June - Autosphere.ca

Transcription

Volume 5 / Number 3 / June 2008 / $4.95
Fountain Tire Medicine Hat
“Wowing” the Customer
Puts this Dealer on the Map
Todd Maxwell
PM 40014105
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Contents
June 2008
Calendar
June 2008
June 11
OTDA - Annual Charity Golf Classic
Grey Silo Golf Course, Waterloo, ON
✦ Don Gauthier 519-424-3402, ext 230
✦ [email protected]
June 12
AIA Canada - Northern & Southern Alberta Division
Golf &Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament
Alberta Springs Golf & Country Club, Red Deer, AB
✦ Brynn Wettergreen 403-253-6395
✦ www.aiacanada.com
June 12
Shad’s R & R - Golf Tournament
Toronto, ON
✦ Luc Champagne 514-945-1299
14
“Wowing” the Customer Puts
this Dealer on the Map
38
Tire Manufacturers in Racing
Racing Improves
the Brand
F E AT U R E S
July 2008
July 14-16
Aftermarket e-forum
Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Chicago, IL
✦ Barbara Clark 301-654-6664
✦ www.aftermarketforum.com
August 2008
August 1-2
NASCAR - NAPA Auto Parts 200
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal, QC
✦ www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca
12
Customer Service
16
Bridgestone Firestone
AIA Canada - Western Regional Conference
Delta Regina Hotel, Regina , SK
✦ Therese Santostefano 1-800-808-2920, ext. 225
✦ www.aiacanada.com
September 19-21
Georgian College Auto Show
Canadian Automotive Institute, Barrie, ON
✦ 705-722-5161
35
Michelin’s Chairman and
President Speaks Out
Jim Micali on Canada
36
Official Tire of the NHL
22
Customer Service
23
Innovation in Wheel Balancing
24
TDAC Convention in Halifax
28
Continental Tire Ladies Car Care Clinics
September 2008
September 16-17
www.Why-Aren’t-You-Online.com
The ABCs of Selling
3M Introduces Lead-Free Weight
on Continuous Roll
Grand-Pré, Memorable Convention
40
Performance Tires
Bridgestone Introduces the
Potenza G019 Grid and
RE 760 Sport
Senior Customers: a Significant
Market Segment
Services for Seniors Benefit
All Your Customers
41
Customer Service
Women Helping Women to
Understand Their Cars
42
Bridgestone Photo Contest
30
Getting the Lead Out
44
Acquisition of Tirecraft Group
32
Wheel Testing
46
Toyota and Ford
Lead Wheel Weights
Assuring Your Customers Their
Wheels Measure Up
Hot and Bothered
Winners of the 6th Edition
Pneus Unimax Continues to Grow
How to Repair Hybrid Brakes
REGULARS
Editorial
4
Do You Care?
Commercial Tires
Super Singles in America
Industry News
6, 10, 33, 34, 37, 45
New Products
8, 9
Bridgestone’s Greatec
Super Wide Tires
Not Easy to Sell?
CONEXPO-CON/AGG
Showcasing Tires to Buyers
from Around the World
18, 19, 20
Tire Recycling
26, 27
Successful Recycling
Saskatchewan’s Road to Recycling
Hazardous/Special Wastes
Deadline—July 1, 2008!
Wheels
34
Wheels, Wheels, and Wheels…
Accessories by the Dozen
Advertisers
45
June 2008
TN
Tire News
3
Editorial
Rémy L. Rousseau
[email protected]
Publisher
Rémy L. Rousseau
Do You Care?
Will you be known as the tire dealer who offers customer service,
or the dealer who cares?
T
Copy Editor
Shirley Brown [email protected]
he tire business is very competitive.
All of a sudden, your customer discovers
As a dealer, if you’re planning on
that the tires he wanted are not the right
competing on price alone, you’ll find your
tires for him. He’s grateful and decides to
abilities limited. Successful tire dealers
go with the tires you recommend.
know that they have to strive to exceed
customer expectations, and that’s where
Then again, maybe the tires he wanted are
the notion of customer care comes in.
exactly what he needs. In that case, he’s
likely still impressed with the fact that you
Service vs. care
Contributing Editors
Raynald Bouchard, Shirley Brown,
François Charron, Éric Descarries, Jack Kazmierski,
Pierre Lalonde, Harvey Mackay, Jil McIntosh,
Guy O’Bomsawin
cared enough to make sure that he wasn’t
Production
Olivier Rhême [email protected]
Valérie St-Cyr [email protected]
Circulation Manager
Sylvain Gendron [email protected]
Administration
Wendy Allain [email protected]
Nancy Belleville [email protected]
Advertising
Nathalie Plouffe
416-925-5665
So what’s the difference between cus-
throwing his money away on a set of tires
[email protected]
tomer care and customer service? If a
that might have been wrong for him.
Luc Champagne
514-945-1299
customer walks in off the street and asks
[email protected]
you to put four new tires on his vehicle
Care etc.
and you do just that, you’ve succeeded in
Customer care is also about educating the
providing the customer service he or she
customer. Perhaps they’re not sure how to
[email protected]
was looking for.
maintain their tires, when to rotate them,
Subscription
1 year: $19.95 2 years: $34.95 3 years: $49.95
or what the right pressure should be and
But have you impressed that customer?
how often they should check it.
Réjean A. Rousseau
450-649-9007
Published by
Publications Rousseau
2938, terrasse Abénaquis
Longueuil QC, J4M 2B3
T: 450-448-2220
F: 450-448-1041
Will he now remember you for filling his
order? Will he go home or back to the
Perhaps they need you to explain the
office and tell everyone, “You know, I was
importance of maintaining the right pres-
so impressed with that tire dealer. I asked
sure, or perhaps their vehicle comes with
him for four new tires, installed and bal-
technologies like TPM, and they’re not
anced, and he did just that.”
sure of its advantage nor what to do when
the TPMS warning light goes on.
