What’s Treading with Tire Review

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Latest Episodes:

Nexen N’Priz S and N’Fera Sport In-Depth Tire Review Feb 03, 2026

This video reviews two new passenger tire launches from Nexen Tire, offering a detailed Nexen N’Priz S and N’Fera Sport review while also explaining how the company is using artificial intelligence in modern tire development.
Nexen N'Priz S Review
The Nexen N’Priz S is a grand touring all-season tire designed for modern vehicles, including electric vehicles, hybrids, and internal-combustion vehicles. Nexen identifies the N’Priz S as its first EV-compatible tire, engineered to manage higher vehicle weight, instant torque delivery, and reduced noise expectations common to electric vehicles. The tire features a wider contact patch compared to the previous generation, which helps distribute load more evenly for improved braking, stability, and wear. Nexen also incorporated variable-pitch shoulder blocks to reduce pattern noise. Plus, its 4D compound technology and 3D sipe design help maintain traction across temperature changes and light winter conditions.
The N’Priz S replaces the Roadian GTX, Aria AH7, and N’Priz AH8 in Nexen’s lineup.
It carries an 80,000-mile treadwear warranty for ICE vehicles and a 60,000-mile warranty for EV applications.
Nexen N'Fera Sport Review
The Nexen N’Fera Sport is a premium ultra-high-performance summer tire developed to meet European OE performance expectations. Nexen focused on high-speed stability, wet braking, and steering precision by using a stiffer shoulder design, a reinforced center block, and a new tread compound with increased silica content and updated polymer chemistry. The tire uses a four-channel longitudinal groove design to evacuate water efficiently at speed. Elements such as a jointless bead wire, high-hardness bead filler, and high-tensile steel belt help maintain stability under load.
The N’Fera Sport is offered in 63 sizes and includes a 30,000-mile treadwear warranty. The tire has also received a Red Dot Design Award.
How is Nexen Tire Using AI?
Beyond the product reviews, the video explains how Nexen Tire is applying artificial intelligence and machine learning in tire development. Nexen engineers describe AI as a tool that analyzes large datasets from tire specifications, compounds, construction variables, simulations, and testing.
Nexen maintains a global database with data from approximately 190,000 tire designs. This database allows proprietary AI systems to predict outcomes, evaluate design changes, and help engineers reach targets faster.
Aaron Neumann, head of Nexen’s America’s Technical Center, explains that AI does not replace engineers. It does not make independent design decisions. Instead, AI supports development by accelerating analysis and improving early-stage decision-making.
This Nexen N’Priz S and N’Fera Sport review provides dealers, industry professionals, and performance-focused drivers a detailed look at Nexen’s latest all-season and UHP tire technology with Nexen N’Priz S and N’Fera Sport review. It also explains how AI influences tire design, testing, and future product development at Nexen Tire.

How the HawkEye Elite X Helps Tire Dealers Prepare for ADAS Growth Jan 20, 2026

Today, we take you inside Hunter Engineering’s St. Louis headquarters for an in-depth look at the Hunter HawkEye Elite X, the company’s latest expandable alignment system designed to future-proof shops as ADAS work becomes unavoidable. Hunter’s Wheel Alignment Product Engineer, Alan Hagerty, joins Tire Review’s David Sickels to break down what the “X” really means for tire dealers: more storage, more capability, and a built-in upgrade path that lets a shop buy top-tier alignment technology today and add static ADAS calibration when they’re ready.
Alan walks through how the system retains Hunter’s quick-grip, time-tested alignment tech while bringing new flexibility to the bay. The Elite X ships with Hunter’s ADASLink scan tool, allowing shops to perform mechanical alignments, steering resets, and dynamic ADAS calibrations without changing bays. That combination gives dealers a way to handle the majority of forward-facing calibration needs while building confidence before stepping into full static calibration setups.
For shops worried about space, Alan explains why most dealers start with dynamic calibrations and how the mobile, wheeled design of the Elite X helps them reconfigure the bay as needed – even rolling the unit aside for static calibrations when the time comes. Alan also outlines who the system serves. He explains the ROI considerations behind adding ADAS capability. He shows how Hunter’s team supports the upgrade process from start to finish.
Whether you’re already doing high volumes of alignments or evaluating ADAS as a new revenue stream, this episode breaks down how the Hunter HawkEye Elite X helps tire dealers grow by easily adding ADAS calibration to an existing alignment system.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com

Testing Three Hankook Dynapro Tires Through the Great Smoky Mountains Jan 06, 2026

What can real trail time in the Great Smoky Mountains reveal about where today’s light-truck tires truly fit?
In this episode of What’s Treading, Tire Review heads to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for a hands-on ride and drive featuring three Hankook Tire Dynapro tires: the Dynapro AT2 Xtreme, Dynapro MT2, and Dynapro XT.
We got the opportunity to test and compare how each tire handled on-road driving and off-road terrain. See the testing conditions, compare performance differences, and hear Robert Nasca, product and sales training manager, and K.C. Jensen, VP of U.S. PC/LT sales, explain how each tire fits drivers who split time between pavement, dirt, and rocky terrain.

Seven Conversations That Will Shape How Tire Dealers Win in 2026 Dec 23, 2025

This year’s What’s Treading conversations gave tire dealers a direct line to some of the industry’s most influential voices – Bridgestone, Continental, Nokian Tyres, Double Coin, Atturo, Global Air Cylinder Wheels, and Schrader – and today's show brings together the strongest tire dealer insights from those interviews.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com

The Most Talked About SEMA New Tires and Shop Upgrades Dec 09, 2025

The SEMA Show always offers a first look at the tools, tires, and technologies shaping the next year in the industry, and this year’s trip to Las Vegas delivered big for independent tire dealers. In this special What’s Treading episode, we walk the show floor to spotlight the products and innovations that matter most.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com

Hunter’s Road Force WalkAway Cuts Tire Bay Time by 44% Nov 25, 2025

Shops want faster workflows, fewer bottlenecks, and equipment that keeps technicians moving. On this episode of What's Treading, we set out to learn how well the new Road Force WalkAway tire balancer supports those goals during a visit to Hunter Engineering’s headquarters. We wanted to see how much time a modern balancer can actually save and what that means for daily productivity inside a busy tire bay.
Hunter’s David Henry kicked things off by showing the biggest change: automatic inflation built directly into the balancer. Technicians can clamp the wheel, hook on the hose, and drop the hood, and the machine handles the rest. Henry explained that this feature frees up 45 to 90 seconds, which technicians can use to mount the next tire, prep weights, grab a tire from the rack, or keep another bay moving.
The WalkAway still performs full Road Force diagnostics, measures spring rate, identifies stiff spots, and uses camera-based wheel measurement. But the team redesigned the hood and roller assembly to shrink the footprint by 4.5 inches to reclaim some space.
Engineering Manager Nate Brower explained how the machine calculates time savings through pressure readings, volume calculations, and flow rate. It gives technicians a countdown that shows how long they have to complete other tasks. In testing, he said, pairing the Road Force WalkAway with Hunter’s automated tire changers cut a four-tire job from 34 minutes to 19, which delivered a 44% time savings.
The WalkAway also integrates with HunterNet, which lets multi-store operations track usage, roller drops, inflation habits, and technician performance.

Why Schrader Thinks Retrofit TPMS Could Be the Next Big Shop Upgrade Nov 11, 2025

A growing number of vehicles on the road still lack tire pressure monitoring systems, and Schrader is hoping to change that with its new Aircheck BLE retrofit kit. In this episode of What’s Treading, David Sickels talks with Kelly Sadler, vice president and general manager for Sonata’s aftermarket business, about how the product works and what it means for both drivers and service shops.
The Aircheck BLE is designed to fit nearly any light-duty vehicle and deliver tire pressure, temperature, and sensor battery life information directly to the dashboard through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Sadler explains that the system uses Bluetooth Low Energy and a range extender to ensure reliable communication even over long distances, such as when towing a trailer.
For installers, Schrader kept setup simple. The sensors mount internally to protect against tampering and provide more accurate readings, while an app-based configuration removes the need for hard-wiring and specialized tools. Sadler says installation typically takes less than five minutes and that the company has produced full training materials and videos to help technicians get up to speed.
With roughly 250 million vehicles still operating without TPMS, the retrofit market represents a sizable opportunity for tire dealers looking to expand their services. Sadler notes that the Aircheck BLE’s single-SKU design helps streamline inventory and reduce complexity in the bay, giving shops a way to add value for customers who want better tire health monitoring without replacing their vehicle.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com

Let's Review Sailun's Atrezzo SVA2, Terramax AT2, and Terramax RT Tires Oct 28, 2025

Three tires, one incredible day at the track. At the scenic Burt Brothers Motorpark in Salt Lake City, we spent the day doing a good, old-fashioned Sailun tire test, putting three of Sailun Tire Americas’ newest products – the Atrezzo SVA2 ultra-high-performance all-season tire, the Terramax AT2 all-terrain tire, and Terramax RT rugged-terrain tire – through their paces across asphalt, gravel, and rock, respectively. Each tire showed off its unique performance and character.
We started with the Atrezzo SVA2, developed by the Chattanooga-based R&D team for North American roads. It features an asymmetrical tread design and Quiet Ride Technology for confident handling and a calm, composed feel.
Next up was the Terramax AT2, designed for drivers who divide their time between the highway and off-road. The AT2 features a new casing, enhanced compound, and protective sidewall biters for traction and cut resistance. It’s 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certified and backed by a 50,000-mile warranty.
We wrapped up this Sailun tire test with the Terramax RT, the company’s first rugged-terrain tire. Positioned between an A/T and M/T, it provides aggressive grip without the excessive noise or harshness often found in mud-terrains. Its squared profile and staggered shoulder lugs with stone ejectors are designed to give it confident traction and a stable, on-road feel.
Which of these three would perform best in your market? Let us know, and stay tuned for more from What’s Treading.

Can the Cosmo Tires Gripit XT Handle the World’s Toughest Sand? Oct 14, 2025

Cosmo Tires wanted to prove its newest extreme all-terrain tire, the Gripit XT, in a place that could push it to its limits. That’s how I ended up in Peru (home to one of the driest deserts in the world) with about 100 dealers, distributors, and Cosmo Tires team members. If you want to see what a tire can do on dunes as tall as mountains, there aren’t many better options.
Loose sand and steep slopes are some of the toughest conditions for any tire to thrive in. If the Gripit XT could climb the dunes of Ica, it could likely handle just about anywhere drivers might take it.
“There is no substitute for having hands-on experience,” CEO Tony Gonzalez said. “The tire performs beyond expectation… and you can see them doing their job right here in the middle of the desert.”
Tires like the Gripit XT are personal for Tony. He literally hand-drew its tread pattern before working with engineers to turn that sketch into reality.
Out on the sand, the scalloped shoulder lugs dug deep for traction, while Bead Claw reinforcements kept the tire locked on the rim. Cosmo’s Quiet Kat technology (using geometric isolation grooves to break up airflow) kept road noise low. Many sizes feature a 3-ply sidewall and up to 12 plies of under-tread reinforcement for heat control, puncture resistance, and stability. The tire also features Cosmo’s Directed Super Silica compound for cut resistance, wet grip, and lower rolling resistance.
Cosmo also backs the tire with a 50,000-mile warranty and its Hassle-Free Warranty Suite.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com

Are Drive Tires Undervalued in Terms of Fleet ROI? Sep 30, 2025

Today's the day that we put drive tire ROI front and center. On this episode of What's Treading, Valentino Faraone, Regional Vice President & New Product Development Manager at Double Coin, explains why fleets and dealers should give more attention to this tire position to boost the bottom line.
Valentino notes that while steer and trailer tires often dominate purchasing decisions, drive tires carry a heavy cost. They also play a major role in a fleet’s total cost of ownership. He shares methods for calculating drive tire ROI, tracking mileage, and comparing acquisition costs. He also suggests using simple spreadsheets to benchmark performance against other products.
The conversation highlights the importance of preventative maintenance. Dealers can deliver real value by monitoring tread depth, air pressure, and mismatched diameters before costly breakdowns occur. Valentino explains that this proactive approach may require an upfront investment but provides significant long-term savings and peace of mind.
He also discusses Double Coin’s durability approach, building heavier, more robust tires that excel in harsh environments and offer strong retreadability. That combination, he says, helps fleets maximize value throughout the tire’s lifecycle.
For commercial fleets, product quality matters as much as service and maintenance. Dealers who prioritize reliability, preventative maintenance, and consistent support build lasting trust with fleets and owner-operators, Valentino says.
Watch now for Valentino’s insights on service, durability, and why the drive tire should never be overlooked in a fleet’s ROI strategy.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com

Kumho Tire’s Road Venture RT Blends On-Road Comfort with Off-Road Confidence Sep 16, 2025

There’s something satisfying about hammering through a muddy trail and then cruising home comfortably on pavement. That’s exactly the kind of performance Kumho Tire targeted with the new Road Venture RT, its new rugged-terrain tire built for trucks and SUVs. The Road Venture RT sits between Kumho’s all-terrain and mud-terrain offerings, giving drivers weekday comfort and weekend capability.
We hit Hyundai Motor Group’s California Proving Grounds in the Mojave Desert to test the Road Venture RT across four distinct driving modules: mud, pavement, trails, and water-soaked autocross.
Kumho Tire Road Venture RT Technology
Kumho said it designed the tread to be aggressive and look like it can conquer any terrain, both on- and off-road. The design, robust construction, and new compound technologies enhance that, according to the manufacturer.
Rick Cunat, Managing Director at Kumho America Technical Center, said the design details deliver more than just looks.
"These features give the Road Venture RT an advantage in off-road applications," he said. "The angled sipes and zigzag grooves provide a high number of biting edges that allow the Road Venture RT to achieve high traction. These features enable the tire to achieve a high level of performance in snow and off-road."
Coming This Fall
The Road Venture RT will be available in 27 initial sizes from 17- to 22-inch fitments. Kumho will release more sizes in 2026. It includes a 30-day satisfaction trial, road hazard warranty, and a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty.
Watch the episode to see how Kumho’s Road Venture RT performs across multiple conditions from the Mojave Desert.

Maverick Pro Tire Changer Brings New Solutions to Old Shop Challenges Sep 09, 2025

The Maverick Pro tire changer is Hunter Engineering’s latest leap forward in tire service technology, and we went hands-on at their St. Louis facility to see what sets it apart. Hunter’s David Henry and Engineer Alex Greenhill to walk through its design, features, and technician-focused improvements on this episode of What's Treading.
The new pick-and-pull wheel lift saves labor and improves alignment, while the automatic bead roller and light tackle visibility challenges. Hunter says the Maverick Pro tire changer makes tough jobs on stiff sidewalls and low-profile tires faster, safer, and more efficient.
Henry explains this equipment “closes the training gap,” helping new technicians reach proficiency in days instead of weeks. Then Greenhill details how real-world feedback shaped upgrades like proportional hydraulic controls, an ergonomic lift, and a waterproof LED system.
If shop efficiency, technician safety, and advanced tire-changing equipment matter to your business, watch Hunter’s latest shop equipment in action.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com

The Nokian Tyres Dayton Factory Secret to Setting Production Records in 2025 Aug 19, 2025

From its “From Tennessee, For America” production philosophy to this year's record-setting output, the Nokian Tyres Dayton Tire Factory in Tennessee is driving growth for the brand, its dealers, and drivers across North America. In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, Nokian Tyres Senior Communications and Content Manager Wes Boling shares how the Dayton facility has become a cornerstone for efficiency, product innovation, and market responsiveness in the States for the Finnish tiremaker.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com

What Tire Dealers Should Know About Continental Tire Tread After 120 Years Aug 05, 2025

When you look at a tire, the tread pattern seems like a given... but that wasn’t always the case. Over a century ago, tires were just smooth rubber. That changed in the early 1900s when Continental unveiled the first-ever hand-carved tread pattern at the Frankfurt Auto Show, a move that transformed how tires deliver traction, braking, and steering.
To mark 120 years since that invention, we sat down with Barry Terzaken, Product Manager at Continental, to explore how tread design has evolved and where it’s headed next.
From Hand-Carved Grooves to Specialized Patterns
The first tread was simple: circumferential grooves cut into the tire to help it steer and grip on wet or muddy roads. Terzaken explained that Continental hand-carved early designs to experiment with performance, a practice they still use today alongside advanced simulation and AI modeling.
“[Adding tread] was really an astounding change. You have to go back a little bit farther because you're talking about the dawn of private mobility in vehicles at this time,” said Terzaken. “There were needs for traction, there was needs for braking and steering ability. And at the Frankfurt Auto Show, this is the first introduction of an actual hand carved tread pattern. This is where Continental came in.”
Modern Continental Tread Pattern Designs Built for Every Driver
Today, tread design is highly specialized. Ultra-high-performance summer tires feature asymmetric patterns for cornering grip. Winter and wet-weather tires use directional V-shaped grooves to channel water and snow. Every day, passenger tires often use symmetric patterns to allow easy rotation.
Terzaken highlighted how much engineering goes into every detail, even the small ones.
"If you look at a lot of our all-season tire grooves, they have little teeth called traction grooves," he explained. "With those little teeth inside that groove, now all of a sudden the groove is giving you traction in a condition where you really need traction, for example."
120 Years, and Still Carving the Future
What started as a hand-carved experiment in 1904 is now a field driven by AI, simulation, and thousands of patents. But as Terzaken reminded us, it’s still about one thing: giving drivers the grip, control, and confidence they need on the road.
Check out the full episode to see how Continental is celebrating 120 years of tread pattern innovation and pushing the limits of tire design for the next century.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com

Hankook’s iON HT Fills the Light-Truck EV Tire Gap Jul 22, 2025

EVs aren’t just sedans anymore — they’re trucks. And those trucks need tires built for weight, torque, and traction. That’s where the new EV truck tire, the Hankook iON HT, comes in.
We met up with Robert Nasca, Product & Marketing Training Manager at Hankook Tire, at the Electrify Expo in LA, where Hankook revealed the latest addition to their EV-specific iON lineup. Built from the ground up for electric vehicles, the iON HT targets electric light trucks and SUVs — a segment Nasca says had been missing a purpose-built EV tire.
Hankook iON HT Tire: Tailored for Performance
According to Nasca, an EV truck can weigh up to 30% more than its gas-powered equivalent. That means more torque, more braking force — and a lot more stress on the tire. Hankook addressed that with:

An “XL” load designation for extra strength;
Reinforced sidewalls for added rigidity;
A construction that handles electric torque and heavy loads.

Nasca highlighted Hankook’s use of Roll Lite Compound and Opti Cure Technology to reduce rolling resistance and improve range. The tire also includes ProDurable Compound and Opti Tread Technology, which support an industry-leading 80,000-mile treadwear warranty.
Striking Design and Smart Serviceability
One standout feature? The iON Clad sidewall, which draws inspiration from lightning. And in a move that prioritizes ease of service, Hankook left out inner foam — a decision based on feedback from OEMs and retailers who say foam-lined tires can be difficult to service.
This EV Truck Tire Arrives in August Made in Korea, the iON HT arrives this August in 18- to 22-inch sizes with T and H speed ratings. For shops and drivers looking to support electric trucks with the right tire, this new EV truck tire stands ready. Watch the full video to see our conversation with Robert Nasca and get a closer look at the iON HT in action at the Electrify Expo.

Global Air Cylinder Wheels on Re-Inventing the Tire & Wheel Jul 08, 2025

Dramatic innovations can sometimes be a tough sell in the tire and wheel industries. After all, how many times have you been told "No need to re-invent the wheel?" However, in this episode of What’s Treading, Harmen Van Kamp, CEO and co-founder of Global Air Cylinder Wheels, aims to challenge that mindset with a new alternative that replaces the traditional tire-and-rubber setup with a fully mechanical steel structure and an internal air suspension system known as an "air suspension wheel."
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com

Meet the Tire Industry Leaders Recognized in the 2025 Class of Club 3633 Jun 17, 2025

This episode of What’s Treading highlights five tire industry leaders who join the 2025 class of Tire Review’s Club 3633. Named after the patent for vulcanized rubber, Club 3633 recognizes individuals who lead with purpose and push the industry forward. These tire industry leaders reflect a cross-section of strategy, experience, and values that are reshaping the modern tire business.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com

Hankook Formula E Tires Deliver Grip, Speed and Consistency in Miami May 20, 2025

Formula E returned to Miami this year for the first time in over a decade, and Hankook's Formula E GEN3 Evo iON Race tires once again took center stage, both on and off the track. In this episode of What’s Treading, we take you inside Homestead-Miami Speedway to show how Hankook’s tires handled the intense demands of all-electric racing.
These tires helped cars stay grounded while accelerating from 0-62 mph in just 1.86 seconds. The tires had to deliver extreme grip, endurance, and efficiency across every lap, and each team could only use two sets of tires for the entire race.
Hankook is using what it learns here on the track to build those same qualities into the next generation of iON passenger tires for EV drivers everywhere.
How Hankook Formula E Tire Data Shapes Strategy
At the track, we spoke with Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook’s Director of Motorsport. He explained how Formula E data drives Hankook’s ongoing R&D strategy. We also caught up with Rob Williams, President of Hankook Tire North America, to learn how events like this help build dealer trust and product confidence.
From tight dogleg corners to beach-ready floaties at the Hankook X Formula E Tube Shop, the weekend offered more than racing. It showcased Hankook Formula E tires and their expanding role in the EV tire market.

