimated 221.3 million units)

BRAND

2025 SHARE

BRAND

2025 SHARE

Michelin

9.5%

Firestone

7.0%

Goodyear

8.0%

Goodyear

6.5%

Firestone

7.0%

General

6.0%

Bridgestone

6.0%

Bridgestone

5.5%

Hankook

5.0%

Michelin

5.5%

Continental

4.5%

Toyo

5.5%

Falken

4.5%

Yokohama

5.0%

Kumho

3.5%

Falken

4.0%

Yokohama

3.5%

Hankook

4.0%

BFGoodrich

3.0%

Cooper

3.5%

General

3.0%

Kumho

3.0%

Toyo

3.0%

Nitto

3.0%

Douglas

2.5%

Hercules

2.5%

Cooper

2.0%

Continental

2.0%

GT Radial

2.0%

Pirelli

2.0%

Nexen

2.0%

Sailun

2.0%

Pirelli

2.0%

GT Radial

1.5%

Sailun

2.0%

Kenda

1.5%

Delinte

1.5%

Maxxis

1.5%

Hercules

1.5%

Nexen

1.5%

Nitto

1.5%

Atturo

1.0%

Big O

1.0%

Blackhawk

1.0%

Blackhawk

1.0%

Cosmo

1.0%

Dextero

1.0%

Delinte

1.0%

Kenda

1.0%

Fortune

1.0%

Landsail

1.0%

Landsail

1.0%

Maxxis

1.0%

Prinx

1.0%

Sumitomo

1.0%

Sumitomo

1.0%

SureDrive

1.0%

Summit

1.0%

Others

14.5%

Thunderer

1.0%

Venom Power

1.0%

Others

9.0%

BFGoodrich

7.0%

MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:29 AM

2601MT

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NexenTireUSA.com | 2601MTD_28-29_FACTS_ReplacementPLTMarketShare.indd 29 2601MTD_NexenTire.indd 1

1/13/26 11:29 AM 1/9/26 8:17 AM

2026 OE tire market share

Looking up

NEW VEHICLE SALES REVERT TO PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS 2025 NA OE CONSUMER TIRE BRAND MARKET SHARE

ew vehicle sales in the United States were expected to total 16.3 million units, up nearly 2% versus prior-year levels, making 2025 “the best sales year since 2019,” according to Cox Automotive. “Despite challenges, 2025 has been a good year for new vehicle sales,” said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive, last month. He added that the fourth quarter of 2025 was anticipated to experience an “expected slowdown, as headwinds from tariffs, inflation and reduced EV incentives weigh on the market after nine surprisingly strong months. Still, consumer demand kept the new vehicle market healthy throughout 2025.” Here’s a look at MTD’s consumer tire brand market share estimates at the original equipment (OE) level by both tiremaker and vehicle manufacturer.

2025 NORTH AMERICAN OE CONSUMER TIRE MARKET SHARE TOTALS

BMW

Pirelli Continental Bridgestone Dunlop Michelin Hankook Yokohama

2024 SHARE

Goodyear

21.0%

21.7%

Michelin

18.7%

Continental

14.7%

14.6%

Bridgestone

13.3%

Hankook

7.8%

7.7%

Pirelli

3.9%

Firestone

3.7%

Falken

3.6%

Kumho

2.7%

2.5%

General

2.4%

Nexen

2.1%

1.8%

Yokohama

2.1%

BFGoodrich

1.8%

Toyo

1.2%

Others

1.0%

2601MTD_30-31_FACTS_OETireMaketShare.indd 30

2025 2024

Brand

34% 26% 25% 5% 5% 4% 1%

Continental

32%

Continental

40%

Pirelli

25%

Michelin

25%

Bridgestone

14%

Goodyear

20%

Michelin

11%

Pirelli

10%

Goodyear

Hankook

Cooper

Dunlop

Toyota

Yokohama

Bridgestone

25%

Michelin

25%

Goodyear

11%

34% 26% 25% 6% 5% 3% 1%

Ford Michelin

24%

Goodyear

23%

Continental

21%

Hankook

10%

Pirelli

10%

General

2025 2024

MercedeS- Benz

Brand

2025 2024

Tesla

Nissan Continental

28%

Continental

Michelin

27%

Hankook

Goodyear

14%

BFGoodrich

10%

Falken

Dunlop

Bridgestone

Toyo

BFGoodrich

Kumho

Falken

Bridgestone

Toyo

Yokohama

Toyo

Hankook

Firestone

BFGoodrich

General

Dunlop

General

Continental

46%

Kumho

14%

2025 SHARE

BRAND

Brand

Goodyear Michelin Bridgestone Firestone Continental Hankook Pirelli General

HONDA

Michelin Goodyear Bridgestone Continental Hankook Yokohama Firestone Pirelli

35% 22% 14% 12% 8% 6% 2% 1%

36% 22% 14% 12% 7% 6% 2% 1%

25% 25% 17% 16% 9% 4% 3% 1%

Hankook

40%

Kumho

30%

Nexen

22%

Continental

Stellantis Goodyear

30%

31%

Goodyear

12%

Michelin

14%

Hankook

11%

Bridgestone

13%

Falken

Firestone

Bridgestone

Continental

Nexen

Yokohama

Falken

Volvo

Nexen

Pirelli

50%

BFGoodrich

Continental

30%

Michelin

20%

General

Pirelli

Hankook

Kumho

Nexen

Bridgestone

56%

Continental

27%

22%

Falken

Goodyear

Yokohama

Hyundai/Kia

Volkswagen

Subaru

MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:29 AM

2601MT

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2601MTD_30-31_FACTS_OETireMaketShare.indd 31 2601MTD_Hankook.indd 1

1/13/26 11:29 AM 1/8/26 12:03 PM

2026 Dealer distribution

Pockets of growth REGION AND STATE DEALER DISTRIBUTION

here are about 29,000 i nd e p e nd e nt t i re dealer locations in the United States, consistent with previous-year levels. The biggest percentage of dealers do business in the South Atlantic region, while the fewest number of dealers are concentrated in the New England region. Here’s a breakdown of tire dealership distribution by both region and state. (States that grew their share versus last year include Maine, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Mississippi, Utah, Delaware, Washington and Oregon.)

INDEPENDENT TIRE DEALER LOCATIONS BY REGION AND STATE

West North Central

(Based on 29,000 total)

New England

Massachusetts............................... Connecticut...................................... Maine................................................ New Hampshire.............................. Rhode Island.................................... Vermont.............................................

36% 21% 16% 16% 6% 5%

Middle Atlantic

Missouri........................................... Minnesota....................................... Iowa................................................. Kansas............................................. Nebraska......................................... North Dakota................................... South Dakota...................................

South Atlantic

10% 30% 20% 17% 13% 10% 6% 4%

23%

Pennsylvania.................................... 42% New York.......................................... 37% New Jersey...................................... 21%

Florida.............................................. 29% Georgia............................................ 19% North Carolina................................. 18% Virginia............................................ 13% South Carolina................................ 8% Maryland......................................... 7% West Virginia................................... 3% Delaware......................................... 2% Washington, D.C............................. 1%

East North Central

East South Central

Ohio................................................... Illinois............................................... Michigan........................................... Indiana.............................................. Wisconsin.........................................

14%

31% 23% 18% 15% 13%

Tennessee....................................... Alabama.......................................... Kentucky......................................... Mississippi......................................

34% 29% 22% 15%

West South Central

Texas................................................ Louisiana......................................... Oklahoma........................................ Arkansas.........................................

Mountain

12%

65% 13% 12% 10%

Arizona............................................ Colorado.......................................... Utah.................................................. Idaho................................................ Nevada............................................ New Mexico.................................... Montana.......................................... Wyoming.........................................

23% 22% 14% 11% 9% 9% 8% 4%

Pacific

12%

California......................................... 73% Washington.................................... 14% Oregon............................................. 11% Alaska.............................................. 1% Hawaii.............................................. 1%

NUMBERS ARE BASED ON TIRE DEALERSHIPS’ SELF-DISCLOSURES AND ADDITIONAL MTD RESEARCH.

MTD January 2026

2601MTD_32-33_FACTS_DealerDistribution.indd 32

1/13/26 11:28 AM

All estimates in this section are the result of MTD research, unless otherwise noted.

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2601MTD_32-33_FACTS_DealerDistribution.indd 33 2501MTD_IndependentTireDealersGroup.indd 1

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1/13/26 11:28 AM 1/6/25 8:31 AM

2026 Brand distribution

Brand extension A LOOK AT BRAND DISTRIBUTION AMONG DEALERSHIPS

elow are the most frequently mentioned brands on the 2025 MTD 100, our ranking of the largest independent tire dealerships in the United States, according to store count, as well as the number of dealerships that sell listed brands and the number of locations that sell each brand. The 2025 MTD 100 was published in July 2025 and is based on information disclosed by tire dealerships, as well as MTD’s own estimates.

BRANDS LISTED ON 2025 MTD 100 2025 RANKING

BRAND

DEALERSHIPS/ LOCATIONS

2024 RANKING

Michelin

83/12,251

Continental

77/9,446

Bridgestone

74/8,974

Firestone

70/8,818

Goodyear

68/9,363

BFGoodrich

67/9,363

General

64/10,015

Cooper

59/9,397

Uniroyal

57/7,407

Yokohama

56/9,024

Hankook

49/9,482

2025 RANKING

Toyo

43/4,526

COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE

Below is an in-depth look at the most frequently mentioned brands on MTD’s 2025 U.S. Top 25 Commercial Tire Dealers list, published this past October. Both pure commercial and hybrid commercial/retail locations, as provided by commercial tire dealerships that responded to MTD’s request for information, are listed. Like the 2025 MTD 100, information is based on numbers disclosed by dealerships, as well as MTD’s estimates.

2025 COMMERCIAL TIRE BRAND DISTRIBUTION BRAND

DEALERSHIPS/ LOCATIONS

2024 RANKING

Continental

21/1,780

General

18/1,463

Falken

40/5,384

Pirelli

37/7,526

Yokohama

16/1,096

Kumho

34/4,452

Michelin

15/1,191

Firestone

13/865

Dunlop

30/7,600

Nexen

30/3,689

Bridgestone

12/849

BFGoodrich

11/559

Kelly

29/7,579

Nitto

25/2,580

Goodyear

9/665

Sumitomo

24/2,185

2601MTD_34-35_FACTS_BrandDistribution.indd 34

Uniroyal

8/435

Not listed

Falken

7/740

Not listed

Hankook

7/874

Roadmaster

7/389

MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:28 AM

2601MT

PA R T N E R S I N P E R F O R M A N C E

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2601MTD_34-35_FACTS_BrandDistribution.indd 35 2601MTD_YokohamaTire.indd 1

1/13/26 11:28 AM 12/22/25 12:57 PM

2026 Tire sizes

The big and the bold

TOP OE SIZES Most Popular OE Passenger Tire Sizes

CONSUMER TIRE SIZES CONTINUE TO INCH UP

assenger and light truck sizes continued their upward trajectory in 2025. And there are more large-diameter passenger and light truck tires entering the market all the time. Looking at available passenger car tire sizes, based on rim diameter, one new 15-inch size, one new 17-inch size, one new 18-inch size, three new 19-inch sizes, six new 20-inch sizes, four new 21-inch sizes and two new 22-inch sizes entered the market during 2025, according to data from the Tire & Rim Association.

Available Passenger Tire Sizes by Rim Diameter 12-inch: 1

13-inch: 14

14-inch: 26

15-inch: 56

16-inch: 58

17-inch: 67

18-inch: 71

19-inch: 36

20-inch: 46

21-inch: 10

22-inch: 16

23-inch: 2

24-inch: 7

26-inch: 1

Source: Tire & Rim Association

Here’s a look at available LT-metric sizes in 2025. Eighteen-inch LT tires had the biggest representation, with 36 different sizes in that diameter.

Available LT-Metric Tire Sizes by Rim Diameter 14-inch: 7

15-inch: 20

16-inch: 40

17-inch: 33

18-inch: 36

19-inch: 3

20-inch: 27

22-inch: 22

24-inch: 11

26-inch: 4

Source: Tire & Rim Association

Here’s a look at LT high-flotation sizes that are available currently, with 20-inch sizes among the most numerous.

Available LT High-Flotation Tire Sizes By Rim Diameter 14-inch: 2

15-inch: 22

16-inch: 2

17-inch: 23

18-inch: 19

20-inch: 24

22-inch: 9

24-inch: 11

26-inch: 3

28-inch: 2

Source: Tire & Rim Association

TOP REPLACEMENT SIZES

In passenger replacement, size 225/65R17 remains at the top of the mountain, representing 6.1% of the segment, followed by size 205/55R16, which has 3.5% share. Th ree 18-inch sizes and two 20-inch sizes (275/55R20 and 275/60R20) also appear on this year’s list.

Most Popular Replacement Passenger Tire Sizes RANK

SIZE

% of total

Size 275/60R20 is here to stay, maintaining the top spot year-over-year and increasing its share from 6.4% in 2024 to 7.1% during 2025. As in 2024, three 18-inch sizes remain in the top 10, though one 19-inch size, 235/40R19, has dropped out of the top 10.

225/65R17

6.1%

205/55R16

3.5%

215/55R17

3.5%

275/60R20

7.1%

235/60R18

3.0%

235/60R18

5.7%

235/45R18

2.3%

225/65R17

3.7%

275/55R20

2.1%

235/45R18

3.1%

195/65R15

2.1%

235/55R19

3.0%

275/60R20

2.0%

255/45R19

2.7%

245/60R18

1.9%

255/50R20

2.6%

225/60R17

1.9%

225/60R18

2.6%

265/70R17

2.5%

275/50R22

2.4%

Source: USTMA

Most Popular Replacement LIGHT TRUCK Tire Sizes Size LT275/65R20, the only 20-inch in the current replacement light truck top 10, gained a slight amount of share during 2025, while 235/65R16C held its ground. An 18-inch size, LT275/70R18, supplanted LT 265/70R17 as having the most share, with the latter size dropping to the second spot on the list. Seventeen-inch sizes occupy four spots on this year’s top 10.

RANK

SIZE

% of total

RANK

SIZE

% of total

Source: USTMA

Most Popular OE Light Truck Tire Sizes

Sizes LT275/70R18 and 235/65R16C maintained the top two positions, with the latter ref lecting robust demand for C-type tires. Most sizes stayed in the same spots on the top 10 year-over-year, with LT265/70R17 and LT245/75R16 flip-flopping positions and LT265/70R18 replacing LT235/80R17 in the 10th position.