Sound silly, doesn’t it? But that’s all you
will have accomplished with your best ef-
By taking the time to ask them if they
forts at customer service.
need advice, and explaining things to
them, you will have fulfilled your goal of
Customer care, on the other hand, is what
customer care. Not only will you have a
will set you head and shoulders above all
customer that’s grateful for the peace-
the other shops focusing their efforts on
of-mind that comes from the knowledge
simple service.
you’ve shared with them, you’ll also have
a customer who will likely come back for
Here’s the scenario again, but this time
more and tell others about you. Why?
with customer care as the goal: The cus-
Because you care.
TN
[email protected]
Tire News Magazine is dedicated to serving the business
interests of the Canadian tire industry. It is published seven
times a year by Publications Rousseau & Associés Inc., a
member of AIA Canada.
Material in Tire News Magazine may not be reproduced in
any form without written consent from the publisher. The
publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising and
disclaims all responsibilities for claims or statements made
by its advertisers or independent columnists. All facts,
opinions and statements appearing within this publication
are those of the writers and editors themselves, and are
in no way to be construed as statements, positions or
endorsements by Publications Rousseau & Associés Inc.
Publications Mail Agreement 40014105. Return
undelivrable Canadian addresses to Publications
Rousseau / Circulation Department, 2938 terrasse
Abenaquis, suite 110, Longueuil, QC J4M 2B3
ISSN 1710-4211
PRINTED IN CANADA
tomer walks in off the street and asks for
four new tires. Instead of simply filling the
order, you take the time to make sure that
those tires are exactly what the customer
what he drives, where he drives it, his
driving style, how long he’d like the tires
4
Tire News
À
to last, etc.
Rémy L. Rousseau
FS
C
RE PO
MP SIT
LA ION
CE
R
needs for his vehicle, taking into account
TN
June 2008
JOIN A NETWORK
WITH A PROVEN TRACK RECORD.
ALIGN YOURSELF PERFECTLY.
You know what you want and where you want to go. What you may not know is how Alliance can help you get there.
The Alliance Tire Professionals program allows you to maintain your identity and independence while giving you direct
access to the full line of MICHELIN benefits:
s Top quality national brands
s Optimized profitability
s Certification training
s.ATIONALACCOUNTS
s An advertising fund
s A business development fund
s A showroom program
s Car dealer transactions
And to top it all off, there are no franchise or signing fees to pay. This may be your most accurate alignment ever.
Let’s talk and understand each others needs
to find out if we have a perfect alignment.
VISIT THE MICHELIN BOOTH
AT THE TDAC CONFERENCE IN
HALIFAX FROM JULY 16 TO 20
or
CALL NICOLAS VINCELLI AT
(450) 978-4520.
You can also contact us by e-mail at
[email protected]
INDUSTRY
NEWS
Average Canadian Auto
Prices—Good!
Stats Canada has found that average passenger car transaction prices dropped 1.0% in 2007
to $25,304. Average truck prices dropped by
4.0% to $38,582. And more importantly, the
average weeks of before tax family income needed to purchase a new vehicle dropped to 18.9
weeks—the lowest level since 1991!
Canadians paid almost the same for a new
vehicle in 2007 as in 1991—that’s good because
today’s vehicles are so much better in design,
performance, content, etc. In a nutshell, the OEMs
are providing great value for the consumer.
Skills Training
Reaps Benefits
The 2008 Ontario Budget is going to invest
in skills training and infrastructure… good for
youths, unemployed workers looking for a different career path, trades, etc.
The Budget included a $1.5 billion, 3-year Skills
to Job Action Plan, which will help more Ontarians
obtain long-term training for a new job plus get
them into well-paying jobs. A 3-year, $355 million
plan is set for a Second Career Strategy (SCS). In
addition, $75-million more over 3 years is set out
for apprenticeship training expansion.
More than 20,000 unemployed people will be
helped by the SCS by transitioning them to new
types of careers and well-paying jobs.
Finance Minister Dwight Duncan wants to make
sure people have jobs and the Ontario economy
keeps growing. The budget should ensure that
by giving the people of Ontario the opportunities
and skills to get ahead—this is the way to build
Ontario’s economy.
Bosch Acquires
Accu Industries
Robert Bosch LLC finalized its purchase
of Accu Industries. Now Accu Industries’ facilities, operations, and associates can be
integrated into the diagnostics business unit
of Bosch’s North American Automotive Aftermarket division.
New product additions and Accu’s nationwide sales and service organization will be brought into Bosch’s wheel service portfolio. According to the company, this will strengthen
the overall Bosch Diagnostics North American
operation and position the division for longterm growth and profitability in the future.
For more information about Bosch, visit
www.boschusa.com.
Tests Underway on
Unbalanced Truck Tires
The National Center for Asphalt Technology
at Auburn University has scheduled a test to
measure the effects that unbalanced truck
tires may have on paved roads.
This test follows two earlier studies, commissioned by and conducted for Counteract
Balancing Beads and conducted to SAE and
TMC Type II standards, which measured the
effect of wheel balancing on fuel economy and
tire life.
The university will now test to determine if
out-of-balance wheel assemblies will have any
damaging effect on the lifespan of roads and
bridges.
Our strength … exclusive and private brands
Our commitment … quick and no-hassle service!
More than 200,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space...
in Montréal, Sherbrooke, Moncton, St. John’s, and Toronto
• Passenger/Light Truck, TBR, Off-road and Industrial
• Free transactional site
• Territories available (contact Daniel Dubuc, 514-942-2708 ou [email protected])
21500 Transcanadienne I Baie D’Urfé, QC H9X 4B7 I 1-800-364-9466
www.cdatire.com
RAC Looking for Experts
for ISO Committee
The Rubber Association of Canada is soliciting technical experts from rubber manufacturers to help populate the Canadian ISO Technical Committee 45 and
recommend technical standards for hoses, belts, and
other rubber products being developed worldwide.