Inside Kumho’s Push to Redefine UHP Performance with its Ecsta Sport UHP Tire Lineup May 06, 2025

You learn a lot about a tire when you push it to its edge — and even more when you’re the one doing the pushing. That’s exactly what Kumho Tire had in mind when they invited a group of dealers and journalists to Atlanta Motorsports Park to test the new Kumho Ecsta UHP tires.
Kumho showcased three new products: the Ecsta Sport All-Season, Ecsta Sport, and Ecsta Sport S. But these weren’t just lined up for a walkaround. We drove them in conditions designed to highlight their strengths and determine where each tire fits in the competitive UHP market. Wet skidpad sessions, an autocross circuit, and full-track lead-follow laps gave us a real-world feel for how each tire performs.
Distinct Performance for Different Drivers
Each of the Kumho Ecsta UHP tires showcased performance sweet spots. The Ecsta Sport All-Season gripped confidently in wet conditions. Meanwhile, the Ecsta Sport delivered crisp, fast response in dry turns. The Sport S took high-speed corners with control and ease. Kumho didn’t just check boxes — they dialed in each tire for a specific type of driver.
Kumho Ecsta UHP Tires: Tech That Matches the Drive
The technology inside each tire is what drives each tire's distinct feel. Kumho equipped the Ecsta All-Season with a "High Grip" compound and interlocking sipes for year-round traction. The Ecsta Sport steps up with Kumho’s "Innovative Compound Technology." That includes high-dispersible silica and performance resins for sharper cornering and braking. The Sport S, meanwhile, goes all-in on grip. Kumho gave it an aggressive tread pattern and advanced compound mix for control at track speeds.
Advanced Testing and Development Methods for the Kumho Ecsta UHP Tires
During the day-long event, we had the chance to chat with Andy Wallner, a tire development engineer at Kumho, who explained how the team used virtual modeling and AI tools to fine-tune each tire’s compound and tread design.
“Virtual modeling helps us improve our development cycles, so we're able to develop tires in a shorter time frame,” Wallner said. “[Kumho was] able to get to the target and improve the performance of these tires better than we would have without these methods. [Virtual modeling and AI-testing] doesn't fully replace traditional tire testing and development. However, doing that virtual work upfront helps Kumho design tires more efficiently.”
Check out the video above to see how Tire Review Senior Editor Christian Hinton channels his inner video-game driver to test each tire's capability -- and have fun doing it.
Looking for more What's Treading? Click here.
Sponsored by Kumho Tire.

Can Pirelli’s Scorpion XTM AT Performance Handle Death Valley’s Toughest Terrain? Apr 22, 2025

Ever wonder what happens when you take a tire from Pirelli, a brand best known for race tires, and throw it into some of the toughest terrain on the planet? Well, I got the chance to find out. I took the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT for a spin in Death Valley, and this tire had to prove its performance in some of the harshest conditions out there.
Real-World Testing in Death Valley
We didn’t stick to any easy, man-made trails (unless you count the road, I suppose). Nope. We put rubber to sand dunes, rocky roads, and everything in between. From Red Rock Canyon to Shoshone and the Badwater Basin – we took the Scorpion XTM AT tire through it all. The ground was tough, the heat was cranked up to 100°F, and the terrain was unforgiving. This was no vacation drive – this was real-world, all-terrain testing.
Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT performance: The Tread
When you first look at the Scorpion XTM AT, you’re sure to notice its bold, aggressive tread pattern. It's a sign that this tire is built for traction and stability, especially when you’re airing down to handle deep sand or rocky trails. I had the chance to test it out in a Ford Bronco Heritage Edition, a Jeep Wrangler, and a Rivian R1T. Each one performed impressively, but it was the sand where this tire really stood out. The traction felt solid, and I never felt like I was losing control, even in the deepest dunes.
Real On-Road Performance
This tire was built for the wild outdoors, but I was still surprised by how well it handled on the pavement. It was quieter than I expected for an aggressive off-road tire. I was impressed with how it performed on the road, even after putting it through some of the roughest off-road conditions.
The EV Version: Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT performance
Pirelli also developed a separate EV version featuring the company's "Elect" symbol. It’s designed to reduce rolling resistance. That means better range for your EV, so you don’t have to compromise off-road capability for efficiency. And both versions are built with chip-and-chunk resistance, so they’ll last longer, no matter where you drive.
Off-Road Guidance from Emily Miller
We didn’t just test this tire on our own. We had some serious off-road expertise from Emily Miller, founder of the Rebelle Rally, helping us navigate the trails. Emily’s been behind the wheel of some of the toughest vehicles out there, so I was thankful to have her in my ear for this one!
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com

SUV Tire Selection Tips for Tire Dealer Customers Apr 08, 2025

What’s the secret to standing out in the crowded world of selling CUV and SUV tires? These vehicles made up 58% of new car sales in the U.S. in 2024. Tire dealers face an ocean of options and competition. SUV tire selection tips are crucial for dealers to navigate this vast market and add value.
Understanding the Customer's Needs and SUV Tire Selection Tips
In this episode of What's Treading, David sits down with Michael Mathis, President of Atturo Tires. They discuss how tire dealers can navigate this market and provide value to customers.
"It’s about understanding how the consumer uses their vehicle," Michael says. "If they’re into off-roading, an all-terrain tire might be the way to go. But for a performance-focused SUV like a Ford Explorer ST, a UHP tire will enhance handling and performance."
Michael emphasizes knowing the customer's lifestyle and vehicle use. Whether the customer drives a light-duty SUV or an off-road-ready model, the SUV tire selection tips offered require understanding how they use their vehicle and what activities they engage in.
Upsell Opportunities for Tire Dealers
The conversation also covers upsell opportunities, from performance tires to lift kits. They also touch on the growing demand for tires for electric SUVs like Rivian and Tesla.
As more consumers customize their CUVs and SUVs, they demand specialized tires, especially in off-roading and performance categories. Dealers who identify these needs increase sales and build lasting relationships by delivering exactly what the driver requires.
Positioning as an Expert in the SUV Tire Market
Tune into the video above to learn how dealers can position themselves as experts. They can capitalize on trends and provide customers with the perfect tire for their driving style.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter: www.hunterengineering.com

Friends, Products and Industry Insights from the K&M Tire Dealer Conference & Trade Show Mar 25, 2025

The K&M Tire Dealer Conference and Trade Show remains one of our favorite events each year. From fantastic education sessions featuring the latest technology and data to a hoppin' trade show floor, it's an event that always has something to look forward to. This episode of What's Treading, recorded live at this year's show, captures insights from tire manufacturers showcasing their newest products. We spoke with industry representatives about new tire launches and key product updates at the K&M trade show. They explained why the event remains a top choice for tire professionals in the K&M network.
Jessica Atkinson from Continental Tire shares details about Continental's industry-leading Total Confidence Plan and highlights new and existing tire offerings. She emphasizes how the event creates opportunities to connect with dealers, reflect on the past year, and discuss upcoming trends.
Darrell Sparks from Hankook Tire walks through five new products. This includes a car hauler tire and a popular line-haul trailer tire. He explains how OEM partnerships with Stoughton Trailers and Hyundai continue to strengthen their market presence.
Tyler Haller from Nexen Tire introduces the N'Blue 4 Season 2, an all-weather tire with a 70,000-mile treadwear rating. He shares the positive market feedback and describes how the K&M show stands out for its vendors and networking opportunities.
Jim Robinson from Kumho Tire showcases six tread patterns and describes the show as a one-of-a-kind experience that feels like a client reunion. Other manufacturers share the same perspective:
The K&M Tire Dealer Conference & Trade Show is truly an industry reunion. Whether unveiling new products or reconnecting with long-time partners, the tire manufacturers we spoke with consider this event essential for dealers and suppliers.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com

Experience the Nokian Tyres Surpass AS01 UHP All-Season Tire in Our Performance Review Mar 11, 2025

Nokian Tyres is making a splash in the North American UHP tire market with the release of the Surpass AS01 ultra-high-performance all-season tire. Tire Review had the opportunity to test the tire at the legendary Las Vegas Motor Speedway. We tested the tires on four vehicles: Lexus RX500h, Polestar 2, Toyota Supra, and Mercedes C300. We evaluated the tire’s wet grip, dry handling, and overall stability. This Nokian Surpass AS01 review highlights the tire's performance in these conditions.
Nokian Surpass AS01 Review: Performance and Durability
The Surpass AS01 combines Nokian's Silica Sense tread compound for improved traction and longevity with durability features. These features include Pothole Protection and a Driving Safety Indicator. Nokian leadership emphasizes the company's focus on premium performance, versatile fitment for ICE and EV vehicles, and a competitive price point. These factors position the Surpass AS01 as a standout in the all-season UHP category.
Fitment and Range of Sizes
The Surpass AS01 comes in 65 sizes, ranging from 16-21 inches. These sizes cover many popular vehicles, making it a solid option for both everyday drivers and performance enthusiasts. Tire Review Editor David Sickels takes the tire to the track and provides a comprehensive review of its capabilities on one of the most challenging (and fun) tracks in North America.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunterengineering.com

How Bridgestone Is Using 4.5 Million Connected Vehicles to Improve Fleet Efficiency Feb 25, 2025

Bridgestone plans to improve its fleet service strategy and optimize service networks to enhance the customer experience – and it only takes 4.5 million vehicles and a partnership with Geotab to do it. In this episode of What's Treading, we speak with Josh Holland, Vice President of Network and Solutions Development at Bridgestone Americas, to discuss Bridgestone’s new partnership with Geotab. This collaboration gives Bridgestone access to 4.5 million connected vehicles. The partnership allows them to gain insights into traffic patterns, vehicle behaviors, and road conditions.
Bridgestone Uses Geotab Data for Fleet Service Optimization
Josh explains how this partnership will help Bridgestone enhance its services: "Really what we're gaining is additional access to data and with the intent to really drive and enhance our fleet service strategy." Geotab’s data will help Bridgestone understand fleet dynamics, such as vehicle types and locations, while ensuring privacy. Bridgestone will use this data to refine its fleet care services, improve efficiency, and reduce downtime by better understanding fleet behavior.
How Enhanced Bridgestone Fleet Service Benefits Tire Dealers
Josh also dives into how tire dealers will benefit from the partnership. The data will optimize service provider operations and offer detailed information on fleet locations. This data will help improve decision-making regarding mobile service capabilities, staffing, and service location expansion. This means tire dealers will be able to provide more efficient and tailored services to their customers.
The Long-Term Impact of Data on Tire Development
But, what's the long-term impact of this data? Josh says the insights could ultimately help develop better tires and solutions for fleets. Find out how by watching the episode above.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com

Dive Into the Details of the Nokian Tyres Surpass AS01 With Us Feb 04, 2025

Nokian Tyres recently launched the Nokian Surpass AS01, an ultra-high-performance (UHP) all-season tire for high-horsepower sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles.
Steve Bourassa, Nokian Tyres North America Director of Products, joined us on the latest episode of What's Treading to discuss the tire’s improvements and standout features. This tire replaces the zLine A/S, which Nokian Tyres discontinued a few years ago.
This new tire fills a gap in the brand’s lineup, and Bourassa says it provides a balanced mix of performance, durability, and ride comfort for North American drivers.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com

Hankook Weatherflex GT review tests all-weather tire performance Jan 21, 2025

During the waning weeks of 2024, Hankook Tire invited Tire Review to Joliet, Illinois, just outside Chicago, to experience the Weatherflex GT. It's the company's newest all-weather tire offering. For this Hankook Weatherflex GT review, we took to the track at the Autobahn Country Club, taking several laps with professional racing instructors offering guidance.
Key Specifications of the Hankook Weatherflex GT All-Weather Tire
Before diving into performance, let’s review Hankook's Weatherflex GT specifications. The Weatherflex GT comes in 37 sizes, from 15 to 22 inches. Hankook backs it with a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty. It also has the three-peak mountain snowflake designation for handling snow and ice. Hankook says it designed the tread pattern to deliver excellent winter performance. High-density sipes in the grooves enhance traction in snow. The sipes in the center and shoulder blocks helps to improve performance on snowy roads. Wide lateral grooves channel water away efficiently, reducing hydroplaning.
Wet Weather Performance and Hydroplaning Mitigation
The zig-zagged grooves improve cornering grip by engaging the road at various angles. This design ensures drivers maintain control. The tire's “3D GripKontrol Sipes” minimize block deformation. Better block stiffness leads to improved handling in wet and dry conditions, and we had the opportunity to experience this for ourselves on the track. Wide lateral grooves channel water away efficiently, reducing hydroplaning. This keeps the driver in control during rainy conditions.
Comfort Features Built Into the Hankook Weatherflex GT
To test the Weatherflex GT on the track, I drove two vehicles equipped with these tires: a 2025 Honda Accord and a 2025 Honda Pilot. The weather varied greatly during the test. A sunny, mild day turned overcast, windy, and drizzly. These conditions were perfect for testing this tire. The quiet ride stood out while reviewing this tire. Hankook says its engineers prioritized reducing road noise using strategically positioned tread blocks. The company optimized the block arrangement to minimize vibrations. Poorly positioned tread blocks generate unpleasant sounds, similar to clashing musical notes. Hankook harmonized these “notes” by varying block sizes and aligning them properly. This creates a quieter, more comfortable ride. The tire's “3D GripKontrol Sipes” minimize block deformation.
Introducing the Hankook Weatherflex GT to the Lineup
Hankook organizes its tires into families. These include the Kinergy, Ventus, and iON lines. The Weatherflex GT introduces a new family line. Tire Review spoke with Rob Nasca, Hankook’s Product and Marketing Training Manager, about the decision to introduce a new line. He explained the vision for the Weatherflex GT. "Consumers are looking at the market as a whole, and we've noticed that the snow accumulations actually decreased," Nasca said. "It's still getting cold out there in the wintertime, but there isn't as much snow. So, we've [responded] by having an all-weather tire that's going to be like an all-season, but have that three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. It's also going to be more cost-saving, because now the consumer doesn't have to buy a summer and a winter tire."
Asymmetrical Tread Design
There is one key feature of the Weatherflex GT that deserves extra attention: Its asymmetrical tread pattern. This design differs from the tread pattern of the Kinergy 4S2 – another all-weather tire in Hankook's line-up. The asymmetrical pattern allows rotation between the driver’s and passenger’s sides. This prevents irregular wear. Rotating directional tires similarly could cause performance issues. Hankook says its engineers prioritized reducing road noise using strategically positioned tread blocks.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering Company: www.hunter.com

What the January 1995 Edition of Tire Review Tells Us About Tire Industry History Jan 07, 2025

What can tire industry history from 30 years ago tell us about today's trends? In this episode of What's Treading, Editor David Sickels takes a nostalgic look at the Tire Review 1995 issue. We explore '90s ads, timeless business advice, and emerging tire technologies that still resonate today. Ads in the Tire Review 1995 issue were all about showcasing bold, text-heavy designs and tire manufacturer-dealer partnerships. We also encounter a fair share of customer service and market trend articles, demonstrating how much of the 1995 business advice still applies. Whether you’re reminiscing about the tire business in the '90s or learning timeless fundamentals about the tire industry, this episode delivers on both fronts. Plus, we review some fantastic 1990s computing software that was used to show customers what a new set of wheels would look like on their vehicle. You might be familiar with it if you sold wheels around this time. Watch the video above to see what we thought was important three decades back, as well as a look at historic ads from Falken Tire, Maxxis, Mitsubishi, Jetzon Tire, Reliable Tire Co., Firestone, Mastercraft Tires, Keystone, Telstar, Raybestos, Galaxy Tire, Mopar, and Hankook Tire.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com

The best of What's Treading 2024 Dec 17, 2024

We produce a lot of content on this show, and we know it can be hard to keep up. That's why we feel you deserve an easy-to-digest, condensed version of some of our favorite podcast moments this year. Enjoy thoughts, comments and predictions from the leadership at BKT, Continental, Hercules, Hankook Tire, Kumho Tire, Omni United, Ralson Tire, RNR Tire Express, Sailun Tire Americas, and ZC Rubber.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Watch Tire Review surprise our 2024 Top Shop: Best-One of Indy Dec 03, 2024

Not every tire shop can claim that they attract “raving fans,” but at Best-One of Indy, it’s actually what they’re known for. It’s literally part of the company's mission statement – and honestly, the team just does a great job at it. You have to give this team credit: It’s not easy making a “raving fan” out of someone who just found out they’re going to need to drop a few hundred dollars on tires. That's a big part of why Best-One of Indy has been named Tire Review's 2024 Top Shop.
But, if you stop digging into the shop's strengths there, you're doing yourself a big disservice.
To understand the inner workings of what makes this business tick – from attracting customers to hiring skilled technicians who want to stay on board for the long term, and how the business stays at the front of drivers’ minds in the Indy area, I sat down with the leadership team here at Best-One to pick their brains.
Watch the video above to see us surprise the Best-One of Indy team with news that they have been named Tire Review’s 2024 Top Shop Winner.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

How Turbo Wholesale Tires is taking a go-to-market approach for growth Nov 19, 2024

Between dealing with inventory, competition, or adapting to retailer and consumer needs, there's a lot for a tire wholesale distributors to deal with. Add proprietary tire brands to the mix, and that brings a whole other level to things, like figuring out how to adapt to market trends, creating value across multiple segments and marketing your brands to the right audience.
Todd Pickens, Turbo Wholesale Tires' chief commercial officer, says that Turbo is trying to adapt it's proprietary lines to meet the changing needs of consumers and retailers in an attempt to position itself in an already crowded market.
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Pickens takes us through Turbo's 'go-to-market' approach for growth, from its partnership with Double Coin to launch Rolling Big Power's commercial line, marketing that targets younger consumers, developing an EV-specific tire under its Lexani brand, and climbing up the Tire Tier ladder.
Tire Review: www.TireReview.com
AAPEX: www.AAPEXShow.com

What the last-mile delivery boom means for Hercules Tires in 2025 Nov 05, 2024

It shouldn't be news to anyone that the last-mile delivery segment is going absolutely bananas. Supercharged by the COVID-19 pandemic, online retail isn't slowing down; in fact, according to researchers at Statista, global retail e-commerce sales reached an estimated $5.8 trillion last year. Projections indicate a 39% growth in this figure over the coming years, with expectations to surpass $8 trillion by 2027.
To understand the effect this incomprehensible amount of dollars intends to have on the tire industry, we're sitting down with Marshall Gillespie, director of proprietary brand commercial merchandising at American Tire Distributors (ATD). Gillespie discusses emerging trends in the medium-duty truck tire market, the growing acceptance of value-oriented brands like Hercules Tires and the impact of economic conditions on purchasing decisions. He also shares how fleet owners and operators are more open to exploring new brands to achieve cost savings without sacrificing quality, a shift ATD is capitalizing on as the company expands its portfolio to meet this demand.
“We’re really leaning into [last-mile delivery] in terms of our product portfolio, our ideas for new product development, and our stocking strategies,” he says.
Additionally, Gillespie touches on the return of market stability in 2024 after a challenging 2023 and forecasts modest growth for 2025, driven by increased utilization in Class 8 trucks.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Testing the off-roading capabilities of the RoadX RX Quest R/T from Sailun Oct 22, 2024

The off-roading tire segment has seen a lot of growth since the pandemic, and it's only going to get bigger in the coming years. According to SEMA’s 2023 Future Trends report, U.S. off-roading and oversized tires rake in around $2 billion annually, and the light-truck segment in the U.S. is estimated to account for close to 80% of all new-vehicle sales by 2027.
Sailun Tire Americas is hopping on the off-roading trend with its RoadX brand, recently releasing the RoadX RX Quest R/T tire. Made for trucks and SUVs – and including on- and off-road capabilities, the tire comes in over 40 sizes, a 45,000 mile warranty and even a 3PMS rating for severe winter certification.
In this episode of What’s Treading, Sailun had Tire Review out to Horseshoe Bay, Texas to test the off-roading capabilities of the RoadX RX Quest R/T. Sailun's manager of PLT in Canada, Dwayne Sawyer, gave us the inside scoop into the tire's development process and the rigorous testing Sailun does on this and all of its tires.
Tire Review: www.TireReview.com
AAPEX: www.AAPEXShow.com

How leadership, trust and family values help propel the growth of RNR Tire Express Oct 09, 2024

There's running a business, and then there's running a family business – and as it turns out, many running a tire business are in the latter. Building a company is difficult on its own, and adding family dynamics into the mix can throw a serious wrench into traditional notions of what qualifies as success in terms of leadership, expectations, value, accountability, legacy, and a whole lot more. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does bring its own set of challenges.
Of course, a business built upon family values comes with a host of huge positives as well, like a company culture strengthened by incredibly deep roots. At RNR Tire Express, those positives really shine, encapsulated by the relationship between Founder Larry Sutton and his son and CEO, Adam Sutton.
“We have an instant baked-in trust that usually takes years to develop… when you’re working off the same set of core values, it makes it a lot easier,” Adam says.
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Larry and Adam take us through their respective entrepreneurial journeys, from Larry's early days in the rent-to-own industry to the founding of RNR Tire Express, which initially focused on custom wheels. The duo shares how they made the shift to concentrate on passenger tires, growing the business into a nationwide chain with 200 stores in 30 states, and gives an honest and insightful look at the dynamics of running a family business.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Let's put Goodyear's new Assurance WeatherReady 2 all-weather tire to the test Sep 24, 2024

All-weather tires are becoming a popular choice for drivers, particularly as colder weather approaches. According to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, there is a strong market opportunity within this segment, which saw 6.1 million replacement tires sold in 2023. This trend is not new to tire manufacturers like Goodyear, which is capitalizing on the demand with the release of its new Assurance WeatherReady 2 all-weather tire.
Recently launched in 58 sizes (with more to come) the tire offers a 60,000-mile tread life limited warranty. The WeatherReady 2 will eventually replace the original WeatherReady tire, introduced in 2017, as Goodyear plans to phase out the older model in most sizes.
In this episode of What's Treading, Goodyear provided Tire Review an opportunity to test the WeatherReady 2 firsthand, and Goodyear’s product marketing manager, Andrew Lau, provided insights into the attributes of the new tire.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Understanding the all-season vs. all-weather tire differences with Kumho Tire Sep 16, 2024

How big is the knowledge gap between you and your customers when it comes to the difference between all-season and all-weather tires in your region? When you consider all the aspects surrounding the tire sale – from driver demands to technological differences to price to simple vocabulary befuddlement – it's easy to understand why your customers are confused.
According to Chris Han, Senior Product and Channel Marketing Manager at Kumho Tire, one of the biggest points of confusion stems from the similarity in terminology, as many consumers assume "all-season" means the tire will perform in all weather conditions. "Many consumers think all-season actually means all-weather... but they’re not necessarily meant for severe weather conditions," Han says.
On this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Han emphasizes the evolving landscape of tire technology and consumer preferences, and introduces the Kumho Solus 4S HA32 tire, which was originally launched as an all-weather product but has since been repositioned as a next-generation all-season tire. Han also shares insights into the trade-offs tire manufacturers must consider when developing these products and practical maintenance tips for tire dealers and consumers alike.
This episode is sponsored by Kumho Tire.

