Modern Tire Dealer - December 2014

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THE INDUSTRY’S LEADING PUBLICATION

THE INDUSTRY’S LEADING PUBLICATION

FARM TIRE MARKET TRENDS

New products, new technologies may save the day

PROCRASTINATION: How to defeat an enemy of productivity and success SEMA SHOW 2014: News coverage of the greatest show on earth

December 2014 | Vol. 95, No. 12 | $10 | A Bobit Publication | www.moderntiredealer.com

2015 CHALLENGES: Dealers target recruits and regulations

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Te Industry’s Leading Publication December 2014, Volume 95, Number 12

Season’s greetings fro he Modern Tire Dealer staff Departments 4 Editorial Thanks a bunch!

6 Online

Features 20 SEMA Show 2014 More than 145,000 people gathered in Las Vegas to see the latest and the greatest

36 Dealers say recruitment and regulations are top challenges in 2015

News and navigation tools for MTD ’s website

8 News/views Discount Tire Chairman Bruce Halle was honored in Las Vegas

18 Your marketplace Pent-up demand should lead to decent volumes throughout the selling season

52 Focus on industry A fair for the dramatic: As he departs, Ferrari lets Pirelli dealers know what to expect

54 Focus on industry

Commercial Tire Dealer™ 41 Farm tire market trends for 2015 New products, new tire technology may save the day

46 2014 U.S. replacement farm tire market shares Radial, bias and small farm replacement tire shares

Technical growth: Kenda is relying on research and development

56 Focus on industry Michelin Challenge Bibendum: Senard says the Green Paper will ‘change the world’

58 Focus on industry Hankook introduces an entry-level global tire brand: New Laufenn lines are intended to position Hankook as a premium brand

60 European notebook Issues and answers: Brityrex addresses ‘part worn’ tires and tire labeling

64 Counter intelligence A hard look at procrastination: How to defeat an enemy of productivity and success

65 TPMS

48 BIG plant, tires and investment

Optimal service for Kia Optima

Bridgestone opens frst radial OTR tire plant outside Japan

73 Your turn

50 Commercially viable

67 Products

Building better teams through charity

69 Quik-Link Modern Tire Dealer is a proud member of:

70 Classifed

TRIB

TIRE RETREAD & REPAIR INFORMATION BUREAU

Member An Industry Association

www.moderntiredealer.com

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Editorial

Tanks a bunch!

Here’s to all of you who helped us this year

W

e couldn’t put out Modern capacity numbers, he personally wrote them Tire Dealer month to month down on a white board for me. without our readers. You are Tanks also go to my translators, Victor Qui, the heart and soul of this magazine. vice president of sales for Horizon Tire Inc., and So before I go any further, thank you.

Kelly Wang, auditor for the LLIT (Tailand) We know we ask a lot from you. How Co. Ltd. plant. And while I am at it, thanks to many times has someone from our staf the other manufacturers and suppliers who called you and asked how your business give their time and expertise to us when we are was doing? Or what the secret to your By Bob Ulrich writing about the industry. success was? Or for a comment about a We also send out numerous survey requests hot topic? (Get ready for that call about over the course of the year. Many of you receive the tarifs on consumer tire imports from China soon. multiple requests. Tank you for flling them out.

We’ll know if you are screening our call.)

It helps us stay on top of the trends, and gives us I can’t believe there is a nicer group of people than nationwide benchmarks that we can relay back to you independent tire dealers. When we need information, in the magazine. the vast majority of you are happy to share, with an At the recent Specialty Equipment Market Associaemphasis on “happy.” tion (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, I was fortunate to Never was this more “truer than fact” (as the old pulp run into Mike Callagy, owner of Callagy Tire Inc. in novels used to say) than during my recent interview Malabar, Fla. He told me he always flls out our surveys. with Bruce Halle, chairman of Discount Tire and “It’s great for the industry,” he said. “Te informaMTD’s 2014 Tire Dealer of the Year. He was more tion keeps everyone up-to-speed. And you have to than forthcoming about the company and the part stay up-to-speed because there’s nothing worse than he plays in it. having a customer smarter than you.” (Tanks for the However, I could never have writen the 12-page plug, Mike!) profle without help from the rest of Discount Tire’s So one last time, from me, Art Director Neil Weingart, top management and their assistants. Tere are too Managing Editor Lori Mavrigian, Associate Editor Ann many of them to list or picture on this page, but I Neal and the newbie, Senior Editor Joy Kopcha, thank wanted to personally thank two who ran point for you for helping us help you run your businesses more me for a good two months: Marlene Ambrose and proftably. And have a happy holiday.

Sandy Alston, executive assistants to Halle and Vice Chairman Gary Van Brunt, respectively.

If you have any questions or comments, please email I experienced much of the same during my recent me at bob.ulrich@bobit.com. trip to Tailand to visit the new Linglong passenger, light truck and truck tire plant in the Royong Province of Thailand. Feng Wang, CEO of Shandong Linglong Tire Co. Ltd., was not afraid to let us peek behind the curtain. When I asked about the Thanks to everyone at Discount Tire for sharing the company’s best practices with not only us but also the industry. Here are a few of them (from top to bottom): Marlene Ambrose, executive assistant to Bruce Halle; Ed Kaminski, chief operating offcer; Jim Silhasek, general counsel; Steve Fournier, chief customer offcer; and Mike Zuieback, president.

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Thanks to Mike Callagy of Callagy Tire in Malabar, Fla. (top), and Kelly Wang of LLIT (Thailand) Co. Ltd. (right, pictured with yours truly).

MTD December 2014

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Online Website: www.moderntiredealer.com

MODERN TIRE DEALER

Publisher

Las Vegas review New tires, innovative tire service equipment, power tools, helpful apps and much more was introduced at the Global Tire Expo — Powered by the Tire Industry Association during the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas last month. Readers of our website, www.moderntiredealer.com, were presented day-by-day coverage of what was happening on the show foor. If you missed any of it, go to our site and do a keyword search for the SEMA Show and hit GO. Also, see our show wrap-up starting on page 20.

Top news A wide variety of news topics captured our website readers’ attention over the last 30 days, including tariffs, new products, counterfeit tires and vehicle recalls due to problems with their tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Here are the top 10 most-read news items on www.moderntiredealer.com.

1. Consumer Reports: Which brand beat Michelin?

2. Nitto adds two tires to the Grappler line 3. 15.6% to 17.6% tariffs are effective immediately — and retroactive 4. Bridgestone introduces the Blizzak WS80 5. Sears is offering big savings on oil changes 6. When will importers have to pay the tariffs?

7. Counterfeit tires make their way into the U.S. 8. J.D. Power: Michelin and Pirelli rank highest 9. Tire tariff decision will be made on Nov. 24 10. Chrysler, Mazda issue recalls for TPMS problems

NAVIGATE

Be sure to check out our Events section on our website’s homepage.

There you will fnd dates for industry-related events for 2015. Use it to make plans to attend tire expos, tire dealer conventions and more.

Web exclusive It’s easy to sign up for our Kovach Tire Report, which consolidates the top news into one concise report each month and is emailed directly to your inbox. Go to www.moderntiredealer.com, click on Industry Resources and scroll down to Kovach Tire Report. There you can sign up for a new subscription or renew.

Total access — totally free www.moderntiredealer.com

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

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

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

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

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

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MTD December 2014

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News/views

Look, up in the sky...

Discount Tire Chairman Bruce Halle was honored in Las Vegas Every year, Discount Tire celebrates in style in Las Vegas during the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. Chairman Bruce Halle rents out the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and plays host to hundreds of store managers and the company’s top executives as part of the Pit Crew Challenge. Many of his tire and wheel suppliers also are invited to be part of the event.

Tis year, Modern Tire Dealer was an important part of the festivities. Publisher Greg Smith presented Halle with the 2014 Tire Dealer of the Year award.

“Because of who you are, what you represent and all the wonderful things you have accomplished, both in the tire industry and the local communities in which you do business, we salute you,” he said before awarding Halle the etched glass trophy as the 350 people in atendance, including Brad Keselowski, one of the Team Penske NASCAR drivers sponsored by Discount Tire, cheered.

“Te trophy really belongs to all of you,” said Halle to his store managers. “Tank you, thank you. Congratulations to all of you.” — Bob Ulrich

Discount Tire Chairman Bruce Halle, in red, consented to numerous autograph requests, including those from Store Managers Jason Hart (left) and Duane Burnett.

Above: CEO Tom Englert, center, talks with Nitto President Keiko Brockel, right, and National Sales Director Angelo Naval. Left: The team from the Los Angeles Region won the Pit Crew Challenge.

“Bruce’s success is a testament to his business acumen and his determination,“ said MTD Publisher Greg Smith (right) prior to presenting Halle with the 2014 Tire Dealer of the Year award. “Bruce would say his employees deserve almost all the credit.” Some 350 people were present (below).

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MTD December 2014

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News/views

bites

Monro enters Georgia market Monro Muffler Brake Inc. added nine stores with annual sales of $11 million in Georgia with the acquisition of Wood & Fullerton Inc. Georgia is a new state for Monro and the nine stores will operate under the Mr. Tire brand.

TIA updates TPMS chart The Tire Industry Association is accepting pre-orders for the latest version of its TPMS Relearn Chart covering domestic and import vehicles model years 2008 through 2014.

Dealer Tire has new partner Dealer Tire LLC has a new investment partner, Lindsay Goldberg LLC, and will purchase the interests of its current partner, TA Associates. Dealer Tire supplies tires and tire management services to car dealerships in the U.S. and Canada.

NETSA awards scholarships The New England Tire and Service Association (NETSA) distributed $32,000 in funds to 16 recipients of $2,000 scholarships for 2014.

BKT relocates OTR HQ BKT Tires Inc., a subsidiary of Balkrishna Industries Limited (BKT), has opened a new headquarters for its American OTR tire sales and services in Brentwood, Tenn.

Toyo and Nitto tires recalled Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. has announced a safety recall campaign on approximately 175,000 Toyo and Nitto brand tires intended for light trucks, SUVs and vans.

Purcell adds location Purcell Tire & Rubber Co. has opened a retail and commercial tire and service center location in Tucson, Ariz. The facility has six retail bays, three drivethrough commercial bays, equipment to perform heavy truck alignments and provides roadside assistance service.

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Hybrid Shop plans more franchises The Hybrid Shop LLC (THS) added 25 dealers to its service network in the last year. Plans for 2015 include stand-alone franchises, a national warranty plan and a credit card program.

THS shared its plans with more than 40 tire dealers and automotive repair shop owners who gathered in Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 3, 2014, to learn about the proft potential of hybrid electric vehicle service.

They met at a Ted Wiens Tire & Auto Service Center outlet. The training included a hands-on demonstration of THS’s reconditioning technology, which returns hybrid batteries to 95% of their original capacity.

There are over 8 million hybrid vehicles on the road today, and independent shops don’t know how to service them, according to Matt Curry, THS founder and chief visionary offcer.

“THS provides training in hybrid service and repair to independent shops that vehicle manufacturers do not,” Dr. Mark Quarto explains hybrid battery recondisays Curry. “If you want tioning technologies to dealers attending a training to be in business in the session hosted by The Hybrid Shop in Las Vegas. future, you want to get in the hybrid market and electric vehicle repairs.”

Curry partnered with Automotive Research and Design LLC (AR&D) to establish THS in 2013. The technology and training in battery pack charging and conditioning were developed by Mark Quartro, Ph.D., AR&D’s chief technology offcer.

There are currently 28 dealers in the THS network, with 10 more set to launch in the next three months. “Our existing dealers are generating between $20,000 and $40,000 additional revenue a month at 65% to 70% gross proft within three to six months after opening. They pay off the initial investment in six to 12 months,” says Curry.

Ted Wiens Tire & Auto Service Center began servicing hybrid vehicles in April 2014 from one store and plans to add the service at two more stores. The dealership purchased a fractional franchise package to “bolt on” to its existing business.

Dealers will have another option soon. “In 2015 we’re rolling out our frst stand-alone franchise. We have some dealers who are interested in coming together and opening fve or ten full franchises. The franchises will be branded The Hybrid Shop.

Dealers who open either a fractional or full franchise get a protected territory,” says Curry.

THS also plans to introduce a Mark Cushing, who owns three tire nationwide warranty plan and a credit and auto service stores, is especially interested in the marketing support card program for its network dealers which The Hybrid Shop provides. in the frst quarter of 2015.

MTD December 2014

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RNR raises funds for SPCA RNR Custom Wheels and Tire Express of Hampton, Va., sponsored a concert which raised $7,000 for a local animal shelter.

Jack Williams pilots training Jack Williams Tire Co. is piloting a training program for general service technicians with Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) in Nanticoke, Pa. Graduates receive Tire Industry Association certification.

ASE adds category The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has a new certification category for technicians servicing hybrid vehicles.

Dunn Tire relocates in Buffalo Dunn Tire LLC has opened a newly constructed store in Buffalo, N.Y., to replace an existing outlet. Dunn Tire has 31 retail locations from Erie, Pa., to Syracuse, N.Y. Virginia Tire adds store Fairfax, Va.-based Virginia Tire & Auto has opened its 13th store in northern Virginia. It is the company’s fourth location in the community of Ashburn and sixth outlet in Loudoun County.

ATD golfs for charity American Tire Distributors Inc. (ATD) donated $170,000 to three Charlotte-based charitable organizations from its 25th annual charity golf tournament.

FFA honors Firestone The National Future Farmers of America (FFA) honored Firestone Farm Tires, a division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, for contributions over the last 70 years.

TRIB educates online The Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB) is providing videos for the OwnerOperator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) Online Education Series for professional drivers.

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U.S. sets additional tariffs on Chinese consumer tire imports The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) made a preliminary decision to levy additional tariffs on consumer tire imports from China after determining the tires are unfairly subsidized.

The DOC imposed the following tariffs in addition to the existing 4% tariffs on consumer tires imported from China: Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.: .......................................... 12.5% GITI Tire (Fujian) Co. Ltd. (and certain cross-owned companies): ...................... 17.69% Shandong Yongsheng Rubber Group Co. Ltd.: ............81.19% All other Chinese exporters: ..................................... 15.69% “The tariffs are going to hurt the people who need the Chinese tires the most,” says Alpio Barbara, president of Redwood General Tire Pros in Redwood City, Calif.

U.S. importers will begin paying the new tariffs April 6, 2015, unless there is a postponement in the fnal decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) on its countervailing duties investigation. The tariffs are retroactive to 90 days before the DOC published its fndings in the Federal Register on Dec. 1.

In separate offcial statements, Sentury Tire Americas and GITI Tire (USA) Ltd., the marketing arms of Chinese companies Qingdao Sentury Tire Co. Ltd. and Giti Tire Group, respectively, outlined why they believe the recent decision was ill-advised.

“While we are disappointed with this decision, Sentury Tire is committed to delivering high-quality tires at an affordable price,” said Maxwell Wee, director of sales. “We are moving ahead with our new expanded Miami, Fla., warehouse and offce complex in January 2015, and will be unveiling new programs and products to support our Delinte and Landsail brands, including the introduction of some exciting new all-terrain and mud-terrain tires.

“Unfortunately, we feel this action penalizes tire customers who have come to depend on our competitively priced tires that meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.”

While Sentury Tire’s passenger and light truck tires will be taxed an additional 15.69%, GITI Tire (Fujian) Co. Ltd. and certain GITI cross-owned companies will be taxed 17.69%.

Giti said these preliminary duties do not refect its actual circumstance. “The company is seeking clarifcation from the department on its calculation and will continue to work with the department between now and the issuance of the fnal determination to ensure that Giti Tire’s actual circumstance is properly refected in the department’s calculation.”

Giti says it has “a long-term commitment to the U.S. market, its customers, the American consumer and its American workforce.” In June, the company announced it will invest more than $560 million to build a manufacturing facility to serve the U.S. market, creating 1,700 jobs in South Carolina.

MTD December 2014

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New CFO at Tire Discounters Cincinnati, Ohio-based Tire Discounters Inc. has named Patrick Mathews chief financial officer. Tire Discounters plans to open 12 new stores in 2015.

Falken opens Midwest facility Falken Tire Corp. has opened a distribution center in Joliet, Ill. The facility will service tire dealers in the Chicago area and across the Midwest and into central Canada.

Federal breaks ground Federal Corp. has broken ground for a $300 million tire plant in Taiwan. The plant will be developed in two phases between 2014 and 2020 and will produce an estimated maximum of 6 million tires a year when fully operational.

Cooper tests guayule tires Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has completed tire builds using rubber derived from guayule plants and new guayule-related materials. Tests suggest the product’s performance is at least equal to tires made of components derived from the Hevea rubber plant.

Marangoni forms joint venture Marangoni S.p.A. and the Tatneft Group have agreed to form a joint venture in Russia to retread all-steel truck tires. The joint venture company will be known as KaMaRetread LLC. Blimp rides support charity Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.’s airship bases in Suffield, Ohio, and Carson, Calif., awarded blimp rides to sweepstakes winners as part of a campaign to collect donations for the Toys for Tots Foundation.