Qualified individuals should be knowledgeable
in rubber compounding, test methods, specifications, tolerances and other aspects. Recommendations from the committee are used to adopt
international standards for these products.
The ISO Committee does not need to be a
major time commitment, and comes with an opportunity for international travel, with a portion
of the cost subsidized by the Standards Council
of Canada. For more information, contact the
Rubber Association of Canada at 905-814-1714
or www.rubberassociation.ca.
Canadian TIA Members Can
Now Join eBay Motors
TIA has announced that Canadian members
who provide tire and wheel service can now be
featured as Available Installers on eBay Motors’
Web site at no charge. The Available Installer
Network allows shoppers to select a TIA member
business when searching for vehicle service.
TIA member companies do not need to launch
a Web site or even have a computer system in
place. TIA will provide the contact information to
eBay Motors on the members’ behalf, including
which markets they serve and whether they employ TIA-certified technicians.
NEW
PRODUCTS
Q Celsius, the authentic
all-season tire?
You’ve probably never heard of Q Tire—it’s a
new tire company based in Greenville, SC that is
preparing to launch the Q Celsius, an all-season
tire with deployable studs.
The name “Q Celsius”
probably hails from James
Bond, where Q designed
such a tire for Mr. Bond
in the movie Die Another
Day. The tire will feature
an all-season tread and a
thin bladder built within
The Q Celsius all-season tire
the tread area that inflafeatures deployable studs
tes on demand. When the
hidden in a thin bladder
driver realises that road
under the tread.
conditions are too icy or
too slippery, all he has to do is activate a pressure-transfer mechanism that will deploy studs molded in the recessed area of the tread. There are
120 studs that come out in 1.5 seconds. When
the conditions become safe again, the driver can
deflate the bladder and the studs go back into hiding. Technically, that air is expelled so it means
that the driver has to monitor the tire’s air pressure. The system is good for 20 to 30 operations
before having to add air to the tire.
Q Tire is planning to have the tire made in
China. The tire casing will come without tread
from Qingdao Huanhai Group Co. (known as Yellow Sea Tire) and the bladder and tread package
will be added to it. It still has to be accepted in
states were regular studded tires are not allowed,
but it might be a little more difficult in Canadian
provinces like Quebec, which now has a law
making winter tires mandatory during the cold
season. According to Q Tire, the Q Celsius will be
sold by independent dealers. It should be about
30% more expensive than regular premium tires
and will require special skills for mounting.
Uniroyal to Launch
the Laredo AWT II
Uniroyal will launch a new lighttruck tire this summer, the Laredo AWT II. It is designed for
on-road and off-road performance. This improved version
of the original Laredo AWT
offers better wet and dry
handling, will better resist
hydroplaning, and will offer
better tread life and wet braking. This tire will be available
in spring 2009.
Firestone Announced the
Production of IF Products
Firestone Agricultural Tire Company recently
announced it would start producing tires according to a new industrial specification called
“Increased Flexion.” This new technology will
allow agricultural tires to have better traction, a
larger footprint, less soil compaction, and better
fuel consumption. Two new tires will first be
offered, the All Traction DT IF710R42 and the
DT IF710/70R38. They are designed to fit on
current wheels.
BFGoodrich Has a
New Long Trail T/A Tour
BFGoodrich recently announced
the launch of its new Long Trail
T/A Tour tire, which is aimed
mostly towards crossover
and light SUV trucks.
BFGoodrich claims that
it will offer precision handling for CUVs and SUVs
every day of the year. It
also claims that its nextlevel wet traction will
mean that the driver, not
the weather, is in control.
The tire is designed for people
who drive a lot, since it will feature a
100,000-kilometre warranty. For the time being,
BFGoodrich announced that the tire will be produced in 35 sizes.
Firestone’s Largest
Capacity R-4 Backhoe Tire
and Two New High-capacity
Construction Tires
Firestone Agricultural Tire Company, a division
of Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire,
recently introduced its largest load capacity R-4
backhoe tire. The 18-ply Firestone 21L24 All
Traction Utility tire has a load-carrying capacity
of 10,500 pounds and will be found as original
equipment on 2008 Caterpillar 450E backhoe
loaders. The tire features wide buttressed lugs for
durability and long life.
Duravis
M700 HD
Bridgestone Introduces
New Duravis Tires
Japanese manufacturer Bridgestone recently
announced the production of the Duravis M700
HD for heavy-duty light truck and commercial
applications. This all-terrain tire is intended for
those who venture off-highway in the line of
duty. It is meant for ambulances, construction
trucks, and land management vehicles. It has a
special compound usually found on heavy-duty
commercial truck tires and an E Load Range. It is
already available in eight sizes from 215/85R16
115/112R E to LT275/65R18 123/120S E.
Firestone Agricultural also introduced two highercapacity DuraForce tires, one bias and one radial.
The Firestone 12-16.5 DuraForce DT is the bias
one and is destined to skid steers, aerial lifts,
and backhoes. It’s a 12-ply tire with a 6,320-lb
capacity. It features deep, extra-wide tread lugs
made of cut-resistant compounds. The Firestone
500/70R24 157 Radial DuraForce RT, the radial
tire, is designed for industrial tractors, backhoe
loaders, and rough terrain forklifts. It has a loadcarrying capacity of 9,100 lb at 45 psi. This tire
has a noise-treated tread design to improve ride
comfort and help minimize noise disturbance and
vibration in cab-equipped vehicles.