Zeroing in on ZC Rubber's tire production plans in Mexico Sep 06, 2024

Flying into Monterrey, Mexico, the first thing you'll notice is the serene & green mountain ranges all around you. After getting off the plane, the next thing you notice will be the restroom you just missed before joining the international customs line, as your brain hurriedly looks for another one. But we put that crisis behind us before joining employees from ZC Rubber for a special event.
Tire Review recently flew down to Mexico to witness the groundbreaking of ZC Rubber's third overseas manufacturing facility—and to get to the site where the facility will be, we had to take a short drive to the nearby city of Saltillo, specifically stopping in the Alianza Industrial Park. Though it's mostly a field for now, soon it will be home to ZC's third international manufacturing facility, and at a size of 600,000 sq. m., this plant is going to be big. For the ceremony, ZC executives and local government officials took turns thanking one another for the opportunity, and celebrating what they expect to be a fruitful partnership, before digging in with gilded shovels.
ZC said this plant will be highly automated and follow the company's "future factory" model. The company said this automation increases speed, safety, consistency, and warehousing and shipping capabilities. Despite the advancements, ZC expects to employ about 2,000 locals at the plant when it's up and running. Speaking of, the timeline to get things running is short. The company expects the first tires to roll off the line by late 2025 or early 2026.
"Actually, I already got some orders," said Henry Shen, ZC Rubber's vice president and secretary of the board of directors. Shen sat down with Tire Review for an interview during our time in Mexico, to break down details of this new project. He said even before construction began, customers were showing interest. "I already got some orders when I flew from Shanghai to Los Angeles, and Los Angeles to here," Shen added. "People like Mexican products because there is a much shorter lead time and they can get tires within several days. The other very important reason for U.S. or Mexico customers this what they call a 'sustainable supply.' Thailand, Vietnam and China all have tariffs andy they travel a long distance. There's a lot of uncertainty there.”
The plant is expected to have a starting annual capacity of more than 13,000,000 passenger car tires and over 50,000 tons of off-the-road (OTR) tires, which Shen tells us will help supplement growing demand in the North American and Latin American markets.
"We studied a lot of places. This whole program started two years ago with people coming here to see different options,” he said.
In our interview, Shen also explains how ZC settled on Saltillo as the site to plant its flag, what goes into an automated facility like this, future plans the company has for this area and more.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Teeing it up from this year’s OTAA golf outing Aug 20, 2024

Every year, members of the Ohio Tire & Automotive Association gather at the Country Club at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio for OTAA's annual golf outing. For the first time in three years, this year’s outing had a full field with 128 golfers – which included members of OTAA from independent tire shops and dealerships, friends and family of those members, and media.
Watch the video for more insight from Wallick and Boyd on the event, including an explanation on the benefits of the annual OTAA golf outing, information on OTAA priority legislation and an inside look from our perspective at this years annual outing.
Tire Review: www.TireReview.com
AAPEX: www.AAPEXShow.com

An inside look at how Hankook designed its Formula E iON Race Tires Jul 23, 2024

There’s no better place to find out how a tire performs than up close and personal on the track, which is why Hankook Tire, as the official technical partner and tire supplier of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the official sponsor of the races happening this weekend at the Portland International Speedway, to watch their product perform at the highest level of electric vehicle racing.
Hankook’s North America president, Rob Williams, said that the iON Race tire is directly responsible for the technology being used in Hankook’s passenger iON tires. The iON Race is constructed using organic rayon - a semi-synthetic fiber – which is common in racing tires and UHP tires. It is very stable, strong and heat-resistant, and by pairing it with a blend of natural rubber, Hankook was able to achieve a level of tear resistance and durability that they say they are very happy with.
In electric racing, the efficiency of the car is every bit as important as its power, because these vehicles want to squeeze every last ounce of energy out of those batteries before they have to fuel up again. So, of course, Hankook went the extra mile reducing roll resistance as far as possible on the iON Race to help make the car more efficient.
These Gen3 Formula E cars are powerful. Gen3 hit the track during last year’s season and introduced a rather significant power increase of 100 kilowatts over the previous generation, to a maximum of 350 kW. That’s equivalent to around 469 horsepower, and vehicles can reach a top speed of 174 miles per hour.
Watch the video above to hear more about how these tires perform, how they influence Hankook's passenger EV tire line, and why keeping these tires sustainable is so important to Hankook, including interviews with German Formula E driver, Maximilian Günther and Hankook’s North America president, Rob Williams. Tire Review:
www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Will AI-powered virtual sensors transform tire maintenance? Jul 02, 2024

Take a look at the next vehicle that rolls into one of your bays. If it was manufactured in the past 5-10 years, I'm willing to bet you'll be able to pick out a sensor or two staring back at you rather quickly. However, there's a significant gap in this technology when it comes to the tires. Sure, TPMS certainly prevalent and helpful, but it fails to alert the driver to attributes like tread depth, stiffness, and balance.
To address this issue, Yagil Tzur, vice president of products at Tactile Mobility, says his company is pairing the use of advanced sensors and artificial intelligence with tires to enhance the safety and efficiency of driving experiences.
"Car manufacturers rely on drivers to go and look at the tires to check that they are healthy and in good condition. But we can't fool ourselves – no one is doing that. Most of the people even don't know what to check in a tire, and this has become a major issue," Tzur says. "We must be able to monitor the tires automatically, just as we get an alert from the car if we have an issue with the engine, with the oil, with the exhaust or with the water level. We need to know what is happening with the tires."
On this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Tzur explains how virtual sensors—software programs that analyze existing vehicle data to generate new insights – can combine data from various vehicle systems, such as wheel speed, steering angle, and engine torque, to monitor tire conditions and other safety-related parameters.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Kumho Tire's latest EV-specific tire lines aim to exceed expectations Jun 18, 2024

The EV tire sector is red-hot – and for good reason. Kelley Blue Book reported there were 1.2 million EVs added to the car parc in the U.S. in 2023, bringing the market share of these vehicles to 7.6%. S&P tells us that in the U.S., 2024 and 2025 will have over 130 new vehicle launches, with over half of them electrified. Tire manufacturers aren't taking their collective eyes off of this data, with some putting a lot of effort and R&D into finding ways to stay ahead of the market and hone in on the needs of EV customers.
Sharing his thoughts on a recent episode of What's Treading, Shawn Denlein, president of sales and marketing at Kumho Tire USA, discussed the company's two latest EV-specific tire lines – the Majesty 9 Solus TA91 EV and Crugen HP71 EV – and how these lines fit into the EV tire marketplace.
"Our goal is not only to meet but exceed the expectations of EV drivers," Denlein says. "Kumho wants to be the new benchmark for performance efficiency and reliability in the EV market."
On this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Denlein dives into Kumho Tire's strategy behind designing tire lines exclusive to EV drivers, how important the EV marketplace is to Kumho Tire, and some of the standout technology found in the company's latest EV tire lines.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Sonic Tools USA offers tools to beat back the technician shortage Jun 12, 2024

How long have we been talking about the technician shortage now? Too long. It's been an issue for nearly every shop owner I've ever spoken to and seems to have taken hold of the industry around the time Moses was handed the 10 Commandments. We know better by now that there's no magic bullet out there to stop this boss monster, but there must be better ways to chip away at its life bar.
Andrew Coccari, VP of Sales and Marketing at Sonic Tools USA, says his company has a solution that has proven to be a great tool to battle this beast.
“When you provide the tools and give them a pathway to earn those tools as their own ... it leads to a much happier, more rewarding life at the shop if you're a technician,” says Coccari. "And, we have the data to prove that it actually makes it more productive as well."
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Coccari delves into the causes of the technician shortage and offers some novel solutions to address the need for help around the country, such as modernizing the work environment to attract younger technicians.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

How organizers of the first T.I.R.E. Summit plan to bridge technology with tire industry needs May 21, 2024

I don't care if you've been in the tire industry for 40 years or 40 days – a lot has changed since you got started. Recently, some of the biggest changes are happening on the technology side: AI, smartphones and sophisticated software have never had such a presence on the shop floor. There's too much to wrap your head around to successfully keep the evolutions in the industry straight.
To help address this, Anyline is this year announcing the first-ever T.I.R.E. Summit, emphasizing its focus on Technology, Insights, Regulations, and Engagement, taking place this year on June 13 in Vienna, Austria. During a recent conversation with Chris Plaichner, chief product officer at Anyline, he highlighted the need for industry players to share knowledge and explore new technological applications.
"There's a real demand in this industry because so many things are changing," he says. "We want to understand what's possible, how others do it, and how they apply the technology."
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Plaichner shares his thoughts on how shifting from traditional methods of tire shop management to real-time, mobile-based solutions can enhance efficiency and accuracy, how artificial intelligence is becoming a game-changer for the industry, and what can be expected from the upcoming event – even hinting at a U.S.-based version in the near future.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

How Cosmo Tires fuels growth through authentic connections May 07, 2024

Ask anyone in business long enough to find success and they'll likely tell you that relationships got them there. Cosmo Tires, operated by Tire Group International, is no different and is continuing to lean on its uncanny ability to cultivate strong, family-first partnerships as a cornerstone for growth.
"With everything that we do as a brand, if it's not all authentic and we're not able to reach the consumers where they interact with brands in the marketplace, then we lose some of that connectivity. It can get filtered, and we want to make sure that we capture everything from the street, take it all the way into the organization, and feed it directly into product development," says Dominick Montouri, the chief strategy officer for Tire Group International. "We want to make sure we keep that chain very, very short, but also keep it authentic and you don't lose any of those key attributes about what really matters to consumers in our space."
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Montouri shares insights into how Cosmo Tires plans to expand its footprint and its engagement with consumers and partners, ensuring that the brand's evolution is just as much about meaningful connections and solutions in the tire industry as it is growth.
Want more What's Treading? Click here.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

MatraX Tyres on navigating the diverse needs of the U.S. marketplace Apr 16, 2024

Launching a brand in a new market is never easy... even if that brand has nearly 60 years of established history behind it. This is the case with MatraX Tyres, which has roots stemming back to 1965 in Portugal. Now, the company is expanding into the U.S. with passenger car tires, with plans to add more tire lines soon.
"The U.S. market is big – it's the biggest market in the world. It's challenging because, apart from the size of the market, we are talking about different weather conditions and different road conditions between many states. We are talking about [which regions need] winter tires, all-season tires, summer tires. It's a very diverse market," Says Andre Bandeira, managing director for MatraX Tyres. "So, we need to adapt our products to these different markets. That's not so in many other markets, where we have a product that will already fit 80% of the market. In the U.S., it doesn't work this way."
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Bandeira discusses how MatraX Tyres was introduced to the North American market, how the company is adapting its products to diverse U.S. conditions, the challenges and solutions associated with distribution logistics, and the importance of dealer support and relationships.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Continental Tire's biggest lessons from over 120 years of retreading Apr 02, 2024

They say that 10,000 hours of practice will make you an expert at whatever task you've set your mind to. If that's the case, what does 120 years of practice make you? (That's 1,051,000 hours, for the record).
In 2023, Continental marked its 120th year of retreading truck and bus tires. Today, the tire manufacturer retreads more than one million truck and bus tires worldwide every year – conserving resources and reducing costs all along the way. In fact, according to a study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology (UMSICHT), retreaded tires reduce CO2 emissions by up to 50% compared to new tires. The amount of recycled and renewable materials in retreaded tires can be up to 85%.
While the benefits of retread tires haven't waned, modern retreading facilities are very different from those designed a century ago. For example, today these factories use barcode tracking to monitor tires throughout the retreading process, which has significantly improved efficiency and data collection, allowing for better analysis and decision-making. Plus, today's factories have inspection equipment to ensure the tires leaving the factory are of the highest quality possible.
"[Continental's] inspection process allows us to know what's happened in a casing and make some good predictive models of whether that casing will be retreadable. From a continental point of view, we also have a high-pressure test at the end of our process so that we can ensure that anything that gets through the process is going to be a safe and reliable retread when it gets mounted on and aired up and goes onto the tire," says John Cox, head of retread truck tires Americas. "The overall inspection is going to keep the retread better as well."
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Cox discusses the advancements and changes in the tire retreading industry, retread market trends in 2024, and the importance of tire dealers advising their fleet customers on the benefits of retreading.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Omni United CEO: How tire manufacturers can drive dealer profits in diverse markets Mar 20, 2024

Succeeding as an independent tire dealer isn't ever a "copy and paste" operation. What works for the dealer down the street isn't necessarily going to work for you, and what works for you may not work for a dealer selling the same tires halfway across the world. Yet, it's the same thread that lead to success for each one.
"They all want to make money," says G.S. Sareen, president and CEO of Omni United, the manufacturer of Radar Tires. "They're all looking for a product on which they can maximize their profit margins – and what are the things that will help them maximize their profits? Is it quality? Is your quality at par with the premiums? Are you punching above your weight in terms of performance? Are your designs better than the rest? Are you a one-stop shop for them? Can you give them the whole spectrum of products?
"It's quality design, range and availability. Surely price competitiveness plays a role, but not as much as people think it does. I think the other aspects play a much wider role because if you don't have those, you can give any price, it's not going to work."
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Sareen discusses what it takes to meet the varied needs of tire dealers around the globe, noting that despite each market requiring individualized strategies, quality, design, range and availability must be consistent no matter where they do business. He also emphasizes Omni United's commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality, and what it means to "do the right thing" as a tire manufacturer.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

How commercial tire dealers have adapted to the needs of the market in 2024 Mar 05, 2024

Commercial tire dealers had their hands full in 2023, dealing with supply chain disruptions, fluctuating raw material costs and oversupply leading to less-than-stellar sales numbers around the country. The good news is that things are already looking up this year, but it's not simply by accident. Instead, commercial tire dealers are finding opportunities to improve their fleet relationships and are discovering new ways to adapt to the needs of the market.
"Some of the very successful dealers are being more aggressive. They're going out to their fleets and the industry and are providing more services, like fleet checks, air pressures, consulting on new tires," says Brian Sheehey, senior vice president of Ralson Tire North America. "The tire industry is a dynamic industry just as the vehicle industry is. Fleets' eyes have to be open and the dealers have to be partners in that, and the manufacturers have to supply that information to the dealers."
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Sheehey discusses strategies for dealers to better manage their inventory, and how manufacturers like Ralson Tires are working closely with their customers and fleets to adapt to new demands, such as the needs of electric vehicles, sustainability efforts and other innovations.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

K&M Tire's president discusses her vision for progressive tire dealers in 2024 Feb 20, 2024

What does "leveling up" your tire business in 2024 mean? It's an easy question to write off while your bays are filling up, or when your phones are ringing off the hook, or when a shipping delay stops an important order from arriving on time, or when a customer is complaining, or when your shop equipment fails...
The list of trials and tribulations taking place daily in the life of your friendly neighborhood tire dealer goes on and on, and it's hard sometimes to take a step back to examine what incremental changes can be made to take a business to the next level. During this year's annual K&M Tire Conference and Trade Show, Cheryl Gossard, president of K&M Tire, had high hopes that the company's dealer base would walk away inspired to do just that.
"We feel like if everybody just focuses on getting 1% better every day – whether that's in their business, whether that's with working with their employees or in a department or whether that's in their personal lives – we just always want to continue to get better and we want to help," she said.
In this episode of What's Treading, we dig into K&M Tire's 2024 goals, expansion expectations and the details of the company's latest partnerships that have been engineered to help dealers take their businesses to the next level.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Hankook Tire America president unpacks the details of the new Dynapro HPX Feb 06, 2024

A successful tire launch seems to fall somewhere in the middle of innovation, customer satisfaction and dealer support. By that account, Hankook Tire seems to have followed the tire launch playbook to the letter with the recent debut of its all-season touring tire, the Dynapro HPX, designed for SUVs.
According to Rob Williams, president of Hankook Tire America Corp., the R&D that went into the Dynapro HPX focuses on following the latest SUV trends while leaning into attributes that will meet the needs of a variety of drivers.
"I think we all know that the SUV segment has grown immensely in the last 10 years. When SUVs first came out, it was really looked upon as more of an off-road type vehicle. Today, SUVs have become the family vehicle," Williams says. "Maybe you take it off-road when you go camping, but we found out that consumers have a wide range of needs and that's where we had to look to ensure that we had products to meet all the different needs of those SUV owners. I'm going to say that today the HPX and the AT2 Xtreme are definitely our bestsellers for most of the consumers to drive SUVs."
In this episode of What's Treading, we get the nitty-gritty details surrounding Hankook's Dynapro HPX tire, with Williams highlighting key features and new technology. Williams also discusses the value of the company's tire test track in Korea, dealer support initiatives and the state of the supply chain in regard to dealers in the North American market.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.AAPEXshow.com

Treads app aims to steer drivers to tire dealers using AI Jan 16, 2024

In only the past year or so, AI has opened a Pandora's box of opportunities to better care for customers and their vehicles – so much so that today's consumer has unlocked a new level of knowledge surrounding all aspects of maintenance.
Here's an example: A driver thinks it might be time for a new set of tires since their current set is looking a bit on the worn side. He doesn't own a tread depth gauge and wouldn't know what to do with one anyway. However, he does have an app on his smartphone that uses machine learning technology to analyze treadwear and creates an AI-generated recommendation on whether that tire needs to be repaired or replaced. Going a step further, though, the app communicates with the driver's tire dealer to indicate he'll be coming in for a new set of tires.
Zach Olson, founder and CEO of Treads, an AI-powered car maintenance platform, says this is only the beginning.
"I think when looking at it from the industry perspective, there's all sorts of talk of technician shortages, training gaps, and just really fulfilling the demand for the professionals on that side of the industry. But, technology can come in and start filling in quite a few gaps where if you can automate so much of the customer experience, the customer service side, so when a car shows up in the shop, you know exactly what it needs, what's wrong with it, and how to go about with the right solution – and the customers already paid for it," Olson says. "Technology's going to fill that gap where technicians can do what they're best at, and that's getting people back on the road safely."
In this episode of What's Treading, Olson, explains how the Treads direct-to-consumer mobile app subscription service can simplify the car maintenance process. He also details how the company's growth strategy involves partnering with a range of service providers, from small businesses to large national brands.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Why BKT wants to maximize the sustainability of OTR tires Jan 02, 2024

It's hard to think of many places where electrified and autonomous vehicles are more welcome than underground. Large mining outfits depend on the advantages these attributes offer – mainly zero emissions and keeping drivers out of harm's way, respectively – to maximize profits and uptime.
To keep these and other OTR fleets moving, OTR tire manufacturers like BKT must constantly keep a finger on the market's pulse to ensure they can stay competitive and ensure they can best meet the needs of these customers. In many cases, these needs include aggressive sustainability initiatives, says Chris Rhoades, BKT's vice president of OTR. "Go to any major mining company's or aggregate producer's website and take a look at how everybody's got their own statements on sustainability and what they're trying to accomplish. Of course, tires play a big role in that," Rhoades says.
"As a manufacturer, we take a look at every step along the manufacturing process, from acquiring raw materials to the finished goods, to see what we can do to reduce waste and increase efficiencies. One of the highlights and keystones of BKT is we're the only tire manufacturer that has our own carbon black manufacturing plant. Approximately 30% of a tire's weight is carbon black, and we meet 100% of our requirements out of our own plant on that."
In this episode of What's Treading, Rhoades delves into the rise of electric and autonomous vehicles in the OTR sector, current market trends, and BKT's commitment to sustainability. We also discuss the state of the OTR tire market, customer needs and the complexities of tire supply and application.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Tire Agent Hopes to Reinvent the Online Tire Retail Buying Experience Dec 19, 2023

Jared Kugel, the CEO of online tire retailer Tire Agent, made waves in the tire industry last August when the business appeared on Inc.'s 5000 list of the fastest-growing startups. Kugel says the accolades are due in large part to the company's customer-first approach, which has secured Tire Agent a loyal customer base and a high repeat purchase rate.
"Over time we've become more than just an online tire retailer. We don't want it to be so transactional; we want it to be relationship-based," Kugel says. "For us, it's far more than just the sale. It's before the sale, after the sale, and then hopefully we're great enough that you want to keep referring us.
"I think the numbers are speaking for themselves where people really appreciate what we're building. We're trying to become really the destination for tires for people."
In the latest episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Kugel reflects on how his background in the tire industry has inspired Tire Agent's business practices. Kugel discusses how maintaining a competitive edge in the tire industry goes beyond low pricing, finding the secret to success by focusing on value-added services and the overall buying experience. Kugel also shares insights on the company's operational efficiencies, strategic customer service methodologies and overall customer engagement.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Linglong's New North American Subsidiary President Maps Out Growth Strategies Dec 05, 2023

In August, Linglong Tire established a new subsidiary, Linglong North America Sales, headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The company appointed industry veteran Geoff Doster as the president of this newly established entity. Now, with a few months worth of his getting his feet wet in the position, Doster stopped by this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review to reveal his vision for the future of Linglong, as well has how he intends to navigate the company's challenges and aspirations going into 2024.
"Linglong's been doing business in North America for 20 years, and the goal of the North American team is for us to first elevate our brands in the marketplace, as well as our marketing, our branding, our programs, our product lines, and segments to the market to make sure that we're actually hitting the needs of our customers and our end consumers," Doster says. "At the end of the day, I want to be a supplier of choice. I want to be a supplier that exceeds the expectations not only of our customers and our business partners, but also our end consumers."
On this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, we speak with Geoff Doster about Linglong's position in the market and his long- and short-term goals for the new subsidiary. We also discuss Doster's predictions about North America's competitive landscape heading into the new year and the advantages of being able to meet the unique needs of customers in different regions.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Nokian Tyres Delves Into the EV Tire Design Details Nov 21, 2023

Rolling resistance, durability and overall comfort all play a huge role in tire design, but these characteristics are under a bright-hot spotlight in the context of electric vehicle tires. That's why Nokian Tyres recently revealed its "Electric Fit" symbol to showcase to customers that these attributes have been given special attention in select tires. The company uses a combination of factors, including tire compound, tread pattern and silencing technologies to optimize EV tire performance.
"Many of these characteristics are ones that we have been developing for the European tire [market] for a long time already, and many of these topics are actually such that they also happen to match with the requirements for EV cars," says Marko Saari, head of product management at Nokian Tyres. "As a result of that, we have gained quite a long experience on getting all these different characteristics taken into account, and we can tap into this expertise when we are developing the tires."
On this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we pick Marko's brain about the challenges of designing tires for electric vehicles, learn about how the European automotive market is influencing U.S. EV tires, get an understanding of the technology needed to eliminate noises in the cabin, and even delve into the company's commitment to sustainability.