Big O franchisees honored Big O Tires LLC franchisees Kory Coleman and Kent Coleman of Salt Lake City, Utah, were honored by the International Franchise Association with its annual Franchisee of the Year Award.

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Cooper sells Chinese plant for $262 million Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is selling its Chinese plant but Roadmaster tires and other Cooper-branded products will be produced there through mid-2018, according to Cooper Chairman, Chief Executive Offcer and President Roy Armes. The company reached an agreement to sell its 65% ownership in Cooper Chengshan (Shandong) Tire Co. Ltd (CCT) to Chengshan Group Co. Ltd. for approximately $262 million.

“Resolving the ownership of CCT has been a key goal for us, and we are pleased to have it completed as we continue to execute our longterm growth plans for China,” says Armes.

“With the closing, off-take agreements go into effect under which CCT will continue to produce Cooper-branded products, including Roadmaster tires, through mid-2018. The purpose of the off-take agreements is to provide a secure source of product while also allowing Cooper the fexibility to continue to identify and develop alternative sources for these tires.”

Cooper’s sourcing options range from an agreement with another supplier, a joint venture, an acquisition, adding capacity to other facilities, buying a facility and running it, or building a new plant. “We have the fnancial capacity to take any of these paths or a combination that best serves our business and our customers,” says Armes.

Pirelli has new CEO for North America Pirelli Tire North America Inc. announced the appointment of Pierluigi Dinelli as chairman and CEO of its NAFTA region, replacing Paolo Ferrari, who will become CEO of the Pirelli Latin America region. The changes are effective in January 2015.

Dinelli rejoins the NAFTA team from Pirelli’s headquarters in Italy, where he was CEO for Pirelli Italia. The company says he brings international experience to the position having held senior positions at Brembo SpA as chief marketing offcer and former marketing director at Pirelli’s NAFTA headquarters in Rome, Ga.

Dinelli is the new chairman and chief executive offcer of Pirelli’s NAFTA region.

Bridgestone hires Higgins as president of consumer tires Bridgestone Americas Inc. has named TJ Higgins president, consumer U.S. and Canada, for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC. Higgins has more than 20 years of consumer products marketing and strategic business experience. He has led product strategy and marketing for a number of recognizable brands and products. Most recently, he served as the North America regional president for Pfzer Consumer Healthcare (Pfzer Inc.).

Higgins, who will be based out of Nashville, succeeds Gordon Knapp, who was named chief operating offcer of Bridgestone Americas last March. “Our company is redefning the way we approach our business,” says Knapp.

MTD December 2014

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News/views

dates

January 17-24 Ontario Tire Dealers Association Winter Conference, RIU Aruba Palace, Aruba (888) 207-9059 www.otda.com February 4 Montana Tire Dealers Association Lobby Day at the Capitol, Best Western Great Northern Hotel, Helena, Mont.

(800) 388-0236 or (406) 256-1005 www.mtretail.com February 4-5 North Central Tire Dealers & Suppliers Association Mid-Winter Conference and Trade Show, Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Red Wing, Minn.

(952) 544-6805 www.northcentraltiredealers.com February 18-21 Tire Industry Association Off-TheRoad Tire Conference, Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Tucson, Ariz. www.tireindustry.org February 26 – March 1 Automechanika New Delhi, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India www.automechanika.com February 27-29 Mid-America Tire Dealers Association Convention, Prairie Band Casino, Mayetta, Kan. (785) 286-1110 www.matda.org March 9-12 32nd annual International Battery Seminar & Exhibition, Greater Fort Lauderdale & Broward County Convention Center Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (312) 644-6610 www.batterycouncil.org March 11-14 Automechanika Madrid, Feria De Madrid, Madrid, Spain www.automechanika.com

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DSP pilots coaching workshop Dealer Strategic Planning Inc. (DSP) completed its frst workshop to help DSP 20 Group members improve the selling and sales performance of their employees. The three-day workshop, an exclusive program for DSP 20 Group members, was led

by Dennis McCarron, DSP facilitator.

The workshop will be held again in April 2015 for 20 group members, with class size limited to 24 participants, according to Norm Gaither, DSP founder and owner.

DSP offers tire and automotive service dealers the Participants in the DSP Group 20 coaching workshop are (front, from left): Dennis opportunity to share best McCarron, Ari Manetas, Claudine Manetas, practices, benchmark against Norm Gaither, Shane Adams, Jeff Webthe industry and improve ster, Wes Hargrove (back, from left): Gary Townsend, Joe Feller, Jeff Tucker, Russell fnancial performance through Miller and Chris Cloutier. groups of up to 20 dealers.

Formed in 2007, DSP is the only tire-focused 20 group available in the industry. For more information, contact Norm Gaither at (757) 301-9897 or email him at norm@dsp-20group.com.

MTD has new senior editor Joy Kopcha has joined the editorial staff of Modern Tire Dealer as senior editor.

“I’ve landed at Modern Tire Dealer after more than 12 years working beats at daily newspapers in Kansas, Indiana and Pennsylvania,” says Kopcha. “From schools and city government to a prison riot, presidential election and a group of grandmas who posed nude to save an endangered building, I thought I had covered it all. Turns out, I missed the tire industry, but I look forward to Kopcha has over a decade of writing experience in the news being a part of this business.” industry.

She and her husband live in the Akron, Ohio, area.

Michelin will make Tweel in the U.S. Michelin North America Inc. has opened its $50 million Tweel Airless Radial Tire plant in Greenville, S.C. The new plant gives Michelin the ability to boost output of Tweel SSL skid-steer tires, and to begin production of the new Michelin X Tweel TurfTM, which is OE on the John Deere ZTRAKTM 900 Series line-up of zero-turn commercial mowers.

The new 135,000-square-foot facility in Piedmont, S.C., is Michelin’s 10th manufacturing facility in South Carolina and the 16th in the U.S ■

MTD December 2014

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Your marketplace

Pent-up demand should lead to decent volumes throughout the selling season

A

ccording to the results of our survey, Volumes remained positive for the ninth consecudemand for replacement tires remained tive month and we believe that the abundance of somewhat encouraging in October. pent-up demand should lead to decent volumes Indeed, from a volume standpoint the dealers throughout the 2014-2015 winter selling season reported that they sold 0.8% more tires last despite tougher comparisons from last year’s month on a year-over-year basis, following a harsh winter. Trends remained strong in the truck 1.2% increase in September and a 0.1% increase category as the dealers reported that volumes in August. We were pleased to see that volume increased 4.3% afer increasing 7.3% in September. trends remained positive for the ninth consecuVolumes fell slightly in the retread business afer tive month, as dealers indicated that consumers By Nick Mitchell increasing 5.0% in September. appear to be allocating a greater portion of their income to tire and automotive repairs during this fall/ Dealer costs and retail prices were roughly fat winter selling season in an atempt to catch-up on work Survey respondents noted that manufacturer pricing on that was deferred in prior months. In our view, the data branded and value tires was relatively stable in October. support our belief that the underlying fundamentals remain During September we hypothesized a portion of the decline healthy and that consumer demand should remain fairly in manufacturer pricing may have been due to the fact that strong in the coming months.

Chinese manufacturers ofered signifcant volume rebates during the period to right-size their inventories ahead of a potential tarif on Chinese passenger tires imported into the U.S. Despite the event-driven (i.e. potential tarif) pricing pressure on value tires that occurred during September, Dealers JUN JUL AUG SEP(R) OCT(P) OCT(13) we believe that pricing in the aggregate market stabilized Passenger tire somewhat in October, as evidenced by the healthy trends Will improve 50% 63% 50% 50% 75% 46% in manufacturer pricing of both branded and value tires.

How dealers view near-term business

Will worsen Will stay level

0% 50%

25% 12%

12% 38%

0% 50%

0% 25%

36% 18%

Truck tire Will improve Will worsen Will stay level

57% 0% 43%

57% 29% 14%

50% 0% 50%

57% 0% 43%

88% 0% 12%

46% 9% 45%

R-Revised

P-Preliminary

Monthly survey A number of independent tire dealers were surveyed concerning current business trends. Except for tire prices and costs, the results of the October 2014 survey are compared with those of October 2013.

Inventories seen as too high Nearly 38% of dealers indicated that they had the appropriate amount of inventory in stock for demand (vs. almost 63% in September), while about 62% indicated that inventory levels were too high and none indicated that levels were too low. Almost 50% of the truck tire dealers we surveyed indicated that they had the appropriate amount of inventory (vs. close to 88% in September and 88% in August), while about 38% indicated that inventory levels were too high and some 12% indicated levels were too low.

We should note that many wholesalers and dealers imported additional Chinese inventory ahead of the potential tarif.

Vehicle repair sales remain healthy Dealers remain upbeat about sales trends

According to the MTD dealer survey, 75% of passenger tire dealers believe business will improve over the next six months, while 25% believe it will stay about level.

Meanwhile, 88% of the truck tire dealers we surveyed see business improving, and 12% believe it will stay about level.

Volume trends remained positive in October According to our survey, consumer demand for replacement tires remained positive in October. As we stated, the dealers reported that they sold 0.8% more tires last month on a year-over-year basis, following the 1.2% increase reported in September and a 0.1% increase in August.

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We were encouraged to see that service sales remained strong during October as the dealers indicated that consumers appear to be allocating a greater portion of their income to auto repairs during this fall/winter selling season in an atempt to catch-up on work that was deferred in prior months. Sales in the service category, which accounted for 26% of the study participants’ total revenues, were up roughly 2% on a year-over-year basis in October following an increase of roughly 8% in September. ■Nick Mitchell is a research analyst with Northcoast Research Holdings LLC based in Cleveland, Ohio. Mitchell covers a variety of subsectors of the automotive industry.

MTD December 2014

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23109

feature

More than 145,000 people gathered in Las Vegas to see the latest and the greatest By the Modern Tire Dealer staff

C

ab drivers in Las Vegas were told to be ready for 140,000 visitors during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week. Tat estimate proved to be too low.

More than 145,000 people atended the recent SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show and AAPEX (Automotive Afermarket Products Expo), a 5% increase over 2013.

The number of buyers increased 4%, to 61,510. International buyers represented a quarter of that.

Te total number of exhibiting companies at the SEMA Show, which includes 263 exhibitors at the Global Tire Expo (GTE) — Powered by TIA, the Tire Industry Association, was 2,379.

“While we are pleased to see a growth in participation at the show, we are even more pleased with the feedback that we are geting

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from both exhibitors and atendees,” reported Della Domingo, SEMA’s public relations director.

“Our goal is and has always been to provide the industry and participants with the best place to do business. In other words, we strive to provide the best quality trade show, rather than the largest.

“Based on the feedback we received, we believe that we have accomplished this goal and will continue to focus on this efort.”

SEMA” wall-to-wall coverage of the event that ties marketing and social media together.

Te “Live from SEMA” service is an innovative channel to deliver news to the audience

Live from the show Live from the 2014 SEMA Show, it’s — Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc.! Once again, Nito featured its “Live from Nitto covered the SEMA Show in real time at its booth.

MTD December 2014

outside the convention center walls, according to SEMA CEO and President Chris Kersting.

Users at the SEMA Show were able to access the enhanced “Live from SEMA” website (www.livefromSEMA.com) to search using hashtags for uploaded photos and video by social media type, product or brand. Tat includes Nito’s Facebook page, which has more than 11.6 million “likes.”

In addition, content uploaded to the website each show day was organized into the site’s “Articles” section, thus enabling easy browsing by users based on time sequence.

“Nito Tire is a company that is proud of its direct connection to its enthusiast fans,” said Stephen Leu, assistant brand publishing manager. “Tat is why we are so proud to help deliver coverage of the world’s largest trade show straight to enthusiasts through social media and traditional media.”

Te Nito booth also was flled with new Nito tires, including the Exo Grappler AWT, an all-weather pickup truck and SUV tire; and the Terra Grappler G2, the next-generation Terra Grappler all-terrain tire.

Te Nito Grappler series features highly aesthetic tire treads and dual sidewall designs. www.moderntiredealer.com

Alliance in the U.S. In his frst SEMA Show as Alliance Tire Americas Inc. president, Jim Clark outlined the company’s plans for 2015. Perhaps the most aggressive move is the opening of a 70,000-square-foot warehouse in Southern California by the end of the frst quarter of 2015.

Te warehouse, the company’s fourth, will service customers from Denver to the West Coast. Alliance has warehouses in Houston (130,000 square feet), Memphis (a litle over 200,000 square feet) and Parkesburg, Pa. (70,000 square feet).

“Te West Coast is our least penetrated area,” said Clark. When the Southern California warehouse is up and running, Alliance will be able to ship tires within two days anywhere in the United States. “And this will not be our last warehouse.”

At the Alliance Tire Group booth, the new Alliance 396 high-speed fotation tire was on display.

The application-specific flotation tire is built for high speed (up to 62 mph). It features all-steel construction and an aggressive tread patern; its sharp highly curved lugs and central blocks are designed to provide

Alliance Tire Americas promoted its 396 fotation tire as “exceptionally smooth running” with long wear on the road.

the traction and self-cleaning characteristics of an of-road lug tire.

Te 396 is available in two sizes: 445/65R22.5 and 600/50R22.5.

Alliance also introduced the Galaxy Beefy Baby SDA, the frst solid tire in the Beefy Baby skid steer line. It is available in two sizes: 31x10-20 and 33x12-20.

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2014 SEMA Show “We’re developing new SKUs at a fast clip,” added Barry Cliford, marketing programs and communication manager.

New tires from Sentury Sentury Tire Americas’ new Delinte DX10 A/T on – and of-road tire is available in 10 LT sizes. Tey range from 15 inches to 18 inches as follows: 15-inch: 31x10.5R15LT 109S. 16-inch: LT235/85R16 120/116Q, LT225/75R16 115/112Q, LT265/75R16 123/120Q, LT285/75R16 126/123Q, LT235/70R16 110/107Q and LT265/70R16 121/118Q. 17-inch: LT265/70R17 121/118Q and LT285/70R17 121/118Q. 18-inch: LT275/65R18 123/120R or S.

Other new Delinte brand tires displayed on the trade show floor were the DH7, an all-season highway crossover and SUV; the DV2, a commercial van tire; and the D9 Mud Terrain radial light truck tire.

A new size in the D7 all-season performance tire line, 305/25R22, was displayed on the rear of a concept 2015 Jaguar F-Type.

Two Landsail brand tires, the LSV88 commercial van tire and CLV2 all-season highway crossover and SUV tire, also were introduced.

Maxwell Wee, director of sales, said the company is ofering products in more segments than ever before.

“We want to ofer complete sizes and ranges to the end user so everybody has more choices.”

Run-fat versions of the Landsail LS388 and LS588 are good examples of this. “Te Run Flat Tire Series ofers an extra element of driver safety and convenience, with added technology like reinforced sidewalls, a heat-resistant tire bead compound, and a wider tire bead,” said Wee. “As more vehicles are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems, we felt it was important to add run-fat tires for a full range of tire types, including passenger touring tires, performance tires, and ultra-high performance tires.”

Te tires will be rolled out in 16- and 17-inch sizes before the end of the year.

A new rally racing tire will be introduced in the frst quarter of 2015, added Wee. It will be available in size 245/80R16.

Lanny Lin, president of Qingdao Sentury Tire Co. Ltd., says construction on phase one of the company’s tire plant in Tailand should be completed by the second quarter of next year. Located 100 miles outside of Bangkok, the plant is expected to have a capacity of 5 million tires annually.

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TIA inducts 3 into Hall of Fame Industry mourns the loss of Harold Coker The Tire Industry Association inducted Harold Coker, Charles Cornell and Juanita Purcell to the TIA Hall of Fame at TIA’s Tire Industry Honors event on Nov. 3, 2014, one day prior to the start of the Global Tire Expo.

Sadly, Harold Coker, founder of Coker Tire Co., died Nov. 16 after falling at his farm the previous day. He was 84.

He began his career in the tire industry with BFGoodrich and then started Coker Tire Co. in 1958 in Athens, Tenn., and moved to Chattanooga in 1961.

The company is the largest supplier for collector car tires in the world.

In 1985, he served as president of the former National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association (NTDRA), where he spearheaded the effort to get NTDRA into the government affairs arena.

TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefeld said Harold’s passing is a tremendous loss to his family, his friends, the association and the industry.

“It pains me because Harold was a mentor and a friend. He took me under his wing early in my career. He taught me a lot about the industry, politics and interpersonal relationships.”

Cornell, who died in 1952, founded Tech International in 1939. He was working in the rubber industry when he developed a self-vulcanizing process that repaired tire and tubes in hot or cold applications. The innovation led to a line of tire and tube repair products and set the stage for product breakthroughs at Tech International that included self-vulcanizing inserts, centering radial repairs and Uni-Seal repair units.

TIA recognized three inductees to the Hall of Fame on Nov. 3.

From left are the late Harold Coker, who died less than two weeks after the event; Cheryl Poulton, who accepted the award on behalf of her late grandfather Charles Cornell; and Juanita Purcell.