Also available is the Duravis 500 HD for onhighway use and the Duravis R250, a Q-rated highway tire with all-steel casing for higher torque
vehicles used for pick-up/delivery and regional
service.
DuraForce RT
8
Tire News
TN
June 2008
DuraForce DT
Goodyear Launches
Two New Regional
Commercial Tires
Spectra’s New Tool
Goodyear recently announced it is introducing
the Unisteel G149 RSA RH truck tire for
on-highway regional service and the
Unisteel G150 HSA tire for school bus
and city or neighbourhood driving.
The tread pattern for the G149 HSA
RH is tuned for long wear on urban
streets and highway driving. As far as
the G150 HAS is concerned, it uses
special compounds for high-scrub applications and it features sidewall
protector ribs to resist sidewall damage from sharp turns and curbs.
Both all-position tires, available in
11R22.5 sizes and G and H load
ratings, have circumferential grooves
and lateral blades to disperse water.
The tread footprint was also modified
to enhance wear evenness. The Unisteel casing
has
four full belts
help stiffen and support
Tire News:Layout
1 to22/05/2008
2:43
the tread in order to resist irregular wear. This
insures a longer casing life and many retreads.
Spectra Premium Industries has launched a
brand new web based Product Training System
online accessible to everyone. The electronic
training centre includes lessons and tests to
assess knowledge acquired.
Customers can use this tool as part of their
employee training. The training module has
been designed to enhance product and technical knowledge for all levels of automotive
technicians and DIY enthusiasts. It’s an easy
way to learn!
You can access the e-learning system through
Spectra Premium’s website at www.spectrapremium.com or contact a sales team member for
more information. 450-641-3656.
Tire Discounter Group Appointment
Tire Discounter Group announced the appointment of Lorne Armstrong as Sales manager, Northern
PM
Page
1
District.
Lorne brings
with him many years of experience in both the Tire and Automotive industries. He will
report directly to Greg Beauchamp, director of Operations, Barrie Warehouse. www.tirediscounter.ca
OTR TIRES & RUBBER TRACKS
Multi-Purpose
Backhoe
Loader L3
DRIVING PRODUCTIVITY
1-800-361-5441
WWW.SOLIDEAL.CA
Grader
Duratough Radial
INDUSTRY
NEWS
Cooperative Effort to Fight Counterfeiting, Intellectual Property Rights Violations
The leading international automotive parts supplier associations issued a statement of cooperation to join together to combat the counterfeiting
and intellectual property rights violations (IPR) in
the global automotive industry.
Representatives of CLEPA, the European association of automotive suppliers, the Japan Auto
Parts Industries Association (JAPIA), and the
Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association
(MEMA) issued the following:
“Recognizing the value of and respect for intellectual property rights, the three associations have
joined together to make a statement and to take
a unified position to further the effort to eliminate counterfeiting and violations of intellectual
property rights. Counterfeiting of products worldwide is a multi-billion dollar cost. The incidence of
automotive parts counterfeiting is growing and is
costing legitimate parts manufacturers billions of
dollars annually. Not only is the economic impact
significant, but counterfeited low quality parts are a
danger and can cause accidents and deaths. Given
the risks, we acknowledge that all counterfeiting
activities must be firmly challenged globally.
“Respect for intellectual property rights not only
protects the interest of the rights holders, but also
serves to uphold the development of new and better products and protects the public from inferior
and unsafe products. We agree to jointly adopt
guidelines for use by trade show organizers to set
in place strong rules against counterfeiting and encourage their disciplined, consistent enforcement
of rules against counterfeiting.
“The three associations will work to create an
anti-counterfeiting exhibit, and encourage other
automotive trade associations to also participate
in this exhibit at trade shows around the world.
This will serve to draw attention to the importance of knowing the source of the products to the
consuming public. This activity has been effective
at reducing counterfeit product displays and IPR
violations at trade shows where it has been done
in the past.”
First Eco-standard Printer
Solisco, a Beauce-based company located
in Scott, Quebec, is the first printing plant in
Canada to be FSC 2007 and PEFC accredited,
granted by the international, non-governemental
organization Forest Stewarship Council, whose
headquarters are in Bonn, Germany.
Solisco, Publications Rousseau’s printer, has
thus officially joined the ranks of companies for
which sustainable development is a priority, as
the FSC and PEFC logos indicate that the products used are derived from forests managed in
harmony with the socio-economic, ecological,
cultural, and spiritual needs of present and future
generations.
These accreditations confirm that logging is
carried out with regard to protecting endangered
species and water reserves, Aboriginal communities have critically consented, foresters and communities are respected, and that nothing, from
the source to the consumer, has altered the environmental character in the process. Congratulations to this top-notch supplier!
10
Tire News
TN
June 2008
Share in our drive to succeed
GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A BOOST, JOIN THE TIREMAX TEAM
An outstanding line of products and services
Quick access to our 400,000 sq.ft distribution centre
Improved profitability
Leading marketing and promotional campaigns
Protected territories
Contact us now:
Pierre Germain,
Manager, Dealer Operations
Telephone: 450.449.0362 (Montreal area)
Toll Free: 1 888 449.3534
[email protected]
tiremax.ca
TIREMAX, modeled after the industry-leading UNIPNEU network
133 locations in Québec, New Brunswick and Ontario
Jack Kazmierski
[email protected]
Customer Service
www.Why-Aren’t-You-Online.com
A hundred years from now, historians will look back at the Internet and marvel at how it changed our lives.
Just as the industrial revolution changed the world, cyberspace is changing the way consumers shop, and
tire dealers need to be online.