How Bridgestone Technology Shines in the Company's Latest UHP A/S Tire Nov 08, 2023

In September, Bridgestone Americas released its new Potenza Sport all-season UHP tire. As with many UHP tire offerings, the company says the tire is targeted toward consumers who are enthusiastic about driving their sporty performance vehicles, but the tire has also been designed with a focus on regions that experience light snowfall. One attribute that especially caught our interest was the fact that this is the company’s first UHP all-season tire to feature Bridgestone's "Enliten" technology, which the company says is engineered to help optimize all-season performance and provide longer wear life.
"Bridgestone's position is that if the tire wears longer, we get more wear life that is more sustainable, and that's better for the consumer," says Dale Harrigle, chief engineer of replacement tires and Bridgestone Americas. "We like tires, but most consumers don't want to go to the tire store and buy tires. If they have to buy fewer tires, they have to use fewer tires, and that's more sustainable for the planet."
On this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we drill Harrigle on the science that's been built into the Potenza Sport all-season UHP tire. Harrigle helps us understand how the tire technology found in the new tire works, the company's targetted vehicle models, and when tire dealers can expect new sizes to be released.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Why Tire Dealers Need to Fortify Their Data – and How to Do It Oct 24, 2023

When you think of your shop's most valuable assets, what comes to mind? Perhaps it's expensive shop equipment or the price that comes with employing skilled technicians. These are great answers, but the experts from Torqata, a data analytics software company that works mainly with tire manufacturers, distributors and retailers, suggest the answer may be a bit less tangible.
"Tire dealers handle a wide range of sensitive data. Customers provide addresses, emails, phone numbers, and even identification details for their vehicles. Protecting this customer data is paramount," says Tim Eisenmann, CEO of Torqata.
A tire dealer's sensitive data – including customer information and internal operational data – might be their most valuable assets, yet often times it can be some of their least protected resources.
"Modern times have seen a shift towards web-based shop management systems. This exposes businesses to a range of cyber threats, including phishing and ransomware," adds AJ Pryor, Chief Technical Officer at Torqata. "Human error remains a significant vulnerability."
On this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Eisenmann and Pryor join us to explain just how sensitive and vulnerable tire dealer data can be, some of the most common cyber attacks on tire dealers, the steps that can be taken to improve data security, and even a few of the industry standards and certifications that tire dealers should be aware of.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

We Surprise Tire Review's 2023 Top Shop: Black’s Tire & Auto Service Oct 04, 2023

If you support your community, it’s going to come back around to your business. It's a simple mantra, but sticking to it has worked wonders for Black's Tire & Auto Service.
Today, the business stands 55 Black’s Tire & Auto Service tire and vehicle repair centers in operation across North and South Carolina, and Black's continues to grow. There are also 10 distribution warehouses – seven full-service wholesale distribution centers and three satellite wholesale distribution operations – and a tire retread manufacturing center located in Clarkton NC.
“We try to participate in every community we serve across North Carolina, South Carolina and Southern Virginia,” says Rick Benton Jr., Black’s Tire vice president of sales/marketing, managing director ownership group. “Black’s Tire & Auto Service as a company has long held an appreciation for the importance one can have in the development, success and quality of life of others, particularly those in need.”
We thought the Black's team deserved a bit of admiration for its focus on people. Watch the video above to see us surprise the Black’s Tire & Auto Service team with news that they have been named Tire Review’s 2023 Top Shop Winner.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com
Coats: www.coatscompany.com

What a Steady Market Means for OTR Tire Dealers Sep 19, 2023

Reading the tea leaves is never simple for an OTR tire dealer. With the market so closely tied to typically cyclical industries like construction, mining, agriculture and forestry, many OTR tire dealers will tell you they've experienced their fair share of both feast and famine.
So far this year, though, the OTR tire market has been relatively steady, according to Triangle Tire's OTR Director Stephen Reynolds.
"If there's one thing that I've found to be true in the OTR world, it's that it's a variable rollercoaster. It's always either going up or down. So if you can maintain a flat line, that's something of a moral victory in my opinion," Reynolds says.
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Reynolds gives us the details on the current state of demand, as well as where he sees the market heading as we approach 2024. Plus, we learn about how freight rates and Triangle Tire's recent warehousing expansion are affecting tire dealers.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

How Diversification Opens Doors for Wegmann Automotive Sep 05, 2023

Over the last few years, Wegmann Automotive has found diversification to be a huge boon for business, whether that comes from various wheel weights options or the acquisition of Alligator TPMS in 2019.
"I think everybody's always looking for ways to grow their organizations. We have a very large amount of business in the wheel weight space," says Greg Parker, the national account sales and marketing director for Wegmann Automotive. "In order for us to continue to grow, we need to get outside of that and grow into new product areas. We're excited about this. I mean, obviously, valves are a critical component of wheels and tires. The more that we can put in that box or put on that pallet to ship to our customers, the better it is for them and the better it is for us."
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Parker discusses the shift from lead wheel balance weights to non-lead alternatives, such as steel and zinc, due to environmental regulations, as well as how Wegmann Automotive is adapting to these changes and investing in non-lead products like plasteel. Parker also delves into how the addition of Alligator's TPMS business has enhanced Wegmann Automotive's business in North America, enabling the company to diversify its product offerings.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

From Manual to Robots: RoboTire's Impact on the Tire Shop Floor Aug 15, 2023

There are four particular American tire shops where the shop floor looks quite a bit different than what you might be used to. Two enormous robotic arms are lifting 80-pound tires with ease, waltzing to an orchestra or shop sounds as they change a set of four customer tires in 20 minutes. According to executives at RoboTire, who've designed and installed these robots, these robots are just at the tip of the iceberg of their capability.
"We're ramping manufacturing, but then we also have continued to make new improvements. So compared to last year, the robots are probably about two times faster [now] than what they were," says Victor Darolfi, CEO and founder of RoboTire. "We've done layout improvements to basically minimize space constraints to going into shops. And then there is a whole new slew of services that RoboTire will be pushing out over the next couple of months from that side of the world to, again, add a better value prop to our end user."
On this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, we speak with Darolfi and Ben Wilson, senior manager of Operations for RoboTire, about recent dealer feedback, how the technology was designed to help control the technician shortage and what's next for RoboTire.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Kumho Tire Discusses the Solus TA51a, Tire Line Consolidation Strategy Aug 15, 2023

Kumho Tire recently launched the Solus TA51a tire, a grand touring all-season tire that consolidates two products into one. Kumho has also been simplifying other product lines as well; According to Shawn Denlein, president of sales and marketing at Kumho Tire USA, it’s a strategy that will become a huge boon to tire dealers.
“In 2018 we started this strategy of trying to consolidate all the lines, and there's a lot of benefits to this,” Denlein says. “One, you have an extreme benefit from the manufacturing side, because you're able to concentrate obviously just on one tread. From a developmental side, it's also important because it allows the engineers just to focus on one tread. From the dealer side, you're carrying less inventory and it's not as complicated. Back in 2018 we had 13 treads and now we have nine."
On this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, we grill Denlein on details about Kumho’s new TA51a grand touring all-season tire, tire segments the company has its eye on, and how expanded warehousing is expected to help tire dealers in North America.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: https://www.aapexshow.com/

This is How a Continental Marketing Executive Maximizes Tire Sales Aug 02, 2023

When your Average Joe or Jane hears the word Continental, what do think first comes to mind? A hotel breakfast? An airline? Plate tectonics? In large part thanks to Brian Beierwaltes, senior manager of marketing at Continental, many consumers out there first turn to the tires manufactured by a global tire brand.
Every tire manufacturer has its own unique marketing strategy. So, how does a Continental marketing executive keep tires top of mind?
"From the tire side, I really think we leverage our performance side of things and the value that we bring to our consumers, creating great products that ultimately showcase themselves and how they help people on a daily basis when they're driving," Beierwaltes says.
On this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, we pick Beirwaltes's brain about creating a successful marketing campaign for an industry giant; what consumers care most about with their tire purchases today; and what tools Continental gives tire dealers to help them close the next sale.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Making Race Tires for Formula Drift with Giti Tire USA's Dave Poling Jul 10, 2023

A cloud of smoke arises from the GT Radial Champiro SX2 RS tires as Formula Drift Driver Odi Bakchis brakes to a halt. The tires are hot and worn after a few laps drifting, but they’ve kept Odi on the track for the full afternoon. So, what does in to the technological marvel that is race tires?
To answer this, David Poling, Giti Tire USA’s director of tire development and product marketing, sits down with us on this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX. Dave not only explains the technology that goes into race tires, but also how GT Radial’s tires for Formula Drift are built for the conditions and how this racing circuit serves as a proving ground for the company’s technology at a dealer’s counter.

How motorsports is the ultimate proving ground for tire technology (1:02)
The history behind GT Radial’s Formula Drift partnership (2:15)
What GT Radial need to consider in making a tire for Formula Drift (5:55)
How GT Radial’s Formula Drift partnership influences its brand awareness and can be a selling point for dealers at the counter (9:00)
Ways race tire technology can influence the compounding and construction of other performance tires (12:22)
Major advances in race tire technology in the market today (17:22)

Subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts and find the video version on YouTube.

Tire Changer Technology to Help Improve Productivity with Coats Jun 01, 2023

A myraid of tire changers exist on the market today, so how do you know which one is right for your shop? Saying a new tire changer is a huge investment is an understatement, yet in order to service the wheel assemblies you’re seeing in your bays today, as well as those coming down the line, identifying the technology your techs need to perform proper and efficient tire service each time is a must.
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX, we’re joined by Rick Kennedy, product manager for tire changers at The Coats Company, who shares what new technology is essential for investing in a tire changer today and how Coats is looking to make the tire technician’s job easier.
EPISODE OVERVIEW

Tire changer technology to look out for to service both today’s wheel assemblies and those in the future (0:52);
How Coats designed its new Maxx series of tire changers to address technicians’ biggest pain points (4:44);
Rick compares the Maxx series to previous Coats tire changer models to emphasize the convenience features they added through field research (9:54);
The testing process for the Maxx Series (12:08);
Examples of tire changer technology that allow technicians to perform their jobs safer and change tires faster (15:10).

Subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts and find the video version on YouTube.

EV Tires: An Editor's Guide on What You Need to Know May 17, 2023

The number of electric vehicles sold in North America is only going up, which has led many a tire dealer wondering how the characteristics of these vehicles will affect tires. EVs have heavy batteries and instant torque, which creates a perfect storm for these vehicles to eat up tires. However, that's not always the case, and tire manufacturers today are evaluating their current tire lines and working on strategies for how to address this vehicle segment.
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX, I wanted to share an interview I did for our EV sister publication, The Buzz, on its podcast, "The Amped EV Podcast." Myself and the Tire Review team have interviewed tire manufacturers over the last few years asking about their strategies for addressing the unique characteristics of EVS in their product lines. In this podcast, myself and David Sickels, editor of The Buzz and senior editor for Tire Review, look to answer some burning questions about tires for EVs, delve into examples of how different tiremakers are addressing this vehicle segment and give you some actionable answers as to how your shop can prepare to see more EVs in your bays down the line.
EPISODE OVERVIEW:

How different tire makers are approaching the EV segment (0:44);
If the EV designation or dedicated EV tire lines are actually needed (5:20);
Are EVs good or bad for a tire dealer’s business? (8:11);
The level of training shops should seek out to handle EVs (12:11);
How EVs are the next evolution in tire technology and why more education around EVs and tires is needed for shop owners (15:27)

Subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Big O’s Brian Maciak: ‘We Have Aggressive Plans’ for Growth May 03, 2023

Already this year, Big O Tires added 12 locations to its network of stores and is promising even more growth in the years to come. The franchise hit the $1 billion sales mark in 2021 and announced its eastward expansion. But Brian Maciak, president of Big O Tires, explained that while growth is the goal, the franchise can’t do that without a mutually beneficial relationship with Big O Tires and TBC Corp. So, how is Big O promoting this type of healthy growth?
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX, we connected with Maciak to discuss how Big O plans to grow its footprint, the resources it gives its franchisees and the organization’s plans for a more digital customer experience.
OVERVIEW

How Big O plans to achieve “monumental” growth (0:40);
The way analytics play a role in finding markets for growth (3:53);
Spreading brand awareness through digital transformation (7:27);
Ways Big O is staying close to its franchisees and helping them with succession planning (11:57);
What sets Big O apart from other automotive repair franchises (15:27).

Watch the video podcast here or on YouTube and subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. You can also read the full interview below.

Maine Right to Repair Update with VIP Tires & Service's Tim Winkeler Apr 19, 2023

When we talk about the hot-button issues in the industry, we can’t have a conversation without mentioning right to repair. Right now, the fight is over having access to a vehicle’s telematics data, and industry organizations are fighting for this right both at a federal and state level in the US.
One tire business that is deep into the right-to-repair battle in Maine is VIP Tires & Service, which has played a crucial role in securing a ballot referendum around the issue for the upcoming November election cycle. In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX, we’re joined by Tim Winkeler, president and CEO of VIP Tires & Service, to learn how his team is leading the effort to educate consumers about right-to-repair in Maine and why this issue should be top-of-mind for auto repair shops across the country.
EPISODE OVERVIEW
- How the right-to-repair initiative started in Maine and next steps to take before November elections (1:19)
- The ways VIP Tires & Service and other aftermarket professionals in Maine are looking to educate consumers about right to repair (2:53)
- The history behind VIP Tires & Service’s involvement in right to repair both nationally and locally (5:02)
- A Tesla example from the VIP Tires & Service bays that demonstrates the necessity of access to a vehicle’s telematics data (7:22)
- Why right to repair is important to the accessibility of the automotive industry (10:08)
- How tire dealers can emphasize to the customer their right to access their vehicle’s data and what it means for their vehicle care (12:00)
Watch the video podcast on YouTube: http://www.tirereview.com/right-to-repair-maine-update
Subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
More on Right to Repair: https://www.autocare.org/government-relations/current-issues/access-to-and-control-of-vehicle-data
More from AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Top Shops: Tips for Recruiting and Retaining Employees Apr 04, 2023

For decades, technician recruitment and retention has been a pain point for tire dealers and shop owners. An emphasis on college degrees over the years has overtaken the importance of skilled trades. Of course, our industry sees behind the veil of this with a lot of skilled service advisors and technicians making a pretty good living. So, what’s what a tire dealer to do when faced with a tougher-than-ever labor market?
We asked our 2022 Top Shop Winner and Finalists how they’re grappling with it in this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX.
EPISODE OVERVIEW

Don Foshay Jr., owner of Don Foshay’s Discount Tire & Alignment, a two-time Top Shop finalist, on how he structures employee referral programs and benefits. (1:37)
Aaron Telle, president and CEO of Telle Tire & Auto Centers, our 2023 Top Shop Winner, describes how he and Laura Telle, chief people officer and Aaron’s wife, strive to create work-life balance for employees. (4:22)
Rich Elliott, president of Best-One of Indy, and Scott Monteith, vice president, explain how they use their values to guide the company’s growth and create a family-like atmosphere. (8:47)

More What's Treading: https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts/whats-treading-tire-review-podcast/
More on the 2023 AAPEX Show: www.aapexshow.com

Making Sense of Today's Ag Tire Technology with Scott Sloan Mar 22, 2023

Over the past three decades, ag tire technology has evolved. No longer do your farmer customers have one choice for their tractors, sprayers and other equipment. With the proliferation of SKUs, the same size comes with different technology, and as a tire dealer, your job is to keep track of the technological differences between tires and how they’ll help or hinder your customers’ operations.
To help us differentiate ag tire technology in the market today, Scott Sloan, global ag/LSW product manager for Titan International and a 20-plus-year tire industry veteran, joins us on the podcast today. In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX, Scott explains the difference between IF and VF technology, how to use it and other Goodyear tire tech as well as what to expect in the future of ag tire construction.
EPISODE OVERVIEW

What IF and VF ag tire tech does and how to use it (0:56)
How tire dealers can be an educational resource for their customers around ag tire tech on the market (6:25)
The meaning of LSW in ag tire tech and the science behind how it works (10:12)
How Titan’s UFT technology is looking to simplify ag tire sizing and tech for farmers and dealers (18:49)
What Scott sees as future trends in ag tires (21:40)

Subscribe to What's Treading on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts.
Want to listen to more What's Treading episodes? Click here: https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts/whats-treading-tire-review-podcast/
Learn more about our sponsor, the AAPEX Show, at www.aapexshow.com.