LT275/70R18

8.2%

LT265/70R17

8.2%

LT245/75R16

7.3%

LT225/75R16

7.0%

LT245/75R17

6.2%

235/65R16C

5.0%

LT275/65R20

4.3%

LT315/70R17

8.7%

LT275/65R18

3.9%

LT275/65R20

7.8%

LT235/80R17

3.9%

LT225/75R16

5.3%

LT285/70R17

3.6%

Source: USTMA

RANK

SIZE

% of total

LT275/70R18

13.0%

235/65R16C

12.5%

LT245/75R17

10.9%

LT285/70R17

8.9%

LT245/75R16

5.0%

LT265/70R17

4.4%

LT265/70R18

2.8%

Source: USTMA

MTD January 2026

2601MTD_36-37_FACTS_TireSizes.indd 36

1/13/26 11:28 AM

All estimates in this section are the result of MTD research, unless otherwise noted.

2601MT

2601MTD_36-37_FACTS_TireSizes.indd 37 2601MTD_Maxxis.indd 1

1/13/26 11:28 AM 1/12/26 8:46 AM

2026 Tire pricing

From stable to uncertain RETAIL PRICING TURNED VOLATILE IN 2025

“T

he fi rst quarter of 2025 was characterized by a welcomed degree of stability in retail tire pricing,” says JP Brooks, chief revenue officer, Fitment Group. “As broader economic conditions began to normalize, the tire market entered the year with easing costs and improved supply chain reliability, all of which contributed to relatively flat pricing across all tiers.” That stability was short-lived, says Brooks. “Market dynamics shifted rapidly following the tariff announcements on April 2, introducing renewed cost pressure and uncertainty across the industry. Manufacturers and retailers responded quickly and by May, significant increases in advertised retail prices were evident across all tire tiers. Initial pricing movement was most pronounced in tier-three. However, as the months rolled along, the largest percentage increases occurred within the tier-four category, where pricing adjustments were more abrupt and pronounced. “As the year progressed, pricing volatility became a common trend. Tier-four tires experienced the most significant fluctuations and instability. Tier-three pricing followed a similar spike in pricing, but (in a) slightly more muted pattern, while tier-two and tier-one demonstrated more stability and prices increased steadily but modestly throughout the year.” By December, Brooks says tier-three brands “had recorded the largest cumulative price increase on a year-over-year basis. Looking ahead to 2026, early indicators suggest a potential shift in pricing dynamics once again. Over the past 60 days, tier-one and tier-two pricing have shown a modest decline, marking the first such movement in more than 12 months.”

2025 AVERAGE ADVERTISED TIRE PRICES IN THE U.S. MAJOR BRAND

LOW-COST BRAND

OVERALL

195/6516

$152.52

$80.11

$120.95

205/55R16

$169.80

$93.67

$145.88

215/60R16

$161.27

$93.35

$132.52

215/55R17

$194.46

$97.13

$137.61

225/60R17

$202.46

$119.97

$176.82

225/60R18

$229.27

$127.96

$206.70

235/60R18

$246.15

$136.48

$220.21

245/60R18

$242.22

$148.80

$212.12

275/55R20

$262.19

$169.73

$217.24

LT225/75R16

$252.10

$142.42

$207.61

LT245/75R16

$265.88

$154.31

$228.90

LT265/75R16

$275.29

$181.63

$250.00

LT235/80R17

$286.20

$170.66

$259.14

LT245/75R17

$289.60

$172.49

$254.35

LT265/70R17

$292.12

$184.39

$272.19

LT285/70R17

$318.50

$216.48

$315.20

LT275/65R18

$301.23

$217.65

$300.41

LT275/70R18

$318.54

$213.48

$315.20

SIZE

Source: Fitment Group

2025 PRICING BY REGION (LT265/70R17) REGION

OPENING

VALUE

BETTER

BEST

East North Central

$174.44

$251.10

$279.14

$303.21

East South Central

$170.95

$254.63

$277.38

$308.33

Middle Atlantic

$171.87

$220.90

$261.28

$293.22

Mountain

$188.61

$268.04

$290.22

$310.82

New England

$186.59

$243.88

$276.52

$309.96

Pacific

$176.89

$257.67

$284.67

$306.70

South Atlantic

$176.89

$247.92

$272.88

$301.45

West North Central

$183.25

$269.08

$283.69

$306.42

West South Central

$176.05

$261.85

$281.00

$302.98

Source: Fitment Group

2601MTD_38-39_FACTS_TirePricing.indd 38

MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:28 AM

CASTING A WIDE INTERNET

Here’s a quick snapshot of online pricing on a number of randomly selected websites for two different tires: the Milestar Weatherguard AW365, which is offered by Tireco Inc., and the Nexen Roadian ATX.

2025 ONLINE TIRE PRICING

NEXEN ROADIAN ATX (LT265/70R17)

MILESTAR WEATHERGUARD AW365 (225/65R17)

WEBSITE

PRICE

WEBSITE

PRICE

Amazon.com

$118.95

Allentireco.com

$260.99

McKnighttire.com

$129.28

Americantiredepot.com

$268.99

Moderntirect.com

$137.02

Bastiantire.com

$222.61

Onlinetires.com

$175.92

Belletire.com

$260.00

Prioritytire.com

$118.95

Bigbrandtire.com

$268.99

Simpletire.com

$129.99

Burtbrothers.com

$233.74

Sunlandtire.com

$123.46

Chabillstire.com

$214.00

Tireagent.com

$139.99

Cjtire.com

$205.99

Tirediscounters.com

$156.00

Gotodobbs.com

$261.60

Tires.com

$119.00

Hogantire.com

$230.00

Walmart.com

$118.95

Jensentireandauto.com

$214.00

Zohr.com

$147.00

Leetetire.com

$236.32

Monro.com

$260.99

Onlinetires.com

$260.00

Simpletire.com

$260.00

Sullivantire.com

$241.00

Thetirechoice.com

$260.99

Tirediscounters.com

$283.00

Tirebuyer.com

$137.99

Tires.com

$260.00

Vipauto.com

$196.00

Youngbloodtx.com

$223.54

Source: Fitment Group

w w w . M o d e r n T i r e D e a l e r. c o m

2601MTD_38-39_FACTS_TirePricing.indd 39

1/13/26 11:28 AM

2026 Commercial tire market

‘Everything’s in flux’ SEVERAL TRENDS IMPACTED COMMERCIAL TIRE MARKET

hen asked to describe medium truck tire sales, a top executive from one of the largest commercial tire dealerships in the United States told MTD shortly before press time that “everything’s in flux.” Other commercial tire dealers echoed that sentiment, with one telling MTD, “We don’t know what the economy is going to do in 2026.” The original equipment (OE) truck tire market took a hit in 2025, as cautious fleets ramped down their new equipment spending. ACT Research reported that November 2025 Class 5-8 truck orders in North America totaled 36,000, a yearover-year decline of 33%. Overall, the replacement channel fared better, though TBR tire shipments took a downturn during the third quarter. Last year was also marked by the continued influx of tier-three and tier-four brands into the U.S. replacement channel, a trend that has carried over into 2026 and will continue. As demand held firm, the medium truck tire retread market remained stable, with units staying relatively flat versus 2024 levels. But 2025 was a tough year for ag tire manufacturers and dealers due to a variety of factors, including tariffs, tighter farm margins and softer commodity prices. The OE ag tire channel, in particular, experienced a double-digit decline.

2025 MEDIUM TRUCK TIRE MARKET SHARE BY BRAND

2025 U.S. AG TIRE MARKET SHARE (RADIAL REAR REPLACEMENT)

BRAND

2025 SHARE

BRAND

2025 SHARE

Bridgestone

12.5%

BKT

27.5%

Michelin

12.5%

Firestone

25.5%

Yokohama

8.5%

Goodyear

11.0%

Continental

8.0%

Michelin

10.0%

Goodyear

8.0%

Alliance

9.0%

Firestone

7.5%

Titan

4.5%

Double Coin

5.5%

Ascenso

4.0%

Hankook

4.5%

Mitas

3.5%

Toyo

3.5%

CEAT

2.5%

Falken

2.5%

Trelleborg

2.0%

Zenna

2.5%

Others

0.5%

Sailun

2.0%

Fortune

1.5%

Gladiator

1.0%

Kumho

1.0%

Prinx

1.0%

Westlake

1.0%

Others

17.0%

(based on an estimated 24.4 million units)

(based on an estimated 277,000 units)

2025 U.S. RETREADED TRUCK TIRE MARKET SHARE (based on an estimated 15 million units produced in 2025)

1.0% Others 3.5% Continental

46% Bridgestone/ Bandag

24% Michelin/ Oliver

2601MTD_40-41_FACTS_ComTireMarket.indd 40

5.5% Vipal/Marangoni

20% Goodyear

MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:28 AM

2512MT

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2601MTD_40-41_FACTS_ComTireMarket.indd 41 2512MTD_TitanIntl.indd 1

1/13/26 11:28 AM 11/12/25 2:57 PM

2026 North American plant capacities

Manufacturing in flux

TIREMAKERS ADJUSTED PLANT FOOTPRINTS IN 2025

everal tire manufacturers continued previously announced plant expansions and investments during 2025. A few tiremakers removed production. Another opened a plant. M ichel i n Nor t h A mer ic a Inc . announced that it would close two plants last year: a consumer tire factory in Ardmore, Okla., and a passenger tire plant in Queretaro, Mexico. The Ardmore plant had the capacity to produce around 37,000 passenger tires and nearly 3,500 light truck tires per day, according to MTD research, while it was believed the Queretaro plant could build 6,000 light truck tire units per day if operating at full throttle. Based on capacity, Ardmore, which opened in 1970 as a Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Co. plant, was Michelin’s largest passenger tire production facility in the U.S. Tire production there has ceased, but rubber mixing operations at the facility continue, according to Michelin. The closing of the Queretaro plant leaves Michelin with one factory in Mexico, an 8-year-old facility in Leon that can build around 4,000 passenger tires per day at maximum capacity. On the specialty tire side, Yokohama TWS shuttered its Trelleborg ag tire plant in Spartanburg, S.C., in 2025. The plant built its first tire in 2016. Bridgestone Americas Inc. closed its 53-year-old medium truck tire plant in LaVergne, Tenn., ahead of schedule this past July. The decision to close the plant was “part of the company’s strategic initiatives to optimize its business footprint, strengthen its competitiveness and enhance the quality of the company’s U.S. operations,” said Bridgestone officials. According to MTD research, Bridgestone’s LaVergne plant, which opened in 1972, had the capacity to build 3,100 TBR tires per day. It was one of two Bridgestone TBR tire plants in the United States. The other, Bridgestone’s plant in Warren County, Tenn., remains in the midst of a major $550 million capital infusion that will enable it to build TBR tires equipped with radio frequency tags. 42

2601MTD_42-43_FACTS_PlantCapacities.indd 42

NORTH AMERICAN TIRE PLANT CAPACITIES AS OF JAN. 1, 2025 (IN THOUSANDS OF UNITS)

Company / Location / Year Constructed

NonUnion

ISO Passenger Light truck Truck Certified per day per day per day

Others per day

Total

Bridgestone Americas Inc. Aiken, S.C., 2013

0.04

Warren County, Tenn., 1990

x x

9.4

Bloomington, Ill., 1965

0.2

Des Moines, Iowa, 1945

1.9

21.5

Wilson City, N.C., 1974

Aiken County, S.C., 1999

Joliette, Quebec, Canada, 1966

9.2

9.1

18.3

Monterrey, Mexico, 2007

6.6

Cuernavaca, Mexico, 1980

15.5

5.6

21.1

81.8

20.7

9.4

2.14

114.04

12.5

13.5

10.3

44.3

Clinton, Miss., 2020

2.8

Total:

42.5

13.1

60.6

Total:

Continental Tire the Americas LLC Sumter, S.C., 2013

Mount Vernon, Ill., 1973, 1988

Giti Tire (USA) Ltd. Richburg, S.C., 2017

Total:

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Danville, Va., 1966

Fayetteville, N.C., 1969

10.5

41.5

64.5

Texarkana, Ark., 1964

Topeka, Kan., 1945

0.5

5.5

0.1

6.1

16.4

203.9

5.5

15.1

259.5

13.5

14.5

13.5

14.5

Findlay, Ohio, 1917 Lawton, Okla., 1978

Tupelo, Miss, 1984/1960

Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, 1960 Napanee, Ontario, Canada, 1990

San Luis Potosi, Mexico 2017

Total:

Hankook Tire America Corp. Clarksville, Tenn., 2016

Total:

Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. Macon, Ga., 2015

Total:

Michelin North America Inc. Dothan, Ala., 1979

Fort Wayne, Ind., 1961 Greenville, S.C., 1975

Greenville, S.C. (C3M), 1996

Piedmont, S.C. (Tweel), 2014

Lexington, S.C., 1981

Lexington, S.C., 1998

9.5

25.5

10.7

36.2

36.7

8.7

0.07

26.5

0.1

MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:28 AM

Company / Location / Year Constructed

NonUnion

ISO Passenger Light truck Truck Certified per day per day per day

Others per day

Total

Spartanburg, S.C., 1978

6.4

Starr, S.C., 2013

0.01

Tuscaloosa, Ala., 1945

19.7

5.5

25.2

Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada, 1971

14.1

18.1

Granton, Nova Scotia, Canada, 1971

2.7

Waterville, Nova Scotia, Canada, 1982

0.5

7.5

0.4

4.4

137.9

30.1

13.4

0.68

182.08

1.2

Leon, Mexico, 2018 Total:

Nokian Tyres Dayton, Tenn, 2019

Total:

Pirelli Tire North America Inc. Rome, Ga., (MIRS), 2002

Guanajuato, Mexico 2011, 2018

27.2

Guanajuato, Mexico 2025

Total:

Sailun Tire Americas

Specialty Tires of America Inc. Indiana, Pa., 1915

0.92

0.18

0.05

2.35

3.5

Unicoi, Tenn., 1997

0.3

0.5

0.05

0.25

1.1

1.22

0.68

0.1

2.6

4.6

Total:

Titan International Inc. Bryan, Ohio, 1967

0.33

Des Moines, Iowa, 1943

11.25

8.1

Jackson, Tenn., 2009

Clinton, Tenn., 1974

60.68

6.5

46.5

6.5

46.5

Freeport, Ill., 1964

Total:

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. White, Ga., 2005

Total:

Yokohama Tire Corp. 0

Salem, Va., 1968

25.7

1.1

26.8

Total:

25.7

1.1

26.8

Charles City, Iowa, 2012

0.5

Total:

0.5

14.2

3.8

14.2

3.8

2.14

West Point, Miss., 2015

Yokohama TWS

Grupo Carso/Euzkadi San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Total:

JK Tyre & Industries Mexico City, Mexico

0.14

Tultitlan, Mexico

1.5

0.5

Tacuba, Mexico

2.5

10.5

Total:

1.5

0.14

21.64

7.2

2.8

7.2

2.8

698.3

Corporacion de Occidente SA de CV Guadalajara, Mexico, 2005

Total:

495.22

83.98

37.5

81.6

Canadian Totals

13.1

13.5

78.6

Mexican Totals

105.5

37.4

9.6

0.14

152.64

Total:

645.72

134.48

54.1

95.24

929.54

U.S. Totals

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“We anticipate beginning prototype production in some areas of the plant this year, as we continue advancing the other phases of the product,” a Bridgestone spokesperson recently told MTD. Speaking to MTD in June 2025, Scott Damon, CEO of Bridgestone West and group president of Bridgestone Americas Inc., noted that Bridgestone has “machine capacity availability in our Wilson, N.C., and our Aiken, S.C., plants. We expect them to get full machine capacity over the next 18 months or so.” Another company that’s in the middle of a big investment is Hankook Tire America Corp., which will begin phase three testing at its 10-year-old consumer tire plant in Clarksville, Tenn., during the first quarter of 2026, as part of an overall, multi-year investment of $1.6 billion in the factory. The investment will double the plant’s consumer tire production and enable it to manufacture medium truck tires, giving Hankook its first TBR tire production base in the U.S. The factory will “enter full production” in mid-2026, Rob Williams, president of Hankook Tire America Corp., told MTD shortly before press time. “Once at capacity, we will add an additional 5 million PLT units and 1 million TBR units.” Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. continues to move ahead with investments at its Napanee, Ontario, and Lawton, Okla., plants. “The Napanee project continues to move forward, with expected completion in 2027,” a Goodyear spokesperson told MTD. The company’s “modernization project” in Lawton “is expected to be complete in early-2026.” Sailun Tire Americas opened a plant in Guanajuato, Mexico, during 2025. The passenger and light truck tire factory has the capacity to produce six million units a year. 43

1/13/26 11:28 AM

2026 Automotive service

Questions answered WHY CUSTOMERS CHOOSE SHOPS, ATTITUDES TOWARD REPAIR COSTS AND MORE

any consumers continued to put off fi xing their cars last year, but pent-up demand is expected to break loose at some point, which will benefit independent tire dealers who offer auto repair. Why do customers choose specific repair outlets for auto service? IMR, a division of Endeavor B2B, MTD’s parent company, recently polled nearly 100,000 households in search of an answer and found that a good prior experience is the most critical factor. Other considerations are listed in the chart below:

PRICE CONCERNS

Why Customers Choose a Repair Outlet

Slightly more concerned

IMR recently asked auto repair shop owners, “Compared to this time last year, how have your customers’ attitudes toward repair costs changed?” More than 62% of respondents indicated that customers are slightly more concerned about price than they were this time last year.

HOW CUSTOMERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD REPAIR COSTS HAVE CHANGED Far less concerned

Slightly less concerned

0.2%

Unchanged

23.2% 62.4%

Far more concerned

14.2%

Reason

2025

Good prior experience

38.9%

Convenient location

15.7%

My trust in the store/shop and its personnel

9.1%

Their low prices

6.9%

Friend or family member's recommendation

6.7%

Consumers aren’t the only group that has been impacted by price. The price of auto parts can have an impact on tire dealerships, too. IMR recently asked shop owners, including tire dealers, if their purchases of entry-level or low-cost parts have changed. Here’s what they said:

My loyalty to a particular store/shop

4.3%

HOW PURCHASES OF LOW-COST PARTS HAVE CHANGED

The warranty on the part

2.8%

Far less

Fair prices

2.7%

Slightly less

Information on their website

1.8%

The way they answered questions on the phone

1.6%

Source: IMR

THE PRICE OF PARTS

0% 0.8%

Unchanged

48.6%

Slightly more

48.2%

Far more

2.4%

MY pa

Source: IMR

2601MTD_44-47_FACTS_AutoService.indd 44

LE M

MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:28 AM

2601MT

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1/13/26 11:28 AM 1/9/26 11:31 AM

2026 Automotive service QUESTIONS ABOUT ELECTRIC VEHICLES Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids aren’t all over the news today like they were several years ago, but they still roll onto tire dealerships’ lots. IMR recently asked tire dealers and auto repair shop owners a number of questions about how they are approaching EV and hybrid service. Results are broken down by number of service bays. Here’s a more detailed look:

EV AND HYBRID VEHICLE REPAIR TRENDS Reason

1-3 bays

4-7 bays

8+ bays

Average

Over the past two years, have you seen an increase in the number of battery electric vehicles coming to your shop for service or repair?

Yes

24.5%

77.8%

78.7%

61.0%

75.5%

22.2%

21.3%

39.0%

Over the past two years, have you seen an increase in the number of hybrid vehicles coming to your shop for service or repair?

Yes

51.6%

89.1%

90.7%

77.1%

48.4%

10.9%

9.3%

22.8%

Does your shop intentionally market or advertise that you can service electric or hybrid vehicles?

Yes

0.0%

50.8%

77.3%

42.7%

100.0%

49.2%

22.7%

57.3%

Have you made any investments in tools or equipment to specifically service electric or hybrid vehicles?

Yes

3.8%

62.8%

90.7%

52.4%

96.2%

37.2%

9.3%

47.5%

Has your shop invested in training for your technicians that focus on repairing electric or hybrid vehicles?

Yes

3.1%

63.2%

89.3%

51.8%

96.9%

36.8%

10.7%

48.1%

Does your first-call supplier or program group keep you or your shop up-to-date on key industry trends about electric and hybrid vehicles?

Yes

61.0%

73.7%

100%

78.2%

39.0%

26.3%

0.0%

21.7%

Do you believe that the increasing number of electric and hybrid vehicles on the road will have an impact on your business within the next two years?

Yes

4.4%

33.5%

22.7%

20.2%

74.8%

52.2%

74.6%

67.2%

Don’t know

20.8%

14.3%

2.7%

12.6%

3 years

0.0%

4 years

0.0%

5 years

0.0%

10.8%

17.9%

9.5%

10 years

10.1%

66.9%

69.6%

48.8%

11+ years

56.3%

7.2%

1.8%

21.7%

Never

25.2%

10.8%

7.1%

14.3%

Don’t know

8.4%

4.3%

3.6%

5.4%

When do you think your shop’s business will be impacted? (How many years from now?)

Source: IMR

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MTD January 2026

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2601MT

w w w . M o d e r n T i r e D e a l e r. c o m

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2026 Mergers and acquisitions

Consolidation 2025 U.S. TIRE DEALERSHIP MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS continues PRIVATE EQUITY ACTIVITY INCREASES

look at this page’s list of tire dealership mergers and acquisitions shows the increasing influence of private equity in the tire dealership sector. Some of the biggest acquisitions of the year were made by companies that are under private equity ownership. The biggest deal — in terms of number of locations — was Mavis Tire Express Services Corp.’s acquisition of 1,200 Midas locations when TBC Corp. jettisoned its Midas program. Th is further solidified Mavis’ position as the largest tire dealership in the United States. Dobbs Tire & Service Centers, backed by Audax Private Equity, acquired Cleveland, Ohio-based Conrad’s Tire Express and Total Car Care, which was independently owned and had nearly 40 retail stores. Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc., which is owned by Meritage Group LP, made some acquisitions, including Pete’s Road Service in southern California. Percheron Capital-owned Big Brand Tire & Service, which wants to have 1,000 stores by the year 2030, bought North Salt Lake, Utah-based Burt Brothers Tire Service from Bestige Holdings in a case of one private equity firm selling directly to another private equity firm. A number of Straightaway Tire & Auto sub-brands, including EAS Tire & Auto and Victory Tire & Auto, also grew their footprints by acquisition. Telle Tire & Auto Centers, which brought on a private equity partner, New Horizon Capital, in 2025, continued to pick up stores. Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc., which is backed by Leonard Green & Partners, continued to expand by acquisition. In other deals, Southern Tire Mart at Pilot acquired more than 40 Goodyear Truck Care Centers. K&M Tire Inc. acquired four Turbo Wholesale Tires LLC distribution centers. Other acquisitions involving tire dealerships can be viewed on this page. (This list includes publicly announced tire dealership acquisitions.) 48

2601MTD_48-49_FACTS_M&A.indd 48

Buyer

Q Acquired

Wonderland Tire Co.

Ray’s Tire

# of outlets Location (s) 2

Wisconsin

Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers

Complete Custom Automotive

Missouri

Steve Shannon Tire Co.

Tire Warehouse Inc.

New York

California

Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc.

Pete’s Road Service

10 stores, 1retread plant, 1 D/C

VIP Tires & Service

Tires International

Manchester, Conn.

VIP Tires & Service

Wallingford Tire & Auto

Wallingford, Conn.

Telle Tire & Auto Centers

Shore Tire

1 store, 1 D/C

Lenexa, Kan.

Telle Tire & Auto Centers

Miller Tire

Mexico, Mo.

Stepan Boyajian-owned Tire Pros dealership

Royal Tire

Long Beach, Calif.

Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc.

Modern Tire Pros

North Platte, Neb.

Auto Care Plus*

Quick Stop Tire Shop

Plaistow, N.H.

EAS Tire & Auto*

Integrity Tire

Colorado

EAS Tire & Auto*

K-Motion Auto Service

Englewood, Colo.

EAS Tire & Auto*

Antero Automotive & Truck Services

Denver, Colo.

Victory Tire & Auto*

Burnsville Auto Repair

Minneapolis, Minn.

Victory Tire & Auto*

Stillwater Auto Clinic

Oak Park Heights, Minn.

Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers

Conrad’s Tire Express and Total Car Care

Ohio

Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers

Custom Complete Auto

Missouri

Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc.

Piedmont Radiator and Tire

King, N.C.

Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc.

American Tire & Wheel

Hot Springs, Ark.

Telle Tire & Auto Centers

Miller Tire

Mexico, Mo.

Telle Tire & Auto Centers

Shore Tire

Lenexa, Kan.

Mavis Tire Express Services Corp.

Midas (from TBC Corp.)

1,200

United States

McMahon’s Best-One Tire

Best-One of Lima

Lima, Ohio

McMahon’s Best-One Tire

Best-One of Bryan

Bryan, Ohio

Big Brand Tire & Service

Reese’s Auto

Arizona

Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc.

Larry Harer Goodyear

Ohio

K&M Tire Inc.

Four Turbo Wholesale Tires LLC D/Cs

Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc.

Burlington Automotive

Washington

Victory Tire & Auto*

Reliable Auto Care

Buffalo, Minn.

Victory Tire & Auto*

AutoPro Auto Service

Brooklyn Park, Minn.

4 D/Cs

Southern Tire Mart LLC

Dorsey Tire Co.

5 locations, 1 retread plant

Southern Tire Mart LLC

A-B Tire Co.

Bauer Built Inc.

Meekhof Tire Sales & Service

Michigan, Indiana

Pooler, Ga. Albuquerque, N.M.

14 locations, Michigan 2 retread plants

GreatWater 360 Auto Care

Hubell’s Auto Repair

Marion, Iowa

Victory Tire & Auto*

Pod’s Complete Care

Minneapolis, Minn.

Victory Tire & Auto*

Jack’s Auto Service

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc.

Barrett’s Tire

Dover, Tenn.

Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc.

Martin’s Automotive

Terrell, Texas

Service Tire Truck Centers

Mahwah Tire

Mahwah, N.J.

Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc.

Staley’s Tire & Automotive

Billings, Mont.

GreatWater 360 Auto Care

Northgate Tire

Cincinnati, Ohio

Leeds West Groups

Property in Denver to be developed into Big O Tires store

Denver, Colo.

Telle Tire & Auto Centers

Burnett Automotive

Kansas

Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc.

Jackson Auto Worx

Winston-Salem, N.C.

Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc.

Hindsman & Son Tire and Service

Russellville, Ark.

Steve Shannon Tire Co.

Simon Kettering Goodyear

Lebanon, Pa.

Southern Tire Mart at Pilot

Goodyear Truck Care Centers

Multiple states

Service Tire Truck Centers

Oasis Truck Tire Service

Connecticut

Big Brand Tire Service

Burt Brothers Tire Service

Utah, other states

Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc.

Vannoy’s Tires

Florida

GreatWater 360 Auto Care

Richlonn’s Tire & Service Centers

Wisconsin

Victory Tire & Auto*

Twin River Tire & Auto

Minnesota

Victory Tire & Auto*

Babcock Auto Care

Rochester, Minn.

Mavis Tire Express Services Corp.

Max Auto Supply Co.

111

Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Kentucky, Georgie

Telle Tire & Auto Centers

Jim Whaley Tires

Alabama

Telle Tire & Auto Centers

Len’s Auto Repair

* Owned by Straightaway Tire & Auto

Missouri

MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:28 AM

2601MT

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1/13/26 11:28 AM 12/22/25 1:39 PM

2026 Biggest dealers

Sizing up the largest dealers A SNAPSHOT OF THE TOP 10 IN THREE AREAS

he big keep getting bigger among the largest independent tire dealerships, commercial tire dealerships and retreaders in the United States. And this trend is expected to continue. Each July, MTD ranks the largest independent tire dealerships in the U.S. based on store count as part of the annual MTD 100. Each October, MTD ranks the 25 largest commercial tire dealerships based on MTD’s estimate of their commercial tire sales. To qualify, a dealership must sell medium truck tires, have at least one retread plant and provide emergency roadside service via a fleet of service trucks. Each April, MTD ranks the top 50 retreaders in the U.S., including tire company-owned retreaders and truck stop chains that produce their own retreads. On this page is a snapshot of the 10 largest dealerships and retreaders in each category, based on numbers published at various points during 2025, with the caveat that some of the listed dealerships have added locations since then.

10 LARGEST INDEPENDENT TIRE DEALERSHIPS * RANK DEALERSHIP

HEADQUARTERS

TOP OFFICER(S)

# OF OUTLETS **

Mavis Tire Express Services Corp.

White Plains, N.Y.

Stephen and David Sorbaro, co-CEOs

3,548

Monro Inc.

Fairport, N.Y.

Peter Fitzsimmons, CEO and president

1,263

Discount Tire

Scottsdale, Ariz.

Dean Muglia, CEO

1,238

Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc.

Bend, Ore.

Mike Broberg, CEO

544

Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc.

Mesa, Ariz.

Tony Puckett, CEO

517

Big Brand Tire & Service

Moorpark, Calif.

Joe Buscaglia, CEO

253

Best-One Tire Group

Monroe, Ind.

Larry and Mark Zurcher, co-CEOs

243

Southern Tire Mart LLC

Columbia, Miss.

Thomas and James Duff, owners

220

Tire Discounters Inc.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Chip Wood, chairman

215

Pomp’s Tire Service Inc.

Green Bay, Wis.

Jim Wochinske, CEO

192

As of the July 2025 publication of the 2025 MTD 100 *Several dealers on this list have added locations since July 2025 **Includes retail-only, commercial-only and combined retail-commercial locations

10 LARGEST COMMERCIAL TIRE DEALERSHIPS RANK DEALERSHIP

HEADQUARTERS

TOP OFFICER(S)

Southern Tire Mart LLC

Columbia, Miss.

Thomas and James Duff, owners

Pomp’s Tire Service Inc.

Green Bay, Wis.

Jim Wochinske, CEO

Best-One Tire Group

Monroe, Ind.