F
or many today, the shopping process
and maintain than less complicated sites
A basic Website with the name of your
begins online. Long before consum-
with simple graphics and text. Although
store, directions, a photo of your team, an
ers step into a retail store to make a pur-
tire manufacturers might opt for high-end
email address and a few tire care tidbits
chase, the vast majority spend time on the
Websites that dazzle the viewer, tire deal-
or information about the brands you carry
Internet researching their options.
ers don’t have to invest that much time
is easy and inexpensive to set up. Once
and money into an online presence.
that’s up and running, you can always add
more information/pages later on.
To be fair, some consumers are not techsavvy, and still shop for goods and services
Nor is it necessary for tire dealers to host
the “old fashioned” way, but they’re in the
complex online catalogs, or allow visitors
A great way to keep in touch with pros-
minority. The vast majority will log on and
to buy tires online. You can spend the time
pects and existing customers is to put
look through Websites to see what’s avail-
and money generating all of the above,
together a monthly electronic newsletter.
able, what others think of it, and which
but it’s not a must unless your clients
Ask visitors to sign up to receive it, and
retailer is offering the best deal.
demand it.
soon you’ll be emailing monthly facts and
Tires online
Getting started
Do the same rules apply to tire retailers?
How mild or wild will your Website be? That
you better while increasing the chances
Is an Internet presence a must, or can you
depends on the reasons you’re venturing
that they will stop by your store the next
do without? And if you do decide to start a
online. For most tire dealers the reasons
time they need service or tires.
Website, how fancy does it have to be?
are simple: The Internet is a relationship-
lar contact will allow them to get to know
building tool that allows you to keep in
Finally, once your Website is up and run-
Most experts agree that all retailers, in-
touch with existing and potential custom-
ning, be sure to maintain it and keep all
cluding tire dealers, need a Web presence.
ers. Your Website provides useful informa-
information current and fresh. As much as
In the minds of many tech-savvy consum-
tion that attracts customers, and the more
a lack of an online presence raises ques-
ers, if you’re not online, they wonder why.
they get to know you and your shop, the
tions in the minds of potential customers,
Is this tire dealer too small to have a
more likely they are to buy from you.
a stale site with outdated information is a
complete turn-off. TN
Website? Does he lack the funds to invest
in an online presence? If so, why should
Naturally, your site will have your address
I buy my tires from him? Maybe I should
and phone number, but most Internet
buy from someone who’s more successful.
users will want to contact you via email.
It’s quick and painless, and it’s the way
This kind of logic didn’t make sense years
information exchanges hands in our
ago, but today consumers see online pres-
Internet age.
ence as an indication of how successful
you are. Fortunately, you don’t need a
fancy Website just to impress prospects.
Websites with Flash, Java, and streaming videos are more expensive to create
12
specials to everyone on the list. This regu-
Tire News
TN
June 2008
canada inc.
www.odessacanada.com
tel: 1-800-363-8337
Fax: 1-450-534-4500
[email protected]
PROFILE
Jil McIntosh [email protected]
“Wowing” the Customer Puts
this Dealer on the Map
In this business, it can often be difficult to really grab a customer’s attention—your products and your
service may be top-notch, but tires are generally a grudge purchase, and few people like to get their cars
repaired.
T
Dean Halbert
Eric Volk
Jason Culler
he key is the “wow factor,” says Todd
a stint as a golf professional, but eleven
where there are people within five blocks
Maxwell, who has used it to his ad-
years ago returned to Fountain Tire, where
of the store who’ve never heard of it, and
vantage in his position as manager at
he trained and spent a year in Medicine
so we have to make them aware of it.
Fountain Tire Medicine Hat. He depends
Hat, starting with counter sales and work-
Because of the name, people sometimes
on impressing each customer enough that
ing up to a managerial position.
think we only do tires, and we have to let
them know that we’re a full-service store.
they recommend Fountain Tire to their
friends and family.
“I moved around a lot because I wanted
to expand my knowledge,” Maxwell says.
“Next, I look at staff. It’s getting the right
“If they drop off their cars for service or
I went to Kamloops and took a store that
people and the right number of people. I
tires, we try to offer a shuttle service so
wasn’t a Fountain Tire and turned it into
look at their experience and see that they
they will leave it,” he says. “We wash the
one. I went through the construction and
have the same goal that I have of offer-
vehicle, we vacuum it out, we offer AIR
all that comes with opening a new loca-
ing great customer service, and always
MILES reward miles, and it’s those extras
tion, and when the Regina store came up,
thinking of the customer first. If not, then
that truly make an impact on customers.”
I went and did the same thing. I’m always
we sit down with them and make sure
open for new challenges.”
they’re aware of the store’s goals, and
Profitable centres
14
Lyle Fossen and Darrell Rieger
train them to be able to achieve those
Although he’s only 34 years old, Maxwell
Assessing the traffic
has moved between several locations,
The first thing when assessing and maxi-
be better in another area of this location,
turning new or struggling stores into prof-
mizing a store’s potential, Maxwell says, is
or in another location entirely.”
itable centres. He began with the company
to look at the amount of traffic the store
part-time while he was in high school; his
has and see if it’s an issue. “If it is, then we
A firm foundation
father was with Fountain Tire for 35 years,
have to increase it,” he says. “We have dif-
All of this has helped Maxwell to establish
as a store owner and then at head office
ferent avenues available through our head
a firm foundation in a community of about
as an owner of the company. The younger
office, such as increasing the mechanical
65,000 people, where he goes head-to-
Maxwell originally went in other direc-
business with oil change offers, or more
head with five tire shop competitors. “We
tions following his schooling, including
advertising. Sometimes we have locations
start to offer the ‘wow service’ and try to
Tire News
TN
June 2008
goals. Sometimes we have to see if they’d
Photos: Lasting Impressions Photography www.lastingimpressionsphoto.ca
Kent Pearson
Todd Maxwell
go above and beyond what our competi-
sticker, and a lot of times, people aren’t
that their service and warranty is good
tion would do, and from there we hope
aware they’re overdue. If we have the
at any of our locations across Western
that we get a snowball effect,” he says.
tires off to replace them, we check the
Canada, it’s definitely a selling feature.