Cheryl Poulton, chairman of the board of Tech International, accepted the award on behalf of her grandfather.

Purcell serves as executive vice president of Purcell Tire, which was founded by her father-in-law, Robert M. Purcell, in 1935. In 1964, the elder Purcell invited his son, Bob, and Bob’s wife, Juanita, to help him run the three locations of Purcell Tire. Juanita continues to head up the company’s operations, which consists of three corporate offce locations, four retread plants, two wholesale centers, 21 commercial centers, 25 retail locations and nine mine locations. In 2004, Juanita and Bob were named Tire Dealer of the Year by Modern Tire Dealer.

TIA also honored three recipients of the Ed Wagner Industry Leadership Award. On hand to receive their awards were Jim Smith, editor of Tire Review; Mary Sikora, publisher/editor of Scrap Tire News; and Tom Wright Sr., owner of Wright Tire Service in Anoka, Minn.

MTD December 2014

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23110

2014 SEMA Show When the second phase is completed, the Tailand facility will be able to produce 10 million tires annually.

Qingdao Sentury also has a factory in China that can produce 15 million tires a year. Part of the plant is highly automated, according to Lin.

Red Kap clothing Atendees who walked anywhere on the 1,127,999 net square feet of SEMA Show foor space on the last day of the show may have seen more than one person wearing a SEMA collector’s edition Red Kap work shirt. Tey were handed out free to the frst 500 people in line at the Red Kap booth.

Red Kap, a company Red Kap’s Performance Soft focused on developing Shell Jacket features a Napoperformance apparel for leon Pocket designed for the technician’s cell phone. the automotive industry, was a SEMA Show exhibitor for the ffh consecutive year.

“Our diferentiator is we work with technicians to have the apparel designed properly,” said Leslie Hunt, marketing manager. For example, the Red Kap crew shirt features a fap that covers the butons so they don’t scratch the paint when a technician is working on a vehicle. Te crew shirt is constructed with an industrial laundry-friendly “Ripstop” fabric.

Red Kap, a division of VF Imagewear Inc., also promoted its Botom Line Benefts Program, which ties a professional image and employee engagement to increased profts.

POS materials from Falken Falken Tire Corp. executives shared details of the company’s new marketing strategy with dealers at the company’s new showroom-style exhibit.

“Falken has successfully made a name for itself with enthusiasts, and now is focusing on bringing its race-proven technology and quality tire messages to a wider market,” said

Rick Brennan, executive director of marketing. “Our goal is to be the go-to brand for value-focused tire buyers who don’t want to sacrifce performance for price.”

Te frst step in Falken’s new strategy will focus on raising awareness of the Falken brand among tire shoppers visiting one of the company’s more than 5,500 North American dealers. New retail tools include point-of-sale (POS) materials that call out Falken’s brand strengths, including its performance heritage.

“For 2015, our main focus is going to be improving our support for the dealer programs,” said Brennan.

Falken recently opened a new distribution center (DC) in Joliet, Ill., that will service tire dealers in the Chicago area, across the Midwest and into central Canada. It is the second DC Falken has opened since August; the other opened in Robbinsville, N.J.

Vee Vitron ZR Vee Rubber America Inc. displayed the new Vitron ZR ultra-high performance tire at its GTE booth. It also teased atendees with a crossover tire still in development.

Te Vitron ZR UHP tire is an extension of the T-, H- and V-rated Vitron all-season high performance tire, with larger, wider blocks for better dry handling. It is engineered with the company’s Dual-Nature Technology.

The outside of the tire is designed for optimum cornering performance under dry conditions. Te inside of the tire is optimized for wet climate performance.

Patrick Hyland, sales and marketing manager, said the goal of the Thailand-based parent company, Vee Rubber Corp. Ltd., was to design a UHP tire that also gave the driver a The Virton ZR, like the comfortable, quiet ride.

Vitron all-season high per“The UHP development formance tire, features an is a focus of ours right now,” asymmetric tread pattern. he added.

Vee Rubber also displayed the Vitron Cross, a crossover tire that also fts SUVs. It has fve circumferential grooves for maximum water evacuation and wet traction, and a ribbed center groove for added traction in dirt, mud and snow.

Although the size complement has yet to be completed, Hyland said 255/65R18, a popular size on vehicles like the Chevy Traverse and Saturn Outlook, is one of them.

Nexen and Next Level

Falken’s new POS approach includes high-profle brand and product displays, including tire mobiles.

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Nexen Tire America Inc. chose the frst day of the SEMA Show to launch its associate dealer program: Next Level.

Te program was designed to create loyalty between dealers and distributors, according to Kyle Roberts, director of marketing. Approved Nexen tire retailers who purchase tires through an authorized program distributor will be eligible to join the program beginning Jan. 1, 2015.

MTD December 2014

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2014 SEMA Show Dealers must purchase a minimum of 400 Nexen tires in a calendar year to qualify for cash-back rewards and volume bonuses. Reward payouts are contingent on maintaining a minimum 100 units purchased per-quarter average, although there is a catch-up policy.

Up to 20% of a dealer’s Nexen program purchases can be made by a secondary authorized Next Level distributor.

Dealers with multiple locations can combine purchases to reach higher tiers. Roberts said a dealer who earns all the rewards ofered under Next Level can, with the program’s cash payouts, save up to $10 per high performance tire purchased, and up to $8 on every other tire purchased.

Also as part of the program, random prize drawings will be held at the end of every quarter. Te Grand Prize winner will win a trip and a minimum of $75,000 — with the chance to win $1 million. First prize is the choice between a new truck, valued at close to $45,000, or $30,000.

Nexen will randomly select an additional 750 winners per quarter (3,000 for the year) to receive prizes between $250 and $500. To sign up for the program, Nexen dealers must frst contact their primary distributors. Ten they must fll out a form to see if they are eligible.

Timberland tires Te partnership between Omni United (S) Pte. Ltd. and Timberland LLC was a hot topic at the show. One of the top tire dealers in the country personally commended Omni CEO G.S. Sareen on the idea and its marketing potential.

In Sareen’s own words, the co-branded Timberland line of tires is “the frst tire brand developed in partnership with a leading global lifestyle brand, positioned at the premium end of the market.”

Crumb rubber from recycled Timberland tires will be used in the manufacture of Timberland footwear. Engineers from both companies developed the outsoles; there were restrictions on the materials that could be used, according to Stewart Whitney, president of Timberland.

He said Timberland had three objectives that needed to be met before the partnership with Omni United could move forward.

1. Te Timberland footwear with recycled rubber needed to deliver the same level of performance as in the past.

2. Te co-branding had to be delivered in a stylish manner “because we’re in a fashion industry.”

3. Te results had to be eco-friendly. “We’re an outdoor brand.

Our logo is a tree. Without the outdoors, there’s no need for a brand like Timberland.”

Whitney said the company is always looking for sustainable sources of supply for its materials, and has used recycled rubber from tires for its outsoles in the past.

Te tires, manufactured by Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., will be stamped Timberland by Radar (Omni United does the same at Sears Auto Centers with the Guardsman by Radar).

Te frst Timberland tire will be the Timberland Cross, a premium broad market tire designed for crossover utility vehicles such as the Acura MDX, Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, GM Envoy, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and Toyota RV4.

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“Our shared values have given birth to tires that express a lifestyle, deliver performance and safety, and prove that sustainability can be so much more than a theory,” said Timberland CEO Stewart Whitney (left, pictured with Omni United CEO G.S. Sareen).

It will be available in April 2015 in 21 outline white leter (OWL) and blackwall sizes.

Another 14 sizes will be available in September 2015. Sareen says the complete size complement will provide 82% coverage of the P-metric CUV tire market.

Omni United’s suggested retail pricing will range from $145 on size 215/70R16 100T to $257 on the 255/50R19 XL 107H. On the heels of the Timberland Cross, Omni United will introduce the Timberland A/T. The tire is designed “to provide pickup, Jeep and SUV owners of-road capabilities with a rugged look — without sacrifcing on-road manners.”

Vehicle ftments include the Chevy Silverado and Suburban; Ford Explorer and F-series; Jeep Wrangler; Dodge Ram 1500; and Toyota Tundra.

Te company will launch the Timberland A/T in 14 P-metric and LT sizes in July 2015. (Te Omni booth showcased size 275/55R20 Timberland A/T tires on a customized 2015 Jeep Wrangler JK Sport.) Four of the fve LT sizes will be Load Range E sizes; the other will be a Load Range C size (31x10.50R15LT 109R).

Another 16 Timberland A/T sizes will be available in March 2016, including eight more Load Range E sizes. Omni United says its suggested retail pricing on the A/T will range from $125 on the 235/75R15 105T OWL size to $299 on the LT275/65R20126/123S blackwall size.

A third line, the Timberland Tour, will be launched in 2016 in at least 25 sizes.

(For an in-depth look at the launch of Timberland tires, including interviews with Omni United’s Sareen and John Soule, vice president of global marketing and licensed brands, check out “Tires as a lifestyle choice” in MTD’s November issue.)

True Tire Value from Aeolus Aeolus Tyre Co. Ltd. not only introduced a tool that correlates quality and price to quantify value, but also ofered demonstrations.

“Tere is a misconception of the term ‘value’ in the mar-

MTD December 2014

2014 SEMA Show Te M/T Metal series is designed for late model of-road vehicles such as the Toyota Tundra, Chevy Silverado, Ford F-series, Dodge Ram and Jeep. It consists of four alloy wheels available in fat and piano black fnishes. Te size range will be from 17x9 to 20x9, depending on the model. Te company plans to launch several new wheels next March.

Te company is also planning two new tire line launches next year. Te Dick Cepek Extreme Country mud terrain tire will debut in May in 21 diferent sizes, ranging from 15- to 20-inches.

In June, the company will launch the Mickey Tompson Baja MTZP3 The M/T Metal Series MMmud terrain tires. It will come in 22 164B (pictured) features an eight-spoke design with diferent 15- to 20-inch sizes. milled accents. The MM-

Autopromotec 2015

At its booth, Aeolus Tyre offered demonstrations of its True Tire Value (TTV) tool. With a mathematical equation, the tool correlates quality and price to quantify value.

ketplace,” said Mike Leverington, general manager, United States. “Price is not the same thing as value.

“Value is the relationship between quality and price. Simply put, how much do you really get for your money? Consumers deserve to know what they are geting for their hard-earned money, and our True Tire Value (TV) tool does just that.”

With a simple mathematical equation, True Tire Value is calculated by dividing a tire’s quality score by its retail price.

Te quality score is based upon Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) standards, set by the National Highway Trafc Safety Administration. Te prices are actual retail pricing from leading tire retailers.

Te True Tire Value model allows users to compare high performance, ultra-high performance and standard touring all-season tires head-to-head against one another. A TV score is assigned to each tire the user selects. Te tires are then sorted

by TV score, with the highest value tire rising to the top.

“True Tire Value proves that top quality doesn’t always come with a big price tag,” said Leverington. “Our goal is to provide a tool to the industry, and to the consumer, which helps them to make the best tire buying decision possible.”

M/T tires and wheels Mickey Tompson Performance Tires & Wheels (Max-Trac Tire Co. Inc.) introduced a number of new M/T and Dick Cepek light truck tires and wheels.

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164M features a diamond cut face.

Five of Italy’s largest automotive equipment manufacturers joined Autopromotec 2015 and AICA (Italian Garage Equipment Manufacturers Association) at the 2014 SEMA Show. Tey had two purposes: showcase Italy’s prowess in the automotive product industry, and promote the next Autopromotec, to be held in Bologna, Italy, May 20-24, 2015.

Autopromotec 2015 promises some special side shows, including a section dedicated to commercial and industrial vehicle equipment. Details about the event are available online at www.autopromotec.com.

Autopromotec 2013 was the largest trade show in Europe, with 1,514 exhibitors from 51 countries. Atendance at the 2013 show was the largest ever.

Centennial Terra Trooper A/T Greenball Corp. introduced an all-terrain tire, plus additional sizes for two lines. Te new Centennial Terra Trooper A/T for on- and of-road use will be available in 12 sizes in the second quarter of 2015.

Greenball added three sizes to the Kanati Trail Hog LT tire to make it available in 14 sizes. The new sizes are: LT245/70R17, LT285/60R20, and LT325/60R20. An additional six to eight sizes for 35-inch through 37-inch fitments are coming in 2015.

Greenball also had a GBC Dirt Commander utility vehicle tire in its newest size, 30x10.0014, on display. Green- The new Centennial Terra Trooper ball says two more sizes A/T from Greenball is designed for will be added in January. long tread life and reliability.

MTD December 2014

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2014 SEMA Show Triangle in North America Triangle Tyre Group Co. Ltd. revealed two tires for the North American market: the Sportex for the UHP segment and the Protract for the value segment. Te tires will debut in mid-2015.

Te Sportex will be available in 33 sizes to cover the UHP range from 16- to 24-inch rims, 55 to 35 aspect ratios and W to Y speed ratings. Te Sportex will replace the TR968 tire.

Te Protract will be available in 33 sizes for 13- to 17-inch rims, 70 to 50 aspect ratios and T to V speed ratings. Te Protract will replace the TR928 tire.

Triangle, which is based in Shanghai, China, said it will support the products with a new branding system and marketing programs. Replacing the current numbering system with product names for passenger, SUV and light truck tires will improve clarity in product line-ups, provide consistency in sub brand names and reinforce Triangle’s brand equity across all markets, according to the company. Te new tires are part of the company’s strategy to achieve worldwide brand recognition.

Triangle also said its A3T technical center in Akron, Ohio, will lead product development in the North American and European markets.

The company has invested $6.3 million in the center, which has a staf of 17, and plans to increase the center’s Triangle is launching the Sportex technical capabilities.

UHP tire in North America in midTe company also an2015. The tire has three central nounced its majority grooves for wet grip performance. stake in Triangle Tire North America LLC, a joint venture company established to distribute Triangle tires in North America.

Triangle Tyre Group’s partner in the joint venture is Miamibased Oriente Triangle Latin America Inc., which distributes Triangle tires in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Gustavo Lima, CEO of Oriente Triangle, will lead the new company.

Hennessy adds three tire changers Hennessy Industries Inc. expanded its Coats X-Series line of tire changers, added a tilt-back tire changer and introduced an entry-level machine.

Te new 90X tire changer has a right side stationery assist device that can be retrofted to other X-Series machines already in use.

“You can turn a 70X into a 90X,” said Kevin Keefe, vice president of marketing.

Te stationery powered-assist device keeps the tire in drop center during the mount process. Te 90X will be available late in the frst quarter of 2015.

Hennessy also introduced a swing arm tire changer built of the X-Series chassis. Te GTS 70 has comparable features and capability to X-Series tire changers. Te diference is its

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tilt-back feature, which some customers prefer, according to Keefe.

Te GTS 70 model has a stationery bead assist that can loosen both the top bead and re-loosen a stuck botom bead.

Te disk can be adjusted to work efectively with high aspect “foppy” sidewalls.

Te GTS 70 will be available late in the frst quarter of 2015.

Te Coats 5030 and 5040 models have been replaced by the RC 55, an entry-level rim clamping tire changer. Hennessy says its new Coats “Te RC 55 is a rugged, du- brand RC 55 is an entry-level rable and capable changer tire changer ideal for use as a for a general repair shop or second-bay machine. a second-bay machine in a tire store,” said Keefe.

Available in the frst quarter of 2015, the RC 55 tire changer has an optional power articulating bead assist for servicing run-fats and low profle tires that are now commonplace in OE applications.

Ravaglioli’s redesigned G7 series balancers automatically store distance and diameter measurements and are equipped with an automatic width gauge.

Zero-gravity pneumatics!

Rav America, the U.S. division of Ravaglioli SpA of Italy, displayed its redesigned G7 series balancers. New features include a zero-gravity pneumatic wheel lift that enables technicians to control the tire with one hand, according to Chad Triptow, account manager.

In addition, the tire is positioned on a pneumatic shaf which can be operated by a foot pedal or by a touch-screen monitor. Triptow said tires can be match mounted to reduce ride vibration. Another new feature is laser-guided wheel weight positioning, which pinpoints the exact placement of wheel weights.

MTD December 2014

Two new Cemb tire changers Te new SM955 from Cemb USA/BL-Systems Inc. is a tilt-back tire changer with a two-speed motor. A leverless tool enables the machine to service standard as well as low profle and UHP tires, says Bob Gibson, special projects manager.

Adjusting the tool to leverless mode allows the machine to operate on UHP super-low profle and run-fat tires. In standard mode, the machine The 750 model tire changer from Cemb USA has a double operates by a traditional arm/disk air-operated bead mounting head on soft breaker system that breaks shoulder high profle tires both beads at the same time. and light truck tires. Te company calls the feature the “Dual Fit” system.

Te 955 model also has a “smart” bead breaker, which gives more control when breaking the bead, according to Gibson.

Te tire changer requires a 220-volt power supply.

Te Matic750 leverless tire changer is a center post dual bead breaker that can accommodate up to 34-inch size tires.

www.moderntiredealer.com

Te 750 model also features the company’s Dual Fit system for servicing UHP, run-fat and standard tires on a single machine.

