Alive and well: independent tire dealers continue to adapt and grow. (includes rankings) (Cover Story)

Forget about the recession for a moment. And the increasing competition from mass merchandisers and warehouse clubs. And the ever-decreasing profit margins on truck tires.

The independent tire dealer is alive and well.

There are more than 25,000 of you in North America alone. You dominate your industry.

Nearly two thirds of all passenger tires reach the market by way of independent wholesale and retail tire dealers.

That number may be even higher if you are a commercial dealer.

Mass merchants such as Sears and warehouse clubs the likes of Sam's Club and Price/Costco generally shy away from the medium/heavy truck tire market.

As in the past, the key to survival is adapting to the times.

Today, more and more of you are taking advantage of the various distribution groups created to give you a competitive edge.

Nearly 3,000 independent tire dealers are affiliated with the Top 13 Tire Distribution Groups in North America as determined by Modern Tire Dealer research.

The groups give …