Larry and Mark Zurcher, co-CEOs

McCarthy Tire Service Co. Inc.

Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

John D. McCarthy Jr., president

Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc.

Bend, Ore.

MIke Broberg, CEO

Snider Tire Inc.

Fort Mill, S.C.

Marty Herndon, president and chairman

Service Tire Truck Centers Inc.

Bethlehem, Pa.

Walter Dealtrey, CEO and president

Purcell Tire & Rubber Co.

Potosi, Mo.

Roger Lucas, CEO

Boulevard Tire Center

Deland, Fla.

Earl Colvard, president

Parkhouse Tire

Bell Gardens, Calif.

Jim Parkhouse, CEO

As of the October 2025 publication of the Top 25 Commercial Tire Dealers in the U.S. list

10 LARGEST RETREADERS IN THE U.S. RANK DEALERSHIP

HEADQUARTERS

TOP OFFICER(S)

# OF PLANTS

Southern Tire Mart LLC

Columbia, Miss.

Thomas and James Duff, owners

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

Akron, Ohio

Mark Stewart, CEO and president

Pomp’s Tire Service Inc.

Green Bay, Wis.

Jim Wochinske, CEO

Best-One Tire Group

Monroe, Ind.

Larry and Mark Zurcher, co-CEOs

Snider Tire Inc.

Fort Mill, S.C.

Marty Herndon, president and chairman

Purcell Tire & Rubber Co.

Potosi, Mo.

Roger Lucas, CEO

McCarthy Tire Service Co. Inc.

Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

John D. McCarthy Jr., president

Loves’s Travel Stop & Country Stores

Oklahoma City, Okla. Greg and Frank Love, co-CEOs

Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc.

Bend, Ore.

Mike Broberg, CEO

Service Tire Truck Centers Inc.

Bethlehem, Pa.

Walter Dealtrey, CEO and president

As of the April 2025 publication of MTD’s Top 50 Retreaders in the U.S. list, based on MTD point calculation

2601MTD_50-51_FACTS_BiggestDealers.indd 50

MTD January 2026

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Industry analysis

Tariffs, tier trade-down dominated

2025 SAME DYNAMICS WILL IMPACT MARKET IN 2026, SAYS HEALY

By John Healy

s the tire industry’s foremost analyst, John Healy has a unique view of the United States tire market. He discusses the forces that shaped 2025 and will likely shape 2026 in this exclusive MTD interview. (Healy is managing director and research analyst with Northcoast Research Holdings LLC in Cleveland, Ohio. He also writes MTD’s monthly Your Marketplace column.) MTD: How would you describe the state

of the U.S. tire market today versus 12 months ago? In your opinion, what have been the most significant changes that have taken place during the last year? HEALY: I would describe the state of the

U.S. tire market today versus 12 months ago as starting to feel a little bit better. In northeastern Ohio, where I live, my kids have already had a snow day and I have had to shovel the driveway twice already! So the backdrop is potentially setting up for a nice, early-2026 demand environment. 52

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“I would describe 2025 as a mixed one for tire dealers,” says John Healy, managing director and research analyst with Northcoast Research Holdings LLC. Photo: MTD

MTD January 2026

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Industry analysis That said, given the circumstances, I would describe 2025 as a mixed one for tire dealers/retailing. Based on our survey work, there have been more up months for units than down. As of writing this, seven of the last 11 months dealers have told us that retail units grew compared to a year ago. (Editor’s note: Healy responded to MTD’s questions in mid-December 2025.) When comparing this to 2024, we note that five of 12 months saw positive unit gains. I think the most significant changes that took place last year were likely that the consumer tried to do more with what they had and simultaneously, some replacement activity trends (were experienced) based on pent-up demand. Fortunately for the tire industry, a good amount of replacement activity can’t be deferred as eventually tires wear and give out and I feel more of that pent-up demand from a lackluster 2024 probably helped in 2025. Additionally, we feel that affordability and tariffs have changed the way the consumer shopped last year. Given that, we feel that there could have been some pre-buy by the consumer based on tariffs, as well as perhaps consumers holding on to vehicles longer as insurance rates are up — roughly 6% on average in 2025 versus 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — and interest rates on new and used auto loans remained stubbornly high. MTD: The Trump tariffs threw a mon-

key wrench into the market when they were announced last April. From your vantage point, have the impact of these tariffs been more or less than what you originally anticipated — both on the supply side (tiremakers) and on the distribution side (tire wholesalers and retailers) — and why? HEALY: Originally, when the tariff items

were starting to emerge, we held a fairly academic view that the domestic tire manufacturers would likely be universal beneficiaries. Did this happen? It’s hard for us to say yes. While one data point, we note in the third quarter of 2025, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s replacement volumes were down approximately 8%. So to say that domestics have won because of (tariffs) is challenging. We believe that in reality, what happened 54

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“The consumer is still weathering the impact of inflation and is in sticker shock at times,” says Healy, with Ronan Chambers, research associate at Northcoast Research Holdings. Photo: MTD

‘We feel that affordability and tariffs changed the way the consumer shopped last year.’

that the channel remains pretty full for lower-tier units that need to be retailed. Post this period, we ponder what types of units will be restocked. Given that affordability for all categories remains challenged, it’s hard for us to envision a pick-up for higher-tier/domestic brands in the short-run. MTD: Throughout 2025, the continued

gravitation toward less-expensive consumer tires was a recurring theme in your monthly MTD column. Do you see that trend reversing in 2026? Why or why not? HEALY: Great question and probably

was a lot of product made its way into the country prior to enactment and during periods of adjournment. Additionally, while internationally sourced products have experienced tariff-related price increases, there probably has been a downshift in the market by the consumer, looking at just pure affordability. Feedback from the dealer community suggests that tier-two to tier-four tires are more in-demand than in the past and even with tariffs, these units are fitting the price point of where demand is the strongest and it appears there has been some share shift-down, which has worked against the legacy tier-one manufacturers. So in hindsight, the academic approach was probably a bit short-sighted and affordability has been the gating factor to wholesale activity. As we sit today, we would expect this shift to lower-tier tires at retail to maintain a trend in 2026. Our sense is

the biggest unknown in the industry. Our opinion is that the trend is unlikely to change in the near-term. Why? The consumer is still weathering the impact of inflation and is in sticker shock at times when faced with the estimate of what a new set of tires will cost. We do not see this changing. Additionally, we feel that some tier-two players have won share in recent years in the original equipment (OE) space, which to us suggests that the product quality has improved and as such, lower-tier manufacturers are likely narrowing the gap relative to bigger and legacy operators. In our time spent at the SEMA Show, we were really surprised to just see the presence of so many different manufacturers from various parts of the globe focusing on the U.S. market and trying to make inroads. Countries such as Serbia, Vietnam and Cambodia all seem to have an increasing number of operators producing product aimed MTD January 2026

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Industry analysis to move in the U.S. market. Given all of these items, unless tier-one operators cut prices to make their products more attractive at retail, it’s hard to call it likely that they can reclaim share lost to lower-tier operators in 2026. I do not expect a big recovery year from a share standpoint in 2026 for tierone manufacturers unless they look for ways to get closer to dealers. I think for legacy entities to reclaim lost share, it will have to come down to dollars and cents with dealers. Dealers need to make money on the product and be able to turn their inventory quickly. So if the consumer remains in a stagnating position with stress on their household incomes, it’s hard for me to see the consumer trade up in the category. We feel that for roughly 70% of the market, the buying decision is about what the dealer presents to consumers at the point of sale and how the estimated costs compare to their expectations heading into the transaction. For a majority of consumers, a $1,000 estimate for a four-tire change just feels too high and they either will look for alternatives in the category offered or find a dealer or mass merchant that might be able to get them into the category at their desired price point, which in many cases will be lower-tier price points.

HEALY: Consolidation in the tire retail

and wholesale landscape is not a new trend and I do not expect it to be a trend that ends any time soon. Lots of factors have influenced both of these areas seeing consolidation. On the retail side, competition, family legacy and big dollars have all been reasons sellers have rung the register in recent years. On the buy side of things, there has been a view that big is better and consolidation and scale can help drive better unit economics for operators. Sometimes this appears to have been a win, but sometimes it has not. Frankly, consolidation and integration are two different things and the integration efforts often times are more difficult to pull off. As we look to 2026, average interest rates should probably in most cases be lower than in 2025. The cost of funding acquisitions could be lower, which is never a bad thing for the pace of activity. In thinking about why we may be seeing smaller acquisitions pick up, it is likely the nuance of the market. After a number of years of bigger acquisitions, the number of available property shifts and multiples is probably still rich. My thought is that buyers are trying to assess the market in more bite-sized ways to minimize overall purchase price and multiples. MTD: Speaking of distribution, new

‘Feedback from the dealer community suggests that tier-two to tier-four tires are more in-demand than in the past.’

ownership and management are in place at American Tire Distributors (ATD), but the company also lost two significant suppliers — Michelin North America Inc. and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. — in 2025. More recently, ATD has picked up several brands that it has not carried before, including Nokian, GT Radial and Double Coin. What are your thoughts on ATD and its next moves?

MTD: Consolidation at all levels of the

HEALY: A lot has gone on at ATD in

tire distribution chain — wholesale, commercial and retail — continued in 2025. This has increasingly included the roll-up of smaller independent tire dealerships. Why are we seeing more M&A activity at the small dealer level and do you expect this trend to continue in 2026? Do you also expect to see more consolidation of wholesale-distributors in the new year and why? 56

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the last few years and hopefully for all involved, ATD is approaching a more stable time for operations. I think in reality, while ownership changes have been made, ATD is still an integral part of many dealer operations. Frankly, with somewhere over 100 distribution centers and a large fleet of delivery trucks on the road, they remain a force. Yes, you are correct that some brands

have moved on from ATD as they look to control their distribution in different ways and as we can see with brands added at ATD, there remains ample opportunity for ATD to have a very strong portfolio of offerings. Given that ATD has lost some legacy brands but has gained some emerging brands, it will be interesting to see how the unit counts that they move evolve. From our seat, the brands they have added are probably in the sweet spot of value offerings that are resonating in the market. That said, there are probably other brands within that same portfolio of offerings by ATD that fulfill those needs, so it’s not entirely clear to us that one plus one equals two here. From our point of view, we would expect that ATD will try to keep it simple, add more brands, give dealers selection and quality service and hopefully get the business to new heights. We view distribution businesses as ones that are highly flexible and can lean in and away from shifts/changes in the underlying marketplace and believe that ATD’s business has these abilities. MTD: Do you expect to see an uptick

in commercial truck tire demand in 2026? HEALY: The heavy truck tire market is

tied to overall freight activity and as a result, very much tied to commerce and consumer-related activity. I think the numbers there have been complicated. During stages of the COVID-19 era, there was a boom of trucking activity with stimulus dollars moving around and consumer spending stronger than one would have expected, along with what we would call the economic adoption of full-fledged delivery. These dynamics caused a spike in activity levels. Post that period, things have cooled down to some degree, leaving more capacity than demand. Given this, spending on fleets and fleet maintenance has been somewhat lackluster. We are hopeful we are closer to the bottom and remain optimistic that better days will be on the horizon at some point in either 2026 or 2027. Relating to the ag tire market, it’s not one that we have a great handle on at this time. Profits for farmers are not only cyclical but are yield-oriented, MTD January 2026

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given weather patterns, while also being tied to global trade at times. Unfortunately, there has been some somber data relating to farmer profits and health, with what appears to be a sizeable level of bankruptcies of farmers. That said, there appears to be some aid packages being discussed on Capitol Hill to help farmers, so that is probably a good thing as it relates to spending and the health of the farm community and related spending. Collectively, we are not expecting a big snap-back in truck or ag tires in 2026. MTD: Where do you see the market headed for the passenger and light truck tire segments in 2026? Will sellout continue to gradually improve? HEALY: Here in northeastern Ohio, the

winter weather appears to have started earlier and with a bit more force than in years past, so perhaps Mother Nature will lend a hand to the industry and provide tailwinds to start the year. I think harsh winter weather is an underestimated part of the industry’s success or softness in any given year. Frankly, many consumers are unaware of the quality of their tires until bad weather hits and provides them with that knowledge. Outside of weather, we think that the recent move in gas prices lowering could be a benefit to vehicle miles traveled in 2026. As we put this piece together — holding prices at the pump constant — we may see average fuel prices around $2.90 for a gallon of gasoline compared to $3.10. So the benefit of lower gas prices could again be a help to activity levels on the road in 2026. Given those two items and what we believe is probably a market that still has an element of pent-up demand behind it, there are reasons to think that the retail tire market for passenger cars can have some growth to it. Will it be a percentage or two or maybe more? Hard to know at this point, but there appears to be potential for gains in 2026. MTD: Private equity (PE) continues to

invest in the independent tire dealer channel, with more PE groups entering the market and others making massive investments and enlarging their footprints considerably. What are your thoughts on PE investment in the tire w w w . M o d e r n T i r e D e a l e r. c o m

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“Will mass merchants remain a force? Most likely,” says Healy. “Are they becoming a more intense and stronger competitor? Not that I can see.” Photo: MTD

BJ’s Wholesale and Costco. (Walmart/ Sam’s, for example, is Goodyear’s biggest customer in the U.S.) How do you view these companies’ tire operations — and volume — on a long-term basis? HEALY: Great point to bring up. From

‘Consolidation and integration are two different things.’ dealer channel in 2026? Will we see more or less? What will drive this? HEALY: Interest from investors looking

to gain a foothold and scale in the category has been ongoing for a number of years and we do not see it likely changing in the near-term. Investors continue to look at the space as a solid business with solid returns that could be even better if scale and synergies can be gained. With a backdrop of potentially improved units and lower costs of capital, it’s hard to see a lot of reasons why interest would subside in the space. MTD: We don’t always discuss the

mass merchandiser/warehouse club channel in this Q&A, but a substantial number of consumer tire units flow through operations like Sam’s Club,

my perspective, the word of mass merchants seems a little mixed to me, really, in the post-COVID-19 era. I feel like some retailers have re-embraced the category, while others are maybe not as committed as they once were. Why is this the case? Hard to know, but my guess is that it’s all about labor. Will mass merchants remain a force? Most likely. Are they becoming a more intense and stronger competitor? Not that I can see. Tire retailing is not easy and as such, I note that mass merchants aren’t necessarily doubling down on the (tire) business. MTD: Do you think raw material and

other costs, like labor, will be stable for tire manufacturers, both domestic and offshore, in 2026? Any look-outs to be aware of? Along those lines, do you see any further price increases from tiremakers in the new year? HE ALY: In thinking through the

potential trajectory of raw material prices in 2026, it’s currently a bit more complicated than in the past. From what we can assess, natural rubber and oil, which are sizeable components to the 57

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Industry analysis cost of a tire, are down, likely double digits compared to a year ago. Assuming prices are stable at earlier-year levels, we would suggest that tire raw material prices could be down somewhere in the mid-single-digit range if these values are maintained for 2026.