Tire Pros' Greg Bell Shares Franchise's Growth Strategy for 700 Stores This Year Mar 08, 2023

Thoughtful growth has fueled the Tire Pros franchise. Not only does it want to grow with more dealers across the US, but it also wants those dealers to be the right partners to grow with. Now with 400-plus dealer franchisees that together have more than 600 independent locations in 44 states, Tire Pros has goals to further its expansion efforts while focusing on bringing the dealers who are the right fit into the fold.
To hear more about where and how Tire Pros wants to grow its footprint, we caught up with Greg Bell, president of American Tire Distributor's Tire Pros subsidiary, a few weeks ago at Tire Pros' 2023 National Business Conference in San Diego, California. There, Greg filled us in on the geographic areas in which Tire Pros wants to grow, the training resources the franchise launched this year and the group's priorities for 2023 in the latest episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX.
EPISODE OVERVIEW:

Geographic areas in which Tire Pros wants to grow (1:10)
How Tire Pros is looking to help dealers with succession planning and keep dealer locations in the franchise (3:08)
Tire Pros’ playbook its dealers are creating for various shop positions (6:35)
Tire Pros’ priorities for 2023, including tire recycling (9:54)

Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
More from Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
More from AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Falken Tires Update with Rick Brennan, VP of Marketing Feb 21, 2023

Like many tiremakers, the Falken brand experienced the supply chain woes brought on by the pandemic, and as recovery continues, it’s looking forward to another exciting year in 2023. Just late last year, Falken launched a pair of new tires that promise to cover more fitments for dealers so that the brand can be their go-to in the marketplace.
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX, Rick Brennan, vice president of strategic planning for Sumitomo Rubber North America, sat down with us to tell us about those products, investments in manufacturing and what’s in store for 2023.
EPISODE OVERVIEW

How the new Falken Azenis FK460 will fill a need in a key segment for Falken (0:48)
How the Falken Wildpeak R/T will enhance the company’s light truck product lineup (3:07)
The status of SRNA’s $122 million upgrade of its New York plant (5:12)
The role of OE fitments in Falken’s product strategy (7:07)
New product launches to expect from the Falken brand in 2023 (8:50)

Subscribe to What’s Treading on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. You can also read the full podcast transcript at https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts/whats-treading-tire-review-podcast/.
More from AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Innovations in Shop Management Software with TCS Technologies Feb 08, 2023

We can all accomplish tasks with an easy click of a button today. Take shop management systems, for example. With a few clicks, you can order new tires or parts, invoice customers and even check on a vehicle’s status in your shop workflow or check in on your accounting. Shop management systems allow you to manage your shop, literally, at your fingertips, and one company has purposely changed the way it packaged its shop management software to make it easier for dealers like you to get the tools you need.
That is TCS Technologies, a company that creates software, websites and marketing tools for tire dealers, distributors and auto repair shops. In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, sponsored by AAPEX, we caught up with Jefferson Carpenter, director and general manager, to delve into what TCS’ software offers, features dealers might be missing out on and TCS’s recent integrations with companies in the tire industry to streamline shop processes.
EPISODE OVERVIEW
- Key features of TCS’s TirePower and TireWorks HD (0:45)
- Changes TCS made in how it sells its software to dealers to help make tire dealer businesses more efficient (1:50)
- Integrations with Tiremetrix, Bartec and Hunter Engineering and how they work (3:04)
- Common tools that go unutilized in shop software and how TCS is bridging the gap with dealers in making sure ROI-generating features are used by service advisors, owners and staff (6:40)
-Jefferson’s experience at tire shops and how his experience informs his role with TCS today (8:50)
- Recent upgrades and features to TCS software and what tire dealers should know about TCS going into 2023; TCS’s recent partnership with Bridgestone’s affiliated dealer network (11:18)
Subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review wherever you get your podcasts.
More What's Treading: https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts/whats-treading-tire-review-podcast/
More from AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Top Shops: Opportunities & Challenges in Today's Tire Industry Jan 25, 2023

As we head into a new year, there’s definitely some skepticism about what the tire industry—and the economy as a whole—has in store. I mean, we’re still recovering from the pandemic, and this year is slated to be the first “normal year” in a while. With that, though, comes both challenges and opportunities for independent tire dealers across North America. Yet, tire dealers tell us that one thing is for sure: the tire business will remain resilient.
To discuss the challenges and opportunities this business brings, we asked our 2022 Top Shop Winner and Finalists: What is one thing that scares you and one thing that excites you about the tire industry?
This is the second part of a three-part series of interviews with our 2022 Top Shops that we recorded last year during our Top Shop Event in Nashville, Tennessee last summer. Listen to what today’s top tire dealers had to say about the state of the industry as you prepare for the year ahead.

President & CEO Aaron Telle, Telle Tire & Auto Center, 2022 Top Shop Winner (1:39)
President Rich Elliot and Vice President Scott Monteith, Best-One of Indy, 2022 Top Shop Finalist (3:19)
President Don Foshay, Jr., Don Foshay's Discount Tire & Alignment, 2022 Top Shop Finalist (6:33)

Subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
More from Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
More from AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com

Kenda Updates UHP Tires to Win Racing Podiums, Talks ‘Four-Season’ Tires Jan 12, 2023

After a few years of supply chain challenges and navigating tariffs, Kenda Tire is looking to expand, as it has released new and updated products in key segments. First, it has made its entry into the all-weather—or what Kenda is calling the “four-season” segment—with its Vezda Touring 4S. Now with updated UHP lines, Kenda hopes to take its “Podium to Pavement” philosophy it has proven in its light truck offerings to the track and gain traction.
To delve into all that is going on with Kenda Tire in North America, we caught up with Ryan Lewis, marketing manager for Kenda’s automotive division, during Industry Week. In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX, Ryan delves into what to expect from Kenda this year and how the company is looking to better serve its channel partners.
EPISODE OVERVIEW:

Updates on Kenda’s Klever M/T2 product (0:27)
How Kenda is entering the all-weather segment and why it is referring to it as “four season” (1:29)
Updates to Kenda’s UHP tire lines and how it aims to prove its “podium to pavement” philosophy in performance racing (3:16)
Updates on Kenda’s e-learning platform (4: 58)

Subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
More What's Treading: https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts/whats-treading-tire-review-podcast/
More on the AAPEX Show: www.aapexshow.com

Understanding Digital Vehicle Inspection Data with Hunter Engineering Dec 28, 2022

Whether we like it or not, data rules our world today—you know it and your customers want it. Haven't you noticed that some customers are more informed on what they want when they make a tire purchase? That’s because they’re collecting data—any bits of information—that will ensure they are making a good investment. One way tire dealers are grasping their hands on more and more vehicle data is through digital vehicle inspections.
While digital vehicle inspection can take on many different forms with a variety of equipment, one company that is leading the way in giving tire dealers data literally at their fingertips is Hunter Engineering. You’ve probably seen or heard of Hunter’s Quick Check inspection equipment that takes tread depth and alignment measurements in seconds. To dig into the type of data Hunter’s inspection equipment collects, new features it debuted this year and how it integrates with other equipment at the shop, we sat down with Pete Liebetreu, vice president of marketing at Hunter Engineering, during Industry Week in Las Vegas this year.
In this interview for What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX, Pete delves into:
- Data points Hunter equipment collects through its DVI equipment (0:45)
- Enhancements Hunter has made to its inspection equipment that were debuted at industry week (2:14)
- How inspection reports can lead to shop efficiency and transparency with customers (5:05)
- How dealers can realize ROI with an investment in DVI equipment (8:43)
Subscribe to What's Treading on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and more!
More from Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
What's Treading Archives: https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts/whats-treading-tire-review-podcast/
More on the AAPEX Show: www.aapexshow.com

Hercules Tires's Simpson: New Products & Adapting to Light Truck Tire Trends Dec 16, 2022

In the past year, Hercules Tires has launched around six new products—including its first ag tire. Most recently, the company debuted its new mud-terrain tire in partnership with TIS Wheels, the TIS TT1, by Hercules, that targets larger fitments and aesthetics any off-roader would drool over. So, with a wide range of product launches, what’s Hercules’ product strategy and what should dealers know about the brand come 2023?
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAAPEX, Josh Simpson, president of Hercules Tires, digs into some of the brand’s new products from the past year and how it is looking to help dealers navigate the complex tire market, especially on the light truck side.
In this episode, Simpson delves into:

Details on the TIS TT1 by Hercules and the partnership between Hercules and TIS Offroad (0:28)
Performance characteristics of the TIS TT1 by Hercules (2:18)
How Hercules is targeting its products in the Hercules and Ironman lines (3:16)
The specificity of the light truck market and how Hercules is catering to those segments and other trending segments in the industry (5:06)
SKU complexity and how dealers can navigate an increasingly complex tire market (7:42)
What dealers should know about Hercules Tires going into 2023 (9:14)

More What's Treading: https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts/whats-treading-tire-review-podcast/
Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xYR7ViV4cHE
More on the AAPEX Show: www.aapexshow.com

Why You Shouldn't Leave Right to Repair on the Back Burner Nov 29, 2022

There are so many issues going on in the automotive aftermarket – like labor shortages and kinks in the supply chain – and it’s easy to put an ongoing issue like Right to Repair on the back burner for a while. AutoCare Association Senior Director of State Affairs Tom Tucker says that can be OK for a while… just don’t forget about Right to Repair until it’s too late.
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, sponsored by AAPEX, we speak with Tom to discuss the status of Right to Repair in Massachusetts and Maine. We talk through technical issues revolving around the issue, like cybersecurity, as well as if Right to Repair will be popping up in any other states anytime soon.
Episode Overview:
• What is the status of Right to Repair in Maine? (1:46)
• Are OEMs fighting Right to Repair legislation in Maine? (3:15)
• Would the passage of automotive Right to Repair legislation lead to cyber security issues? (7:55)
• What is the status of Right to Repair in Massachusetts? (8:47)
• What is the best way to support Right to Repair? (11:22)
• Is Right to Repair legislation being introduced in any other states? (16:00)
• Have there been any major Right to Repair victories outside of automotive? (18:00)

2023 Legislative Issues Tire Dealers Need to Know About with Roy Littlefield IV Nov 17, 2022

With the final races in the midterm elections decided or nearly there, the 2023 Congress will be take their oath come the new year, which means a new legislative cycle is upon us. For tire dealers and automotive repair shop owners, this means a new crop of legislators will hold the power on hot-button issues, such as right to repair, that affect their business.
To recap some of 2022 and get into issues that should be on tire dealer’s minds for 2023, we caught up with Roy Littlefield IV, vice president of government affairs for the Tire Industry Association (TIA). In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX 2023, Roy delves into:
- Where the right-to-repair legislation passed in Massachusetts in 2023 stands (1:49)
- A status update on the Right-to-Repair Coalition in Maine (3:46)
- Action on the federal level on right-to-repair and what a new Congress means for this issue (5:24)
- Federal and state-level issues that tire dealers need to know about now and into 2023, including susatinability and crumb rubber bills (8:49)
- How tire dealers can get involved with TIA legislatovely and stay informed (14:48)
Listen to more episodes of What's Treading with Tire Review wherever you get your podcasts. To stay updated on tire industry news and trends, head to tirereview.com or subscribe to our daily newsletter at tirereview.com/subscribe.

2022 Top Shops: Our Most Successful Marketing Tactics Oct 31, 2022

In the digital age, there are so many ways to market your business, you might be thinking: What will work for me? You have limited time on your hands, so where can you best put your dollars to reap the rewards of more business? We posed this question to this year’s Top Shop Winner, Telle Tire & Auto Centers, and Finalists, Best-One of Indy and Don Foshay's Discount Tire & Alignment-- those that made it to the top in our 2022 Top Shop Contest, sponsored by Coats.
We caught up with this year's Top Shops during our Top Shop Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, this summer, where we discussed a variety of shop operations topics. Here, you'll find the first in a series of podcasts discussing pressing topics for shop owners, including technician recruitment and retention, industry trends and advice for other tire dealers.
Listen to the audio podcast here or find it on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id14703097
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm

The OTAA’s Month of Training & Using Training as a Retention Tool Oct 05, 2022

Whether you’re hiring new people or wanting to “upskill” your current technicians, frequent training is a must for your staff to stay on top of new technologies and best practices. Training can come from many sources–manufacturers, parts suppliers, internally or even your own state tire and automotive association.
This year, the Ohio Tire & Automotive Association (OTAA), in partnership with the Tire Industry Association (TIA), decided to reallocate some resources to offer TIA training for its member shop technicians across the state. So, how did they get this training going? And what goals do they hope to achieve with it? In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX 2022, we find out. Members of the OTAA –including Jeff Wallick, president and K&M Tire’s director of training, Alex Bohenke, executive director, and Tom White, OTAA board member and owner of six locations of Tire Source throughout Northeast Ohio– visited our studio to chat about the association’s recent training initiatives and how training can be a tool in retaining technicians and fighting the technician shortage.
EPISODE OVERVIEW:
-How the Ohio Tire & Automotive Association organized its month of training (1:02)
- The OTAA’s long-term training goals (5:09)
- Why making the investment in training is important for tire dealers (6:16)
- The need for a skilled workforce at the shop level and how it can be a retention tool for shops (9:43)
- What the OTAA hears from its members about the technician shortage and the resources it's offering to help (12:29)
The OTAA’s advice to other state associations interested in implementing a training program (15:02)
More on OTAA: ohiotire.org
More from the AAPEX Show: www.aapexshow.com
More from Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch a video version of this episode.

AAPEX 2022: What Tire Dealers Can Expect Sep 20, 2022

It’s that time of year again—show time! With about a month and a half before the SEMA and AAPEX Shows, we’re gearing up to bring you live coverage from both...and give you a sneak peek at what to expect at the shows this year. Whether you’re busy planning your trip to Vegas for the biggest automotive aftermarket event or taking it all in from the comfort of your desk chair, let’s dive into what you can anticipate seeing at this year’s AAPEX Show.
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, sponsored by AAPEX, we discuss all things AAPEX 2022 with Vic Tarasik, owner of Shop Owner Coach and a member of the AAPEX Events Committee. As a former independent automotive repair shop owner himself, Vic coaches other shop owners today and has played an integral role in getting other shop owners involved to chart out the technical and management training that will be at this year’s AAPEX Show, especially in Repair Shop HQ and Joe’s Garage.
Hear from Vic as he explains the new elements to this year’s show, examples of the technical training (ADAS and so much more) that will be available and the management training sessions that will be open to attendees.
EPISODE OVERVIEW:
- Ways AAPEX is catering to repair shops and tire dealers with Repair Shop HQ and Joe’s Garage (0:36)
- Differences from last year’s AAPEX show to this year’s and how manufacturers will demonstrate their equipment on real vehicles in Joe’s Garage (3:59)
-New exhibitors in Repair Shop HQ, including Garage Gurus (6:55)
-What Vic and AAPEX are predicting in attendance after last year’s show’s restrictions due to COVID-19 (8:13)
- Management training- such as how to charge what you’re worth - that will be at AAPEX this year and how you can sign up for them (8:50)
- Technical training sessions available at AAPEX this year, such as sessions on ADAS and EVs (13:28)
-Why tire dealers should go to AAPEX and split their time between AAPEX and SEMA (15:08)
Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. You can also watch the video version of this podcast on Tire Review's YouTube channel.
More on AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com
More from Tire Review: www.tirereview.com

The Latest Consumer Buying Data on Major Auto Purchases [Audio] Sep 07, 2022

The way consumers shop for tires has evolved over the years–you’re probably installing more tires from an online purchase than ever before and having conversations with customers who know (or think they know) what tires they need on their vehicle, thanks to the endless amount of information at our fingertips. The pandemic shifted consumers’ digital habits into high gear, and according to Synchrony Financial, a dealer’s digital presence is impacting the customer’s buying experience in a big way.
To dig into how this is happening, we dive into Synchrony’s latest data around major automotive purchases–those of which include tires. In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAAPEX, we’re joined by Keith Mait, senior vice president and general manager, auto, oil and gas of Synchrony Financial. Keith explains how consumer buying behavior around major automotive purchases is changing and how dealers can be prepared with financing their customers may need.
EPISODE OVERVIEW:
-Synchrony Financial's auto, oil and gas division and how consumer spending is different in the auto repair space (0:45)
- How automotive consumers are saving for planned and unplanned expenses and the buying behaviors that changed as a result of the pandemic (1:51)
- The importance of mobile devices in the buying journey and how the digital experience translates to the in-store experience (5:15)
- Changing expectations of an automotive consumer's in-store experience and 79% of automotive purchases still happen in-store (9:06)
- Services Synchonry provides that help bridge the gap between the digital and in-store experience when it comes to consumer financing (12:53)
- How automotive customers are using consumer financing in a post-pandemic world and how dealers can make it more seamless for their customers (15:50)
- Why the power of choice in how consumers pay for their automotive and tire service bring repeat business (18:46)
Subscribe to the audio version of What's Treading on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google and Stitcher.
More on AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com
More on Synchonry: www.synchrony.com

Digging into CEMB’s Expansion in the US & Wheel Balancing Roots with David Martin Aug 23, 2022

When it comes to tire equipment, your mind can spin at the many options to choose from in each category. Each company makes a wheel balancer, tire changer, alignment and inspection equipment their own by adding certain features aimed at helping tire shops save time. One company in this space that specializes in wheel balancing has also pioneered technology on some of your favorite equipment at the shop, and that’s just a sliver of how itserves the transportation industry.
Founded in 1946 by Luigi Buzzi just outside of Milan, Italy, CEMB started as a leader in the wheel balancing space, and today, operates three business units around solving balancing issues in its industrial, vibration analysis and automotive departments. In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX, David Martin, COO for CEMB USA, describes how the company’s garage equipment division is bringing the latest technology in wheel balancing and wheel alignment to shops around the world.
EPISODE OVERVIEW
- How David’s past roles with tire equipment companies influence his current role at CEMB (1:12)
- CEMB’s history, the structure of the business and how it works with other companies to bring out technologies on their branded equipment (2:57)
- The current expansion of CEMB’s Gainsville, Georgia, facility and how it will allow the company to grow in North America (7:56)
- Trends in tire changing and wheel balancing equipment David is seeing in the industry (11:05)
- CEMB’s touchless alignment system and how it has helped shops operate at a higher capacity (16:57)
- How CEMB plans to grow its presence in the US and beyond (20:03)
Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MZ4QNtakGFg
You can also subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and Stitcher.
Not a fan of watching the episode? Read the full interview here: https://www.tirereview.com/cemb-usa-roots-us-expansion/
Thanks to our sponsor, AAPEX. To learn more about the 2022 AAPEX Show, go to www.aapexshow.com.

4 New Tires in 1 Year: Nexen Talks Product Strategy, Marketing Goals Aug 10, 2022

In the last year, Nexen Tire America has launched four tires in key segments with no plans of stopping. It has also moved its headquarters from southern California to Richfield, Ohio, to be closer to its R&D center, and has doubled down on its motorsports partnerships and OE fitments. So, how is the tiremaker faring with such change? And what segments is it focusing on?
We found out in this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX 2022, with Jason Yard, marketing director for Nexen Tire USA.
EPISODE OVERVIEW:
- Synergies Nexen Tire Americas has achieved with its R&D by moving its HQ from southern California to Richfield, Ohio (0:29)
- How Nexen’s recent launch of the Roadian ATX fits into its light truck product line and improvements made from its predecessor (3:11)
- The importance of adding the Roadian HTX2 and N’Fera Sport R to Nexen’s product lineup (5:36)
- How Nexen’s average of four OE fitments per year has helped the brand gain momentum (8:49)
- Nexen’s marketing focus, including its motorsports and overland activations, and why they are important for the brand (10:28)
- How dealers can use the Nexen Garage (12:26)
More What's Treading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA
More from AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm

An Inside Look at the Goodyear-Cooper Tire Integration Process with Goodyear's Renee Radabaugh Jul 26, 2022

A little over a year ago, Goodyear acquired Cooper Tire for $2.5 billion, promising synergies among the two companies and streamlined services for dealers. So how are the doing that? What does it take to integrate two American powerhouse tiremakers?
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX 2022, we speak with Renee Radabaugh, a 35-year veteran with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. who currently serves as its vice president of North America consumer channels and categories teams. Radabaugh oversees Goodyear’s consumer replacement tire business, and most recently led the integration of sales and marketing activities between the two companies in the Americas.
Radabaugh gives us an update about how the integration is going and what it takes for Goodyear to incorporate a company the size of Cooper Tire, its products and employees into its existing business in the Americas.
EPISODE OVERVIEW
-What advantages Radabaugh sees with the integration of Goodyear and Cooper Tire (1:19)
- The work it takes to integrate sales and marketing efforts for two major tiremakers (2:37)
- Why during the integration, one of Goodyear’s goals has been to not “disrupt the continuity” of the business (4:39)
- The systems that Goodyear and Cooper are integrating, including distribution through TireHub and manufacturing (7:07)
- The synergies already realized as a result of the Goodyear-Cooper integration (9:19)
- How Goodyear is working to optimize its brands as it takes on more with Cooper Tire and long-run synergies the company is working toward (10:57)
- How Goodyear plans to maintain both the Cooper and Goodyear businesses and what Radabagh thinks dealers should know about integration efforts (13:37)
- An update on the latest between the integration with Goodyear and Cooper (15:41)
Subscribe to What's Treading on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Catch the video version on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA
More on the 2022 AAPEX Show: www.AAPEXShow.com

Toyo Tire's Michael Graber: Hot Tire Segments and Toyo's Plan to Ship More Tires to US Dealers Jul 13, 2022

When tire dealers tell you, “Keep doing what you’re doing, I just need more tires,” that’s a simple yet hard mandate to follow, especially in an environment where the supply chain is as predictable as the weather. Yet this is what Toyo Tires dealers told Michael Graber, president and CEO of Toyo Tire USA, when he was tapped to lead the company this past April.
Staying in line with that directive, Graber and the Toyo team have laid out plans to get more tires to North American dealers while giving them more products they want in hot tire segments—all-weather and last-mile delivery (or super regional, as Graber calls it), are just two.
“We’re poised for growth,” Graber told us in the latest episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX.
Graber has extensive tire industry experience, with eight years with Toyo under his belt serving most recently as vice president of sales and before that director of truck tire sales. He has also served in sales roles with Michelin and in the agricultural and waste industries.
In this episode of What’s Treading, Graber details key tire segments that are growth areas for Toyo and how the company’s newest plant is slated to serve North American tire dealers.
Subscribe to this podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA
Not a fan of listening or watching the episode? Read the full interview below here: https://www.tirereview.com/whats-treading-toyo-tires

Why Tire Supply Chains Are 'Anything But Normal' and They Won't be for a While Jun 24, 2022

For the last several years, the one word that constantly comes up in conversations about the tire business is supply–No. 1 getting the tires, and No. 2, getting the ones you need. Inflation has caused logistics and transportation costs to rise, and we’re still seeing port congestion and other ripple effects from COVID shutdowns and bottlenecks. Yet, there are a few bright spots that linger in the distance, despite the disruption we’ve seen over the past few years.
To dive into the topic of supply chain disruption, we spoke with Art Mayer, a contract writer and consultant that’s president of Zephyr Research Partners, which covers a wide range of topics in the tire industry. Art has years of experience in the industry working in a variety of roles for Dealer Tire and serving as a researcher for Smithers. He has previously been a speaker at Smithers’ Traction conferences, covering the emerging areas of sensors and intelligent tires. Recently, he wrote a Smithers report titled, “The Impact of Supply Chain Disruption on the Tire Industry.
In this interview, Art delves into:
- The myriad of factors affecting the tire supply chain today. (1:00)
- A silver lining that may come in the second part despite this being the “worst supply chain disruption in 50 years.” (5:46)
- How manufacturers are changing supply strategies to adapt to the climate (8:09)
- How consolidation in the tire distribution and manufacturing channel impacts supply chain (9:26)
- The context of tire supply in the greater supply chain challenges for the automotive industry, including the semiconductor shortage (11:38)
- How EV sales and other future mobility trends are affecting supply and could speed up the adoption of tire management solutions and fleet ownership (15:00)
- How efforts to sustainably source raw materials and manufacture tires have increased and how supply chain challenges played a role (17:14)
- How the Russian war in Ukraine impacts the tire supply chain (19:10)
Listen to the audio podcast here or subscribe on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm

Johnny g & Friends: Creating Consistency & Scaling Up - Lessons from Tires Plus’ Jarid Lundeen Jun 14, 2022

Even when Jarid Lundeen worked in the restaurant and banking industries, one thing about the customer experience always stood out to him: Consistency. Early on, he learned consistency creates success, which is what he looks to instill in his four Tires Plus locations in Minott, North Dakota. But how do you do that?
Jarid tells Johnny g in this latest episode of Johnny g & Friends, presented by Firestone. Jarid not only touts consistency in the tire business but also diversity and scaling up as a means to success as a businessman. As the CEO and president of JETT Management, Jarid has four Tire Plus locations plus four Valvoline Instant Oil Change stores and a barbecue restaurant under his belt and is an example in each of his businesses of how a consistent customer experience can lead to repeat business.
Jarid got the hang of the automotive industry as a young boy hanging out with his dad at his father’s body shop. Over the years, he strayed away from the industry, yet was called back after his father asked him to partner with him on a Tires Plus location. Since then, he bought his father out and has grown his footprint with much more on the way.
Watch the episode above or on YouTube. You can also subscribe to Johnny g & Friends on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.
EPISODE OVERVIEW
- How Johnny g and Jarid first met (1:40)
- What Jarid learned working in the banking and restaurant industries and how he applies that to his businesses today (3:00)
- Why Jarid has diversified his portfolio to not only include tire stores and why he feels that will benefit him down the line (4:13)
- Jarid describes his early years growing up in his father’s body shop and the skills he learned, such as creating conversation, from the experience. (5:47)
- Why Jarid was attracted to invest in Valvoline Instant Oil Change stores and his view on how the oil change should work in relation to his tire shop (7:08)
- Jarid’s goals for his businesses, including his tire business, oil change business and Bones BBQ restaurant and why the need for replication is paramount across processes at all three (8:54)
- Mentors Jarid has had in the tire industry (12:40)
- Why Jarid thinks it’s important to scale up in business and grow (14:49)
You can also watch Johnny g & Freinds on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgfm_UrqXz4&list=PLVkqUUE022sfk413J6lVAaPFH4Wc2ORLy
More on Firestone: www.firestonetires.com.