“They bring in their first vehicle and they
brakes and if they’re needed, we provide
It’s a reassurance that if a customer has
return with it, and possibly bring the sec-
them with an estimate. We try to save
a problem with one of our tires, they can
ond vehicle in the household. They start
them time when they’re in, so they don’t
be looked after from Vancouver Island to
off as a tire customer, and we hope we
have to return. Time is everything for a
Thunder Bay.
can make them aware of the mechanical
lot of people.”
services so they bring the vehicles to us
for all services.”
“Fountain Tire has been very good with
Counting on support
me and always provided the support
He counts on Fountain Tire’s support;
needed to move forward and excel in my
the company provides a marketing pro-
position. Looking at the size of our com-
He does this by extending the company’s
gram, purchasing department, and even
pany, you’d think we’re a large corporate
standard free mechanical inspection to
a financial department, which eliminates
company, but we’re still very grassroots
all vehicles once they’re in the shop; no
the need for on-site accounting. “Being
and small-business-based, which is very
matter what the original repair, each ve-
part of a large association makes it
reassuring. Most of the managers know
hicle is checked for lights, wipers, horn,
easier when dealing with customers,” he
each other and everyone in head office,
tire pressure and other safety concerns.
says. “A lot of people move regularly, or
and we know our roots and where we
“We go through it with them and explain
they travel a lot further than they did
started from. It’s very different from most
it,” he says. “We check the oil change
ten years ago, and when we tell them
companies of our size.”
Free inspection
TN
FOUNTAIN TIRE’S NELSON TONN, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
On Thom: Customers find our spokesperson, Thom Sharp, to
On charity: Fountain Tire has always been involved with chari-
be highly recognizable, likeable and funny. One of Thom’s most
table causes by donating dollars and countless hours to groups
memorable lines in an ad was “Goin’ to Winnipeg,” which even
and organizations in need. In November 2000, Fountain Tire
years later is still readily referred to by customers.
achieved Foundation status, capitalizing on our strength of
over 135 stores and putting a focus in place for our fundraising
On Air Miles: Air Miles is Canada’s largest loyalty program and
efforts, both local and national. Fountain Tire is a proud sup-
provides Fountain Tire customers with an added value for shop-
porter of the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion event; funds through
ping with us. Our stores benefit from increased customer repeat
Wheels in Motion help to make a positive impact on the lives of
visits, and strong customer retention and loyalty.
Canadians living with spinal cord injury.
SNAPSHOT
Name
Address
Telephone
514 South Railway Street,
Medicine Hat, Alberta
403-529-5682
Email
Web Site
[email protected]
www.fountaintire.com
Size
Number of
Eight-bay shop
9
employees
Founded in
1956
Brands sold
Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly
June 2008
TN
Tire News
15
Bridgestone Firestone:
Official Tire of the NHL
Bridgestone
Performs Both
On and Off the Ice
This season, you may notice something new when
you watch a hockey game: the puck isn’t the only
Phil Pacsi, vice president of consumer marketing,
Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, and
Gary Bettman, commissioner of the NHL
thing made of rubber anymore. In March, the National
Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League
Player’s Association (NHLPA) announced a new global partnership that names Bridgestone Firestone the
“Official Tire of the NHL, NHLPA, and the Hockey Hall of Fame.”
T
hrough its partnership, the Bridge-
leaders in the global arena. The NHL is a
“Clearly, this will build the Bridgestone
stone brand will be an integral part of
premier sport and Bridgestone is a leader
brand awareness,” says Michael Sigillito,
the league, with branding at NHL games,
in its respective category on a global
director of marketing for Bridgestone
the Winter Classic, and at two interna-
basis, so partnering with them was logical
Firestone Canada. “That’s our number-one
tional games next year in Stockholm and
in that category.
priority, and our dealers will be able to
Prague, where Bridgestone will be one of
build on that when consumers come into
the few sponsors with its logo actually in
“Bridgestone will be doing their own media
the ice.
purchase, so on our broadcast partners in
the showroom.
the U.S. and Canada, you’ll see traditional
“The media plan in Canada is to have a
thirty-second commercials and the unique
mix of TSN/RDS and CBC, and a strong
“Hockey has a tremendous number of
integration that only broadcast partners
presence on NHL.com and NHL Network.
fans and those fans all drive vehicles, and
can have. They will also be heavily in-
Timing is tight this year, but there will be
when we looked at the demographic of
volved in the key league event platforms,
a strong campaign when they kick off next
the NHL, we found a couple of interesting
such as the Winter Classic, the All-Star
season. We’ll have the NHL official tire
similarities with the Bridgestone brand,”
Game, and the Premiere. In the events
activation element in the stores for next
says Phil Pacsi, vice president of consumer
and properties that the league owns and
winter.”
marketing, Bridgestone Firestone North
controls, Bridgestone will be an integral
American Tire. “The average hockey fan
part, on the ice, on the rink boards and
“Our company has had a long history
is about 44 years old and is a very tech-
throughout the broadcast.”
of sports marketing activity,” says Phil
Targeting the tire buyer
savvy, product-oriented person. That falls
Pacsi. “Bringing mainstream sports into
right in the middle of our targeted tire
No stranger to sports
buyer. It’s a predominantly winter sport,
While hockey is a new outlet for the tire
Bridgestone brand and complements our
and Blizzak is one of our primary prod-
company, it’s no stranger to sports: it was
motorsports activity. It’s a year-long event
ucts, so it’s an additional venue to the
there in 1909 for the first 300-mile race
so we’ll take the opportunity, depending
technology of our Blizzak products.”
at Indianapolis, and in 1911 when the
on the season, to promote various prod-
Indy 500 began. In addition to its current
ucts as the Official Tire of the NHL and
involvement with Formula 1, Indy Car and
NHLPA.”