‘There are reasons to think that the retail tire market can have some growth to it.’

MTD: What will be the five biggest

headwinds for both tire manufacturers and tire wholesalers/dealers in 2026?

HEALY: I think the following items in

any given year can work against the industry: consumer spending, competition within the space from auto dealers or mass merchants, affordability (due to) rising input costs/global trade and tariff-related dynamics, availability of labor and price changes when inventories are elevated. Frankly, a number of those things have already been taking place in the industry over the last 12 to 24 months. Simply put, tire retail is not an easy business and usually has some sort of complication that is acute in any given year. For 2025, affordability was the biggest headwind. Prior to that, it may have been technician/labor shortages. If I think about one that could be an item to watch in 2026, I probably will say the ability to make sure your inventories are managed well and tightly to insulate your dealership from any lower

price movements. I feel like for the last few years, prices have climbed due to capacity and supply shortages, tariffs and raw materials. Will prices keep going higher? That’s hard to know, but I feel like we potentially could be entering into a period where share becomes more of a priority. Additionally, raw material prices seem somewhat stable and actually might be somewhat of a tailwind to the profitability of manufacturers in 2026, which gives the flexibility to keep it or invest in share gains. MTD: What will be the biggest tail-

winds for both tire manufacturers and tire wholesalers/dealers in 2026? HEALY: Regarding tailwinds, there

are a few. That said, let’s start with one: weather trends in December, which, at least in my region of the country, appear to be cold, wintry and with snow. That combination has historically been a helpful backdrop for tire dealers. We

already mentioned the potential for sustained lower gas prices as being a help for vehicle miles traveled. That would be a second item, which could work in favor of the industry. Beyond that, there is a view out there that the tax refund season might bring bigger returns for consumers and could provide a source of funds to be spent on vehicle repairs. MTD: What’s your advice to indepen-

dent tire dealers as they navigate the market in the new year? What should they continue doing? What should they avoid doing? HEALY: A lot has changed in the overall

economy over the last 12 months and since I was last asked this question by MTD. That said, I am not sure the way I would answer that question has changed much. But I will offer a few things that are core recommendations. First, have your best people on the front lines and this means the sales counter. I strongly believe that in most cases, tires are not bought. They are sold. Having honest, knowledgeable and articulate people at the counter is the key to conversion. Reward these folks and keep them front and center in your operations. The second thing I would note is that having access to product via multiple distributors and deliveries is key. While tough to manage, the consumer is in a rush and wants to be serviced quickly. Telling them it might take two days to get the product is likely a lost sale. So make sure you have your bases covered as it relates to service. Specifically, as you think about 2026, be nimble. Tariffs have been in place now for multiple months and these tariffs might move around or even go away. So given that dynamic and the always-volatile raw material markets, keep your inventories lean to protect against being overstocked with high-price product. Perhaps this uncertainty creates a period of time where it might be better to lean on flexible distribution offerings rather than stock tires yourself. ■ “Tariffs have been in place now for multiple months and these tariffs might move around or even go away,” says Healy, who tells dealers to “be nimble.” Photo: MTD

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THE DRIVING FORCE

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Auto service JEFF HUDNUT, product manager, Bosch

Mobility Aftermarket: Recent advancements in TPMS scan tools include support of new wireless protocols and simplified sensor registration. At Bosch, we recently introduced the Tire Pressure Analyzer (TPA) 400, which adds the convenience of an OBDII connection that allows it to directly register sensors within the vehicles.

John Rice, vice president, TPMS sales and marketing, 31 Inc., encourages technicians to seek support when they encounter problems. Photo: 31 Inc.

What’s new in

MATT WITZ, director of sales operations,

Rubber Inc.: Many leading TPMS tool providers have introduced Bluetooth-enabled sensors designed for today’s modern vehicle platforms, including EVs. As vehicles continue to evolve electronically, sensors and scan tools are advancing right alongside them.

TPMS sensors and tools

YANIC LEDUC, head of training and tech

HOW THE LATEST TECH CAN HELP BOOST SALES By

Kim Klimas

ire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) service can be a real profit driver for independent tire dealers. Today’s sensors are smarter, and scan tools are capable of far more. Bluetooth-enabled and universal sensors and automatic relearn features help technicians work faster with fewer errors to effectively service more vehicles in less time. In this MTD exclusive, experts weigh in on TPMS sensors, scan tool advancements and more.

PETER DOBROWOLSKI, senior prod-

MTD: What advancements in TPMS

As more vehicles have some form of security gateway, TPMS tools and sensor manufacturers need to adapt. While expensive soft ware subscriptions exist to allow programming of the vehicle TPMS, the easiest and most cost-effective way to repair one of these vehicles using your TPMS tool is to copy the existing sensor IDs. Bartec tools can copy sensor IDs from the sensor or the TPMS control module. Then simply program the replacement sensor with that ID, install and drive.

sensors/scan tools have been made in the last year?

JOHN RICE, vice president, TPMS sales

and marketing, 31 Inc.: Our Smart Sensor ELITE tool now displays battery sensor status. When a sensor is scanned and the sensor battery is low, the tool clearly identifies the low sensor with a red battery symbol. If the battery is OK, the sensory battery symbol is green. 60

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uct manager, TPMS, Aumovio North America: I think the most common advancement in TPMS technology year-over-year is the growth in vehicle application coverage. As each new vehicle model year is introduced, updates to both the TPMS sensors and TPMS scan tools are required to ensure proper service. (Aumovio’s) REDI-Sensor vehicle coverage is constantly updated. SCOT HOLLOWAY, CEO, Bartec TPMS:

support, Sensata Aftermarket (Schrader TPMS): Although BLE TPMS technology has been available for a few years, its adoption is accelerating and in 2025, BLE TPMS sensors continued to gain traction. Technicians need to understand the key differences between the two types of BLE sensors to service vehicles effectively. Both types transmit data via Bluetooth, but activation differs. RF wake-up BLE sensors are activated with a TPMS tool that sends an EF command and can read Bluetooth signals. Bluetooth wake-up BLW sensors require a tool that sends a Bluetooth activation command and decodes Bluetooth data. ERIC DIENETHAL, product manager,

Wegmann Automotive USA Inc.: There have been significant advances in tools and sensors to match OE functionality, but one of the most important features remains the same: ease of updating the tool. As car manufacturers continue to add functionality and features, aftermarket sensors need to match these. And the only way to do that is through soft ware updates. Wi-Fi connectivity, system prompts and tools that automatically update ease TPMS installation and create more efficient turnaround times. MTD: What kind of support can TPMS

sensors/scan tools provide for EVs or vehicles with advanced electronics? RICE (31 Inc.): Many EVs come with traditional RF (315 MHZ or 433.92 MHZ) sensors, but Tesla has been using

MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:28 AM

smartphone or advanced smart technology in your vehicle. This helps remove the manual effort it takes tire dealers to check tire pressure by utilizing the standard RF sensors. In the near future, Bosch will be introducing a BLE-enabled TPMS sensor to supply EVs and standard ICE vehicles as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) switch to Bluetooth, moving forward.

“As more vehicles have some form of security gateway, TPMS tools and sensor manufacturers need to adapt,” says Scot Holloway, CEO of Bartec TPMS. Photo: Bartec TPMS

WITZ (Rubber Inc.): As EV adoption

grows, having reliable sensors, compatible tools and an up-to-date distributor help ensure your shop will be ready for any EV that rolls in. LEDUC (Sensata): Bluetooth low-energy

(BLE) TPMS sensors are opening new possibilities for vehicles. While these innovations are not exclusive to electric vehicles

Bluetooth sensors (2.4 GHz BLE) since 2022. This can make things confusing for technicians. One of the ways we made servicing EVs easier is by clearly identifying MHZ or Bluetooth in our (make/model) look-up. DOBROWOLSKI (Aumovio North Amer-

ica): Many EVs have a higher gross weight than traditional vehicles and produce more torque to compensate for the added weight. This additional weight and force put more strain on the vehicle’s tires, causing them to wear down faster. This added tire wear means that REDI-Sensor TPMS sensors are a critical safety part. HOLLOWAY (Bartec): With EVs, along

came the Bluetooth (BLE) TPMS sensor. Today’s TPMS tool must be able to communicate with the BLE sensor found on Tesla vehicles, as an example. The primary function of the TPMS scan tool is to verify the function of the TPMS sensor. Communication with a BLE sensor is different than the common LF wake-up for most TPMS Sensors. HUDNUT (Bosch): Most EVs are equipped

with BLE (Bluetooth)-enabled sensors versus radio frequency. Bluetooth sensors offer enhanced safety, better fuel economy and extended tire life by providing alerts directly to your Jeff Hudnut, product manager, Bosch Mobility Aftermarket, says recent advancements in TPMS scan tools “include support of new wireless protocols and simplified sensor registration.” Photo: Bosch Mobility Aftermarket

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eism

Auto service or vehicles with advanced electronics, they align perfectly with the high-tech nature of today’s automotive platforms.

cannot learn sensors manually or have locked OBD ports.

DIENETHAL (Wegmann): Vehicles are

dealers reduce time spent on relearns?

only becoming more sophisticated over time. Some require specific programming to match OE functionality. Certain sensors, such as Alligator, support automatic relearn, which is critical for vehicles that

MTD: How are your tools helping tire RICE (31 Inc.): Our 24/7 technical sup-

port is huge. We encourage technicians to call us as soon as they run into a problem. Don’t spend valuable shop time spinning

your wheels. Copying — or cloning — is also a huge time saver when it comes to sensor replacement and relearns. DOBROWOLSKI (Aumovio): Combining

our REDI-Sensor TPMS sensors with our TPMS tools allows technicians to complete reliable TPMS service faster, easier and overall more efficiently, which means more opportunities to increase profit. HOLLOWAY (Bartec): To make sensor

replacement easier, Bartec has developed Rite-Sync. Technicians using Rite-Sensor together with a tool like the Tech600Pro, install a blank Rite-Sensor. To help technicians better understand the complexity of TPMS, Bartec recently launched BARTEC365. This new app puts Bartec’s video and relearns library right in the palm of the technician’s hands.

Scan the Code for more info

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HUDNUT (Bosch): The Bosch Tire Pres-

sure Analyzer (TPA) 400 includes many time-saving features for tire dealers. It can simultaneously reprogram sensors with batch programming and it has a built-in OBDII connection that allows direct ECU reset without the need to tie up a valuable diagnostic scan tool. WITZ (Rubber Inc.): The ability to copy

sensor IDs and paste on new sensors has become standard with many TPMS offerings today. That has shown to be very helpful for difficult relearns. Our expertise in the TPMS landscape ensures our customers stay efficient, future-ready and have the right TPMS solutions for the vehicles coming into their bays. LEDUC (Sensata): Independent tire deal-

ers face increasing challenges with complex TPMS relearns, especially on vehicles like Toyota and Lexus. While TPMS tools have always provided step-by-step instructions, the real hurdle is ensuring technicians follow the entire procedure correctly. Missing steps often leads to repeated attempts and wasted time.

Each safe, permanent repair is more than a ﬁx; it’s a loyalty builder, a landﬁll saver and a comeback preventer. Standardized Repair Process: Reduce comebacks & protect your brand. Scalable Training: With TECH University, we train your team at every level. Built for Shops Like Yours: Reliable repairs backed by 85+ years of expertise.

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DIENETHAL (Wegmann): Alligator sensors support every major relearn method: OBD relearn, manual relearn and automatic relearn. Automatic relearn has become especially important as more vehicles introduce locked diagnostic ports, including Chrysler, Mercedes, Nissan and Hyundai/Kia. ■

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MTD January 2026 1/2/26 10:46 AM 1/13/26 11:28 AM

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Focus on Dealers

Johnson Tire Pros preps for next century ‘WE’VE HAD TO CHANGE AS THE INDUSTRY HAS CHANGED’ By

Mike Manges

roviding good products at fair prices has kept Johnson Tire Pros in business for more than 100 years. “My philosophy is, ‘Nobody remembers what they paid for tires,’” says Riley Johnson, co-owner of the single-location dealership in Springville, Utah. “In the tire industry, you have to find 64

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that sweet spot where you’re providing a good product at a fair price that’s going to benefit the customer and not only your business.” Riley’s great-grandfather, C. Edwin Johnson, founded the dealership in 1924. A veteran of World War I, “he rented a bench in an old Philips garage and began

“In the tire industry, you have to find that sweet spot where you’re providing a good product at a fair price that’s going to benefit the customer and not only your business,” says Riley Johnson, co-owner of Johnson Tire Pros in Springville, Utah. Photo: Johnson Tire Pros

his business. In the wintertime, a lot of people wouldn’t drive their cars, so he would go out, remove their batteries, take the batteries back to the garage and store them.” In 1930, he moved into his own building and became a Goodyear dealer a year later. (Johnson Tire Pros is still a Goodyear dealer.) “I’m a fourth-generation owner,” says Riley, who shares ownership of Johnson Tire Pros with his cousin, Jeff Jackson. “I worked here during high school and came on full-time in 1996,” the same MTD January 2026

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year Jeff began working at the dealership on a full-time basis. “I’ve never worked anywhere else.”

COMPETITIVE MARKET

Springville, a town of around 36,000 people, is near Provo, Utah, some 50 miles from Salt Lake City. It’s a small but competitive market, according to Riley. “I have a tire store right across the street from us. What’s interesting in our area right now is that a lot of these big investment firms are coming in and buying independent tire shops.” The influx of private equity investors “is going to be an advantage for us. We’re family-owned. We’re in the community. We know people.” Riley believes bigger isn’t always better when it comes to customer service. “Expansion is something we’ve thought about, but we’ve never gotten serious about it. We have a 16,000-squarefoot building on two acres. We pull people in from 30 miles around. We stay really busy. It’s never been our dream to have 10 stores.”

AHEAD OF THE CURVE

Johnson Tire Pros’ ability to stay ahead of the curve has also contributed to the dealership’s success. “When we built this facility in 1968, we built a recap shop” that was operational until around 1990. By then, it had become “more cost-effective to just buy a steel-belted radial” than purchase a passenger tire retread. After the retread plant closed, “we had tens of thousands of dollars worth of tire molds that we had to scrap. “When I started in the business, we were full-on commercial. We had service trucks going out. But as the Springville area has grown and cars have become more specific — you have to be trained on certain vehicles — we’ve had to kind of tone our business down to just light truck (and passenger tires) and automotive. “At one point, we used to wholesale tires out of here,” says Riley. “We got out of that business. We’ve had to change as the industry has changed over the years to keep going.” Johnson Tire Pros’ customer base is

also changing. Like other parts of Utah, the Springville area is seeing an influx of new residents. “We keep track of our new customers and where they’re coming from. We’re getting a lot of people from California and Denver.” Many of these customers attended the dealership’s 100th anniversary celebration in June 2024. During the event, “we set big tents up, we served 500 lunches and gave away sets of tires. We had a ton of supplier support. We had a great turnout.”