Cemb USA/BL, based in Gainesville, Ga., is the U.S. division of Cemb SpA of Italy.

Te tire, not the super hero Hercules Tire’s Ironman All Country M/T was designed to deliver outstanding of-road traction in the most adverse conditions and excellent durability in extended of-road use, according to the company.

“We’ve been building the Ironman brand line-up over the past few years,” said Joshua Simpson, vice president of marketing.

“Our customers were very adamant about adding a true of-road product line.

“We expect this line to do well with both the serious of-road enthusiast and the casual enthusiast, who are looking for great performance and cosmetic

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23113

The Ironman All Country M/T is a true off-road product, according to Suzanne Mitchell, manager of brand development.

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2014 SEMA Show appeal at an afordable position.” Te Ironman All Country M/T features a number of performance atributes.

• • • •

A groove design enhances durability by protecting against stone drilling and punctures.

Shoulder blocks easily shovel away mud, silt and sand and provide side-biting traction on of-road surfaces.

Te staggered butress design increases of-road capability and guards against high sidewall cuts and abrasions.

Te void ratio efectively promotes self-cleaning capability in muddy conditions.

Te tire is available in 16 sizes with 15- to 20-inch rim diameters. In addition, a studdable tread delivers extra “bite” in severe weather applications, and select sizes have a threeply sidewall to protect against cuting and tearing in of-road situations.

Bosch adds two tire changers Robert Bosch LLC has added tilt-back and swing-arm styles to its tire changer line. The company introduced the TCE 4275 swing arm and TCE 4475 tilt back models.

Te new machines accommodate larger tires than earlier models. Both tire changers have 28inch external clamping capacity and 30-inch internal clamping capacity.

Te new tire changers Bosch’s new TCE 4275 swing-arm run on 110-volt power, style tire changer (pictured) reproviding the same tails below $7,200. The new 4475 with the same functionfeatures as competing model ality in a tilt-back design costs machines requiring a less than $9,000, according to 220-volt electrical sup- Scott Farr, business development ply, according to the manager for wheel service. company. A standard “moto-inverter” and two-speed (7 and 15 rpm) turntable improves productivity when servicing the toughest wheel and tire combinations at the most competitive price point in the market.

“Tere’s a huge gap in the market for a 110-volt tire changer that does everything the 220-volt machines do, but at a much beter price,” said Debo Sadare, Bosch Automotive Service Solutions product manager.

“All the standard equipment and features combined with the lower voltage means a greater value for the shop owner and a reliable, easy-to-operate machine for the technician.”

In addition to increased rigidity and a larger turntable, the TCE 4275 and TCE 4475 tire changers each have 28-inch external and 30-inch internal clamping capacity with a locking jaw cross system and perfectly balanced, opposed cylinder system; a four-position bead breaker that is 40% faster than

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previous versions; and a helper arm that is standard on the TCE 4475 and available on the TCE 4275 depending on confguration.

For easier operation, a technician can engage and disengage the bead breaker by tilting a hand lever instead of pressing a foot pedal. Te company says both machines will change nearly any car, light commercial vehicle and motorcycle (with special accessory kit) tire.

Hunter’s ‘drive-over’ system Hunter Equipment Co. displayed the fush-mount confguration of its Quick Tread drive-over tread depth measuring system for the first time ever at the SEMA Show. Te system also is available in a surface-mounted unit, which Hunter previewed at the National Automotive Dealer Association show in February 2014. Both fush mount confguration of confgurations will A Hunter’s Quick Tread drive-over tread be available early in depth system will be available in 2015.

2015. The system measures tread Te Quick Tread depth in seconds and does not resystem can stand quire an internet connection. alone or be integrated with a new or existing Hunter Quick Check system, which performs a vehicle inspection in less than three minutes. Te company said the Quick Tread system uses “point cloud technology” to measure 280,000 data points on a tire. Te system prints three-dimensional models of the tread depth for dealers to share with their customers.

Hunter’s exhibit included a wheel lif operated by a foot pedal for wheel balancers. Te foot pedal feature is new to the wheel lif, which is optional for all Hunter wheel balancers.

Te lif has a low-profle, scissor design to increase ease-of-use and reduce technician wear and tear, said Hunter. Te wheel lif drops out of the operator’s way as balancing begins.

Hunter also displayed its QuickComp on-car brake lathe, which is now made in the U.S. Te lathe features a two-way adjustable compensation adaptor that works with Hunter’s ProComp computerized compensation to adjust for lateral runout of the hub in seconds.

Tis feature allows rotors to be refnished to OEM specifcations in minutes.

Tire Profle’s mobile option

Tire Profle’s handheld laser scanner fnished frst in its category in the SEMA Show’s New Product Showcase.

Tire Profiles Inc.’s Groove Glove, a handheld laser measurement system for determining tread depth, allows technicians to quickly scan a vehicle’s tires anywhere in a service facility.

The product’s lasers measure hundreds of points across the

MTD December 2014

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23114

2014 SEMA Show

2.

3.

1.

1. The Specialty Equipment Market Association bills the SEMA Show New Product Showcase as “the world’s largest collection of automotive innovation.” SEMA hands out awards in 16 categories. In the “Tire and Related Product” category, the winner was the Continental True Contact. 2. B.J. Kang, right, chairman of Nexen Tire Corp., and James Kwon, CEO and president of Nexen Tire America, helped Nexen launch its associate dealer program, Next Level. Approved Nexen tire retailers who purchase tires through an authorized program distributor will be eligible to join the program beginning Jan. 1, 2015. 3. Erik Croswell, regional sales manager for Net Driven, helped a visitor to the TIA booth with directions.

tire, according to the company. Te system requires a wireless signal. Tire Profles’ cloud-based sofware computes the tread wear, calculates the tread depth and determines if the wear indicates an alignment is needed.

Te company said within seconds of scanning, the system creates a report to discuss with customers.

Te Groove Glove features an integrated touch screen display, a bar code scanner for vehicle ID, and a camera for license plate recognition. It also uses an onboard gyroscope and accelerometer for accurate measurement.

Mighty has a branded app MDSA LLC, which does business as Mighty Auto Parts, unveiled a customizable smart phone app for tire retailers. Te new app enables retailers to ofer their own branded app to their customers through the Apple Apps Store or Google Play Store, said Gary Vann, senior vice president of sales and marketing (pictured).

Te app tracks vehicle maintenance for the consumer and gener-

34

Mighty introduced a customizable smart phone app for tire retailers.

ates a report of all repairs. In addition to keeping service history by service type, the app allows dealers to send service reminders, coupons and maintenance tips to customers.

Te dealer’s customers also can use the app to schedule service appointments.

“Te app is branded with the retailer’s logo and identifcation so it is truly the retailer’s app,” said Vann.

Car lif accessory boosts productivity Te new Rotary Lif Wheel Wing tire hanger is a car lif accessory designed to improve ergonomics and boost shop productivity by making it easier to remove wheels for tire rotations and brake and suspension work. Te accessory ataches to a two-post or in-ground lif’s swing arm, providing a convenient resting place for wheels. “With the Wheel Wing tire hanger, technicians no longer have to bend down to place a wheel on the foor or lif it back up to a raised vehicle’s height,” said Ron Lainhart, parts and service manager for Rotary Lif. Each Wheel Wing tire hanger kit (P/N FA5974) comes with two tire hangers. For easy installation, the kits include hex keys and mounting shims. Te shims can be used to adjust the tire hangers’ mounts to ft nearly any swing-arm style lif, including Rotary Lif’s SPOA10 two-post and SmartLif in-ground lifs.

The company also displayed 14,000-lb. capacity ARO14

MTD December 2014

5.

6.

4.

7.

4. Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT), the offcial tire sponsor of the American Monster Jam series, displayed its new 66x43x25 BKT Race Tire on the Grave Digger. 5. The Farm Dawg USA R-1 is manufactured in Jackson, Tenn. 6. Outgoing TIA President Ken Brown handed the gavel to incoming President Freda Pratt-Boyer.

7. Toyo’s action-flled outdoor videos captivated attendees.

alignment lif, which has been updated to ofer greater precision, faster performance and new user-friendly features. Te updates are also available on the AR14 closed-front alignment lif and as part of a bolt-on retroft kit that can equip Rotary Lif’s new SM series four-post lifs to perform alignments.

Plus sizing guide update Wheel Consultants Inc. will release the latest updates to the print version of Te Ultimate Wheel & Tire Plus Sizing Guide, also known as “Te Red Book,” in March 2015. Te tire and wheel ftment reference covers current and vintage vehicles and provides data for OE and plus sizes.

Joe Findeis, founder and owner of Wheel Consultants, encouraged SEMA atendees to sign up for the digital version. He said the online format’s key advantages are Findeis stepped booth visitors continual updates and reverse Joe through the online version of The lookup tools by bolt patern Ultimate Wheel & Tire Plus Sizing and tire size. ■ Guide at the SEMA Show.

www.moderntiredealer.com

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23115

35

feature

Dealers say recruitment and regulations are top challenges in 2015

By Ann Neal

W

as dirty. Let’s change that image in 2015! It starts with our industry all being on the same page and focused on a clear, common goal.” — Joe Flynn, president, Flynn’s Tire Group doing business as Flynn’s Tire & Auto Service, Middlesex, Pa.

1. Recruiting talent

“Lack of qualified applicants. Pressure from insurance companies on covered drivers is keeping us from hiring some applicants.” — Nick Phillippi, general manager, Nebraskaland Tire Co. Inc., doing business as Nebraskaland Tire, Kansasland Tire and Coloradoland Tire, Lexington, Neb.

hat issues will preoccupy tire dealers in the next 12 months? Employee recruitment, government regulation, margin pressures and casing supply, according to dealers we contacted. Although the year is new, the top issues affecting dealers’ operations are not. Many dealers cited these same challenges in 2014.

“How can our industry recruit young people? It seems as though young people aren’t as enthused about cars as they once were and it appears that high schools are ushering all students toward college and away from hands-on type of work. I think many kids today would prefer making much less money at a shopping mall than making more money working as an auto technician or sales person in our industry. I think society has given our industry a bad/dirty brand image. We hold people’s lives in our hands with every car/truck we work on, even more so than a pharmacist or EMT would, yet those industries are recognized as important and our industry is recognized

36

2. Government regulations “Te state of California and workers’ compensation insurance are the biggest threats to our business today.” — Chris Mitsos, vice president, Mountain View Tire & Service Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

“The biggest challenge has been health insurance and workers’ compensation in New York state. Tey both con-

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23116

MTD December 2014

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23117

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23118

Dealer challenges tinue to take a larger percentage of our operating budget.” — Robert Kellogg, president, Warren Tire Service Center Inc., Queensbury, N.Y.

“Our biggest challenges continue to be government infuence on the mine industry as well as health care coverage and rising costs. Our current government administration is forcing small business

“How can our industry recruit young people?

It seems as though young people aren’t as enthused about cars as they once were...”

Joe Flynn, president, Flynn’s Tire Group, Middlesex, Pa. to a point of smaller margins and reduction of workforce in order to maintain a

viable company that is directly impacted by the mine sector.” — Noah Hickman, president and owner, H & H Industries Inc., Oak Hill, Ohio

3. Margin pressures “Internet pricing is killing our margins.

Te margins are geting so razor thin these days it is really afecting proftability on tires.” — Ricky Benton II, vice president, BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors/Black’s Tire & Auto Service, Whiteville, N.C.

“Tier One product being sold by large dealers to wholesalers and then wholesalers giving the product away by adding a $5 bill to it.” — Tom Bowman, vice president, commercial division, Belle Tire Distributors Inc., Allen Park, Mich.

“We continue to shif our approach in order to grow revenue. A signifcant portion of our retread market has been derived from over-the-road coal haulers and non-highway-service medium trucks. With the national reduction in coal tonnage, we’re reallocating our marketing eforts to other market segments. In 2015, we’ll focus more on local markets. Our construction and OTR retreading business has increased this year over last year because we have applied more concentration from coal areas to construction. In the truck market, we will be focusing on smaller local feets that don’t have their own repair shops.

Tis segment of our business has been growing every year.” — Lewis Wexler Sr., chairman and CEO, Free Service Tire Co. Inc., Johnson City, Tenn.

4. Casing supply “New tire shortages are creating obstacles for growth, casing supply has goten beter but pricing remains higher than previous years. Pricing for Chinese medium truck tires continues to trend downward placing pressure on Tier One and Tire Two as far as value.” — Scot Bennet, vice president, sales, Service Tire Truck Center Inc., Bethlehem, Pa. ■

40

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23119

MTD December 2014

Commercial Tire Dealer™

The market is transitioning to Increased Flexion and Very High Flexion tractor tires, says Bridgestone’s Tony Solon. The move to radial implement tires (like the Firestone Destination pictured on the planter) is another trend.

Farm tire market trends for 2015 New products, new tire technology may save the day

C

orn production in the Midwest was greater in August than was forecast. At the same time, coton production in the South was down year-over-year.

Farm equipment sales in some segments have been steady, despite the change in the maximum allowable deduction on farm equipment purchases from $500,000 to $25,000.

Farmers in California are optimistic about navel orange production, but that could change because of the efects of a lingering drought.

With all the variables that can afect crop yields and pricing, it would seem almost impossible to accurately predict farm tire supply and demand.

Modern Tire Dealer decided to try anyway.

We asked experts from some of the largest farm tire manufacturers and marketers in the United States to share their insights into the farm tire market in 2015. Tey talked about a number of trends, including Increased Flexion (IF) and Very High Flexion (VF) radial technology.

Michelin North America Inc., Bridgestone Americas Inc., BKT Tires USA Inc., Alliance Tire Americas Inc., Mitas Tires North America Inc., Trelleborg Wheel Systems Americas Inc. and TBC Corp. agreed to participate.

MTD: As the year winds down, crop yields are high and commodity prices are low. In addition, new farm equipment sales appear to be down. Do these factors bode well for farm tire sales in 2015?

James Crouch, North America Farm Segment marketing manager, Michelin: It will be an interesting year for replacement ag tire sales. In the past, we have seen a direct correlation between the replacement market and original equipment sales. Tis was very consistent until a few years ago when the accelerated depreciation bill was passed as part of the Farm Bill.

Section 179 of this bill allowed for farmers to deduct up to $500,000 of their taxable income in the frst year on up to $2 million of equipment purchased. This, along ALSO IN CTD with some of the highest commodity crop prices 2014 U.S. replacement farm tire ever and record high farm market shares: net incomes, created the Radial, bias and small farm perfect storm for farmers replacement tire shares . . . 46 to finally upgrade all of BIG plant, tires and investment: the equipment on their Bridgestone opens frst radial OTR farms. During this time, tire plant outside Japan . . . 48 Commecially Viable . . . 50

www.moderntiredealer.com

41

Farm tire market the original equipment tire market was booming, while the replacement market was declining.

Now that this section of the Farm Bill has expired, original equipment sales are tapering of, as expected, and the dust is starting to setle on the implement dealer lots. Tis new environment creates opportunities for replacement tire dealers.

Farmers are now on their second or third year on the tires that came new on the sprayer in the shed. Instead of the farmer simply trading it in before those ftments become a target, they may instead shop for tires and put a few more years on that sprayer. We have seen the replacement farm tire demand cycle move cyclically through the years in three- to fve-year curves. If legislation remains the same, it appears things will begin to trend in favor of the replacement farm tire dealer.

An interesting dynamic to consider is the willingness of the farmer to alter the tire confguration of the tractor. A farmer who will keep a machine one season is obviously not very interested in investing in a wider combine tire to manage wet conditions or triples over duals to manage the load imposed by a planter. If farmers keep equipment longer, the tire is no longer simply black and round. It turns into a piece of valueadding equipment that can increase the productivity of the machine as much as a larger planter or header. All of these diferent aspects coming together will give the replacement tire market momentum moving into 2015.

Tony Solon, marketing manager, Bridgestone-Firestone Ag Tire Division: Low- to mid-range horsepower tractors and some implements are still doing well. Te type of equipment used in livestock operations and this segment is doing well.

Te higher horsepower tractors and combines have dropped of compared to the last three years due to the drop in commodity prices. OE equipment manufacturers are adjusting their production levels down to address some of the new equipment inventories on their dealer lots, so that business will be down. On the replacement side, these same issues may cause a slowdown in that business.

Bruce Besancon, vice president of marketing, Alliance: It is clear that the farming community is facing some lowered expectations in terms of commodity prices and equipment sales — and our dealers and distributors have seen some of this in their day-to-day operations as well. At the same time, however, we are also seeing calls for some of the largest food commodity harvests that we have seen in recent years. It is clear that the business of providing food is not going away, and we will need to have VF (pictured) and IF technology are equipment in the feld to accomplish this task. “building momentum,” says BKT President Carl Casalbore.

And where equipment

42

Trelleborg’s ProgressiveTraction concept features a double lug design for improved farming effciency.

is being used, tires will be needed. Today’s farmer is making sure he does not spend his money unwisely. In some cases, he may delay purchases to see what he will bring in from his crops, but he is not doing any less work than he has done in previous years.