A natural fit
16
Jil McIntosh [email protected]
“We feel there’s a natural fit with us,”
drifting, Bridgestone Firestone is also the
says Keith Wachtel, senior vice president,
official tire of the PGA Tour and is the title
corporate sales and marketing for the
sponsor of the Bridgestone Invitational
NHL. “We are looking to do business with
world golf classic in Akron, Ohio.
Tire News
TN
June 2008
the picture is a nice targeted fit for our
TN
SHOOT. SCORE.
NHL is a registered trademark and the NHL Shield is a trademark of the National Hockey League. ©NHL 2008. All rights reserved.
Commercial Tires
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
Super Singles in America
Bridgestone’s Greatec
Greg James, Engineering manager, Commercial
Products at Bridgestone Firestone promotes the
Greatec Super Single.
A car show is not necessarily where you’d expect to have a conversation with a commercial tire engineer.
But it happened to Tire News last February at the Chicago Auto Show, where Bridgestone Americas Holding
had a big stand. On site was Greg James, Engineering manager, Commercial Products, and he took all the
time needed to explain where Bridgestone stood with commercial tires.
The Super Single
Such a tire is very profitable for dry bulk
According to Greg, the tire is not yet
Bridgestone has its own Super Single tire,
transporters or tankers. And, as Greg told
designed for on/off road applications. It
the Greatec 445/50R22.5, a tire that is
Tire News, in the U.S. there are more and
has not yet been tried on vehicles such as
available with an L load range as a drive
more regional haulers using the Greatec
refuse trucks. But Bridgestone is studying
or a trailer tire. According to Greg, this
technology. Since there is a lot of travel-
every aspect of the question, including
type of tire is slowly gaining acceptance
ing to be done in the U.S., one would be
other sizes and the European AIRCEPT
as weight is the most important factor
tempted to think about durability. But
technology (Bridgestone has similar prod-
considered. In the U.S., maximum GVW is
that’s not an issue with the Greatec, es-
ucts in Europe and Asia). Nonetheless, the
80,000 lb and, by choosing Super Single
pecially since it shows a 26/32-inch tread
new tire is approved by SmartWay, the
tires, truck owners save a lot of unsprung
depth. Nor is there any problem with the
collaboration between the Environmental
weight that can be transferred in extra
retreadability, since Bridgestone is now
Protection Agency and the freight indus-
load.
working with its new division, Bandag, on
try, to increase energy efficiency and re-
the matter, as we learned from Greg. As
duce pollution and greenhouse gases.
there are many old trailers still on the road,
Bridgestone Firestone had an impressive
stand at the Chicago Auto Show.
and many of them are still equipped with
Finally, Greg also recommended the use
steel springs, there might be a concern with
of Nitrogen in commercial tires, mainly
irregular wear. But, according to Greg, this
because it is less oxidizing to the metal
is not a big issue with the newer Greatec.
found in tires. Oxidizing can lead to a
Another issue worth considering is what
breakdown of metal parts, thus a poten-
would happen if a tire breaks down on the
tial danger. The trucking reality in the
highway? Greg reassured that the Greatecs
U.S. resembles what we are going through
are becoming more readily available.
here in Canada. Fortunately, no matter
More to come
For now, the Super Single Greatec is
the country, no matter the brand, we can
count on people like Greg for better commercial tire technology.
designed mostly for highway hauling.
S207
Drive all-steel radial truck. Wide and deep transversal grooves for greater driving force.
Deep tread depth for extended mileage. Reinforced bead construction and durable carcass
for excellent retreading rate.
TN
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
Super Wide Tires
Super Singles are available just about
everywhere on the road now.
Not Easy to Sell?
Retreads are now available for most
Super Single tires.
Back in 1952, Michelin adapted the principle of radial tire construction to heavy duty truck products. We
could say that Michelin’s next spectacular move in heavy-duty truck technology happened in 2000 when
it introduced the Super Single tire that was designed to replace dualies. The tire was widely accepted in
Europe, but there are still many questions to be answered in North America, where the trucking industry is
not only huge, but also very varied.
T
hough it is eight years later, not many
Super Single tire manufacturers claim a
not? During a recent trip to Michelin’s
truck tire manufacturers have begun
better fuel economy with such a tire, and
headquarters in Greenville, SC, Marc
competing with Michelin and its X One
that was proven not only by fleet reports,
Laferrière, vice president of Marketing
Super Single in this segment. Bridgestone
but also by individuals who do not fear
for Michelin Americas Truck Tires showed
is probably the biggest competitor with its
posting their opinions on multiple web-
us a full portfolio of X One family retreads
Greatec product, and Yokohama recently
sites. Some even claim the Super Single
(except for the newer XAUS refuse truck
unveiled its own RY407 prototype Super
is even better on snow than most regular
tire). Bandag also has what is needed to
Single. Continental and Goodyear are still
truck tires! Another important argument
retread a Super Single.
rumoured to be working on their version
is the ease of maintenance as opera-
of the commercial tire. As for Michelin, it
tors only have one tire pressure to verify.
Trying to convert a customer’s truck
is working hard to add new models to its
Finally, the savings in weight is another
from dualies to Super Singles won’t be
X One line of tires and there are now
important argument. If all the dual-wheel
easy. It will be expensive since he will
seven tread designs in its catalogue.
units are changed for Super Singles, there
also have to buy new wheels. But with
is a significant saving in weight for haulers
the fuel economy argument, it might be
who can then load more.
more of an investment. The minimum
Not always an easy sell
The trucking industry is one major
advertised economy up to now is 2%.
group that does not readily accept new
Negative arguments
technology—it has to have some proof.