NEXT GENERATION

As Johnson Tire Pros enters its 102nd year in business, Riley and Jeff are cultivating the fifth generation of family ownership. Riley’s son, Clayton, 24, is now working in the dealership. “Jeff has a couple of boys who are working while they go to school, so that next generation is starting and we’re very excited about that.” In the meantime, Riley says he has no plans to retire. “I’ve always said, ‘I do the same thing every day, but every day is different.’ That’s what I like about it.” ■

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Focus on Dealers

Millar’s Point S builds on reputation ‘YOU’VE GOT TO BE PRESENT IN YOUR BUSINESS’ By

Aden Graves

o run a successful tire dealership in a small community, you have to listen to your customers and understand their needs. For Ben Millar, owner of Canby, Ore.based Millar’s Point S Tire and Auto, that means having the passion to lead and always looking forward. “You’ve got to be present in your business,” says Ben, whose grandfather started the dealership in 1960. Ben’s father later took over the company until retiring in 2016, when Ben took the reins. The store — part of the Point S Tire network of independent dealerships — has been a staple in Canby. Ben remembers helping his father install studded tires on vehicles when

T H E

he was 10 years old. As a sophomore in high school in the late-1990s, he started working at the dealership regularly. Over the years, Ben became exposed to virtually every function within the dealership — from selling, installing and repairing tires to operating its truck shop and running service trucks. Since he and his wife, Kyle, who handles the dealership’s reports and financials, took over Millar’s Point S, they haven’t looked back. Ben’s job includes overseeing the store’s operations. That includes ordering tires, managing employees and overseeing invoices. For the first four years as owner, he worked long hours, six days a week, while

running almost every operation of the dealership with a small team, which he says kept him away from his family. Today, he’s found a good work-life balance, as he enjoys golfing and fishing on the weekends. Ben says the key to being a successful owner is building a strong, dependable team and guiding your staff along as they learn. “My sales team, myself and our office management team — we’re co-workers, but I also consider them as friends, so they know what we expect.” His team of about 20 people includes service writers, sales associates and technicians. Many of them have worked at the business for more than 10 years.

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Ben Millar and his wife, Kyle, became the owners of Millar’s Point S Tire and Auto in 2016. The dealership has been a staple in Canby, Ore., for decades. Photo: MTD

Ben says to keep your team on board, you need to show them you care. “Once you get a good employee — it’s hard to find good ones — you do what you have to do to keep them.” “We treat our employees with respect, and we truly appreciate them and like to let them know we appreciate them.” Millar’s Point S offers a wide variety of tire brands, tire and car maintenance, diagnostic work and other services. Ben’s priorities for training have been focusing on open communication and customers’ needs. This has been the dealership’s philosophy since his father and grandfather ran it. But what makes the business stand out, says Ben, is its family legacy and commitment to supporting its community. The dealership often supports local

high school sports teams and donates to causes like the National FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America). Ben, also a member of the Canby Rotary club, says he gives around $100,000 back to the community each year.

ADVICE FOR OTHER DEALERS

Taking control of his family’s business was full of challenges, but Ben says seeing the impact his employees have and the appreciation received from customers makes all the effort worth it. His advice to other independent tire dealers is to show commitment to your employees and community and develop your own ownership style. “Whatever you put into it is what you get out of it,” says Ben. Top priorities of Millar’s Point S in 2026 will be to set goals for sales and service and keep pushing its team to go the extra mile for customers. “It’s fun when you hit your goals, and it’s disappointing when you don’t hit them,” says Ben. “That’s part of the deal, and that’s part of growing — winning and losing.” ■

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Focus on Dealers

McMahon’s Best-One helps struggling families OIL CHANGE PROMOTION GENERATED DONATIONS By

Aden Graves

or more than 50 years, family-owned McMahon’s Best-One Tire has been serving communities through charity fundraisers. And its latest effort helped struggling families “for good” this past holiday season. From the beginning of November 2025 through Nov. 20, the Fort Wayne, Ind.based dealership held its “Oil Changes for Good” campaign across its retail and commercial locations. For every oil change sold at any of its stores, McMahon’s Best-One Tire donated highly needed food items to area food pantries. Kim McMahon, who owns McMahon’s Best-One Tire with her husband, Bubba McMahon, and business partner, Randy Geyer, says they got the idea when she and her husband were traveling to visit their grandchildren in Maryland this past Halloween. While checking through TSA at Fort Wayne International Airport, she overheard security staff expressing their frustrations over the recent government shutdown and not being paid. “One of the women working there said some of the families were having a really tough time,” says Kim. “That kind of sparked, ‘Wait a minute! We could do something to help.’” She called Nikki Phillips, the dealership’s director of retail development, from the airport, and the team got busy coordinating “Oil Changes for Good.” McMahon’s Best-One Tire completed more than 1,000 oil changes, with over 1,000 items donated to food pantries, according to Kim. Kim says Pat McMahon, her father-inlaw, who founded the dealership in 1969, always made it the company’s mission to give back to others. “That’s been the spirit of our company since my father-in-law started it. It’s always been important to give back and 68

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“Especially now, there are a lot of communities that are really hurting and anything that you can do to give back and help is so much appreciated,” says Kim McMahon, co-owner of McMahon’s Best-One Tire, which is based in Fort Wayne, Ind. Photo: McMahon’s Best-One Tire

support our community. It’s just something we do, and we try to find new and different ways to do that.” Since Kim and her husband began leading the company, they’ve been focused on continuing Pat’s legacy by organizing events throughout the year that raise money for charities. This past October, McMahon’s Best-One Tire raised more than $26,000 for Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum and Honor Flight Northeast Indiana. The dealership’s “Oil Changes for Good” initiative provided boxes of food items — such as vegetable oil, cake mixes and powdered milk — to Community Harvest, Fort Wayne’s largest food bank, plus nearly 20 area pantries in communities where McMahon’s Best-One Tire has a presence. In addition to donations from oil changes, stores donated extra items collected from customers and employees who wanted to give a little more. When the dealership made its first delivery to Community Harvest in

November, the charity did not know about the “Oil Changes for Good” campaign. Kim says the organization’s members were thankful that McMahon’s Best-One Tire was giving back. “The need for their service is overwhelming,” says Kim. “If you don’t ever find yourself in that situation, you don’t realize how many people depend on a food pantry for everyday items, so they were so beyond thrilled.” As a staple in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas, McMahon’s Best-One Tire hopes to give back to special causes for many years ahead. Kim is encouraging all independent tire dealers to invest in their communities. “Especially now, there are a lot of communities that are really hurting, and anything that you can do to give back and help is so much appreciated. “These are your customers. This is where you live and work. Anything you can do to give back and help is worth the effort.” ■ MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:28 AM

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Focus on Industry

Graber says 2025 was ‘strong’ for Toyo HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED U.S. PLANT INVESTMENT By

Mike Manges

ichael Graber, CEO of Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., says he’s “really happy” with his company’s performance in 2025 and intends to build on that momentum. It was “a really strong year,” Graber recently told MTD. “Our unit volume is up and revenue has followed.” Highlights included a big investment at the company’s consumer tire plant in White, Ga., and continued growth of its Driven associate dealer program. “We just announced a $200 million investment in our Georgia plant to build more light truck tires here in the U.S., which is where we sell them,” said Graber. “We want to make the Georgia plant more of a premium-product plant and push the more broadline stuff to (plants in) Serbia, Malaysia and other points around the world.” The Georgia plant, which opened in 2005, produces “mostly light truck” tires. Toyo is also pulling in light truck tires from Japan and Serbia. (Toyo’s consumer tire plant in Serbia opened three years ago.) The company’s Driven program remains another area of grow th. Through September 2025, “units for

the Driven program were up 12% yearover-year,” Tim Chaney, Toyo’s vice president of marketing, told MTD. “The number of participating dealers is up 18% year-over-year.” Chaney describes Driven as “a standardized program that helps dealers

“We just announced a $200 million investment in our Georgia plant to build more light truck tires here in the U.S.,” said Michael Graber, CEO, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. “We want to make the Georgia plant more of a premium-product plant.” Photo: MTD

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with profitability and rewards.” He credits its success “to the legwork on the part of our field sales staff. They’re working hard with distributors to sign new dealers in territories where maybe we were thin before.” Graber said Toyo has a small sales team “compared to our competitors. But we really directed them last year to sign associate dealers and make sure pullthrough demand is good.” “What we’re finding is a lot of those associate (dealers) are being kind of eaten up by consolidation on the retail side and it’s giving us a presence at some big retailers where we really didn’t have much of a presence before. It gives us a chance to get in the door with some of the big retailers. So we’re looking at (consolidation) as a positive.” Toyo is also “very happy” with its TBR tire business, according to Graber. “We have the right mix of customers and we occupy a good spot on the price spectrum. TBR is one area where we’ve moved from tier-three to tier-two, as far as brand reputation and product positioning.”

On the consumer tire side, “we want to keep a strong presence in tier-two,” said Graber. “That’s what we’re concentrating on: grabbing share and then holding onto it.” ■

On the consumer tire side, “we want to keep a strong presence in tier-two,” said Graber. (Pictured, the Toyo Treadpass area at the 2025 SEMA Show.) Photo: MTD

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Focus on Industry

Goodyear launches new Eagle, Wrangler PRODUCT PORTFOLIO TO REFRESH MORE RAPIDLY By

MTD staff

sing the Charlotte Motor Speedway as a testbed, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. recently launched its Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season ultra-high-performance tire to key customers. Goodyear also unveiled its latest Wrangler tire, the Outbound AT. Both introductions were attended by Goodyear dealers and distributors, who put the Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season and the Wrangler Outbound AT through the paces. Jim Reese, director, category strategy and planning, Goodyear, told dealers the new Eagle F1 All Season was developed for two types of consumers: the spirited driver and the luxury performance driver. “These customers are willing to pay for performance,” he said. “They want a tire that’s going to accent their vehicle, as well — and not just the style, but the brand name. The brand name is very important to these consumers. They’re willing to pay for a tier-one, branded product that has a reputation in the marketplace for delivering performance.” Goodyear is targeting American muscle cars, import sports cars and luxury sedans and CUVs with the Eagle F1 All Season. Reese added that mid-level vehicles with sports trims are also a prime target for the product. The tire “is brand new from the ground up” and will be replacing Goodyear’s Eagle Exhilarate, as well as the Eagle Sport All Season, though the company will be keeping a few original equipment (OE) fitments. Compared to the Exhilarate, the Eagle F1 All Season has 20% improved treadwear, 18% better snow braking and 12% better snow handling, according to Reese. The Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season also features a sporty, asymmetrical tread pattern to provide reliable grip in dry, wet and even light snow, as well as an innovative compound to enhance treadwear and durability. It has a built-in wear gauge in its tread and will have a 45,000-mile tread life limited warranty. 72

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The new Goodyear Wrangler Outbound AT will come in 26 sizes, fitting wheels ranging from 16 inches to 22 inches in diameter. Photo: NTD

The tire will come in 92 sizes, ranging from 17-inch to 23-inch fitments, with 87 of the sizes being 18-inch and above. All sizes are Y-speed rated. Reese said that 36 of the sizes are new to Goodyear’s product screen. Currently, the company has 63 sizes available, with plans to have all sizes by February. The Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season can fit 117 different vehicles that feature staggered tire fitments. The tire is being built at Goodyear’s Lawton, Okla., plant and its San Luis Potosi, Mexico, plant. Reese added that Goodyear views the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS as the Eagle F1 All Season’s main competitors in the market. Mark Stewart, Goodyear’s president and CEO, attended the launch of both the Eagle F1 All Season and the Wrangler Outbound AT. He said the launches are part of the company’s strategy to revamp its product portfolio more rapidly than in the past. “It is absolutely our commitment to bring ... top-notch products, filling in the premium part of the portfolio and refreshing other pieces in a much faster way,” said Stewart. He noted that Goodyear has revamped its engineering teams

and is hoping to introduce and/or refresh 1,800 SKUs through the end of next year. While introducing the Goodyear Wrangler Outbound AT, Jonathan Thomas, director, category strategy and planning, Goodyear, said the new product is an all-terrain tire designed to meet the needs of “the four core consumer groups:” safety (or highway driving); versatility; off-road adventure, which the company views as the toughest customer; and “the workforce customer.” The Goodyear Wrangler Outbound AT will come in 26 sizes, fitting wheels ranging from 16 inches to 22 inches in diameter, with aspect ratios of 50 to 80 and section widths of 235 to 285. “And we’ve got a nice range of other sizes that we’re considering right now in terms of line extension in the future for more 22-inch and maybe some 24-inch sizes,” said Thomas. At present, the tire has market coverage of 57% in the 16-inch to 22-inch range. Goodyear plans to keep the Wrangler AT Adventure in its line-up for OE fitments, according to Thomas. He indicated, however, that all the replacement sizes that are not OE fitments are transitioning to the Goodyear Wrangler Outbound AT. ■ MTD January 2026

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Business Insight

Why helping shouldn’t hurt ASSISTING CUSTOMERS DOESN’T MEAN DOING ALL THE WORK By

Dennis McCarron

s the new year begins in the tire industry, it should be understood that selling and advising in 2026 is far different than in 2024. Last year was the transition. Customers this year will need and seek help in making tough decisions. Debt levels for consumers are very high. As we move into 2026, it’s likely customers will be struggling to find resources for unexpected repairs, which is everything but oil changes, essentially. Selling and advising on service in our space is interesting because there are usually only two people talking and listening. But there are sometimes multiple parties interested in the outcome. Having a conversation with just the person in front of you about tire sales or vehicle repair and maintenance is challenging in and of itself. It involves registering and understanding the customer’s complaint, exploring various conditions and variables, agreeing to time constraints for a vehicle inspection, discussing desired outcomes from the inspection and the delivery of news. We haven’t even gotten to the selling or advising part! Spending time in the forefront of presentation — whether your skill level is simply selling or more advanced, like advising — is never a bad thing. Allowing the truth to come out and uncovering hidden needs always pays off for all parties. Rushing through this part of the process almost always plants a landmine for later. You help a customer by pacing the first half of the conversation. Allow for awkward moments. They will pass. Be comfortable with silence. Ask probing questions. All in all, it’s not hours of painfully personal questions. We’re talking barely a few minutes of dialogue, unrushed by the pressures of outside forces. Helping a customer means knowing the path ahead, but walking it at their pace. If you rush them to the point where they have to make a buying decision quickly, you will encounter a reluctant shopper — someone with more questions than answers or even worse, someone who says yes but doesn’t mean it. That means buyer’s remorse or even worse, the drawn-out commitment — in other words, lots of agreement on what’s wrong, but no agreement on how to proceed. Let’s not even talk about the dreaded “I have to cancel my approval of work!” Helping a customer also doesn’t mean doing all the work. Helping shouldn’t hurt. If a customer can’t afford repairs or maintenance or a set of new tires, there are many other conversations to have regarding what they can afford while staying in the lane of price integrity. Think of brakes but no flush or new tires but no alignment. These are only acceptable, of course, when price is explained as an available resource, not just a reluctance to spend. That conversation takes time, empathy and terrific listening skills. Discounting on price is just a shortcut to satisfy the two present parties. 74

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Helping should feel good and you should feel proud when you help a customer in need. Photo: Grismer Tire Co.