We anticipate that with lowered equipment sales, the farming community will have more vehicles that they will want to keep running longer. While OE fgures may drop in 2015, afermarket sales to farmers in the feld should remain fairly steady compared to what we have seen this year.

Te demand for increased productivity and technology in the agricultural feld is not slowing down and everyone is going to be pushed to “do more with less.” With new products ranging from the highest technology IF/VF row crop and combine tires to best-in-class fotation tires for spreaders and haulers, we anticipate that 2015 will be another excellent year.

Carl Casalbore, president, BKT: Tere is apprehension with the end user. Farmers are being cautious with large purchases. Tat being said, we believe that the replacement business in 2015 will be active.

We also believe that the end users are looking for value, meaning excellent products for less money.

Our market is mature and growth is slow but steady. Te momentum is based on the product/value that a brand has to ofer. Technology is also playing an important role, which plays into the value equation.

Neil Rayson, vice president, Mitas: For the replacement market segment, if there are favorable weather conditions in the spring, a normal sales patern may be enhanced by the

MTD December 2014

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23120

Farm tire market

At the “cutting edge of fotation tire technology,” the Alliance 393 radial manure tire also can travel up to 40 mph on the highway, according to the company’s Vice President of Marketing Bruce Besancon.

efect of a decrease in new machine purchases, leading to more tire replacements on existing equipment.

Farmers and dealers should avoid complacency over supply in the spring as tire manufacturers will tend to “right size’’ production to anticipated 2015 demand, bringing the supply/ demand relationship into balance and creating the potential for tight supply in high demand sizes during the crucial early selling season.

Jef Jankowski, director of ag sales in North America, Trelleborg: We anticipate the radial ag tire market will be sof through at least the frst half of 2015. Tere are a number of independent tire dealers who are siting on inventory levels they are not comfortable with. Tey are very apprehensive right now because nobody is buying anything. Tey are trying to move the tires out.

Bill Dashiell, senior vice president, Commercial Division, TBC: Te outlook for 2015 is likely to be a litle cautious.

High crop yields may partially ofset low commodity prices.

Corn and soybeans recently showed modest improvements in October fnally coming of two-year price declines, while some livestock sectors are continuing to gain momentum. 2015 is likely to be a year of mixed opportunities; if farm income declines, we are likely to see stronger tire sales as farmers are likely to delay investment in the new equipment.

Te prospects and opportunities for 2015 vary greatly by region. Te ongoing drought in the West is puting signifcant pressure on farmers, with no major expectation of relief, while areas of the Midwest had strong harvests even with the early winter. (Next year) may be very similar to 2014 as weather continues to make the news and will continue to be a key factor.

MTD: Do you plan to introduce any new farm or ag tire products into the U.S. market in 2015?

Crouch, Michelin: Yes we do. We have several new tire launches planned for 2015. We will continue to expand our Spraybib tread design, which is a VF high clearance sprayer tire ofer. Tere is a very large demand for VF sprayer tires because of the extreme loads they carry. Te Spraybib allows for a much lower pressure to carry this load, which dramatically decreases the amount of compaction imposed by the machine.

We are also continuing to expand our Cerexbib tread design,

44

which is an IF/VF combine tire. We plan to ofer the farmer several new low pressure combine dual options by year end.

Solon, Bridgestone: We have a number of new products in the pipeline for 2015 covering a range of tire applications.

Besancon, Alliance: Te coming year promises to be an exciting one for Alliance and our customers. We’re continuing to broaden our product line with more innovation, more purpose-built designs and more sizes.

At the cuting edge of fotation tire technology, our 393 and 882 Radial Flotation tires deliver outstanding load ratings along with excellent “roadability” at up to 40 mph on the highway. We have seen them tested on farms, pavement and oil felds this year, and everybody who’s seen them wants a set — or as many as they can get their hands on. Our 381 Radial Implement tires ofer a tread patern that’s great for over-the-road handling as well as excellent performance in a wide variety of feld conditions. We’re working with top-tier OEMs to introduce sizes that will roll out on new equipment.

Our classic diamond-tread 330 fotation tire will be expanded to include massive 28LR24.5, 28LR26 and 28LR32 sizes in radial construction, at the request of a couple of OEMs. Our engineers continue to work hard to keep up with equipment that gets bigger, stronger and faster every year.

We’re also introducing a full line of tires for the irrigation market, which is a new entry into a very large market and a great opportunity for dealers to fll up containers or expand their options for working with Alliance. We’re commited to being versatile, customer-centered and easy to do business with. Part of that is being able to ofer a wide range of tires to help customers meet almost any need on the farm.

Mitas will add two sizes to its VF HC 2000 tractor line in 2015: 600/70R30 and 710/70R42.

MTD December 2014

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23121

Farm tire market Casalbore, BKT: Yes, as a general statement, we add between 50 to 75 new SKUs per year, and we modify another 50 to 75 SKUs of current products. Currently, we have over 2,300 SKUs... including industrial, construction and OTR tires.

Rayson, Mitas: Mitas will extend the range of Very High Flexion tires for high-horsepower machines. Mitas will introduce additional sizes of HC 2000, namely VF600/70R30 and VF710/70R42 for powerful tractors. Te special feature of the Mitas VF-rated tires is the highly fexible sidewall allowing for an extended footprint competing shoulder to shoulder with the increasingly popular rubber tracks. Very High Flexion tires are produced at the Mitas factory in Charles City, Iowa, and Otrokovice, Czech Republic.

Currently, the Very High Flexion tire for harvesters is under development. It will be marked VF HC 3000, and Mitas will introduce it at the beginning of 2015.

Andrea Masella, marketing manager, agricultural and forestry tires, Trelleborg: In 2015, Trelleborg will introduce several sizes according to the newest concept: ProgressiveTraction, a concept of agricultural tires specifcally designed to improve farming efciency thanks to a double lug design. ProgressiveTraction tires demonstrated a traction capacity over 10% higher when compared to standard technology tires. Moreover, the extra pulling force resulted in a 3% to 5% reduction of working time, as well as a 5% reduction in fuel consumption, providing farming operations with substantial cost savings.

More sizes in our new VF line Michelin’s new low-pressure, 50-inch VF420/95R50 for sprayers and Spraybib “will assure that the new largest sprayers the OEM’s offer the farmer will make as little soil application of an impact on soil compaction as possible,” equipment will says Marketing Manager James Crouch. “We will follow in the near continue to expand our Spraybib tread design.” future. This new line is designed according to Trelleborg TMBlue technology.

When it comes to agro industrial, we have just introduced a new size in TB40: 340/80-18TL 143A8. Te TB40 is designed for agro industrial applications and guarantees excellent wear resistance, sturdy tread patern, robust sidewall and great stability on hard and tough soils.

In the forestry (segment), we are going to introduce the T418 35.5-32 for log skidding service.

With the addition of this size together with our range in the CTL sizes and a complete range of forestry tubes and rims, we can ofer a wide and complete coverage to the forestry industry.

Dashiell, TBC: Tis year, we concentrated on improving our programs.

In 2015, we will be expanding our product lines again with new sizes in our Harvest King brand that will provide greater market coverage starting with our rear tractor, front tractor, and implement tire lines. Tis will give our customers an enhanced two-tier farm tire program with more options in our Harvest King brand, complemented by BKT’s wide range of products. ■

46

2014 U.S. REPLACEMENT FARM TIRE MARKET SHARES RADIAL REAR REPLACEMENT 2014 shipments: 312,000 Firestone

32.0%

BKT

20.0%

Michelin

16.5%

Goodyear

15.0%

Alliance

6.0%

Titan

5.0%

Trelleborg

3.0%

Mitas

1.5%

Others

3.0%

Total:

102.0%*

BIAS REAR REPLACEMENT 2014 shipments: 470,000 BKT

40.0%

Firestone

24.0%

Titan

10.0%

Goodyear

7.0%

Alliance

6.0%

Harvest King

3.0%

Trelleborg

2.5%

Akuret

2.0%

Carlisle

2.0%

American Farmer

1.5%

Others

2.0%

Total:

100.0%

SMALL FARM REPLACEMENT 2014 shipments: 1.25 million Firestone

22.0%

Goodyear

18.0%

Titan

17.0%

BKT

16.5%

Carlisle

10.0%

Akuret

4.0%

Harvest King

4.0%

American Farmer

3.0%

Trelleborg

2.5%

Alliance

1.0%

Others

2.0%

Total:

100.0%

Source: Modern Tire Dealer. * Exceeds 100% due to rounding of percentages.

MTD December 2014

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23122

Bridgestone U.S. OTR plant

BIG plant, tires and investment Bridgestone opens frst radial OTR tire plant outside Japan

By Joy Kopcha

B

uilding Bridgestone’s biggest tires requires 40 tons of rubber a day, equipment that stands three stories tall and a plant that spans 1.5 million square feet. And that’s just the beginning.

Te Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Aiken County Of Road Radial Tire Plant is producing 49-inch tires that are eight feet tall and weigh 2,800 pounds. By 2019, when the plant reaches its full capacity, it will produce 130 raw rubber tons per day and manufacture four sizes of tires, the largest weighing 13,000 pounds and measuring 63 inches. Tat’s just 2,000 pounds shy of the hef of an average African elephant.

Bridgestone spent $970 million constructing and outfting its frst OTR plant outside of Japan. Built on 550 acres in Aiken County, S.C., the plant is more than a third-of-a-mile long.

And as big as it is, there’s room to grow.

When executives gathered in November for the plant’s grand opening and ribbon cuting, there were multiple mentions of the space available to expand even more. Aiken County governmental and economic development leaders noted in their congratulatory remarks they were available to stay late if the Japanese leaders wanted to talk before they lef for the airport.

In 1997 the company announced it would build a $435 million radial passenger and light truck tire plant on 585 acres in Aiken County. It was the largest investment any company had ever made in South Carolina.

Tat record has since been broken — but only by Bridgestone’s OTR investment.

Tomohiro Fukuda, vice president, ofcer and chief quality ofcer of specialty tire business for Bridgestone Corp., called the Aiken County plant “a golden opportunity to produce superior giant tires for our customers in the U.S., Canada and Latin America.”

Bridgestone offcials gather in front of the new OTR tire plant for a ribbon cutting. From left to right, front row: Mazakasu Sekiguchi, Gordon Knapp, Asahiko “Duke” Nishiyama, Kazuhisa Nishigai, Gary Garfeld, Christine Karbowiak, Ron Brooks. Back row: Mick Suzuki, Ryutaro Ishii, Steve Shelton, Kurt Danielson, S.C. State Rep. Bill Taylor.

“Tis is the biggest single investment Bridgestone has ever made in manufacturing in the United States,” said Gary Garfeld, CEO and president of Bridgestone Americas Inc. “Within the walls of the 1.5 million-square-foot facility, we will produce many of the world’s largest massive of-road radial tires to keep industries such as mining and construction on the move.”

Te OTR plant produced its frst tires in the spring of this year. By late August the tires met Bridgestone’s quality controls and passed the inspection process so regular production could begin. Te plant is running seven days a week, though not yet at a full 24-hour pace.

Additional equipment will be installed. Te current mixer, which combines 1,000-pound batches of rubber compounds, will be augmented by two more, said Adam Barfoot, operations manager. Te plant is expected to operate at full capacity with 550 employees by 2019.

Bridgestone already has expanded production at its now-fveyear-old OTR tire facility in Kitakyushu, Japan, by about 20 tons a day, to approximately 165 tons a day. Still, that ramp-up didn’t eliminate the inevitable 30 days OTR tires spent on a ship traveling to the western hemisphere. Aiken County takes the water, and variables like ongoing labor disputes at America’s West Coast ports, out of the equation.

“We don’t have to sufer through a glitch of the seas or the ports,” said Kurt Danielson, president of the U.S. and Canada Commercial Group, a division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC. A U.S. plant also provides the company with a production backup plan for the future. When an earthquake and tsunami hit Japan in March 2011, Bridgestone said none of its plants sustained major damage. Still, it exposed a risk to the company’s OTR business. Production was contained inside a single country, while customers across the globe needed tires.

Tires are weighed, “Trough Japan we’ve been increasing our capacity in inspected by X-ray and ultrasound before both a lot of our facilities so it’s just inevitable that we needed the interior and exterior a plant outside of Japan,” said Danielson. ■ are examined by hand.

48

MTD December 2014

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23123

Commercially viable Goodyear to begin testing AMT self-infating tire system on feets Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. will begin testing its self-infating tire system, called Air Maintenance Technology (AMT), on U.S. trucking feets. Te tests are part of a research project supported by the United States Department of Energy’s (DOE) Ofce of Vehicle Technology.

Over the next 18 months multiple U.S. and Canada-based trucking feets will test AMT in their daily operations. Goodyear says only 44% of all truck tires are within fve pounds per square inch (psi) of their target pressure, and 7% are under-infated by 20 psi or more. AMT enables tires

to remain inflated at a specified cold infation pressure without the need for external pumps or electronics. Te AMT system is being designed to perform under a variety of operating conditions and through multiple retreads, according to Goodyear.

Toyo adds SmartWay-verifed tire to commercial lineup Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has added the Toyo M650, a tire designed for regional haul service and higher-torque operating conditions. The M650 was developed using the company’s proprietary E-balance technology, which the company says optimizes design to offer extended casing life, exceptional durability, and reduced fuel consumption. The tire also meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for low rolling resistance. The M650 is retreadable and will ft 22.5-inch wheels, reports Toyo.

TOYO TIRE U.S.A. CORP. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23160 www.mtdquiklink.com/23160

Michelin has two Tweel tread patterns for skid steers and OE mower ftment Groupe Michelin continues the development of its airless radial tire, the Tweel. The company announced two new tread patterns for skid steers plus an OE ftment with John Deere & Co.’s ZTrak 900 Series of zero-turn commercial mowers. The 12N16.5 X Tweel SSL All Terrain has a deep, open tread for off-road applications. The heavy-duty poly-resin spokes are designed to self-evacuate in muddy conditions. The 12N16.5 X Tweel SSL Hard Surface tire features a smooth tread and provides longer wear life on pavement and asphalt. The Michelin X Tweel Turf will be OE to replace a standard 24x12x12 tire on select John Deere commercial mowers. It will be available on the 54-, 60- and 72-inch deck sizes.

MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23161 www.mtdquiklink.com/23161

BKT adds two tires to Ridemax line Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) and its Italian distributor Univergomma unveiled two additions to the Ridemax line. The Ridemax FL 693 M is a radial tire designed for mainly on-the-road use by those who travel with trailers or tank trucks. Ridemax FL 693 M combines performance with self-cleaning features, and allows for higher speeds on the road with low rolling resistance, which provides for lower fuel consumption, BKT says. The Ridemax FL 698 is an all-steel radial tire designed for road usage achieving speeds of 80 km/h. It was designed for dumpers traveling from pits to sites, the company notes.

BALKRISHNA INDUSTRIES LTD. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23162 www.mtdquiklink.com/23162

New Farm Dawg tire is made in the U.S. East Bay Tire Co. has introduced a U.S. made-Farm Dawg tractor tire, the Farm Dawg R-1, in the following sizes: 6-12, 7-14, 7-16, 8-16 and 9.5-16. All are tubeless and available in six ply. The company says the all-purpose tractor tires are ideal for multiple soil conditions and feature deep, heavy lugs for improved traction and stability; a high, multi-angled long bar tread pattern for optimum self-cleanout; and a heavy ply rating for increased carrying capacity.

EAST BAY TIRE CO. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23163 www.mtdquiklink.com/23163

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MTD December 2014

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23124

Focus on industry

Pirelli developed the P Zero All Season Plus for North American driving enthusiasts. It offers maximum performance in wet and dry conditions, including light snow.

A fair for the dramatic

As he departs, Ferrari lets Pirelli dealers know what to expect

By Bob Ulrich

P

aolo Ferrari is going to be a hard act to follow at Pirelli Tire North America Inc. Afer three years as chairman, CEO and president, Ferrari is taking over Pirelli Latin America.

Te man with the big shoes to fll is Pierluigi Dinelli, who will take over as chairman and CEO of Pirelli’s NAFTA region in January 2015.

Ferrari hosted his last U.S.-based dealer meeting in Las Vegas prior to the start of the recent SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show. He outlined Pirelli’s goals through 2017, giving Dinelli not only direction but momentum.

“In 2014, we are a completely diferent company than we were in 2011,” he said. “If we look to 2017, the future looks really promising for us.”

that provides maximum performance in wet or dry conditions, including light snow. Inner block winter siping technology is partially responsible for the snow traction performance, while lateral siping on the outer blocks ensures maximum cornering performance, dry grip and improved aquaplaning resistance.

Pirelli backs the tire with a 50,000-mile limited tread wear warranty and its 30-day trial, which the company markets under the Confdence Plus Plan.

