Modern Tire Dealer articles from February 1997

Modern Tire Dealer archives from February 1997

Waving the flagship: manufacturers salute their high performance tires.
February 1, 1997... A flagship brand seldom makes much of a dent in a tire manufacturer's overall sales. It's often the company's high profile, ultra-high performance niche tire. Nonetheless, the flagship brand sends a positive message to the tire-buying public...

It's profitable at the top but high-end selling takes desire, training.
February 1, 1997... In these days of enlightened consumerism, multi-brand dealerships and arguably tougher price competition, one might surmise that high-end passenger tire profitability is headed the way of the bias ply dinosaur. "Far from it!" insists Larry...

Stringing 'em along: on-wheel tire repairs are easy, but....
February 1, 1997... As one reads about the horrendous multi-million-dollar lawsuits won by plaintiffs because a "string repair" caused the alleged tire failure, one is tempted to conclude that ALL string repairs must be bad. Various tire manufacturers, trade...

Sharpening suspension service skills: making the necessary adjustments.
February 1, 1997... Every now and then it is a good idea to go back and review the basics to help you diagnose and troubleshoot automobiles. If nothing else it may sharpen your skills during a vehicle inspection and help you in explaining specific problems to...

To lease or not to lease: buying service trucks is not the only option.
February 1, 1997... The competitive edge in the replacement tire market is getting honed as much these days by sharp pencils on dealership balance sheets as it is by better products and customer service. There's no clearer illustration of that than the decision...

Well worth the cost: a look at repairing radial OTR tires. (includes related article on off-the-road tires and market)
February 1, 1997... The price tag for a new radial OTR tire can be more than $30,000. Disposal costs for that same tire may cost $900. The increasing radialization of earth-mover tires, combined with advancements in radial OTR tire repair materials and...

Goodbye, Armstrong: Pirelli shifts North American focus. (includes related article on Pirelli's new high performance radial tire)
February 1, 1997... The Armstrong brand is no more. Pirelli Armstrong Tire Corp. (PATC) announced it was dropping the 84-year-old line at its recent dealer convention in Las Vegas. The company will replace the broad-line tire with its little-used Formula brand....

All in the family: Goodyear announces two new additions. (includes related article on Goodyear's Wrangler AT/S light truck tire)
February 1, 1997... Goodyear believes in tire family values. The company recently introduced the latest member of its Wrangler clan, the Wrangler AT/S light truck line, at a press conference in Chandler, Ariz. And Goodyear also rolled out the Eagle F1 GS, the...

Channeling distribution: Continental General focuses on independent dealers. (includes related article on sale of Continental General Tire Co.'s products at Sam's Club)
February 1, 1997... Continental General Tire Co. can't reach the mom-and-pop tire dealerships. Wholesalers and distribution groups can. So the company's new associate dealer programs are a win-win solution for all three parties, according to Dennis DeLeonard,...

Michelin increases OTR dominance: Lexington facility will be North America's largest. (off-the-road tires)
February 1, 1997... Already a major force in the off-the-road (OTR) tire market, Michelin is moving to extend its dominance even more. The company's OTR tire plant now under construction in Lexington, S.C., will be the largest in North America and one of the...

Michelin emphasizes new 'culture': dealers like improved Alliance program.
February 1, 1997... Take a look at the "new" Michelin. It's a company developing a new "culture" and a more cooperative attitude toward tire dealers. It's more responsive to market conditions. That message was repeated over and over again during the recent...