Sullivan Tire CEO Eyes 'Controlled Growth' in New England, Emphasizes Employee Development Jun 01, 2022

With 77 locations across the New England states, Sullivan Tire &Auto Centers is definitely "one of the big guys" in the northeast. Like its competitors, it is eyeing growth and looking at where the business can expand its footprint. However, as it expands, it knows the business can get more corporate, so how do you sustain the personal, family-oriented approach to the business as you grow?
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we spoke with Joe Zaccheo, Sullivan Tire's recently appointed president and CEO, who explained how the company is keeping that family feel as it expands. Zaccheo, a 26-year Sullivan Tire veteran, is a champion of the company's "controlled growth," especially as it looks for opportunities to expand in Connecticut and central and western Massachusetts. Yet, as a tenured member of the Sullivan Tire team, he's been involved in employee growth initiatives --such as its leadership development programs--that have allowed the business to retain tenured employees.
- His start in the industry. (0:56)
- How acquisitions have become a central part of Sullivan Tire's growth strategy. (2:04)
- The importance of culture and treating employees like family as well as challenges that come with acquisitions. (6:29)
- Where he sees Sullivan Tire's "controlled growth" taking place. (11:05)
- How Sullivan Tire has invested in its employees, from evaluating compensation to incentives, which have led to 400 of its 1,200 employees being with the company for 10 or more years. (15:28)
- The start and evolution of Sullivan Tire's Leadership Development Program and how it promotes cross-functional collaboration among teams across the company's locations (18:06)
- How the company is confronting challenges, such as the current labor shortage and inflation, and why Zaccheo thinks it's important for the company to "build the bench" of rising talent to take the company into the next generation (23:36)
Subscribe to What's Treading on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
You can also watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA

Tires Made Out of Tires? And Plants? Bridgestone Talks Guayule Rubber, Circular Economy May 19, 2022

Now more than ever, going green is permeating the industry. Automakers are required to meet certain sustainability requirements, which means everything that goes into creating a vehicle–ahem, the tires–are held to higher sustainability targets, too. Just ask Bridgestone, whose goal is to have 100% carbon neutrality and 100% renewable resources in its tires by 2050. So, how are they going to achieve that?
Slowly but surely, the foundation for a more sustainable future is being laid out as you read this. Here’s just one example: For more than a decade, Bridgestone has been researching the guayule plant to use as a domestic source of natural rubber, and now the first Firestone Firehawk race tire made with guayule natural rubber (grown and extracted at the company’s guayule R&D facilities in Arizona) will debut at this year’s Indy 500 on May 29.
Just last month, the company partnered with LanzaTech, a carbon capture and transformation company, to co-develop the first dedicated end-of-life tire recycling process. To learn more about Bridgestone’s guayule research and end-of-life tire recycling initiatives, we spoke with Bill Niaura, director of sustainable materials and circular economy for Bridgestone Americas Technology Center. In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX, Bill dives into why Bridgestone is investing in these various sustainability initiatives and how creating a circular economy is in the tiremaker's future.
EPISODE OVERVIEW
- An update on Bridgestone’s research into guayule natural rubber (1:00)
- Why tiremakers are investing in alternate sources of natural rubber (2:11)
- How Bridgestone and LanzaTech will work together on end-of-life tire recycling and how the carbon transformation process starts from the guy of a rabbit (8:33)
- How Bridgestone’s relationship with its dealers will help its sustainability goals trickle down the tire industry (14:15)
More on Bridgestone's sustainability goals: https://www.bridgestone.com/corporate/news/2021062901.html
More on AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com
You can also subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher.

Commercial Tire Service Safety Basics That Save Lives w/ Russ Devens May 03, 2022

Downtime is the enemy of fleets everywhere–a tire problem while on the road is a cog in the supply chain wheel, so to speak. Luckily, independent tire dealers and their teams act as the “superhero” when it comes to responding to service calls in a timely manner. Yet, while on the side of the road, your teams need to be equipped with not only the proper tools, but also the right training to protect themselves and successfully service the out-of-commission wheel assemblies.
That’s why learning proper tire service techniques is so important, whether your techs are out in the field or in the shop. In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX 2022, Russ Devens, director of safety and risk management for McCarthy Tire Service, explains the training and techniques independent tire dealers must provide their technicians and how training can remain top of mind at the shop. Russ dives into:
- Three common safety mistakes when technicians are called to service a commercial tire (0:56)
- The importance of site assessment during a commercial tire service call (4:13)
- Equipment and resources that dealers should be giving their commercial tire service technicians (7:31)
- The dangers of complacency with commercial tire technicians and how dealers can handle this on their staff (10:51)
- Best practices for forming relationships with the fleet/driver when on a service call (13:09)
Listen to this episode here or subscribe to What’s Treading with Tire Review on
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
You can watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA

TIA's Dick Gust Talks Labor, Training & OTR Tire Recycling Apr 13, 2022

In an industry that either makes or sells those four round circles of rubber that go on your vehicle, there's quite a lot going on. Tire dealers are being hit hard by the most recent labor shortage, the evolution of technology teams you and your employees must stay on top of training and sustainability is at the forefront of tire technology. With more than 30 years in the tire industry, Tire Industry Association CEO Dick Gust has a bird's eye view of how all parties in the tire industry are addressing labor, training and sustainability.
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX 2022, Dick talks about these topics and more and how TIA and its members are addressing them now and how he sees them evolving in the future.
EPISODE OVERVIEW
- The importance of technician training despite shortages in labor and new training sessions TIA has in store for the industry (0:26)
- The latest efforts in OTR tire recycling and why Dick thinks OTR tires are "the new frontier" in tire recycling (2:54)
- How tire dealers can work with those across the industry to boost tire recycling efforts and how tire manufacturers are working to generate a circular economy in the tire industry(5:00)
- Why OTR tires are more of a challenge in creating a circular economy (7:34)
- Dick discusses sustainability and recycling resources for tire dealers (8:15)
Listen to this episode here or subscribe to What’s Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
You can watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA

Top Trends in Today's OE Wheels With Blackburn OEM Wheels Mar 30, 2022

Wheels, especially on high-performance vehicles, are often a part of any vehicle that stands out. They come in different finishes, with various pieces and in all types of colors. Let’s face it: They are the outlandish sibling of the round, black tire. Tires and wheels are commodity items, but when your customer wants to customize the look of their vehicle, wheels are a great place to start, and offering the expertise of what’s hot in the market can be good for your business.
In a crowded wheel and tire market, it’s often hard to keep up with the latest trends, so let this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX 2022, help you out. Jimmy Blackburn, president of Blackburn OEM Wheel Solutions, stops by our studio to explain what he sees are some of the hottest wheel trends in the market and how his business is faring with supply constraints and changing consumer behavior as a result of the pandemic.
Listen here or subscribe to What’s Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
You can watch a video version of this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TireReview

Sun Auto's Record Acquisition Growth & What's to Come with Tony Puckett Mar 11, 2022

You may have heard of Sun Auto Tire & Service. The company, formerly known as GB Auto Service, started in 2017 and just last year, it had record growth, doubling in size after acquiring 11 new automotive service brands in 12 new states. Currently, the company, backed by private equity firm Leonard Green & Associates, has more than 350 locations and is looking for opportunities to expand.
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX 2022, we’re joined by Tony Puckett, the company’s CEO, to review Sun Auto’s 2021 growth and what to expect in 2022. A 35-year Valvoline veteran, Puckett most recently served as head of Valvoline’s Quick Lube division where he oversaw the growth of that business from 900 to 1,500 locations. He joined Sun Auto in September 2021 and has been involved in another period of record growth for the company. In this episode, Puckett speaks about:
- The aspects of the company he credits for the growth of Sun Auto doubling in size in 2021 (1:10)
- Tactics and strategies he learned from growing Valvoline Quick Lube that he has applied to Sun Auto’s growth (2:20)
- How Sun Auto acquires tire businesses and reasons why he feels dealers partner with Sun Auto (4:50)
- The ways Sun Auto spreads best practices among its acquired locations (7:39)
- How Sun Auto is tackling the challenge of labor and qualified technicians in the tire industry (10:45)
- How he sees Sun Auto growing its geographic footprint in 2022 and beyond (16:35)
Listen to What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX 2022, here or subscribe to the podcast on:
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
- Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA

The Shift Toward Compact Equipment & How it Will Affect OTR Dealers with Bruce Besancon Feb 15, 2022

Drive by any construction site today, and you'll probably see tractors, loaders, skid steers - the mainstays that sites need to keep running. However, in recent years, those pieces of equipment have downsized, giving the market for compact construction, ag and lawn equipment a boost.
Now, that's not to say those large earthmovers are going extinct. In fact, they play a huge role in readying a site for construction. However, when efficiency comes into play, the tiny but mighty equipment is having its time in the spotlight, and there are lots of reasons why.
To discuss this trend and how it will impact tire dealers, we spoke with Bruce Besancon, vice president of sales for Yokohama Off-Highway Tires, in this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX 2022.
In this episode, Bruce delves into:
- Factors influencing the shift toward more compact equipment, especially in the construction sector.
- How the $1.2 trillion U.S. infrastructure bill signed into law late last year will impact the growth of compact equipment.
- How shifts in the market like this impact Yokohama's product strategy.
- How tire dealers can work with fleets, rental companies and their vendor partners to better service compact equipment as more of these machines come to market.
Watch here or subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/what-s-treading-with-tire-review
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA

How Hunter Engineering is Using IOT to Help Dealers Operate Smarter Jan 26, 2022

You may have heard of the "Internet of Things," or IOT, as it's often referred to. But, if you’re scratching your head thinking, um…how does this relate to my tire business? We’re about to delve into just that.
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX 2022, we’re joined by Pete Liebetreu, vice president of marketing for Hunter Engineering Co., who describes how Hunter is using IOT its HunterNet2 technology. According to computer technology company Oracle, the Internet of Things is a network of physical objects—“your things”—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. Think technologies like the Amazon Echo, for instance.
The way Hunter is using IOT is to address issues in shop efficiency. Hunter has the ability to connect its tire equipment, which includes tire changers, wheel balancers, alignment racks and more, to give you, the shop owner or tire dealer, data on how many jobs each machine has performed, how much money they’re bringing into the shop, missed service opportunities and more. Owners can see all of this data in the HunterNet 2 portal, which can be accessed via desktop or a mobile device.
To learn more about the capabilities of the HunterNet2 portal and what dealers can measure, we caught up with Leibetreu at this year’s SEMA Show, where he gave us a look into how the HunterNet 2 technology was created, exactly what it can measure for shops and its latest update that includes a multi-store view.
Listen here or subscribe to What’s Treading on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Or, watch a video version of this episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUswYJsDNu5h8U6wSk29U4A

Vredestein Previews New 2022 Products, Long-Term Strategy Jan 10, 2022

On the heels of its latest all-terrain tire launch with the Pinza AT, the Vredestein brand is making its mark in the North American market. In 2019, the brand debuted with its Hypertrac UHP tire, and since then it has grown its presence in the independent tire dealer channel across North America. So, what does the brand have planned for 2022? And what about down the line?
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX 2022, we’re joined by Abhishek Bisht, assistant vice president of the Americas at Apollo Tyres, to talk about the growth the company has experienced since 2019 and what its plans are for the new year. Bisht also discusses Apollo’s long-term strategy in the North American market and what the company hopes to accomplish in five to 10 years.
Listen here or subscribe to What’s Treading on :
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Or, For a video version of this episode, click here: https://www.tirereview.com/vredestein-2022-products-long-term-strategy/
Find it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA

Creating a Successful Sales Process with Steve Ferrante Dec 13, 2021

When a customer calls or comes into your tire dealership, it's easy to get into a rhythm and read from a script. What can I do for you today? What's the year, make, and model of your vehicle? What's your tire size? Important questions, sure. However, this is called "winging it;" it's not a true sales process, says Steve Ferrante, CEO of Sale Away LLC and the producer and host of Pinnacle Performance Training, a program that teaches independent tire and auto service businesses how to improve customer relations, build winning team cultures and produce greater sales results.
With more than 30 years of successful sales and management training experience, Ferrante is employed by many of Tire Review's Top Shops as a sales coach that helps establish a sales process based on a company's values toward customer service. In addition to being a regular contributor to Tire Review, Ferrante grew up in and around his family’s auto service business in Massachusetts and is an avid auto enthusiast.
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX, Ferrante delves into:
- How his roots growing up in the automotive repair business led him to be an automotive enthusiast and car collector (0:45)
-The goals of his Pinnacle Performance Training process and how it helps break service advisors and customers from "the buying trance" (2:50)
- The keys to a successful and unsuccessful sales process and how dealers can redefine their competition with a good sales process (6:09)
- The "why" behind people do and don't buy from a particular place and the key to engaging with customers to keep them coming back (10:05)
- The one KPI dealers should track come the new year and the best way dealers can set and achieve goals (14:50)
You can also subscribe to What’s Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA

Right to Repair Update: Where Are We Now? Nov 29, 2021

Right to repair is an ongoing issue in the automotive aftermarket. Put simply, it allows drivers to have access to their vehicle's data so they can grant you, the independent tire dealer, permission to access it and repair their vehicle. However, with OEMs wanting to maintain control over that data, the automotive aftermarket faces an uphill battle on this issue that's currently making its way through the court system. So, where does the right to repair issue stand? And what's happening at the federal level to be sure consumers have access to their car's data?
Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, explains where the right to repair issue stands for independent repair shops in this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, presented by AAPEX. Hanvey explains:
- The Auto Care Association's advocacy efforts on behalf of repair shops in the court case over the Massachusetts Right to Repair ballot measure, which received support from more than 70 percent of voters in 2019.
- What's happening on the federal level with right to repair legislation and how the Biden administration has taken a stand on right to repair across different industries.
- How independent tire dealers and repair shops can get involved in advocacy efforts around right to repair.
-The Auto Care Association's latest research on electric vehicles and e-commerce and why EVs aren't going to hurt independent repair shops.
Listen here or subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify.
More on AAPEX: https://aapexshow.com/

How Tire Pros is Leaning in to the Future of Tire Retail Nov 16, 2021

At its recent Tire Pros Dealer Conference in late October, the 600+ dealer franchise unveiled its three-year plan to help its dealers better connect with customers and succeed in today's increasingly digitally focused world. So, what does that plan entail?
Tire Pros President Greg Bell takes a deep dive into what the franchise has in store in this latest episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, sponsored by AAPEX. In this episode, Bell dives into:
- Tire Pros growth in the last year and what he credits for the growth (1:42)
- The top three priorities for the franchise going into 2022 (2:43)
- Tools available to Tire Pros dealers as part of the franchise's "Showroom of the Future" concept (6:02)
- How he feels tire retail and the tire industry as a whole ha evolved due to the pandemic (10:42)
Listen here or subscribe to What’s Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE\
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm" target=
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUswYJsDNu5h8U6wSk29U4A
More on the AAPEX Show: https://aapexshow.com/

Top Shops, Pt. 2: Managing Appointments and Walk-ins Oct 25, 2021

In this industry, you often hear the phrase "Appointments vs. Walk-ins." Does your service advisor meticulously manage your shop's scheduled work? Or, are you banking on helping customers out when they need it and walk into your store? The answer for many is both. But as tire dealers worked to manage the flow of traffic in their shops during the pandemic, more and more switched to taking appointments and scheduling out walk-ins as they came in. Customers felt safer. Employees were less stressed. So, how does one masterfully manage the flow of work for optimal shop productivity?
This year's Top Shop Winner and Finalists have some ideas. In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, our Top Shops delve into their beliefs on scheduling out service work and the keys for successfully managing workflow. You'll hear how:
- Burt Brothers Tire & Service is encouraging customers to schedule their service work. [1:35]
- Lex Brodie's Tire, Brake and Service Company is constantly improving its online appointment-scheduling system for customers. [2:25]
- Telle Tire & Auto Centers maintains transparency with its customers and dials in on each customer experience to dictate how the shop needs to adapt its workflow. [5:02]
- Plaza Tire Service's philosophy on increasing the flow of business by not scheduling appointments. [6:29]
Listen here or subscribe to What's Treading on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA

Top Shops: Tips on Recruiting and Retaining Employees Sep 24, 2021

Across the automotive aftermarket, shop owners and distributors alike continue to grapple with one huge challenge. You’ve guessed it: labor. More specifically for shops, a technician shortage. We know, we know -- this isn’t news to you. However, since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, some shops are going about recruiting and retaining employees a bit differently.
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, our 2021 Top Shop Winner and Finalists are here to tell you how they’re doing just that. We caught up with our 2021 Top Shops at our Top Shop Event in Nashville, Tennessee in August, where we delved into a myriad of topics around shop operations and productivity. In this episode:
- Jake and Jason Burt, two of the five partners of Burt Brothers Tire & Service, share how they’ve created more flexible schedules and career pathways for their employees at their 16-location dealership in Salt Lake City, Utah. [1:30]
- Laura Telle, vice president and chief people officer at Telle Tire & Auto Centers, describes how the dealership offers different levels of training for service advisors and technicians for advancement in the company. [3:40]
- Scott Williams, partner and vice president of marketing and brand management for Lex Brodie’s Tire, Brake and Service Co., explains how the five-location dealership in Honolulu, Hawaii created its own in-house university and details the process the business goes through to nurture good employees. [5:55]
- Mark Rhodes, co-owner of Plaza Tire Service, explains how trust in his shop managers has proved to help the business grow and succeed. [8:25]
Listen here or subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/what-s-treading-with-tire-review
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA

Akron Stories Project Brings Rubber Worker Histories to Life Aug 30, 2021

Today's tire industry is home to legacy brands...you know who they are: Goodyear, Firestone, BF Goodrich, General Tire, Mohawk Rubber. The list goes on. The ones we listed, though, have one thing in common: They started in Akron, Ohio. In fact, as these tire manufacturers developed, so did the city of Akron. Now, the memories and stories from those that helped build these tire giants are being immortalized for years to come in the Akron Rubber Worker Statue & Stories Project.
The project started seven years ago, when Akronite Miriam Ray realized that there was nothing in the city to honor early rubber industry workers, which included some of her family members. However, with the help of Mac Love, head of creative intelligence agency Art x Love, and the City of Akron and other sponsors, a Rubber Worker Statue was recently unveiled in downtown Akron. The stories of these rubber industry workers live on in the Akron Stories project.
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, we invite Ray, the project’s founder, and Love, the project's lead, into our studio to explain more about the Akron Stories project and how you can contribute to it.
Ray and Love discuss:
- How the Akron Rubber Worker Statue & Stories Project came to fruition [1:19]
- What inspired the look of the statue and how its origins were told through stories [4:02]
- How the oral history storytelling element of the project was developed and how a grassroots effort spurred a movement to commemorate the people who made Akron the “Rubber Capital of the World” in the early 20th century [6:00]
- Details of the statue and how it’s becoming an Akron landmark that memorializes the city's early rubber industry history [8:09]
- How, due to its rubber industry roots, Akron was on the cusp of societal innovation, from creating the Pre-K school system to inventing the football huddle [12:02]
- Challenges the group encountered initially with the statue and project and how they overcame them with a motto of doing the project for the people of Akron [13:40]
- How the Akron Stories project is being funded currently and how you can contribute to the cause, submit a story and show your support [16:10]
- Miriam’s and Mac’s favorite stories from the early days of the rubber industry from the hundreds of stories submitted to the Akron Stories project [18:57]
Listen here or subscribe to “What’s Treading with Tire Review” on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Why Tire Retail M&A Activity is Heating up in 2021 Aug 09, 2021

Following the money can tell you a great deal about what's happening in the tire industry, and in 2021, capital has been in the hands of private equity-backed companies and publicly held behemoths. So, what does that mean for tire dealers?
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we speak with industry analysts who say these investor-led trends increase the value of independent tire dealerships like never before. Steven Rathbone, managing director for Chicago-based investment banking firm Stout, and Phillip Kane, senior advisor for the company, give us an overview of M&A trends in the first half of 2021 and how M&A activity will fare into 2022.
In this episode, Rathbone and Kane dive into:
- How Goodyear's purchase of Cooper Tire will affect dealers and, down the line, how it may affect Cooper’s Tier 2 market share
- The pandemic’s impact on M&A activity in the tire industry and the players that are driving it
- Segments that have been quiet on the M&A front in the past year
- Geographic areas in the U.S. in which major acquisitions are taking place in the retail sector
- Factors that have led to recent retail consolidation and how it fuels competition
- How the M&A environment in distribution and retail will fare this year and why more acquisitions may be coming down the line
- The rise of e-commerce during the pandemic and how it’s affecting the tire industry, in particular, tire retailers
Listen here or subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA

Tire Discounters Talks Franchising & Industry Consolidation Jul 26, 2021

As we work to cross over into a post-pandemic world, the current dynamics in today's tire retail landscape are making it ripe for consolidation as well as franchising, according to Tire Discounters.
“One of the things we hear from small business owners is that they’re worn out. They’re tired, and quite frankly, that [the pandemic] was a very difficult time in their business history,” says Jamie Ward, president and CEO of Tire Discounters, in the latest episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review. “We’re able to give some small business owners the freedom to move on....and give them a plan for their employees and customers.”
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, we speak with Ward and Dave Crawford, tire industry veteran and director of franchise development for Tire Discounters, about Tire Discounters’ franchising program. We dive into how it works, what factors have played a role in the company launching it and the overall M&A landscape in tire retail.
In this episode:
- Ward explains the market factors that influenced the launch of Tire Discounters’ franchising program.
- Crawford delves into the options Tire Discounters offers independent tire shops and entrepreneurs looking to get into the tire business, from franchising and investment to acquisition.
- Crawford talks about how the franchise model has changed over the years and how what independent tire dealerships are looking for in a franchise partner has changed. Over the past 25 years, Crawford has run marketing and franchise efforts for American Car Care Centers, American Tire Distributors’ Tire Pros and the Hybrid Shop.
- Crawford explains changes in the marketing landscape for independent tire dealers and how the horsepower behind franchising has the ability to take dealers to another level
- Ward and Crawford describe how the pandemic has fueled M&A activity in the tire industry
Watch here or subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/what-s-treading-with-tire-review
More on Tire Discounters franchising: https://www.tirediscounters.com/franchise
More from Tire Review: www.tirereview.com

Skyrocketing Sales: How 2 Tire Dealer Sisters Took their RNR Tire Express Store from Unprofitable to Thriving Jul 13, 2021

How do you take an unprofitable store and make it a revenue-generating machine?
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, we speak with a tire dealer duo who’s done just that: Cassandra White and Courtney Condor, owners of an RNR Tire Express store in Puyallup, Washington.
Just under 10 years ago, these sisters took over their parent’s store and made some major changes to yield positive – and profitable results. Casee and Courteny delve into:
- How the two started in the tire industry, took over the store and the experience they brought to the business
- Getting outside help to evaluate the business and areas they sought to improve
- Identifying the new customer base that they wanted to attract and how they were able to bring new customers into the business
- Changes to the shop’s look the sisters made and how they tweaked their customer experience
- How they fixed the way they were pricing their services and keeping track of and ordering inventory
- How they calculate car count and more than doubling their car count from eight years ago
- The importance of consistency and how Casee and Courtney believe word of mouth advertising will lead to their business’ longevity
- Advice Casee and Courtney have for other tire dealers on working on the business and how dealers should “bring it back to the simple stuff”
Listen above or subscribe to “What’s Treading with Tire Review” on the following channels:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/what-s-treading-with-tire-review
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA

Johnny g’s New Podcast & Reflections on His 50+ Year Career in the Industry Jun 22, 2021

“I want to help make the industry better before I leave this earth, whether it's doing a tire panel or doing a tire podcast, because this industry has been a big part of my life. I'm very proud of what this industry has given to me, and I want to turn around and repay it.”
That’s the life mission of John Gamauf, retired president of Bridgestone-Firestone North American consumer tire company.
But, many of you know him as Johnny g. Starting out with Firestone as a tire buster in the late 60s, Johnny g rose through the company’s ranks to become one of the most well-known individuals in the tire industry. He was responsible for creating Bridgestone's Affiliated Dealer Program and helped navigate the company through one of the largest tire recalls in history. He now continues his work in the tire industry, and we’re going to find out what he’s been up to most recently.
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, we dive into:
- Johnny g’s start in the tire industry and how his “tire buster” beginnings helped him in his career
- How Johnny g climbed his way up to the corporate ladder with Firestone and the difference between dealers across the country
- How professional baseball player Johnny Antonelli played a role in Johnny g’s interview to become head of Dayton truck brands and advance in the company
- Where Johnny g was when he found out about the Ford-Firestone recall, his emotions and how he and other company executives responded to it
- Staying in touch with friends in the tire business and why Johnny g was called on a personal level to work with market research firm GfK on point-of-sale data
- How Johnny’s g’s latest project, the Johnny g & Friends podcast, came to be, and his collaboration with Tire Review
- A sneak peek at Johnny g’s podcast guests and his mission-driven reasons for doing the podcast
- Why Johnny g’s life mission is to contribute to making the tire industry better
Listen here or subscribe to “What’s Treading with Tire Review” on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/what-s-treading-with-tire-review
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA
Tire Review: https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts/

Exec. Interview: Michelin's Garcin on Today's Tire Industry & Sustainable Growth Through 2030 Jun 14, 2021

Sustainable mobility has become a buzzword in the automotive industry, as carmakers look toward an electric—and zero-emissions—future. But how exactly will this grand idea be achieved? Michelin North America has an idea.
This year, Michelin introduced its "Michelin in Motion" plan, its “all sustainable” strategy to drive new growth in the next 10 years with a focus on people, planet and profit. It includes tackling vehicle electrification challenges as well as new business opportunities that don’t necessarily include tires.
In this episode, we speak with Alexis Garcin, chairman and president of Michelin North America, to dig deeper into Michelin's 10-year plan and what it means for North American tire dealers. We discuss:
- Vehicle electrification challenges in which Michelin can play a role in tackling in the Americas
- How the tire supply chain can become more sustainable in the next decade
- Michelin’s role in passing its ESG initiatives down to the tire supply chain to dealers and distributors
- Why Michelin is looking to venture outside the tire industry and what its focus on services and data solutions means for dealers
- How Michelin is using 3-D printing in its commercial tire technology and future uses of this new business unit for the company
- Industry growth in the 19-in and up segment and how Michelin’s “Simplexity” project aims to help dealers with SKU complexity
- Michelin’s “bold acceleration” through its Michelin in Motion sustainable mobility plan
You can listen and subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA
To check out past episodes of What's Treading with Tire Review, go to https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts

ESG in the Tire Industry & How Tire Dealers Can Play a Role May 18, 2021

When you think of sustainability, what comes to mind? Perhaps, it’s the folded arrows of the triangular-shaped recycling sign. Or, maybe a pocket park in your neighborhood. Well, it’s those things and so much more.
Nowadays, sustainability has made its way into corporate culture in the form of ESG, which stands for environmental, social and governance. You’ve probably heard it from tire manufacturers, who have started charting out ESG goals. One example? Creating tires made fully out of recycled materials by 2050.
While it’s cool to hear about these things, you must wonder...is ESG just a buzzword? A fleeting trend? And how does ESG in the tire industry affect tire dealers and distributors?
To delve into these questions, we speak with Anne Evans, a former tire dealer who is a leader and innovator in the global tire and waste industry. Today, Anne consults with companies on the topic of ESG, and we dive into it with a tire industry lens. We discuss:
- What ESG means for tire manufacturers and how it encompasses all they do [3:56]
- The origins of ESG and how politics can move the needle on sustainability initiatives [5:00]
- How ESG trickles down the supply chain in other industries [6:34]
- How ESG could be implemented across the tire supply chain, including with dealers and distributors [7:50]
- How tire dealers can incorporate ESG into their business – and how they are already doing it and may not know it [8:50]
- Ways for tire dealers to manage their ESG initiatives [9:30]
- The future of ESG in the tire industry [12:25]

Manufacturer's POV: Managing Today's Tire Supply Chain 'Growing Pains' & How Dealers Can Work Through Them May 04, 2021

It's no secret that the tire supply chain has been jolted by the coronavirus pandemic. Things are sort of a hot mess and there are so many factors playing a role – the price and availability of raw materials, shipping, and freight, changes in manufacturing, fluctuating supply and demand...the list goes on. Dealers are most likely seeing these supply chain challenges in the form of low fill rates and higher prices across the board.
But how did we get here? And when will the supply chain get back to “normal?” To help us make sense of it all, we asked Sumitomo Rubber North America (SRNA) for help. In this episode, we speak with Ron Papcun, senior vice president of operations for SRNA, who is a supply chain veteran. We delve into:
- Reasons for delays in shipping of imported goods, including tires, from Asia [2:01]
- Conditions that are creating domestic shipping and freight challenges and how it’s impacted the tire industry [3:40]]
- Why today's supply chain issues are “growing pains” to make way for the supply chain of the future [7:05]
- How the growth of the U.S. supply chain is impacting the tire industry as well as other sectors in creating record sales growth [7:57]
- The effect of tariffs and high demand on the tire supply chain for SRNA [10:05]
- How COVID-19 created a gap in the tire supply chain and altered supply and demand trends [10:56]
- The reasons for rising tire costs in the last year [13:41]
- Actions SRNA has taken for the Falken Tire brand to address supply chain challenges [14:34]
- Advice for dealers on ordering tires so that they can get the product when they need it [17:59]
- When and how the tire supply chain will work itself out and return to a “new normal” [20:54]
Listen to What's Treading here or subscribe to the podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE

Q&A with Coats: Tire Changers & Wheel Balancers Apr 20, 2021

How do you know if you need a new tire changer? And what do you need to do to keep your wheel balancer in mint condition and working order?
The industry has lots of questions about changing and balancing tires, and many of those revolve around tire service equipment. In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, we talk with the experts from Hennessy Industries, manufacturers of Coats tire changers, wheel balancers and tire inspection equipment, as well as BADA wheel weights and Baseline products, and answer some of the industry's most asked questions.
Hennessy Industries' Kyle Harris and Ryan Rouser, key account managers, dive into some topics around tire changers and wheel balancers most on tire dealers' minds. We discuss:
- The wear and tear tire service equipment endures [1:25]
- When to repair your tire equipment [2:12]
- When to replace your tire equipment [3:23]
- Changes in technology and tire service equipment [4:36]
- Preventative maintenance to do on your tire service equipment [6:38]
- What to do with old tire changers and wheel balancers [8:20]
Listen here or subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE

Tire Industry Association: Transitioning to Virtual Training & Upcoming Program Updates Apr 06, 2021

What do you do when the pandemic forces you to lose one of your primary sources of revenue?
Well, that’s the predicament the Tire Industry Association found itself in around mid-March last year. When states started to go into lockdown, the association had to cancel its in-person, hands-on training sessions, which made up a majority of its training and a large chunk of its revenue.
In this episode, we speak with Kevin Rohlwing, senior vice president of training for the Tire Industry Association. We delve into:
- Why TIA added retails sales management training [1:54 audio]
- How COVID-19 affected TIA training and improved its training staff’s skills [4:44 audio]
- How TIA transitioned into a virtual learning environment [5:21 audio]
- Feedback and the origins behind adding Commercial Tire Service training in Spanish [9:09 audio]
Updates to TIA training programs, including what to expect in the latest Automotive Tire Service program update [1:50 audio]
Listen here or subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA
For information about Tire Industry Association training programs, go to tireindustry.org.

Private Equity and Your Business: What to Know if You Want to Sell Mar 17, 2021

People have different opinions about private equity in the tire industry. Some detest PE firms, hearing stories about how they come in and strip down a business. Others reluctantly accept it, and some embrace it, knowing that outside capital is coming in hot, thanks to the resilience of our industry.
Regardless of how you feel, private equity has offered a way for many shop owners to transition their business or expand with the backing of outside capital. In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we dig into the process of how private equity firms work with shops and what they look for in an acquisition. In this episode:
- We hear from a former independent tire dealer about his experience selling his business to private equity firm GB Auto Service (1:06)
- Vic Tarasik, founder of Shop Owner Coach, and Frank Kneller, president of GB Auto, discuss what private equity firms look for when they acquire new stores. (4:13)
- Tarasik advises what dealers should do to get their shops attractive and ready for sale. (6:32)
Listen to this episode here or subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Spotfiy: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE

K&M Tire: Capitalizing on Virtual Communication Mar 02, 2021

We’re almost a year into the pandemic, and as a result, industry events like trade shows have been forced to go virtual. For many, there’s also been a change in the way they’re communicating with vendors and customers and serving their needs. One company in the industry that has experienced this is K&M Tire.
As a tire distributor, K&M works with both tire manufacturers and dealers with a mission to serve dealers’ needs. In this episode, we talk with Dave Miller, Director of Marketing for K&M Tire, about the company’s adaptability during the pandemic and how it executed its first-ever virtual trade show. Dave speaks about:
- Changes in communication K&M experienced as a result of the pandemic [2:20]
- Planning K&M’s first-ever virtual trade show [4:31]
- How K&M rose to the occasion in a changing pandemic environment [10:38]
- How the pandemic has affected the tire industry [13:24]
- K&M’s dealer-first approach to doing business [15:20]
- Ways K&M stuck to its motto of continuous improvement in a difficult year [16:30]
Listen here or subscribe to “What’s Treading with Tire Review” on:
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
-Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm

John Dow Industries: Adapting to Technology Trends in Tires & Service Feb 17, 2021

It’s no secret that vehicle technology is changing at a rapid pace. Tire dealers see it in their bays every day when performing both tire and service work. One company that is on the front lines of adapting to new vehicle technology – and understanding the needs of the technician- is JohnDow Industries.
“New products and improving existing products... staying relevant and understanding what professional technicians need, that’s the lifeblood of our company,” says JohnDow President Robert Christy. “We spend a lot of time in the bays, understanding their needs and understanding how our products are performing and how they can be improved.”
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, we talk with Christy and members of his team to understand how the company is adapting to technicians’ fluid and fuel extraction and TPMS needs. We delve into:
-Market trends JohnDow saw in 2020 [2:14]
-Product categories, both new and improved, for the company in 2021 [3:17]
-The company’s focus on the heavy-duty market for its EuroVent exhaust extraction line [4:33]
-Trends that could change the TPMS landscape that are on JohnDow’s radar [6:15]
-Changes in oil and fluid handling in domestic and import vehicles at the shop level [8:46]
-How JohnDow plans to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to new vehicle technology to serve customers [11:00]
Listen here or subscribe to “What’s Treading with Tire Review” on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm

Kenda Tire: Growth Amid a Pandemic & Navigating Trade in 2021 Feb 02, 2021

It's hard to grow amid a pandemic, but Kenda Tire was the outlier. Its message of “premium performance at a value price” found consumers at the right time, and Kenda officials say it’s proven fruitful for the tiremaker.
However, just days deep into 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce threw a wrench into the works. Kenda and its fellow Taiwanese tiremakers are now working to escape unscathed from the department’s anti-dumping investigation into PLT tires imported from Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and South Korea.
Despite this current challenge, Kenda Tire remains optimistic in 2021 with new products and enhancements to its dealer program on the horizon.
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, we speak with Brandon Stotsenburg, vice president of automotive for American Kenda Rubber, and Ryan Lewis, the company’s marketing manager, on the following topics:
- Challenges for Kenda and the tire supply chain in 2020 [2:10]
- Market response to the Klever XT UTV and trends in the off-road segment [5:34]
- Size expansions and products on the horizon in 2021 [7:30]
- Enhancements to its Traction dealer program [10:01]
- Kenda’s response to the International Trade Commission’s anti-dumping investigation into PLT tire imports from Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea and Vietnam [13:10]
- What Kenda Tire officials want dealers to know about the brand this year [17:00]
Listen here or subscribe to “What’s Treading with Tire Review” on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
To learn more about the DOC's investigation, go to: https://www.tirereview.com/doc-affirms-duties-on-imported-plt-tires/
To learn more about Kenda Tire, visit: https://powersports.kendatire.com/en-us/

Virtual AAPEX Recap & 2021 Plans for an In-Person Event Jan 19, 2021

As trade shows, tire launches and other events continue to go virtual into 2021, we wanted to provide a look back on one of the largest aftermarket trade shows to go online and see how it turned out.
That show is the Virtual AAPEX Experience, co-owned by the Auto Care Association and MEMA, the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers’ Association. This past year, AAPEX transitioned its show offerings into the virtual experience with a laser focus on the shop owner and service professional’s needs.
In this episode, we catch up with Mark Bogdansky, vice president of meetings and events for the Auto Care Association, and Vic Tarasik, owner of Shop Owner Coach who is a former shop owner and member of the AAPEX Show Committee. Bogdansky and Tarasik explain:
-Attendance of at the first-ever AAPEX Virtual Experience and who made up the audience [1:51]
-An update on the dedicated tire section at the show and what’s in store for AAPEX 2021 [4:13]
-How AAPEX is working to incorporate more tire and tire service equipment into its live bays in Joe’s Garage [5:45]
-Why tire dealers should invest in coming to next year’s show and the ROI they’ll see from attending [7:43]
-The importance of ADAS training and how AAPEX is building its training on this topic [9:13]
Listen here or subscribe to “What’s Treading with Tire Review” on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
To read the full interview with Vic and Mark, go to https://www.tirereview.com/aapex-show-enhances-tire-offerings-tire-dealers/

Simplifying Credit Card Processing for Repair Shops with 360 Payments Jan 15, 2021

With the start of a new year, it’s the perfect time for independent tire dealerships and businesses alike to rethink old processes, set new goals and learn more about technology and how to use it to your advantage.
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we talk about how you can do just that with credit card processing. Sure, it's not the sexiest topic to start off 2020, but it is important in the daily transactions of your business.
With proper education, one company in the industry is looking to simplify credit card processing for automotive repair shops and tire dealers alike - 360 Payments.
We speak with Jesse Maddaugh, founding partner of 360 Payments, to get a better understanding of how the company works, how it's looking to help shop owners, and Jesse delves into those little nuances you should look out for as a business owner when selecting a credit card processing company to work with.
Listen here or subscribe to What’s Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Catch up on past episodes or watch video episodes of the What's Treading with Tire Review podcast at https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts/.