“Te P Zero All Season Plus also marks the latest product from Pirelli’s successful ‘Plus’ strategy, derived from original equipment product development that is dedicated to the afermarket — with a focus on maximizing driving pleasure without abandoning tread wear,” said Ferrari. Te others are the P7 All Season Plus, Scorpion Verde All Season Plus, Cinturato P1 Plus (launched earlier this

Ten and now Tree years ago, dealers told Ferrari that Pirelli “didn’t quite seem to be commited to the American market.” Only 4% of the company’s tire sales in the United States were produced in North America, with that coming from the Rome, Ga., factory. Also, its fll rate to dealers was only 69%.

Tis year, thanks to the new Pirelli plant in Silao, Mexico, 40% of sales are “local for local,” said Ferrari. In addition, the fll rate is at 85%.

“In 2017, we will further grow our production in Mexico (from nearly 2 million tires annually to 6 million), we will get to 60% local for local… and we are targeting a 92% to 95% fll rate.”

Although North American production has improved, Pirelli still imports most of its tires. Sixty percent are manufactured in Europe, Latin America and, to a lesser degree, China, “but clearly our focus is to make sure we increase our local for local production, which means not just more tires available,” Ferrari told Pirelli dealers.

“It means a beter service level, and for us it means more effciency across the board, from the top line to the botom line to the cash fow. Hopefully, the more value we create for our own company, the more we can share the value with you.”

OE vs. replacement Pirelli’s overall strategy starts with original equipment ftments.

“It’s the way we stay ahead of the technology curve,” said Ferrari.

Company-wide, Pirelli had 1,611 OE homologations in 2011.

Tat rose to 1,846 this year. Fitments in 2017 will be up another 6%, to 1,855. In the “premium/prestige” category, OE ftments also will continue to increase, from 1,396 in 2014 to 1,505 in 2017. All-season homologations are trending upward as well.

Both the Mexican and Rome, Ga., facilities produce OE tires.

Under Ferrari, Pirelli has tied its replacement strategy to its OE strategy. Te last fve replacement product introductions in the U.S. have shared tread paterns with their OE counterparts.

The only difference in the name is the added “Plus” for the replacement tires.

While the OE versions are tuned to their respective vehicles, the replacement versions feature higher tread wear warranties.

Pirelli will continue the “Plus” strategy because it is working, according to Ferrari.

Another Plus for Pirelli Te P Zero All Season Plus was developed specifcally for North American driving enthusiasts, said Ferrari. It is a replacement tire

www.moderntiredealer.com

Woody Rogers, left, product information specialist for Tire Rack, and Bill Bainbridge, vice president of marketing for CJ’s Tire & Automotive Services in southeastern Pennsylvania, relaxed during a break in the 2014 Pirelli Dealer Meeting program. Pirelli also held a product launch at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

year) and the P4 Four Seasons Plus (a standard touring tire).

Te tire initially will be available in 15 sizes: 17-inch (seven): 225/55R17 97W, 225/50R17 98W, 215/45R17 91W, 225/45R17 94W, 235/45R17 97W, 245/45R17 95W and 245/40R17 91W. 18-inch (fve): 225/45R18 95W, 245/45R18 100W, 225/40R18 92W, 235/40R18 95W and 245/40R18 97W. 19-inch (one): 245/45R19 102W. 20-inch (two): 245/45R20 103W and 275/45R20 106W.

An additional 32 sizes will become available in 2015. Te size complement will grow to 71 when 24 more sizes are released in 2016. Tey will cover models including the Acura RLX, Audi A7/ A8 Quatro, Cadillac CTS, Dodge Challenger/Charger, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang/Focus, Infniti G37/M37/Q60, Lexus GS/IS/LS, Lincoln MKS and Volkswagen GTI. Ferrari said being perceived as a niche brand can be a drawback because it is misleading.

“We are, in a way, a litle bit of a niche brand, and we like to be that way. But when you look at the coverage of our product line, it is actually much higher than people would think.

“Obviously, we do focus on the UHP (segment), but when you look at the other segments, we cover them prety well. From 2011 to 2014, we grew in UHP, CUV and LT. We have a very comprehensive, yet simple, product portfolio.” ■

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Focus on industry

Technical growth Kenda is relying on research and development

By Bob Ulrich

K

enda USA held its inaugural dealer and distributor meeting three days before the 2014 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.

Two of the highlights were the introduction of the Kenda Klever S/T and the rollout of the company’s new associate dealer program, Kenda Traction.

“With your help, with your support, we’re moving towards our goal to have a substantial market share in the U.S. market,” said Jimmy Yang, president of American Kenda Rubber Industrial Co. Ltd., which does business as Kenda USA. “I have always said the goal for Kenda in this market is to have a 5% market share, which is 10 million tires a year. And guess what? We’re geting there.”

Yang said the key is to diferentiate the Kenda brand from its competitors and position it as a brand with “substantial value.” To do that, Kenda will concentrate on building brand equity, beefng up its engineering capabilities and enhancing dealer loyalty.

Yang said Tom Williams, Kenda’s new vice president of engineering, is tasked with enhancing existing technical centers in Yuan Lin, Taiwan, and Kunshan, China, and developing technical centers in Akron, Ohio, and Europe.

Kenda also eventually will target original equipment ftments.

“We hope that… one day before long, you’ll see Kenda tires on a Honda or other vehicles,” said Yang. “Tey could be on the Lexus, could be on the BMW, could be on the Mercedes.

“Not Ferrari!” he added.

Klever S/T Te Klever S/T (K52) is a touring tire designed for SUVs and crossover vehicles in North America. It is the long-term replacement for the KR15.

Te tire will initially be available in six sizes, which will be introduced “very early” in 2015, according to Dan Shavers, chief engineer. Approximately 20 sizes will be released later in the year.

Compared to the KR15, the Klever S/T has improved snow traction thanks to a new tread compound. Te tire also features an asymmetric tread patern that efectively balances inside and outside tire performance; a fve-pitch tread patern sequence optimally designed to reduce tire noise; and strong outside shoulder blocks that enhance handling and cornering capabilities. It also has a greater number of sipes and increased lateral groove densities for “good” all-season traction, and four large circumferential grooves that help improve hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.

Kenda will back the tire with a limited tread wear warranty, which Shavers said has yet to be determined.

Shavers teased the atendees about Kenda’s future plans,

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Jimmy Yang, president of American Kenda Rubber Industrial Co. Ltd., reports the company is approaching its goal of a 5% U.S. market share and 10 million tires a year.

which include two new tire product lines that will be designed in the U.S. and available in early 2016.

“Te frst is an ultra-high performance all-season tire designed specifcally for sport sedans and coupes. It will initially be released in 20 sizes. Te target is to take orders at (the SEMA Show) next year.” Shavers said the tire’s design parameters are broad: excellent dry and wet steering, handling and braking performance; great hydroplaning performance; good ride and noise performance; good snow traction and handling capabilities in light snow conditions; and good tread wear.

“Te next product is our light truck highway tire line. Tis tire line is targeted for light trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles primarily for highway use. Tis will be a long-term replacement for our existing KR5 product.

Tentatively named the Klever H/T, the tire eventually will replace the Klever A/P. “It will originally be released in 12 LT sizes and 14 SKUs. Again, our target is... for you to be able to take orders at this time next year.”

Kenda Traction Te company also rolled out its Kenda Traction associate dealer program.

Te incentive program is designed to reward Kenda’s dealers and distributors for purchases of at least 125 tires a quarter.

Dealers must register each location as a separate account, while distributors will be required to approve the addition of each of their dealers to the program. Cash payouts will be distributed each quarter through the Kenda reloadable debit card, good for Kenda branded merchandise Sign-ups for Kenda Traction began Dec. 1, 2014. The program will start Jan. 1, 2015. ■

MTD December 2014

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23125

Focus on industry

Michelin Challenge Bibendum Senard says the Green Paper will ‘change the world’

By Greg Smith

G

roupe Michelin held its 12th annual Michelin Challenge Bibendum (MCB) in Chengdu, China, in November. Te event brought together members of both the private and public sectors to examine sustainable mobility; this year’s conference focused on innovation in mobility, and how it can drive growth and urban well-being.

MCB is a Global Summit, with a mixture of a high-technology transportation trade show, scientifc presentations and hands-on demonstrations of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, many of which are experimental in nature.

A highlight by Michelin for this year’s event was the company’s unveiling of its Green Paper. MCB produced the Green Paper, which it says is a collective work by numerous entities. Te Green Paper includes a disclaimer that says “not all parties agree with every word in this book.”

Te Green Paper is a permanent platform dedicated to the mobility of the future. Its goal is for the paper to become a global benchmark in this area.

It lays out fve essential game changers that MCB believes should be implemented in order to address current urban mobility challenges.

1. Seting ambitious CO2 emissions reduction targets.

2. Creating ultra-low emissions zones (ULEZs).

3. Reinventing last-mile delivery logistics.

4. Developing creative door-to-door transport solutions for people.

5. Mobilizing private investment for sustainable infrastructure.

Te paper also describes fve actionable levers for deploying game changers. Tese levers must be activated simultaneously in order to achieve the desired results, according to MCB.

Chinese electric bus manufacturer Yutong Bus Co. Ltd. showcased several of its buses and provided rides to attendees. The bus pictured runs entirely on battery power.

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CEO Jean-Dominique Senard delivered an impassioned speech regarding Groupe Michelin’s commitment toward addressing future urban mobility challenges.

1. Encourage the emergence of innovative ecosystems to support the development of new sustainable mobility products and services.

2. Support tomorrow’s winning technologies, such as electromobility solutions, information and communication technologies, intelligent transportation systems and large database management.

3. Facilitate the introduction of new economic instruments.

4. Introduce targeted public policies that support the emergence of new solutions.

5. Broadly deploy the proposed solutions.

Jean-Dominique Senard, CEO of Groupe Michelin, believes MCB has a commitment “to federating stakeholders in the mobility sector, with the goal of imagining and creating the mobility of the future.” He told atendees that he hopes worldwide political leaders will read the document and take action.

“I don’t know any government in the world that can ignore that paper,” Senard said. “With this paper, we are changing the world, especially in the area of urban mobility.”

Te conference also featured an exhibition area where companies and governments displayed their ideas for future transportation to enhance mobility. Although not a platform for selling tires, Michelin used the event to showcase some of its tires, including the new Selfseal tires for the European marketplace that will be launched next year (see sidebar).

Te company also displayed its Pilot Sport EV tire, Premier A/S tire, AxioBib IF900/65R46 farm tire with Ultraflex technology (which the company says is the world’s largest tractor tire), and NZG aircraf tires.

MTD December 2014

“Promoting sustainable mobility at the global level is the slightly gargantuan goal of the MCB,” said Senard. “But it’s more than a dream or a utopia.

“Today and every day, technological innovation is helping to improve the environmental, safety and cost performance of all means of transportation, whether individual or collective.”

Michelin has invested two billion euros in research and development during the last three years, with 6,000 people working in this area. Senard said Michelin is issued 250 patents each year, and that its total patent portfolio has tripled over the last 10 years.

Michelin is “only one of two tire companies that produce all categories of tires.” Te company has tires in the Tier Two and Tier Tree categories because customers want these tires, he added.

Te conference had roughly 5,000 atendees, including car makers, OEMs, public and private sector operators, academics, research institute members, political ofcials and representatives from non-governmental organizations. In total, approximately 50 companies participated either as sponsors or corporate members of the event.

Tarifs and more

During a break at the MCB, MTD had the opportunity to talk with Pete Selleck, Michelin North America Inc. chairman and president.

Selleck said Michelin has maintained a “neutral” stance on the Chinese tarif and countervailing duties investigation by the International Trade Commission, but did say “we are advocates of free trade.”

He said the company “met expectations” with the launch of its Primacy tire this year, but admited there were supply challenges. Te company plans to relaunch the product in 2015 and beter communicate the benefts of it to consumers.

When asked about how the MCB afects the North American market, Selleck said Pete Selleck (right, with Jeanit allows the company Dominique Senard) said the Primacy line “met expectations.” to communicate that “a tire is more than a price and mileage warranty. It is a product that infuences the environment.”

Selleck believes consumers want more and the industry should do more to explain the benefts of the products to them. ■

Michelin Selfseal tires will be launched in Europe in 2015 Expect them in the U.S. within three years Groupe Michelin will be introducing a line of self-sealing passenger and light truck tires for the European market in 2015, beginning with the original equipment market.

The tires will then be introduced at the OE level in the United States within three years, according to Michelin offcials. The tires were on display

Uniroyal NailGuard tires were introduced by Michelin in the 1990s.

www.moderntiredealer.com

at Michelin’s Challenge Bibendum last month in Chengdu, China. The company did not disclose which automobile makers were going to use the new tire.

According to Michelin’s display at the event, the tires will self-repair a tread-area puncture under six millimeters (less than 1/4-inch) through the use of a sealant material of natural rubber. The material is in a protective layer below the tread area and will not affect speed ratings of the tire.

The company’s research shows that a puncture occurs, on average, once every 75,000 kilometers (46,600 miles) in European countries and once every 3,000 kilometers (1,860 miles) in certain Southeast Asian countries. No fgures were given for North America.

Michelin believes its new Selfseal tires will allow carmakers to eliminate spare tires and jacks, thus saving weight and allowing additional fuel savings.

Two different passenger tires, a Selfseal Primacy 3 and Selfseal Pi-

Michelin Selfseal tires will selfrepair a tread-area puncture under 6 mm through the use of a sealant material made from natural rubber.

lot Sport 3, were displayed, as well as a light truck tire. The technology differs from the company’s Uniroyal NailGuard technology, which evolved from Uniroyal Tire Co.’s Royal Seal technology.

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Focus on industry

Hankook introduces an entry-level global tire brand New Laufenn lines are intended to position Hankook tires as a premium brand

By Ann Neal

H

ankook Tire Co. Ltd. launched a global brand with lines for the passenger, UHP, on- and of-road SUV/ LT and winter markets in Las Vegas during the 2014 Automotive Afermarket Industry Week. Laufenn brand tires will be available in the U.S. in March 2015 in sizes covering up to 75% of the U.S. market.

Te new brand proves Hankook’s vision to grow in the global automotive market, according to Hyun Bum Cho, president, chief marketing ofcer and chief corporate management ofcer.

He says the Laufenn tires will start as a Tier Tree brand in terms of price. He expects the Hankook brand to eventually become a Tier One brand and Laufenn to become a Tier Two brand. Te company will phase out the Aurora passenger tire brand but continue to ofer Aurora medium truck tires.

“If you see a Tier Tree, especially in the United States, you have an overfow of Chinese brands and some Indonesian brands,” says Cho. “Tese brands are rarely properly branded with a consistent story and there are questions about the quality and supply chain management issues.

“But I think we have shown the market our ability to manage our supply chains, and we decided to leverage that. Hopefully, in the future the Hankook brand will go up to the First Tier brand, and we will bring the Laufenn brand up to the Second Tier brand. We have the experience of raising the Hankook brand from a Tird Tier to Second Tier brand.”

Five lines for many driving needs Te company says the Laufenn brand ofers consumers seeking value, quality and style a wide range of products for a variety of driving conditions. Te brand name is taken from the German word for “run” and the brand’s marketing slogan is “Journey in Style.” Five tire lines will be ofered.

1. Laufenn S Fit AS is a UHP tire with a 45,000 mile warranty available in 12 sizes for 17-inch ftments and nine sizes for 18-inch ftments.

2. Laufenn G Fit AS is an all-season touring tire with a 60,000mile tread life warranty available in one 13-inch size, fve sizes for 14-inch ftments, 10 sizes for 15-inch ftments, 10 sizes for 16-inch ftments, and one size for 17-inch ftments.

3. Laufenn X Fit HT, an SUV and light truck tire for on-road conditions with a 60,000-mile tread life warranty, is avail-

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Hyun Bum Cho, Hankook’s president, chief marketing offcer and chief corporate management offcer, says the company is committed to growing the Laufenn brand frst in the U.S. and then globally. The sub-brand “Fit” means Laufenn will “ft your everyday driving needs.”

able in one size for 15-inch ftments, four sizes for 16-inch ftments, fve sizes for 17-inch ftments, and three sizes for 18-inch ftments.

4. Laufenn X Fit AT is an SUV and LT tire for on- and ofroad conditions with a 45,000-mile tread life warranty. It is available in metric and LT-metric sizes. Metric sizes include one size for 15-inch ftments, fve sizes for 16-inch ftments, fve sizes for 17-inch ftments, and one size for 18-inch ftments. LT metric sizes include one size for 15-inch ftments, three sizes for 16-inch ftments, and four sizes for 17-inch ftments. A fotation size for 15-inch ftments is available.

5. Laufenn I Fit Ice is studdable and available in two sizes for 14-inch ftments, seven sizes for 15-inch ftments, fve sizes for 16-inch ftments; six sizes for 17-inch ftments; and two sizes for 18-inch ftments.

Shawn Denlein, senior vice president of sales for Hankook Tire America Corp., says Hankook dealers are excited about the Laufenn brand. “For us it seemed very logical to introduce a second brand. We were growing the Hankook brand but to have another brand to hit certain targets we have for volume, we felt there was a need.” Denlein says Laufenn tires will be priced below the Hankook brand. Te company projects frst-year unit sales to be 10% of its business.