Your business is also not a charity. Helping does not mean doing all the work yourself. If the customer doesn’t care enough about returning their vehicle to a safe, working condition, why are some service advisors so keen on getting there alone? “Forprofit” is not a dirty word. The people who work for you get paid from gross profit. Since the dawn of time, price has always been an issue for customers. They never have enough money for things they don’t plan for or don’t understand. The thing about price is that it means so many different things. Price can be high in comparison. It can simply be a shock “since the last time I bought tires.” It can also be a resource issue. It can be an inconvenience. Price can also be misinterpreted by some customers as a ruse. Helping should feel good and you should feel proud when you help a customer in need. But no one ever felt proud about giving away someone else’s money. Helping should be organized, thoughtful and done with purpose. Suddenly knocking $20 off to close a sale is gamesmanship. If your dealership’s overall gross profit isn’t in the upper 50% to mid-60% for tire and automotive — and 75% for just automotive — you can’t afford to help anyone but yourself. ■ Dennis McCarron is a partner at Cardinal Brokers Inc., one of the leading brokers in the tire and automotive industry (www.cardinalbrokers.com). To contact McCarron, email him at dennis@cardinalbrokers.com.

MTD January 2026

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Dealer Development

How to build your talent engine CREATE A CHAOS-FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT By

Randy O’Connor

s we step into a new year, I’ve been thinking a lot about the conversations that shaped 2025 and the ones that will define 2026. One of them came late last year, when I sat across from a master technician who had just been offered a job at a competitor’s dealership. The offer was for more money — a significant amount more. I braced myself for the resignation speech. Instead, he surprised me. “Honestly,” he said, “I’d rather stay here. My days make sense. I know where I’m going. And I don’t go home exhausted.” That moment reminded me of a truth I’ve seen proven again and again in tire dealerships across the country. People don’t stay because of the highest bid. They stay because of the best experience. They stay where their work feels sustainable, where expectations are clear, where leadership invests in their growth and where the culture is predictable and professional. Today’s technician shortage can feel like a force of nature. We hear about shrinking pipelines, competing industries and a job market that never seems to relax. While we can’t control these external factors, we can control the daily work experience inside our walls. The tire dealerships that consistently attract and retain great people aren’t relying on luck or signing bonuses alone. They’re operating in — and are constantly building — a people-first talent engine. They have a set of rhythms, systems and cultural habits that make their shop the obvious place to work, even in a hyper-competitive market. And here’s the good news — you don’t need 20 bays or a big human resources department to build one. You can start with the team you already have and the culture you want to create. Yes, the pipeline of new technicians is strained. But we also lose talent because the day-to-day experience of working in our industry is often chaotic. Techs bounce between jobs with unclear expectations. Service advisors struggle without structure. Store managers spend more time firefighting than coaching. Before we can recruit better, we have to become better places to work. How do we get there? By following these pillars: Pillar one: Create clarity. People need to know what “good” looks like. This is the foundation of a talent engine. When I ask techs why they leave tire dealerships, “lack of a clear path” comes up almost as often as pay. People want to know where they stand and where they’re going. That means you should have clear role definitions, documented processes, written expectations, a skills ladder from entry-level tech to master tech and advisor pathways that lead to service manager or store leadership roles. In every other industry, career paths are becoming more structured. We can’t afford to lag behind. Clarity creates confidence. Confidence creates retention. 76

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Pillar two: Coach every single day. Managers must become developers of people. Most employees don’t quit companies. They quit managers — not because their managers are bad people, but because they’re stretched thin and are constantly reacting. A people-first talent engine requires a shift from management to coaching. That means building reliable rhythms, such as a 10-minute daily huddle to set the tone; weekly one-on-ones focused on development, not discipline; a simple scoreboard that tracks key behaviors, not just outputs; and regular feedback that’s timely, respectful and actionable. Coaching shouldn’t feel like an event. It should feel like the natural language of leadership. When people know someone is investing in their success, they invest back. Pillar three: Improve conditions. Make the work more sustainable. Jobs don’t burn people out, but conditions do. Take a walk through your shop. What slows your team down? What frustrates them? What drains their energy unnecessarily? Often, it’s not the big things. Rather, it’s constant interruptions, unclear workflow, broken processes or outdated equipment. Investing in better tools, workflow software, digital inspections and semi-automated equipment isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about quality of life. Sustainable jobs retain people. Exhausting jobs repel them. Culture can feel big and abstract, so let’s make it concrete. Pick two people — one tech and one advisor. Improve something meaningful in each of their workdays. Fix a scheduling issue. Update a broken process. Set up a training path. Give them a predictable rhythm they can rely on. Small wins create momentum. Momentum creates belief. Belief builds culture. You don’t transform a company with one big initiative. You transform it by improving work for real people, repeatedly. Customers want convenience. Your team wants fewer interruptions. Digital tools like online scheduling, two-way texting, digital inspections and automated status updates should make the day calmer for everyone. Tools that reduce chaos help people do their best work. Tools that add complexity only accelerate burnout. Make technology an ally, not an obstacle. Back to that technician who chose not to leave his employer. He stayed because of the experience, the rhythm, the predictability, the clarity and the culture his employer had established. And that’s the takeaway for all of us. In a crowded market where competitors can match your pricing, your pay plan and your promotions, the one thing they can’t copy is how it feels to work in your shop. Your talent engine is your advantage. Build it deliberately. Build it daily. And build it around your people. ■ Tire and auto industry veteran Randy O’Connor is the Owner/Principal of D2D Development Group (Dealer to Dealer Development Group.) He can be reached at randy@d2ddevelopmentgroup.com. For more information, please visit www.d2ddevelopmentgroup.com.

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“It was a tremendous honor to be named MTD’s 2025 Tire Dealer of the Year. And the response and support from our suppliers and customers was truly heartfelt and amazing.” — Ken Langhals, K&M Tire Inc.

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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Nominate a candidate for MTD’s 2026 Tire Dealer of the Year Award Established in 1993, Modern Tire Dealer’s Tire Dealer of the Year Award is the oldest, most prestigious honor of its kind. Each year, Tire Dealer of the Year Award candidates are evaluated in five categories:

1. BUSINESS SUCCESS 2. MARKETING SKILLS 3. MANAGEMENT SKILLS 4. INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE 5. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Do you know an independent tire dealer who excels in these areas? Nominate him or her today!

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS MAY 29, 2026. To nominate, go to: www.moderntiredealer.com/awards For more information, contact MTD Editor Mike Manges at mmanges@endeavorb2b.com

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Mergers & Acquisitions

Selling or raising capital HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT STRATEGIC PATH By

Cole Strandberg

very year, I speak with dozens of tire dealers and auto service operators who are asking the same big questions: “What’s the right strategic move for my business — sell, raise capital to grow or something in-between?” It’s a question that didn’t come up nearly as often a decade ago. But today, with the pace of change accelerating across the automotive world, owners are thinking more seriously — and earlier — about their long-term trajectories. The truth is, both paths can be incredibly powerful. Selling can reward decades of work with generational wealth. Rais-

ing capital can fuel growth and position a business for even greater value later. Somewhere in between — a private equity partnership, for example — can be a powerful combination. And for operators in the tire dealership space, where market demand remains evergreen, both options are more available — and more relevant — than ever. Understanding the difference between these two paths is essential. Even more important is being honest with yourself about what you want your future to look like. For many owners, a sale represents the culmination of a life’s work. It’s not

‘Tire dealerships remain among the most resilient and opportunity-rich businesses in the automotive industry, but opportunity today looks different than it did 20 years ago.’ just a financial event. It’s emotional. Tire dealers often have deep community ties, long-standing customers and team members who feel like family. When an owner decides to sell, it’s usually because they’re ready for a new chapter: retirement, less stress or simply the desire to take chips off the table while the industry is strong. A sale makes sense when the business is healthy, well-run and positioned for the next operator to step in seamlessly. Buyers today are attracted to strong cash flow, documented processes and a true brand presence within the community. Tire dealers who are seeing the strongest outcomes are those who tell a clean, compelling story about who they are, how they’ve built their operation and why they will continue to thrive under new ownership. A full sale typically unfolds over six to nine months. It begins with preparation, where an advisor helps articulate the dealership’s story, tightens the financial presentation and positions the business’s strengths in a way that resonates with the market. From there, outreach begins, quietly and strategically, to qualified buyers who are actively looking for businesses in the tire dealership sector. The final phase involves navigating the diligence and negotiation that ultimately lead to a closing. For owners who are ready to transition out, selling remains one of the most effective ways to maximize the value created over decades. Not every owner wants to exit, however. In fact, many feel like they’re just

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x hitting their stride. They see white space in their market. They have opportunities to acquire competitors or expand into new categories. They want to invest in equipment, renovate their stores or add additional locations. What they don’t want is to dilute ownership or give up control. In these cases, raising debt capital can be the optimal route. A debt raise allows owners to fuel growth while maintaining substantial, if not full, ownership. It’s a way to accelerate their vision — not replace it. Tire dealers increasingly turn to structured lending solutions to expand their footprint, open new bays, refinance existing obligations, build inventory and/or purchase the real estate beneath their shops. In a world where the line between tire service, mechanical repair and advanced diagnostic work is becoming more blurred, access to capital gives operators the ability to evolve with customer needs. The process resembles M&A in some ways, but moves faster. Instead of approaching buyers, the advisor approaches a curated group of lenders: banks, private credit funds, family offices and niche, automotive-focused financiers. The goal is to tell the story of the business in a way that highlights stability, cash flow and operational visibility. Once terms are negotiated and diligence is completed, funding typically follows within four to six months. For operators who see more value in building their enterprise than selling it today, raising capital can be transformative. It gives them the ability to pursue growth while preserving equity value for a larger exit in the future. So how do you choose? Deciding between selling and raising capital often comes down to a single question: where do you see yourself in three to five years? If you want to step back, simplify your life or transition your legacy to a new steward, selling is usually the right path. If you feel energized, competitive and excited by the idea of doubling the business or if you simply believe the biggest upside is still ahead, raising capital likely makes more sense. One of the most important trends in today’s market is that the best outcomes on either path go to owners who start planning early. You don’t need to be ready to sell or borrow capital today to prepare your business for that moment. Clean books, documented processes, strong

management and a clear strategic story increase the value of any business, whether the goal is a sale or a capital injection. Tire dealerships remain among the most resilient and opportunity-rich businesses in the automotive industry, but opportunity today looks different than it did 20 years ago. Dealers who take the time to understand their strategic options will be the ones who capitalize most.

Cole Strandberg is a managing director with Focus Investment Banking’s automotive aftermarket team, specializing in mergers, acquisitions and capital raising for multi-location tire dealerships and automotive service businesses. Email him at cole.strandberg@focusbankers.com.

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Selling and raising capital are both powerful tools. The key is knowing which tool fits the moment you’re in and where you want to go next. ■

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EV Intelligence

Eight more myths about EVs THE TRUTH SEEMS TO BE IN SHORT SUPPLY By

Craig Van Batenburg

ow that electric vehicles (EVs) must stand on their own, more myths are circulating on social media than ever before. They then get repeated in bays and at service counters all over America. I normally work at least five days a week. I own an xEV training center (www.fixhybrid.com) and recently reopened an electric vehicle auto repair shop (www.worcesterevs. com) and that keeps me busy. The shop is staffed by two techs, Aiden and John, who need little support from me. On Fridays, when I am not teaching classes, I call on potential new customers. Many shop owners know me from my days as the president of the Automotive Service Association, Massachusetts chapter, and the owner of the Automotive Career Development Center (ACDC), a Massachusetts-certified emissions training company. Last Friday, I visited about 10 shops. One manager/technician greeted me by name, said he enjoyed my recent MTD column and added, “Too bad EVs are going away.” I was curious as to why he thought that. He made it perfectly clear that every myth I had written about EVs was not a myth, but a fact — and he was sure of it. I left wondering how he would adapt. Here are eight more myths about EVs: 1. All lithium-ion batteries rely on unethical or toxic materials. Partially true. While some critical materials like cobalt have been linked to human rights abuses in mining, new battery chemistries and transparent sourcing are improving the industry. Many manufacturers are exploring alternative battery technologies, such as lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistries, which do not use cobalt or nickel. 2. Battery plants do not create American jobs. False. Investments in battery manufacturing have already created thousands of jobs in the U.S. and are expected to create hundreds of thousands more in the coming years. The EV market is driving a manufacturing renaissance in many states. From 2015 to 2023, investments in U.S. EV and battery manufacturing created more than 175,000 jobs. With EV sales slowing, there are layoffs and some new plant construction is on hold. 3. Battery recycling is not working out. This was true 10 years ago, but not true now. The battery recycling industry is growing rapidly and technologies are evolving to make the process more efficient. Once the packs reach the end of their useful life in a car, they can be repurposed for a second life in energy storage systems. Advanced recycling companies are recovering and reusing valuable materials like lithium, cobalt and nickel. 4. EVs are too expensive to buy. Partially true. While EVs’ upfront 82

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purchase prices can be higher, their total cost of ownership is lower. Falling battery prices have helped lower the entry-level cost of a new EV below $30,000, without incentives. The used market is competitive with gas cars. 5. Charging an EV is expensive. False. Charging an EV is significantly cheaper than fueling a gasoline car, with the cost per mile being much lower. Some exceptions are Hawaii and Alaska. Home charging can be particularly inexpensive, especially with home solar. 6. EVs require costly, frequent maintenance. False. EVs have simpler mechanical designs, with fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine cars, leading to lower maintenance costs and fewer service appointments. They also don’t require oil changes, spark plugs, exhaust, fuel systems and more. My new company, Worcester EVs, replaced a 2013 Tesla battery pack that lasted over 208,000 miles. Using a low-mileage, used pack made financial sense to the car’s owner. 7. EV batteries need to be replaced every five years. False. Modern EV batteries come with long warranties — often eight years or more — providing significant coverage for defects or premature failure. Battery technology has improved in the last 10 years, with 200,000 miles as a new norm. Most EVs sold today see an 8% loss of range after 200,000 miles. 8. EVs are unsafe. False. On Nov. 30, 2013, Roger Rodas and his friend and business partner, actor Paul Walker, from the “Fast and the Furious” movies, died while driving a Porsche. I was working with Mr. Rodas at the time of his death. It was not the crash that killed them, but the fuel used to power the car. If they were in a Porsche Taycan EV, they may have survived, as their vehicle’s gasoline tank ruptured and the car caught on fire. One could argue that EVs are safer in every way than gas cars. In conclusion, the truth, driven by data, seems to be in short supply these days. Making decisions about your future as a tire dealer or technician will pay off if you get it right. Study science, make plans for an overheating world and see if you agree with the vast majority of people that we need to make a shift in our business plans. ■ Craig Van Batenburg is the CEO of Van Batenburg’s Garage Inc., dba Automotive Career Development Center (ACDC), which is based in Worcester, Mass. A 50-year automotive service industry veteran, Van Batenburg provides training for facilities that service — or want to service — electric and hybrid vehicles. For more information, see www.fixhybrid.com or email him at craig@fixhybrid.com.