Opportunities & Challenges in the Tire Industry: Club 3633 Members Sound Off Dec 15, 2020

Sure, 2020 has been a treacherous year. There've been supply challenges, along with an unprecedented set of business decisions you’ve had to make as a tire dealer. But despite this, there are chances to turn those challenges into opportunities.
In this episode, we speak with members of our 2020 Class of Club 3633, Tire Review’s group of industry innovators and influencers. This year’s members delve into the challenges they and the industry have been faced with and how they’re flipping the script to turn them into opportunities to grow, learn and innovate.
In this episode, we hear from:
- Kameron Butcher, general manager of Lynn Wood Service Center with two locations in northern Utah. Learn more Kameron at https://www.tirereview.com/club-3633-kameron-butcher/.
- Alex Chavez, lead technician at Pasco Tire Factory in Pasco, Washington. Learm more about Alex at https://www.tirereview.com/club-3633-alex-chavez/.
- Austin Hale, OTR regional sales manager or McCarthy Tire Service. Learn more about Austin at https://www.tirereview.com/club-3633-austin-hale.
- Trent Wallin, north central regional sales manager for Alliance Tire Americas. Learn more about Trent at https://www.tirereview.com/club-3633-trent-wallin.
Greg Karson, business development manager for Nexen Tire America. Learn more about Greg at https://www.tirereview.com/club-3633-greg-karson/.
Listen here or subscribe to “What’s Treading with Tire Review” on:
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
- Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
To nominate a tire industry rock star for our 2021 Class of Club 3633, go to https://www.tirereview.com/club3633-nominate/

Bridgestone CEO: Confronting COVID & Focusing on Tires as a Service Dec 01, 2020

Coming off the heels of its Consumer Tire Business Meeting, Bridgestone made it clear it's creating a path to become a mobility solutions provider of the future.
But just what does that mean? In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we speak with Paolo Ferrari, Bridgestone Americas' president and CEO, to gain insight into Bridgestone's long-term business strategy and how dealers fit into the formula. Ferrari also delves into:
- Dealing with supply and demand challenges this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;
- How digital technologies and data play a role in shaping mobility solutions of the future;
- The meaning of tires as a service, how it can change tire retail, and how dealers can leverage this;
- Bridgestone's outlook and the health of the tire industry in 2021.
Listen here or subscribe to What’s Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Or, stay tunred to tirereview.com for your latest podcast updates: https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts/" target="_blank">

How GB Auto Grew 450% in 3 Years & Plans for Future Growth Nov 17, 2020

Private equity firms have long been in the tire industry, and a few have been making waves during the coronavirus pandemic. One of them is GB Auto Service, a company backed by Greenbriar Equity Group that has grown over 450% in just three years - and has made three acquisitions since July.
In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, we spoke with the company’s CEO, Frank Kneller, about its growth, including:
- What GB Auto looks for in companies it acquires
- How the portfolio of companies has maneuvered during COVID-19
- The company's performance goals
- And its growth trajectory for the future.
Listen here or subscribe to What’s Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
You can also check out past episodes at tirereview.com: https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts/

Sneak Peek: Product Demos to Catch at AAPEX's Joe's Garage Nov 03, 2020

With SEMA360 kicking off Monday and the AAPEX Virtual Experience starting today, welcome to your first virtual industry week!
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we get a sneak peek from the companies demonstrating their products in the Joe's Garage section of the AAPEX Virtual Experience.
More than 15 different automotive aftermarket companies are slated to conduct product demos this week, and we caught up with several of them that came to our Garage Studio here at Babcox Media to film their demonstration in advance of the show.
Listen to what JohnDow Industries, Coats, 360Payments and Tekmetric have in store.
Listen here or subscribe to “What’s Treading with Tire Review” on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm

Continental Senior VP of Sales: Resiliency During COVID-19 & Big Plans for 2021 Oct 27, 2020

COVID-19 has affected tire manufacturers in a myriad of ways, and Continental Tire the Americas is no exception. While the company has made changes to its dealer program this year, they've shown resilience with the help of industry partners and have a big 2021 ahead.
On this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we sat down with Bill Caldwell, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Continental Tire the Americas. Caldwell joined Continental about 17 years ago after stints with Michelin and Ford. In this interview, Caldwell explains how Continental has been keeping up interactions with customers amid the pandemic, how the company has navigated supply and demand through it and what to expect from the company the rest of the year and into 2021.
Listen here or subscribe to What's Treading on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Catch additional episodes of What's Treading here and stay locked to tirereview.com to get your latest tire industry updates.

How To Capture The Real Value Of A Virtual AAPEX Experience Oct 20, 2020

Although AAPEX had to cancel its in-person event this year, the Virtual AAPEX Experience will feature dozens of training sessions and the opportunity for shop owners, service advisors and technicians to meet with exhibitors to learn more about products and services for their shops.
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we feature an episode from the Shop Owner Podcast with host Doug Kaufmann. Doug talked with Vic Tarasik, founder of Shop Owner Coach, about the benefits and opportunities presented at this year’s Virtual AAPEX Experience.
Listen here or subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
You can register to attend the 2020 AAPEX Virtual Experience at aapexshow.com.

AAPEX Virtual Experience: What to Expect in Training, Product Demos & More Oct 12, 2020

While many trade shows have been canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, the AAPEX Show isn't following suit. In fact, it's gone virtual, and is using this remote opportunity to shift its focus to you: shop owners and their staff.
On this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we get a feel for what the Virtual AAPEX Experience will be like. Vic Tarasik, founder of Shop Owner Coach who also serves on the AAPEX Show Committee, delves into the technical and management training that’s available to shops for free, the product demos you'll see and the advantages to sharing the AAPEX experience on a virtual platform.
Listen here or subscribe to What’s Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
To register and find out more information about the AAPEX Virtual Experience, go to aapexshow.com.

ATD: How COVID-19 is Shaping the Tire Supply Chain of Tomorrow Sep 15, 2020

With rapid change around supply and demand during the onset of COVID-19, the need for just-in-time tire delivery was critical, especially when economies started to open up. At the forefront of predicting and acting on these supply and demand swings was American Tire Distributors.
ATD has more than 140 distribution centers across the U.S. serving a network of around 9,000 dealers. Add COVID-19 into the mix, and the company could have had a supply chain nightmare on its hands. But, with weekly meetings, data analytics and strong partnerships with manufacturers, they say it’s actually been kind of fun and exciting, from a supply chain perspective that is.
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we talk with Bill Hancock, ATD's senior vice president of supply chain operations, and Mark Chandler, senior vice president of supply chain for the company. Hancock and Chandler describe how ATD has navigated supply and demand in the tire industry during the pandemic, what they’ve learned through it all and what they see needs to be improved in the tire supply chain for a more efficient future.
Listen here or subscribe to What’s Treading with Tire Review:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
To find out more about how Hancock sees the tire industry distribution landscape of the future, read his column in Tire Review's annual State of the Industry thought leadership piece: https://www.tirereview.com/tire-industry-supply-chain-distribution-future-agility/

Exec. Interview: Hankook's Debut in All-Weather Segment & Effects of COVID-19 Sep 02, 2020

As the fall and winter seasons approach, your customers will be coming into your shop to gear up for the weather ahead. And some may need new tires. Luckily, you have options – maybe you fit them with an all-season depending on where you live, or perhaps their best bet is a designated winter tire. For situations sandwiched between those two, a tire in the all-weather segment could be a better bet.
In the U.S. tire industry, the all-weather segment has gained popularity over the years, and Hankook Tire America has taken notice. So much that the company has released a new all-weather product of its own – the Kinergy 4S2. In this episode, we catch up with Curtis Brison, Hankook’s vice president of passenger and light truck tire sales. Brison delves into why Hankook is investing in the all-weather segment, how it’s been handling supply and demand challenges during the pandemic and how the company is preparing for potential trade and tariff situations in the future.
Listen here or subscribe to What’s Treading with Tire Review on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
More info on the Kinergy 4S2 can be found here: https://www.tirereview.com/hankook-debuts-all-weather-offering-for-u-s-market/

2020 Tire Dealer Study: Business Operations During COVID & Forecasting the Future Aug 19, 2020

How has the coronavirus pandemic affected tire dealership operations at a shop level? Each year, Tire Review conducts its Tire Dealer Survey, and in this episode, we use our 2020 survey results to answer that question.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Bruce Kratofil, Babcox Media’s Audience Insights Manager who conducted not only our tire dealer survey but also a variety of aftermarket surveys around the pandemic. In this episode, Kratofil shares:
- Why the tire dealer survey has changed to focus on operations during the pandemic this year
- Changes dealers made in their shop's operations during the height of the pandemic through now
- How dealers' tire and service sales were affected at the onset of the pandemic through May
- And attitudes across different segments of the automotive aftermarket around economic recovery and operations as the pandemic continues.
Listen here or subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review:
Spreaker: https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Take a look at this year’s Tire Dealer Survey for yourself in Tire Review’s 2020 August Sourcebook issue here: http://digital.tirereview.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=adefeb68-7dd4-44d3-aeb1-b23c1c6a8285

Strategy of ‘Entrenchment’: Apollo Tyres' Quest for a Foothold in the U.S. Tire Market Aug 05, 2020

Despite COVID-19, 2020 has been a big year for several tire manufacturers, including Apollo Tyres.
The Indian tiremaker launched its Vredestein brand in North America last year, and has already released two tires specifically designed for the North American market in 2020. According to company executives, there's much more to come with its "approach of entrenchment" in the U.S. market.
In this episode, we speak with Abhishek Bisht, assistant vice president of the Americas for Apollo Tyres and MD Rifen.com, and Daniele Lorenzetti, chief technology officer for Apollo Tyres. The two delved into how the company plans to cover 80% of the North American tire market in 24 months and how it's been able to executive this vigorous strategy amid the coronavirus.
What's Treading with Tire Review: https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts/
Apollo Tyres' Vredestein brand: https://www.vredestein.com/

Top Shops & COVID-19: What We've Learned and Changes We've Made to Our Business Jul 22, 2020

Let's face it: The way tire dealers across the country run their businesses today looks a lot different from they operated just six months ago. And Tire Review's Top Shop Winners and Finalists - tire dealers awarded for being the best of the best at what they do - are no exception.
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we hop on a call with several of our Top Shops to hear how their businesses have changed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and what they've learned along the way.
Listen here or subscribe to What’s Treading with Tire Review wherever you get your podcasts.
For more on the Top Shops in this episode, check out their Top Shop profiles:
Chris Monroe, Monroe Tire & Service: https://www.tirereview.com/2019-top-shop-finalist-monroe-tire-service/
Chris Mitsos, Mountain View Tire & Auto Service: https://www.tirereview.com/2015-top-shop-finalist-mountain-view-tire-auto-service/
Scott Welsh, Courtesy Auto Service & Tire of Tacoma: https://www.tirereview.com/2018-top-shop-finalist-courtesy-auto-service-and-tire-of-tacoma/
Steve Nerheim, Waukegan Tire & Supply: https://www.tirereview.com/2019-top-shop-finalist-waukegan-tire/
Bud Luppino, Bud's Tire Pros: https://www.tirereview.com/2016-top-shop-finalist-buds-tire-pros/

Michelin VP of Sales: Signs of Recovery Taking Shape Jun 30, 2020

Many tire dealers are reporting their best weeks of sales this year as states and provinces gradually reopen their economies. And that trickles through the tire supply chain, from distributors to manufacturers.
On this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we talk with Andrew Muerer, Michelin North America's vice president of sales, to get an update on how the company has handled the pandemic, the signs of recovery it’s seeing and what it has in store for the rest of 2020.
Meurer also discusses:
-Working out potential supply chain issues;
- The reason behind the company's decision to stop direct-to-consumer sales;
- How the company is investing in its dealers;
- Michelin North America's new product launches this year;
- And how he sees the tire industry recovering from the pandemic.
Subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review here or on the following channels:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA

Tire Sell-out Trends Now & What to Expect in the Future with GfK Jun 19, 2020

Data is king. It helps you make smart business decisions and drive the growth of your business. And in this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we delve into the numbers.
We speak with experts from GfK, one of the largest market research organizations in the world that collects tire sell-out data from thousands of tire dealer POS systems across the U.S. Neil Portnoy, managing director of POS tracking data, and Dave Stevens, vice president of POS Tracking, share data and analysis about how the economic effects of the coronavirus have impacted PLT tire sell-out nationwide. The two also discuss what tire sell-out trends tire dealers can expect later this year and how the market is changing in response to new consumer behaviors.
Listen above or subscribe to What’s Treading with Tire Review here: https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts/
You can also subscribe to the podcast on the following channels:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?
u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/what-s-treading-with-tire-review

BKT USA & The OTR Tire Market Amid COVID-19 Jun 11, 2020

In this week's episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we talk with Doug Kershaw, vice president of BKT USA, to check in not only on BKT’s business during the coronavirus but also get a status report on how different segments of the OTR industry are faring the pandemic.
In this episode, we discuss:
- BKT's coronavirus response and production ramp-up
- How different segments of the OTR tire market are faring during the pandemic
- How BKT is serving its dealers during this time
- BKT’s new carbon black plant in India
- The company’s plans for manufacturing on U.S. soil.
For more information about BKT, go to https://www.bkt-tires.com/us/en/
Listen to more episodes of What's Treading with Tire Review: https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts/
Subscribe to What's Treading with Tire Review wherever you get your podcasts:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv76bs6re7unom4p76myj3cakhm
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/what-s-treading-with-tire-review

A New Ball Game: Tire Manufacturing Amid COVID-19 with Nokian Tyres Jun 09, 2020

As tire manufacturers start to ramp up their production, changes have been made in factories worldwide just to keep workers safe amid the coronavirus. So what's that like? How have factories changed?
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we speak with Nokian Tyres, a rather new tire manufacturer on North American soil, to see what it was like to shut down its plant, which opened late last year, and how it's setting new safety benchmarks and building up to the capacity it was producing at pre-COVID-19. Wes Boling, marketing communications manager for Nokian, delves into the following:
- How Nokian shut down its production due to the coronavirus;
- What the company is doing to ramp up production amid new safety standards;
- How COVID-19 has affected the Dayton factory's ramp-up to reach full capacity;
- Ways Nokian is serving dealers amid the tough economic times;
- And what Nokian has in store for dealers throughout this year.

Listen here or subscribe to “What’s Treading with Tire Review” on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-treading-with-tire-review/id1470309726
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GA3lp6AFo7V7EEG5awHaE
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYE1NOtnlw&list=PLVkqUUE022sdAVQ6DuHU8cxd3FS2ni9vA

Servicing Shop Equipment During the Coronavirus Age May 22, 2020

With businesses starting to reopen in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, social distancing, mask-wearing and a slew of other hygiene practices have become the norm just to stay safe. So, how are equipment manufactures working to service shops right now?
In this episode of "What's Treading with Tire Review," we talk with Kevin Keefe, vice president of service for Hennessy Industries, manufacturers of Coats tire changers and wheel balancers, Bada wheel weights and AAMCO brake lathes, to find out how they’re doing business and servicing dealers' equipment during the coronavirus age. Keefe delves into what measures the Hennessy Service Network has taken to service shops' equipment while keeping their technicians safe and shares more about what the industry can expect to see from Hennessy Industries this year.
Listen here or subscribe to “What’s Treading with Tire Review” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and more. Find all links to subscribe here: https://www.tirereview.com/category/podcasts/
For more on Hennessy Industries' brands, go to:
Coats Garage: www.coatsgarage.com
Bada Wheel Weights: https://www.badaweights.com/
Baseline: https://www.baselinegarage.com/\
AAMCO: https://www.ammcobrake.com/

AI, Machine Learning & Online Chat Platforms with Openbay May 05, 2020

In the last few weeks, it seems like the world has shifted into a more digital mindset due to the coronavirus. On today’s podcast, we talk with Rob Infantino, founder of Openbay, about the artificial intelligence and machine learning you can bring to your shop’s digital presence and how online chat platforms could be beneficial for your business.
Openbay is an online marketplace that connects consumers with multiple tire and auto repair shops to complete their desired vehicle maintenance and repairs. It's also the creator of Otis, an online chat platform for tire and auto shops that uses machine learning to serve customers' automotive and tire needs.
We delve into the difference between chatbots and chat platforms, how tire dealers can integrate these technologies into their websites, how Openbay’s own online chat platform works and how Rob sees the industry recovering from the coronavirus pandemic.
Listen here or subscribe to “What’s Treading with Tire Review” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.

The Rise of Mobile Tire Service & Creating Your Mobile Tire Service Unit Apr 27, 2020

In this week's episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, we talk to Todd Ford, owner of Custom Upfits, a company based in Sacramento, California that specializes in building mobile repair units for the tire, wheel and auto body industries.
In the tire industry, mobile tire service and install units - whether they're vans or trucks - have risen in popularity. Increasingly, tire dealerships are adding mobile install and repair units to their list of services to better cater to their customers’ busy lifestyles. And especially now - with shelter in place and lockdown orders in effect due to the coronavirus - tire dealers everywhere are adding services to have the upper hand in convenience over their competition.
In this podcast, Todd explains why he thinks we're just at the beginning of the mobile service revolution, what you need to consider if your tire shop is investing in a mobile service unit and a step-by-step guide into how his business customizes mobile service vans to fit each shop's brand.
Listen here or subscribe to “What’s Treading with Tire Review” on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

Consumer Finance in the Coronavirus Age with Snap Finance Apr 16, 2020

In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we catch up with Ryan Slobodian, executive vice president of Snap Finance, who details how the coronavirus pandemic is shaping the consumer finance industry.
In the last four weeks, more than 17 million Americans have filed for unemployment, which means for tire dealers and retailers across the country, many people don’t have the money for unplanned expenses right now - and unfortunately, tires often are one of those things. Navigating this situation right now is Slobodian, who details how Snap Finance is working with its key stakeholders - including its customers and retail partners - to provide financial relief where it's needed. He also delves into how the coronavirus pandemic is changing consumer spending and how tire dealers can be prepared as the economy recovers from this crisis.

COVID-19 Relief for Tire Dealers: What You Might Have Missed Apr 08, 2020

With the passage of the CARES Act - aka the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act - small businesses, including tire dealers and auto repair shops, are entitled to a myriad of different forms of relief and funding. But do you know exactly what your business is eligible for?
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, we delve into what tire businesses need to know about the CARES Act with Rich Lipton, a Tire Review contributor and forensic accountant who has roots in the tire business. Lipton was a stockholder and manager of Sam’s Tire Co. in New Jersey for about a decade and is currently a senior partner at Lipton CPA and Associates.
Subscribe to “What’s Treading with Tire Review” here or find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Play.

Coronavirus & The Tire Industry: How Will Our Industry Fare the Pandemic? Apr 01, 2020

In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, we’re talking about what’s been on everyone’s minds for the past couple of weeks: the coronavirus. We delve into how the spread of this disease is impacting the tire industry and what we can expect in the future. We spoke with Steven Rathbone, managing director at international investment banking firm Stout, and his colleague and tire industry veteran, Phillip Kane, now a senior advisor at Stout, to get their take on how the coronavirus will affect all parts of the industry in the weeks and months to come.

Top Shop Tips: Communicating with Customers Feb 03, 2020

Last October, we hosted our annual Top Shop Event in Nashville, Tennessee, where our 2019 Top Shop winner, finalists, as well as past winners and finalists, came together to share industry best practices, what’s working in their business, what’s not and what they see as the future of our industry. In this episode of What's Treading, we talk with our Top Shops about how they handle communicating with customers, setting appointments and ways they make the customer experience positive and memorable at their shops.

Tirescanner and Tire E-Commerce with Michael Welch Jan 08, 2020

It’s been a little over a year since Michael Welch created TireScanner, a tire buying website that connects customers looking to buy tires with dealers in their area that have the tires they need. With Tirescanner, retailers collect the full cost of what they charge for service in addition to the profit they make off the tire sale. We caught up with Michael at the 2019 SEMA Show to review Tirescanner’s first year in business and get his take on how the online tire retail landscape is evolving.

2019 Top Shop Winner on The Customer Experience, The Tire Industry and Advice Nov 19, 2019

In this episode of "What's Trading with Tire Review," we speak with Alpio Barbara, owner of Redwood General Tire and Tire Review's 2019 Top Shop Winner. Barbara shares how his 19-bay Silicon Valley megastore has changed in the last 12 years since first being named a Top Shop Finalist in 2007 and delves into what excites him -- and worries him-- about the industry going forward. He also shares his advice for other shop owners and how his shop has stayed ahead of the curve to meet customer demand.

SEMA Prep with the Pros Oct 31, 2019

SEMA and AAPEX are coming up next week, and like many of you, we at Tire Review are preparing for one of the biggest weeks in the automotive aftermarket. So on today’s podcast, we talk to our Babcox Media Industry Week veterans – members of our staff that have attended the shows for years—to let you in on our SEMA survival secrets.

Then, Now & The Future: Retread Technology Oct 25, 2019

In this episode of "What's Treading," we're digging into retread manufacturing. While the industry’s use of retreads is growing, there are still some myths out there about their safety and reliability. To debunk those myths, we explore the manufacturing technology that goes into making retreads today, how it's changed over time and what to expect in the future.

What's Up in Aftermarket Wheels Sep 23, 2019

In this episode of What’s Treading, we talk to a couple of tire dealers who specialize in ultra-high-performance tires as well as aftermarket wheels and find out the trends in wheels that are taking shape from coast to coast.

Delving into the Data: Tire Review's Tire Dealer Operations Study Aug 28, 2019

On this episode of “What’s Treading with Tire Review,” we explore tire retail trends gleaned from our annual Tire Dealer Operations Study. We look data we’ve collected from tire dealers across the country on all aspects of owning and operating a tire dealership, including in-bay productivity, profit margins, online tire sales, dealers’ most challenging competitors as well as their most critical business concerns.
This episode’s guest is none other than Babcox Media’s Manager of Market Research, Bruce Kratofil, the man in charge of conducting Tire Review’s Tire Dealer Operations Study. Listen and let us know how these tire retail trends compare with your dealership's operations by emailing news@tirereview.com.

The Genesis of TireHub & What's Next for the Tire Distributor Jul 25, 2019

In this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, we take a look at TireHub, the joint distribution venture between Goodyear and Bridgestone. The company shipped its first tire July 3 of last year and is now celebrating one year in business. We look back at the company’s startup beginnings with some of its key executives and discover what the future holds for one of the nation’s largest tire distributors.

Tariffs on Chinese Tire Imports Jun 26, 2019

Around the beginning of May, President Trump’s administration announced it would raise tariffs from 10% to 25% on around $200 billion worth goods imported from China. Some of those items include tires and tire-related materials like new passenger, truck and bus radial tires as well as ag, construction and mining tires and their retread equivalents. Auto parts - like brake pads, brake fluid, oil filters, fuel injection pumps and spark plugs imported from China - are also on that list. So how will these tariffs impact the tire industry? When should we see their impact? We spoke with industry experts to find out.

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