“Our intention is to grow the brand over the next two years.

In 2020 our strategy is to make Laufenn a Tier Two product.

We go about doing that by creating a full line, a brand story, a reliable product, a sustainable brand and a very intense marketing communications plan,” says Denlein.

Following the U.S. launch, Hankook will ofer the tire in 10 strategic markets across North America, Latin America and Asia-Pacifc. Te brand will also expand to Europe and other regions in the coming years. Te company expects to reach market share of over 1% within fve years in all major strategic markets worldwide. ■

MTD December 2014

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23126

European notebook

Issues and answers Brityrex addresses ‘part-worn’ tires and tire labeling

I

recently atended the three-day Brityrex Show complete horror stories about part-worns such in the UK, and this biannual event featured as new tires sold that were found to be 19 years for the very first time a special seminar old plus tires that have been repaired by a number entitled TyreTalk that incorporated a series of of bizarre means... even duct tape!” speakers from various aspects of the tire industry.

Hay went on to point out a recent Consumer One of the speakers was Stefan Hay, director Body random survey of 50 part-worn tires reof the National Tyre Distribution Association vealed that a staggering 98% were not marked (NTDA), who explained the current situation as part-worn, which is a legal requirement. Also, regarding illegal part-worn tires in the UK market 50% had been repaired to a level that was not to and what the NTDA is doing to combat this By John Stone the British Standard, while 4% had heat damage spiralling problem. and a certain amount were under-infated. ObviHay pointed out that there are around 4.5 million part- ously, all of these tires failed an inspection test and were worn tires being sold in the UK every year, although he considered unsafe — even though they were on display is led to believe the fgure could be nearer to 6 million. and available for sale.

Terefore, the NTDA is completely commited to efectively Te NTDA believes it is the responsibility of Trading combating the presence of illegal and non-compliant Standards ofcers to carry out inspections on part-worn part-worn tires on tires but is fully aware that like most public bodied orgaUK roads. nizations, they do not have the funding to support these Hay says, “We are inspections. Terefore, the NTDA is working with these not looking to eradi- ofcers to pinpoint the rogue traders with expertise and cate part-worn tires funding. Hay adds, “In partnership with Trading Standards overnight, and it is ofcers, we have carried out a number of surveys, including important to note one on 600 part-worn tires randomly (chosen) throughout that the government the UK that revealed the sheer damage some of these tires is on record as stating were carrying, which included every type of defect and that part-worn tires unsatisfactory repair.” are very important in It is also worth noting that on a regional basis, in the terms of the managecity of Bristol, 100% of tires were not marked as part-worn, The NTDA is trying to combat the spiralling problem of illegal “part-worn” ment of waste which and many others were poorly repaired, damaged or at is clearly pointing least 10 years old. In the county of Lincolnshire, 100% of tires in the United Kingdom. out that recycling is tires also were not marked as part-worn and were usually a positive action and some part-worn tires are safe to use damaged. And, in one case, they were the wrong size for and need to be out there in the marketplace. the car they were fted to, therefore not matching the “However, our big concern is that new part-worn tire other tires on the vehicle. dealerships are opening up at a rapid pace in the UK with Te NTDA found a similar patern right across the an even more disturbing move away from the traditional UK, therefore compounding Hay’s belief that this is a type of dealer to a more secondary ‘additional service’ as serious epidemic born out of dubious tire dealers paying garage and supermarket car washes where they also ofer no atention to the condition of their tires and just being to ft replacement tires. Tis is an alarming situation that interested in making a swif proft. is happening on a daily basis.

Looking to the future, the NTDA is actively encouraging “To give you an idea of the scale of the problem we are education for part-worn tire dealers, and with the current facing, a recent incident reported by an NTDA member support of its TyreBack collection scheme and national tire when inspecting tires to be replaced due to a steering retail chains it continues to try to resolve what is probably problem identifed by the motorist indicated that two tires the UK’s biggest problem at the moment. on the rear axle were found to be winter part-worn tires, plus one tire on the front was around 16 years old and all Tire labeling four tires were in very bad condition and totally illegal.

With the European Union tire labeling legislation now Tis is the sort of situation that the NTDA is trying to frmly established throughout Europe, the National Meaeradicate from unregulated side-line operations.” surement Ofce (NMO), as part of the UK government, According to the tire trade, 1,210 motorists were involved is commissioned to oversee fair measurement in trading in tire-related accidents in 2010, and these sort of fgures operations. It not only took part in a special TyreTalk series are commonplace on a yearly basis when you learn of the of seminars at the event, but also exhibited at the show.

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MTD December 2014

Mat Eglinton, an enforcement compliant ofcer at the NMO, made an informative presentation on the “Enforcement and Compliance of EU Tire Labeling,” which comes under the department’s legislation responsibility. He explained that the concept of tire labeling operates very much along the same guidelines as the energy labeling of electrical white products, which came into force a few years ago.

Eglinton says, “With over 300 diferent tire brands currently available in the UK market, it would be true to say that enforcing EU tire labeling regulations has proved to be quite a challenge but one that the NMO has handled successfully.

And we believe the upholding of this important legislation has led to a gradual beneft for both tire retailers and consumers.

“We take very seriously the fact that when a consumer pur-

Hot on the heels of tire waste criminals Another prominent speaker at the 2014 Brityrex TyreTalk Seminar sessions was Paul Keay, national waste enforcement campaigns manager at the Environment Agency (EA) who made a strong presentation on the enforcement and compliance of waste tires.

Concentrating on England, Keay pointed out that the EA is responsible for regulating the use of all waste in industry which includes tires. At present, waste crime is estimated to cost the country around £ 800 million a year apart from being an obvious health risk and tires do feature heavily in this crime scenario.

www.moderntiredealer.com

“It is quite common for people in the tire industry to get caught up in waste crime without actually being aware of it,” he said. “Many tire crimes committed are what the EA calls ‘accidental offenses,’ whereby dealers and retailers do not always realize that what they are doing is illegal, albeit indirectly through a third party.

“We recommend that they endeavor to fnd out where their waste tires are ultimately going to, and if they are going to be exported, then make sure they fully understand the path they will be taking and that the tires actually reach their intended destination.”

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He also was keen to emphasize that the EA is working with other regulators and the police to push for an increase in the penalties for environmental offenses.

A team of specially trained offcers investigate the fnances of companies they suspect are illegally dumping old tires.

Of 820 offcial waste sites the EA visited in 2013, 42 encompassed tires.

Also, fve people were sent to prison for waste crimes, 15 people received suspended sentences and £1.4 million was recovered as unlawful proceeds from waste crime.

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European notebook chases a tire, they have the right to at least be able to make an informed choice of the type and brand of tire they buy through accurate and clear tire labeling. Used correctly, tire labeling will continue to help raise the standard of tires on display if it’s supported by ongoing education within the industry.”

Eglinton also pointed out that the NMO is always looking to work as closely as possible with all sectors of the tire industry

This is what an EU tire label looks like.

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from manufacturers through retailers to ensure maximum awareness and efectiveness of tire labeling through training.

With an estimated £1 million being invested in the research and development of tires each year, the NMO believes it is the responsibility of tire producers to test their products to ensure they meet the standards illustrated on their labels.

Eglinton adds, “It has been encouraging to note that the majority of companies we have visited at random since tire labeling legislation was introduced are presenting and using tire labels to maximum efect, with a substantial amount of retail outlets using Automatic Invoice Labeling Systems, which give a consumer detailed information about the tires they have just purchased.

“However there is a great deal of work still to be carried out regarding relaying important information to consumers about the benefts and efectiveness of tire labeling.

“At the same time, tire retailers have to play there part in using labels to recommend particular tires they believe are best suited to their customers’ needs.”

Tere is no doubt in my mind that the danger of part-worn tires and EU tire labeling are very much on the ‘Action Agenda’ in the UK at the moment. ■

John Stone has been working within the global tire industry for the last 20 years. In 2004, he launched his own consulting company, Sapphire Media Services, which caters to business media clients around the globe. Stone also writes for tire and automotive-related publications in Europe, South Afica and Asia.

MTD December 2014

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23128

Counter intelligence

A hard look at procrastination How to defeat an enemy of productivity and success

T

SL

he Specialty Equipment Market Associatend to fool myself into thinking that I don’t tion (SEMA) Show is always the frst procrastinate. Goals properly established help week in November, and it’s a reminder me avoid this tendency of mine. to me that the end of the year is near.

Tis year has been very busy for me, and 2015 2) Establish an action plan: Self-discipline and is shaping up to be even busier. I’m writing this self-motivation are important to accomplishing article as much for me as for others who may goals, but we can accomplish more if we create an have a tendency toward procrastination. action plan. I include accountability partners in my SEMA Show time is extremely busy for me action plan because I tend to build in slack when it’s as I help prepare my clients for the show with By Wayne Williams not necessary. I suggest placing a few easier goals, printing, design, flyers, displays, consulting, low-hanging fruit, as it were, up front to build some and a wide variety of other stuf. Te week of the show is momentum. Momentum is the enemy of procrastination. exciting; long hours, meetings, and more things to see and Being aware of your own personal work ethic is important. do than you can possibly accomplish. Afer the show, there For example, I’m most productive on a daily basis if I start is the need to catch up, follow up and gear up. When I say strong. If I allow myself to get distracted in the morning, it “gear up,” I mean that 2015 is right around the corner and will diminish my productivity for the entire day.

I had beter get to laying out plans for my business and for my clients’ businesses; afer all, we get paid for results.

3) Set up check points: In accomplishing goals, there My natural tendency afer the SEMA Show is to slow are hurdles to be cleared. Some of the hurdles are external down and relax. As a result, I have to plan appropriate time and some are internal. External hurdles could be new for relaxation because if I don’t, I’ll give myself slack that can competitors moving into your market, or maybe economic lead into levels of procrastination. For me, it’s all about fnd- conditions shifing for the worst. Some hurdles are internal ing the right balance of slow time and such as the fear of failure, seeds of doubt, fear of success, go time. self-criticism, frustration, perfectionism, loss of control, IM and fear of disappointing others. Hurdles have to be cleared whether external or internal, and puting timetables and accountability in place is necessary.

May I suggest some goals for 2015 as we move forward in our businesses and careers?

M As we know, maintaining a business is challenging, at times difcult; to succeed requires constant efort. Procrastination leads to more challenges and difculties and, therefore, must be overcome. Success is achieved daily, and planning is part of the process. I’m recommending a simple three-step process to help beat procrastination, an enemy of business success.

1) Carefully plan realistic goals: Goals come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be or should be broken down into immediate and longer-term categories. I’ve learned over the years to go ahead and list the goals that I don’t particularly like to accomplish and ask for help. Tough I accomplish a lot for my business and my clients, I still have a tendency to procrastinate on items I don’t like. I

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• Pick a category to improve sales by 10%: alignments, performance tire sales, custom wheels, or overall service revenue. You pick any category you want.

• Reduce customer complaints by improving communication skills.

• Commit to become an SUV/CUV tire expert; research sizes, ftments, and ofer the best value in your marketplace.

• Establish three goals: immediate goal, longer-term goal, and dream goal.

Realistic achievable goals are motivators. If your goal is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. Share it with a trusted confdent who has a vested interest in your success. Own your goals.

One of my goals in 2015 is to establish a video version of Counter Intelligence leading to improved experiences for consumers and counter staf. ■ Wayne Williams is president of ExSell Marketing Inc., a “counter intelligence” frm based in La Habra, Calif. He can be reached at exsellmkting@gmail.com.

MTD December 2014

TPMS

Optimal service for Kia Optima Critical fault lights up during entire ignition cycle SUBJECT VEHICLE: 2011-2013 Kia Optima.

RELEARN PROCEDURE? Yes. SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? A Kia GDS (Global Diagnostic System) with the TPMS module.

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on a 2011 to 2013 Kia Optima monitors the air pressure in the four road tires with wheel-mounted tire pressure sensors. To do this, the system uses a

TPMS receiver, four radio frequency (RF) tire pressure sensors, two warning indicators on the instrument cluster, and a data circuit to perform system functions.

Te tire pressure sensor operates in two modes: stationary/rolling mode and sleep mode. In stationary/rolling mode, the sensor will measure pressure and temperature every four seconds, and measure acceleration every 60 seconds. In sleep mode, the sensor enters a low current consumption state where

no measurements are made in order to conserve batery power. All sensors are in this state when new.

Te sensor will not transmit unless requested to do so by the initiate command or when the vehicle accelerates to 15 mph (25 km/h).

Tire pressure monitor warning indicators When tire pressure is below the allowed threshold, the low pressure indicator on the instrument cluster will be illuminated.

If the system detects a receiver or sensor fault, or if it detects a fault that is external to the receiver or sensor, the TPMS warning indicator on the instrument cluster will be illuminated. If the fault is considered “critical,� the light will stay on throughout the entire ignition cycle.

Figure 1: Registering the tire pressure sensor.

Figure 2: Registering the tire pressure sensor.

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TPMS cause the sensor pressure port to block and an incorrect warning to occur.

Removal

Figure 3: Tire pressure sensor assembly.

Reset procedures

NOTE: If a tire pressure sensor is replaced, it will need to be initiated. Te TPMS is not afected by wheel and tire rotation.

Te low tire pressure telltale illuminates when one or more tires is signifcantly under-infated. Te indicator will go out afer the tires are infated to the specifed pressure. Ensure the warning light goes of (this may take up to four minutes if the tire is not rapidly re-infated).

Tire pressure sensor initiation

NOTE: In the following procedure, a Kia GDS (Global Diagnostic System) with the TPMS module must be used.

1) Condition — Ignition ON and Engine OFF. 2) Holding the TPMS module within three inches (76 mm) of the sensor valve, read each tire pressure sensor ID in the following order: front lef, front right, rear lef, then rear right.

3) Press the ENTER buton as each tire is illuminated on the screen.

4) Press the WRITE buton afer reading all of the sensor IDs. 5) Connect the GDS to the Data Link Connector (DLC) located under the lef side of the instrument panel. Register the four sensor IDs to the receiver (see Figures 1 and 2).

NOTE: Te TPMS receiver will complete the learn procedure of the new sensor afer the vehicle is driven up to 20 minutes at speeds over 15 mph (25 km/h). NOTE: For the system to correctly monitor the tires for under-infation, there should be a total of exactly four sensors, one on each of the four road wheel positions. Tere should be no other sensors in the vehicle since this could cause the system to monitor the wrong sensors or fail to learn a new sensor.

6) Modify any sensor ID and press the [OK] buton.

Demounting/mounting procedures

CAUTION: Te tire should be demounted from the wheel using the tire changer manufacturer’s instructions. Use the following information to avoid damage during the demounting/ mounting procedures.

CAUTION: Ensure that the wheel to be fted is designed for the sensor mount. Tere should normally be a mark to indicate this.

NOTE: If a tire pressure sensor is replaced, it will need to be initiated. See reset procedures. Te TPMS is not afected by wheel and tire rotation.

Tire pressure sensor

CAUTION: Do not use puncture repair fuid, as this can

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1) Remove the wheel and tire assembly. CAUTION: Avoid tire/tool contact with the valve while demounting the tire.

2) Defate the tire and remove the balance weights. Te tire bead should be broken about 11 inches (30 cm) from the valve inside the wheel. Te bead breaker should not be set too deep. Demount should end near the valve.

3) While supporting the sensor with care, remove the valve nut and remove the sensor assembly. CAUTION: Te seal and seal washer should not be re-used; remove and discard.

4) While supporting the rear of the valve so there is no movement, remove the seal and seal washer.

Installation

CAUTION: Avoid bringing the tire pressure sensor in contact with the lubricant. Always handle a tire pressure sensor carefully.

1) While supporting the rear of the valve so there is no movement, install the new seal and seal washer (see Figure 3).

2) Ensure that the valve hole and mating face of the wheel are clean. Insert the sensor assembly into the wheel without modifying the angle of the valve stem. Te ft should not be tight. CAUTION: Ensure the sensor feet are against the wheel throughout the remainder of the assembly process.

3) Tighten the nut by hand until it is lightly in contact with the wheel. CAUTION: While tightening the nut, do not exceed allowed torque. Do not use electric or pneumatic tools.

4) Using a torque wrench, tighten the nut to 35 f.-lbs. (4 N.m).

5) Lubricate the tire bead (not the rim). Do not use excessive lubrication.

6) Start tire mounting about 5.9 inches (15 cm) from the valve. Move the mounting tool away from the valve. Avoid tire/tool contact with the valve. Finish with the mounting tool near the valve.

7) Adjust the infation pressure of all the wheels. Install the valve cap.

8) If installing a new sensor, initiate tire pressure sensor.

See reset procedures.

Torque specifcations

Component Wheel nut 65-80 ft.-lbs. (88-108 N.m) Tire pressure sensor valve nut 35 in.-lbs. (4 N.m)

It is normal to feel a break as the 20 in.-lbs. (2.3 N.m) calibrated stop in the nut snaps and the torque falls. Increase torque smoothly to achieve a clean break of the stop. Do not exceed allowed torque. Do not use electric or pneumatic tools. ■

Information for this column comes fom Mitchell 1’s “Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide” for domestic and import vehicles through 2014. Headquartered in Poway, Calif., Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry for more than 80 years. For more information, visit www.mitchell1.com.