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TPMS

Ford F150 2025 ■

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) uses four valve-stem-mounted sensors to monitor tire pressure. These sensors wirelessly transmit tire pressure data to the RTM. The RTM is a radio signal receiver that collects the tire pressure data and sends the information to the BCM along a LIN. All TPMS functions are controlled by the BCM. The BCM compares the tire pressure data sent by the RTM with a programmed tire pressure. This programmed pressure is specified on the VC label and cannot be changed. If the actual tire pressure is less than the programmed tire pressure, the BCM sends a low tire pressure message to the IPC along the HS-CAN3. The IPC responds by illuminating the TPMS warning indicator and displaying a low tire pressure message in the message center. The TPMS sensors are trained (calibrated) to the BCM, which records the

unique identifier for each TPMS sensor and records the location of each sensor based on the training (calibration) order. The BCM sends messages to the IPC by fi rst sending the information along the HS-CAN1 to the GWM, which then sends the information to the IPC along the HS-CAN3. It is necessary to train (calibrate) the TPMS sensors after a tire rotation on vehicles with different front and rear tire pressures. The BCM does not automatically recognize that the sensor identifiers have been moved to different positions and retains the original position information for each sensor. If the first sensor fails the TPMS training procedure, the BCM aborts the entire procedure. Starting the training procedure at a different wheel is a technique that can be used to determine if the remaining sensors can train to the module. Th is can

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150

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TPMS help save time determining if one sensor is damaged, other sensors are having concerns or the BCM is experiencing training difficulties with a certain TPMS sensor location.

SENSOR ACTIVATION

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The tire pressure sensors will go into a sleep mode when the vehicle is stationary to conserve battery power. The sensors transmit information infrequently while in sleep mode. It is necessary to wake them up to transmit the latest tire pressure information. The tire pressure data in the BCM can be cleared when the module performs a reset. When this occurs, the air pressure DIDs are reset to the factory default of 1033 kPa (149.96 psi) and the cluster displays dashes. Drive the vehicle for at least two minutes over 32 km/h (20 mph) or until the tire pressures are displayed. 2. Position the special tool against the LF tire sidewall at the tire valve stem. The special service tool should provide

feedback in the form of a beep for each successful response from a tire pressure sensor. This feedback confirms that the tire sensor has responded, but does not confirm that the vehicle receiver module has heard the response. If the receiver module has not heard the sensor response, move the vehicle to rotate the wheels at least one-fourth of a turn and attempt to activate the sensor again. If the sensor is still not heard, attempt to activate again with the vehicle doors open. 3. Press the test button on the special tool to activate the sensor. 4. Repeat steps two and three for the remaining tires. The normal sequence is LF (as above) followed by RF, RR and LR. NOTE: The TPMS sensor cannot be installed without disassembly of the wheel and tire. 5. If a tire pressure sensor does not respond to the service tool when positioned against the tire sidewall at the valve stem, repeat the test with the tool antenna lightly resting on the valve cap. If after three attempts, one

or more sensors does not respond or has a low battery, diagnose the TPMS and replace as necessary.

SENSOR LOCATION CALIBRATION PROGRAMMING

The TPMS can be placed into learn mode using a diagnostic scan tool or manually, where a diagnostic scan tool is not available. The horn sounds once, and the TPMS indicator will flash if the training mode has been entered successfully. If equipped, the message center displays TRAIN LF TIRE.

Enter Training Mode With IDS Scan Tool

1. Select chassis; 2. Select TPMS; 3. Select training mode. Use the General Equipment: Ford Diagnostic Equipment.

Enter Training Mode With FDRS Scan Tool

1. Select Toolbox; 2. Select BCM; 3. Select BCM — TPMS Initialization. Use the General Equipment: Ford Diagnostic Equipment.

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TPMS ENTER TRAINING MODE WITHOUT SCAN TOOL

Note that the horn sounds once, and the TPMS indicator flashes if the training mode has been entered successfully. If equipped, the message center displays TRAIN LF TIRE. 1. With the ignition off, press and release the brake pedal;

2. Using the start/stop switch, position the ignition from OFF to RUN three times, ending in the RUN position; 3. Press and release the brake pedal; 4. Position the ignition to OFF position; 5. Using the start/stop switch, position the ignition from OFF to RUN three times, ending in the RUN position.

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It may take up to six seconds to activate a tire pressure sensor. The tool must remain in place at the valve stem. 1. Within two minutes of the horn sounding, place the special tool on the LF tire sidewall at the valve stem. Press and release the test button on the special tool. The horn briefly sounds to indicate that the tire pressure sensor has been recognized by the BCM. 2. Within two minutes of the horn sounding, place the special tool on the RF tire sidewall at the valve stem and press and release the test button to train the RF tire pressure sensor. 3. Repeat step one for the RR and, within two minutes of the horn sounding, place the special tool on the RR tire sidewall at the valve stem and press and release the test button to train the RR tire pressure sensor. For LR tires, within two minutes of the horn sounding, place the special tool on the LR tire sidewall at the valve stem and press and release the test button to train the LR tire pressure sensor. The procedure is completed after the last tire has been trained. When the training procedure is completed, the message center (if equipped) will display TIRE TRAINING COMPLETE. For vehicles not equipped with a message center, successful completion of the training procedure is verified by positioning the ignition to OFF without the horn sounding. 4. Using the scan tool, locate the updated TPMS sensor identifiers trained to the BCM and document them on the applicable warranty claim. This step is required to clear DTC B1182:55, to cause the BCM to exit the manufacturing mode and to make sure there are no other concerns with a newly programmed BCM. 5. If the sensors are being trained due to the installation of a new BCM, clear any DTCs and carry out the BCM On-Demand Self Test.

DISASSEMBLY

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TPMS SENSOR TRAINING PROCEDURE

CAUTION: Ford recommends the following for vehicles with carbon fiber and alloy wheels:

TIRE CHANGER

Ford requires center-clamp-style tire changers such as Hunter Auto 34, Revolution, TC3900 or equivalent. Anything

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TPMS else, especially tabletop-style machines, is highly likely to damage the wheel, which is not warrantable. Do not use tabletop-design machines that grab onto the inside of the wheel and that ride on the front wheel flange to remove the tire. Wheel damage will occur.

TIRE BALANCER

Ford requires the use of wheel balancers that do not contact the wheel face, such as Hunter Road Force Touch GSP9700. Do not use machines that contact the wheel face. Wheel damage will occur. Failure to follow the instructions below may result in damage to the TPMS. The TPMS sensor is mounted to the valve stem. Removal of the valve stem requires dismounting the tire from the wheel and removing the TPMS sensor. Use only the Digital Tire Pressure Gauge any time tire pressures are measured to be sure that accurate values are obtained:

and the machine arm at the 12 o’clock position, and dismount the inner bead from the wheel. A new valve stem must be installed whenever a new tire or wheel has been installed. 6. Remove and discard the TPMS sensor-to-valve-stem screw. Separate the TPMS sensor from the valve stem. Use care not to damage the wheel surface when removing the valve stem.

7. Using a suitable valve stem remover/ installer, remove and discard the valve stem.

USE THE GENERAL EQUIPMENT: WOODEN BLOCK

When installing a new wheel, always install a new valve stem and sensor screw. Reuse the TPMS sensor from the previous wheel if possible. The TPMS will not have to be

1. Remove the wheel and tire. The valve stem is connected to the TPMS sensor. Do not pull the valve stem from the wheel, or damage to the sensor will occur. If a new TPMS sensor is being installed, remove and discard the valvestem-to-sensor screw and the sensor. 2. Remove the valve stem core and fully deflate all air from the tire. Do not allow the tire beads to move beyond the wheel mid-plane (middle of the wheel) when separating the beads from the wheels; damage to the TPMS sensor may occur. Tire and valve stem position is critical to prevent damage to the TPMS sensor when using a paddle-type bead separator. Some machines may have a nylon roller bead separator at the 12 o’clock position instead of the paddle-type bead separator at the 3 o’clock position. 3. For a paddle-type tire machine, position the valve stem at the 12 o’clock or 6 o’clock position and the paddle at the 3 o’clock position. For a roller-type tire machine, align the valve stem with the roller at any position. 4. Place the wheel and tire assembly on the turntable of the tire machine with the valve stem at the 11:30 position and the machine arm at the 12 o’clock position, and dismount the outer bead from the wheel. 5. Reset the wheel and tire assembly on the turntable of the tire machine with the valve stem at the 11:30 position 87

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TPMS trained if the sensor is reused. If the TPMS sensor is being reused, inspect the TPMS sensor for damage and install a new sensor as necessary. To prevent TPMS sensor and valve stem damage, the valve stem must be installed onto the TPMS sensor and then installed into the wheel as an assembly. 8. Position the new valve stem onto the TPMS sensor and install the new screw. Torque: 13 lb.in (1.5 Nm).

ASSEMBLY

Damage to the TPMS sensor may result if the tire mounting is not carried out as instructed. It is important to pull the valve stem and TPMS sensor assembly through the wheel rim hole in a direction parallel to the valve stem hole axis. 1. Using a suitable valve-stem installer, install the new valve stem and TPMS sensor assembly.

USE THE GENERAL EQUIPMENT: WOODEN BLOCK

2. Position the wheel on the turntable of the tire machine, then lubricate and

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position the bottom bead of the tire on the wheel. Lubricate the tire beads using a suitable fast-drying, corrosion-inhibiting tire bead lubricant. Do not mount the tire at this time. 3. Position the wheel to align the valve stem with the machine arm, at the 6 o’clock position, and mount the bottom bead of the tire. 4. Reposition the wheel to align the valve stem with the machine arm at the 6 o’clock position and mount the top bead of the tire. 5. Inflate the tire to the pressure specified on the VC label located on the driver door or door pillar. Install the wheel and tire. Proceed to the next step if the tire beads do not seat at the specified inflation pressure. The following steps should only be carried out if the tire beads cannot be seated by inflating the tire up to the maximum inflation pressure listed on the tire sidewall: 1. Relubricate the tire bead and wheel bead seat area. 2. Install remote valve and pressure gauge.

3. Wear eye and ear protection and stand at a minimum of 3.65 meters (12 feet) away from the wheel and tire assembly. 4. Inflate the tire using the remote valve and tire gauge until the beads have seated or until the pressure gauge is 138 kPa (20 psi) more than the maximum inflation pressure on the tire sidewall. If beads have not seated, deflate tire and proceed to next step. 5. Place the wheel and tire assembly in an OSHA-approved tire safety cage. 6. Inflate the tire using the remote valve and pressure gauge until the beads have seated or until the pressure gauge is 276 kPa (40 psi) more than the maximum inflation pressure on the tire sidewall. Install a new tire if the beads do not seat at this pressure. ■ Information for this column comes from the tire pressure monitoring systems data in ProDemand, Mitchell 1’s auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918. For more information, visit www.mitchell1.com.

M T D J a n u a1/6/26 r y 28:27 0 AM 26

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WEBSITE

ACDC

www.fixhybrid.com

31 Incorporated

www.31inc.com

Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance

info.myplace4parts.com

Alligator TPMS

www.alligator-tpms.com

American Omni Trading

www.aotpartnerup.com

Ascenso Tires North America

www.ascensotiresna.com

Autel

www.autel.com

Auto Shop Answers

www.autoshopanswers.com

Bartec TPMS

www.bartecusa.com

BendPak

www.bendpak.com

BKT USA Inc.

www.bkt-tires.com

bproauto

www.bproautoparts.com

Bridgestone Tire

www.bridgestonetire.com

Coats

www.coatscompany.com

Continental Tire

www.continentaltire.com

Cosmo Tires

www.cosmotires.com

First Choice Sourcing Solutions

www.gofcss.com

Gaither Tool Company Inc.

www.gaithertool.com

Gripmax Tire

www.gripmax.com

Hankook Tire USA

www.hankooktire.com

Hunter Engineering

www.hunter.com/road-force

Independent Tire Dealers Group

www.itdgusa.com

K&M Tire

www.kmtire.com

Ken-Tool

www.kentool.com

Kenda Tires USA

IBC

kendatraction.rewardsloyalty.com

Linglong Americas Inc.

4-5

https://en.linglong.cn/

Maxxis Tire

www.maxxis.com

Milestar Tires

www.milestarrebates.com

Mighty Auto Parts

www.mightyautoparts.com

Milton Industries

www.miltonindustries.com

Nexen Tire

www.nexentireusa.com

Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc.

OBC

www.nittoenthusiastcircuit.com/apply

Pre-Q Galgo Corporation

www.pre-q.com

Prinx Tires

Cover Tip

www.prinxtireusa.com

Prometeon Tyre Group

www.prometeon.com/US/en_US

Radar Tires

www.radartires.com

Ranger Products

www.bendpak.com/package-deals

Rema Tip Top

www.rematiptop.com

Schrader TPMS

www.schradertpms.com

Sentury Tire USA

www.senturytireusa.com

TECH International

www.techtirerepairs.com/mtd-facts

Titan International

www.titan-intl.com/supersingles

Touren Wheels

www.tourenwheels.com

Transamerica Tire Company Ltd.

IFC

www.predatortires.com

Vredestein Tires

www.vredestein.com

Yokohama Tire

www.yokohamatire.com

ZC Rubber America Inc.

www.arisuntires.com

2601MTD_90-92_AdIndex.indd 90

N t

MTD January 2026

1/13/26 11:34 AM

2601MT

KLEVER S/T

KLEVER H/T 4S

VEZDA UHP MAX+

VEZDA UHP Summer

KLEVER A/T Trail

VEZDA UHP A/S2

KLEVER A/T2

KLEVER R/T

KLEVER M/T2

VEZDA UHP A/S2EV

VEZDA Touring 4S

VEZDA Touring A/S

TOP ASSOCIATE DEALERS CAN EARN OVER $28,000! New Tiers, bigger bonuses, additional payout potential, ATV/UTV and trailer tires make the 2026 Traction program an easy choice to opt in! Scan here for 2026 payout chart

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2601MTD_90-92_AdIndex.indd 3 2601MTD_Kenda.indd 1

1/9/26 10:19 AM 1/6/26 1:35 PM

2601MTD_90-92_AdIndex.indd 4 2601MTD_NittoTire_REV.indd 1

1/9/26 10:19 AM 1/2/26 8:34 AM