MTD December 2014

Products Sensors measure exact air/fuel ratio Bosch has been a major player in the advancement of oxygen sensor technology and offers oxygen sensors for many Asian, domestic and European applications. Bosch Wideband Air/Fuel ratio sensors utilize a more sophisticated sensing element that enables them to measure exhaust gas oxygen accurately from as rich as 9.0:1 to as lean as free air.

Each sensor is 100% exhaust tested for reliability and features a double laser-welded stainless steel body to protect against contamination and ensure long life. Bosch oxygen sensors are on every car running in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for 2014.

ROBERT BOSCH LLC Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23171 www.mtdquiklink.com/ 23171

Hercules introduces Avalanche R G2 Hercules Tire has added the premium, studless Hercules Avalanche R G2 to its winter tire offering. Designed to deliver versatile reliability in severe and unpredictable winter conditions, the Avalanche R G2 delivers outstanding grip on any winter road surface — wet or dry, ice or snow. Hercules’ exclusive AWC2 compound uses silica and clean oils to provide superior lateral and linear grip at low temperatures and maintains outstanding performance in all temperatures and weather conditions. An EcoFT-designated tire, the Hercules Avalanche R G2 has very low rolling resistance. It is available in 38 SKUs with rim diameters from 14 to 18 inches. All SKUs feature a speed rating of R, and SUV sizes are constructed with extra-durable, cut-resistant sidewalls.

HERCULES TIRE Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23172 www.mtdquiklink.com/ 23172

Off-road wheel collection expands Vision Wheel Locker style 420 is made for lifted, leveled or stock height light trucks and SUVs. The one-piece aluminum wheels feature gloss black milled spokes and a timeless design that is rugged, sporty and tough. A dynamic addition to Vision Wheel’s off-road collection for 2015, the wheels are available in 17x9, 18x9 and 20x9 sizes.

VISION WHEELS INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23173 www.mtdquiklink.com/ 23173

Plombco releases 2015 catalog Plombco Inc. has released its 2015 wheel weights catalog.

The catalog can be obtained by downloading a PDF from the

www.moderntiredealer.com

company’s website, calling customer service at (800) 611-7074 for a hard copy, or requesting a copy on the next purchase order. A patented lead-free alternative, Plombco’s Plasteel is a steel core wheel weight encased in a plastic shell. Plombco’s comprehensive product lines include steel, lead and zinc clip-on and adhesive wheel weights, truck wheel weights, assortment kits, tools and accessories and specialty wheel weights to meet virtually any balancing need.

PLOMBCO INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23174 www.mtdquiklink.com/ 23174

Coats ProGuard Plus Leverless tire changer The Coats ProGuard Plus Leverless tire changer, developed as a fast, easy-to-use tire changer specifically engineered for oversized, run-fat and low profle applications, features a revolutionary design that reduces the risk of tire or rim damage.

In addition to leverless operation, the ProGuard Plus Leverless has builtin features that take the strain out of tire changing such as lifting, prepping, bead loosening, mounting and demounting. These can all be done with easy-to-use controls from a single operator location. Take the effort and risk out of changing low profle, run-fat and large diameter tires with Coats’ ProGuard Plus Leverless tire changer.

HENNESSY INDUSTRIES INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23175 www.mtdquiklink.com/ 23175

Rechargeable penlight for close work Coast Products has introduced a rechargeable focusing penlight with a brightness of 275 lumens that is designed for the close work performed by vehicle inspectors and service technicians. For close work, the user dials in the exact food beam needed by twisting the focusing bezel.

The HP3R penlight also features the company’s proprietary Flex Charge Dual Power Rechargeable System, including the Pro-Tek Charging Port. The light’s tail cap pops up to reveal a micro USB port for the charging cable. The HP3R will begin shipping the frst quarter of 2015.

COAST PRODUCTS Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23176 www.mtdquiklink.com/ 23176

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Products Brake pad technology improves stopping power

Rotary Lift tire hanger makes it easier to remove wheels Rotary Lift’s latest productivity-enhancing car lift accessory makes it easier for technicians to remove wheels for tire rotations and brake and suspension work. The new Wheel Wing tire hanger attaches to a two-post or in-ground lift’s swing arm, providing a convenient resting place for wheels. It has a 100 lb. capacity for holding car, truck, SUV and van wheels. A protective coating and end cap prevent wheels from being scratched or dinged as they are placed on the hanger arm.

ROTARY LIFT Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23177 www.mtdquiklink.com/ 23177

Cordless tools run twice as long The new range of cordless tools from Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co. provides the operator with more power and a runtime twice that of conventional products.

The cordless tools include impact wrenches and drivers. The 20-Volt/4Ah CP20XP and 12-volt/1.5Ah CP12XP lithium-ion batteries means the tools deliver the power and performance of an air tool while providing the mobility of a battery tool. They offer superior power and battery performance for increased productivity, durability, ease of use and mobility.

CHICAGO PNEUMATIC TOOL CO. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23178 www.mtdquiklink.com/ 23178

Brake Parts Inc. LLC has added 100 part numbers to the Raybestos brand’s line of Element3 brake pads. The Element3 line with Enhanced Hybrid Technology (EHT) combines the best attributes of ceramic and semi-metallic all in one pad. This innovative engineering breakthrough ensures optimal performance, improves pad wear and durability, and delivers unsurpassed stopping power and vehicle control, even under the most aggressive braking conditions.

BRAKE PARTS INC. LLC Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23180 www.mtdquiklink.com/ 23180

Mahle’s new scan tool speeds diagnosis Mahle Service Solutions’ new TechPro diagnostic scan tool displays results within seconds. The vehicle communication interface (VCI) and software can be used with a technician’s current desktop, laptop or tablet, making it unnecessary to buy or lease extra hardware. It is designed as a subscription and software-based model for lower costs instead of a large investment in hardware. Features include J-2534 pass-thru capability for refashing and reprogramming.

Other functions include cylinder balance tests, compression testing, key relearn, and misfre graphing. The TechPro tool will be available in 2015. A pre-loaded tablet is available upon request for an additional cost.

MAHLE SERVICE SOLUTIONS Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23181 www.mtdquiklink.com/ 23181

Tenneco expands Monroe OESpectrum line to cover domestic vehicles Tenneco Inc. has expanded its line of Monroe OESpectrum shock absorbers and struts to cover virtually all domestic and foreign nameplate passenger vehicle models. The OESpectrum line, which features the company’s next-generation, original equipment-based valving technology, was previously available only for foreign nameplate applications. Monroe OESpectrum shocks and struts provide exceptional handling precision and control while fltering out the ride harshness commonly encountered in many late-model vehicles.

This unique blend of control and comfort is made possible by each unit’s Twin Technology Active Control System, an exclusive internal damping approach frst developed for leading global vehicle manufacturers.

TENNECO INC. Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23179 www.mtdquiklink.com/ 23179

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Maximum windshield wiping performance from Bosch’s InSight Bosch has introduced InSight, an innovative, premium hybrid beam blade designed for consumers who prefer a hybrid blade along with the additional advantages of Bosch patented beam blade technology. The InSight blade features a graphite-coated natural rubber wiping edge with a patented internal tension spring versus the conventional style claws of other hybrid blades. Unique in the market, Bosch InSight provides maximum wiping performance in all driving conditions. Installation is quick and easy. The Bosch InSight program is comprised of 12 part numbers providing 91% coverage of hook and pin applications for Asian, domestic and European vehicles.

ROBERT BOSCH LLC Quik-Link: (800) 687-1557, ext. 23182 www.mtdquiklink.com/ 23182

MTD December 2014

Instant information direct from MTD advertisers

To request free product information by phone, call 800-687-1557, enter the extension number listed below, and you will be immediately transferred to the company you want to talk with — it takes only seconds.

To request information online, log on to www. mtdquiklink.com/ plus the corresponding Quik-Link number. You’re just a click away from receiving free information on the new products that interest you.

Advertiser

Page

800-687-1557 + Toll Free Extension

Web site

Afac

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Blackburn’s Hubcap & Wheel Solutions

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Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company

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Coker Tire

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Continental Tire, Commercial Vehicle Tires

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Cornerstone Powered by ASA/Bridgestone

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Gaither Tool Company Inc.

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KYB Americas Corporation

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IFC

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Nexen Tire America Inc.

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NitroShield

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Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc.

OBC

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Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc.

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Pirelli Tire North America

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Robert Bosch LLC

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Sentury Tire Americas

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Synchrony Financial

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ZC Rubber America Inc.

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MTD December 2014

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MTD December 2014

Your turn

Building better teams through charity Question of the month Each month we ask members of our National Advisory Council (NAC) a question or questions on a current hot topic. Tis month we asked, “Te holidays are approaching and we’re wondering what kind of charities you are involved with this time of year. Do you collect coats for Coats for Kids? Work with the Salvation Army?

Have a Tanksgiving food or toy drive? We’d love to hear about your eforts -- and what they mean to you, your employees and your customers. “ Here are some of their comments.

1. We adopt a family through our Boy Scout troop and donate additional food for the needy through our church.

2. We decided to become active in the “Breast Cancer Awareness” fund raising campaign this year, and were pleased with our success in our frst year. Our intent is to prepare earlier and add the campaign to our broadcast media messages next year. Our goal in 2015 is to raise a minimum of $1,000 per store, which would raise over $15,000 for the charity. Tis month we are actively collecting toys and money for the U.S. Marine Corps’ “Toys for Tots” charity by donating $1 for every tire we sell, discounting $20 on a set of tires if the customer brings in an unwrapped toy, and accepting cash donations on the invoice to be passed on to the Marines to buy toys for the kids in our market areas who are somewhat forgoten at Christmas. Our planning for this event started earlier, so we think the work we do will be rewarding for the children.

Tis efort and the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign has been a wonderful experience for our entire company.

Managers and store employees are full of creative ideas, and can’t do enough to help make these fund raisers a success.

Te business is building beter teams, it’s motivating our employees and, generally, this feeling of giving something back is making everyone around here beter people. It makes a guy like me proud to be a part of something that’s nice and worthwhile.

3. All our stores help sponsor Toys for Tots and collect toys for this charity. For more information on this charity, go to the website www.toysfortots.org.

4. We make donations to the Salvation Army.

A council member wanted to comment on last month’s question on whether or not the dealers were open for business on Sundays: 1. We have traditionally been closed on Sundays, although we are considering opening select stores on those days. When we have done Sunday events, such as big sales or promotions, our Sunday business has always been hit and miss. It seems to make sense that more people are of on Sunday which could lead

to more business coming into the store, but judging what we see our competitors doing on Sunday’s it appears to be slower.

What’s on your mind?

We also asked our NAC what was on their mind. Tey responded with:

Tarifs! How is our business going to be impacted? I’m optimistic about our industry in 2015, however, I am concerned about the tarif and any impact that may have toward consumers.

Jon Shields, Branch Manager Carroll Tire North Atlanta - C33 Marieta, Ga.

I was pleased with the election outcome. I’m hopeful that this power shif in the Senate will mean the beginning of an atitude change in this country that promotes business, job creation instead of welfare proliferation, honesty in government with less corruption, lower taxes that promote growth, and a return to core family values that are faith-based and that re-establish some lost traditional family units. It’s a lot to ask, but, hey, you have to start somewhere.

Charley Gowland, Manager/Owner Chabill’s Tire Service LLC Morgan City, La.

Tire dealers must look at tire inventory as an investment, not an expense. I also feel that our wholesale customers are becoming less aggressive. Tire dealers stock less and miss opportunities. You can’t sell from an empty wagon even if you get tire deliveries four times a day!

Jef Cohen, Co-owner Traction Wholesale Center Bensalem, Pa.

Is being open on Sunday an option?

Editor Bob Ulrich’s recent blog on our website on “Why you should ask yourself if being open on Sunday is an option,” elicited a lot of comments. Here is a sampling.

I am seriously considering opening my stores on Sundays in spring 2015. I’m looking to increase sales revenue any way I can. Te real issue is will the additional sales be “new business” or just stealing from Saturday’s sales? Having to pay overtime, or even double time in some states, for workers on Sundays is an issue that states should review, particularity in the era of “constant availability of products” for today’s shoppers.

Jim Melvin Jr., President Melvin’s Tire Pros & Auto Service Centers Johnston, R.I.

Join Modern Tire Dealer’s National Advisory Council Each month, Modern Tire Dealer is guided and infuenced by a select group of readers — members of our National Advisory Council. Tese members’ opinions are the heart of the monthly Your Marketplace column, compiled by industry analyst Nick Mitchell. If you’d like to join this prestigious group, please let us know. We’d love to hear from you. Contact Editor Bob Ulrich at Bob.Ulrich@bobit.com or call (330) 899-2200, ext. 11.

www.moderntiredealer.com

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Your turn Sunday’s are my time for God and family. I want my technicians and ofce staf to be able to also enjoy their families and their weekends.

Vehicles break down every day of the week. And the people who usually want services on the weekend have failed in their responsibility to maintain their vehicles. And now we have to be there for them NOW! Plus afer going above and beyond to help them, they will show you no loyalty. They will migrate to the next repair shop to save a buck. Over the years, I have concluded that your best customers respect your employees’ time and realize that they provide quality repairs with professional service and that they also deserve to have a life on weekends.

I was open on Saturdays until noon, then every other Saturday by appointment, but afer analysis of my ROI, I concluded that not only was it not cost efective, my technicians appreciated the weekend time now coming to them and have made a concerted efort to perform beter during the week. Yes, I had some customer loss, but I believe I have more than prospered by being closed on weekends.

e’re w , y r Sor

D E S O CL

John Zadrovitz, President/Owner South Trail Tire & Auto Repair Fort Myers, Fla.

I have worked for Discount Tire Co. for over 20 years. One of the reasons we are as successful as we are is because of our people — they are happy! Happy employees equal happy customers. Being closed on Sundays helps keep it that way!

Tank you, Bruce Halle!!!

Tad Dvorak, Store Manager Discount Tire Co. Houston, Texas

Nine years ago I made the decision to close on Saturdays.

We are in a small town and have a fve-bay shop. I have never regreted that decision and our botom line has not sufered.

My employees love being of on the weekends and so do I. At some point you have to ask yourself are you running your business or is your business running you? I now open up on Monday morning refreshed and ready for the new week.

Douglas Webb, President/Owner Webb’s Tire Co. Inc. Appomatox, Va.

We are a small independent family tire shop (fve bays). I do not believe in working on Sundays, because of my religious convictions. Our shop will never be open on Sundays for that reason.

We are open six days a week, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, which is a long week as is, and I believe the employees and the owner/managers need a day of rest and family time. Te whole reasoning for me is biblical, and there are lots of positives behind this belief.

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Are we as a society so money-making driven that we are afraid of what business we may loose on a holy day? I think that says something about our current culture. I would never even consider the money we may be losing.

Look at Chic-fl-A, we have one in our town, and they are packed six days a week, especially at lunchtime, you have to wait and wait. Personally, I believe God blesses people’s observance of His principles and rewards us in ways that are not always measured in monetary terms, for example health, security and prosperity.

Kenny Heishman, Manager Blue Ridge Tire Inc. Harrisonburg, Va.

We, too, are closed on Sunday and hope to keep it that way.

Also, our stores were open until 7 p.m., but it was a problem scheduling employees and we lost a few good managers because they didn’t want to work later. So we cut the hours back to 6 p.m. and everyone is happy. No customers complained and now we have a full crew all hours of the day.

We close a few hours earlier on Saturdays, too — 3 p.m. I fnd that customers — our “true” customers — are not coming out much afer that.

I feel pressure to be open on Sundays because of the competition, but when we talk to customers they seem to agree with us (until their batery goes dead) and most will wait until Monday.

David Litle, Owner Litle Tire Co. Tire Pros Fredericksburg, Va.

Tis is an old question and no real answer. I guess it all depends on the area where your store is located and what your business practices are. We’re open 68 hours a week and that becomes a long week. We have tried Sundays and we are in a rural area and most of the business walking in the door were emergencies. Most of our customers use Sundays for church, personal fun and things other than repairing the car.

Tat’s why we extended our business hours during the week and have loaner vehicles.

When open on Sundays you need more employees and expenses go up. You have to look at it closely — is the income there or are you just beating up yourself, equipment and everybody else?

John Jindra Jr., Manager Quality Tire Service, a Division of JJPN Inc. Johnsburg, Ill.

It’s encouraging to see so many people say that it’s their convictions that keep them closed on Sundays. We feel the same way and have felt that way for the past 40 years. Trough the past few harsh years it has been tempting to give up and open up for a least a few hours on Sunday, but it seems like being closed is a good way to honor our God and give our employees a day of rest. We know we lose some business, but feel it’s worth it.

Tom Wright Jr., President Wright Tire Service Anoka, Minn.

MTD December 2014

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23130

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23131