It takes a long time to convince truckers
12% fuel economy on various websites.
Some trucking companies have tried
to switch to a new technology, and Super
Considering the price of fuel these days…
and even adopted the Super Single tire,
Singles are not exempt. One of the main
Add to that new retread availability and
mostly bulk haulers. Long haul compa-
arguments remains the fear of blowing a
adapted automatic inflation systems, the
nies are slowly getting into it, and one
tire and not being able to quickly find a
Super Single tire might have a brighter
of the latest groups of customers getting
replacement. Michelin and Bridgestone
future than expected.
interested in the Super Single technol-
are now able to offer replacements a lot
ogy is RV owners.
faster than before. Retreads? Sure, why
Many truck owners have posted an 8 to
TN
S208
Premium all-steel steer axle radial. Reinforced bead
construction and durable carcass for excellent
retreadability. Decoupling groove for extended wear
and stress relief sipes for all weather traction.
HERCULES MEDIUM TRUCK TIRES
AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE TIRES BUILT TO PERFORM
VISIT WWW.HERCULESTIRE.CA
Commercial Tires
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
CONEXPO-CON/AGG
Showcasing Tires to Buyers
from Around the World
It isn’t inexpensive to showcase your products at an exposition, but there are few venues that can provide
the level of exposure offered by an international event. For the construction industry, the granddaddy of the
North American shows is CONEXPO-CON/AGG.
H
eld every three years in Las Vegas,
last March’s 2008 edition set new
records for attendance: 144,600 industry professionals from around the world,
2.28 million square feet of exhibits, 130
seminars, 105 allied industry groups
and 14 international exhibit pavilions.
Those are numbers that tire companies
in the industry can’t ignore.
2,500 direct leads
“We had about 2,500 leads for direct
interest from customers,” says Markus
concrete industries, bringing together
Lutz, the Toronto-based marketing man-
buyers representing contractors, suppli-
ager for Solideal Canada. “That’s quite
ers, government and industrial sectors
a bit more than we had at the last three
and manufacturers—all of them poten-
shows we’ve attended. We had an out-
tial customers for the tire industry.
side booth and had all of our construction tires, everything from skid steer,
A player in the market
backhoe tires and loader tires, along
“You have to be there,” Lutz says. “Every
with our new radial tires.”
large tire manufacturer is at the show,
and interest was high both at the booth
portraying a great image. We always go
and online. “We had lots of attention
to SEMA, and to the three large shows:
Solideal’s booth featured its new SRGP
for that product, and at the same time,
CONEXPO, Bauma in Germany, and
(Solideal Radial General Purpose) tires,
we saw a huge spike on requests on the
Intermat in Paris. We attend all of them.
Web site for information,” Lutz says.
The marketing that you get out of it—it
“Concurrent with CONEXPO, we saw 40
shows that you’re a player in the market.
to 50 percent more hits. We’re seeing
You can’t count that in dollars.”
Quantifiable return
a quantifiable return on investment on
CONEXPO.”
The next CONEXPO-CON/AGG will be
held March 22 to 26, 2011, at the Las
20
Tire News
TN
June 2008
The show focuses on every aspect of the
Vegas Convention Center. For informa-
construction, aggregate, and ready-mix
tion, visit www.conexpoconagg.com.
TN
The tires that
tuners have been
waiting for.
ContiSportContact™ Vmax: Crowned the world’s fastest
series production tires by the book of Guinness World Records.
World’s fastest
series production tires.
50% Bla
ck
Bla
ck
www.continentaltire.ca
Customer Service
The
Harvey Mackay
www.harveymackay.com
s of Selling
Not long ago, I was listening as one of my grandchildren practiced his ABCs. He had a little picture book that helped him remember
what the letters stood for, and he studied it intently, determined to be the first in his class to know all the letters and words. With his
determination, I knew he would master the alphabet in no time at all.
As he worked, I started thinking about what those letters mean to me, after a lifetime in sales and years of helping young hopefuls get
started in their careers. I didn’t draw pictures, but these are the words my alphabet book would include:
Availability for your customers is essential, so they can reach
you with questions, concerns or reorders.
Believe in yourself and your company, or find something else to sell.
Customers aren’t always right, but if you want to keep them as
your customers, find a way to make them right.
Deliver more than you promise.
Education is for life—never stop learning.
Follow up and follow through. Never leave a customer hanging.
Goals give you a reason to go to work every day. When you reach
your goals, set higher ones!
Humanize your selling strategy by learning everything
you can about your customers.
I is the least important letter in selling.
Join trade organizations and community groups that will help you
both professionally and personally, such as Toastmasters, Chamber
of Commerce or Junior Achievement.
Know your competitors and your products as well as you know
your own..
Listen to your customers or they’ll start talking to someone else.
Maybe is the worst answer a customer can give. No is better
than maybe. Find out what you can do to turn it into a yes.
Networking is among the most important skills a salesperson can
develop. Someone you know knows someone you need to know.
Quality can never be sacrificed if you want to keep
your customers satisfied.
Relationships are precious: They take time to develop and
are worth every minute you invest in them.
Service is spelled “serve us” in companies that want to
stay in business for a long time.
Trust is central to doing business with anyone. Without it, you have
another word that begins with T: Trouble.
Unlimited potential is possible whether you sell computers or
candy. You are the only one who can limit your potential.
Volunteer: It’s always good to give back. You’ll probably find that
you get more than you give, and there is no shortage of organizations that need your help.
Winning doesn’t necessarily mean beating everyone else. A win-win
situation is the best of both worlds.
X-ray and catscan your customers so that you know everything
about them—so you can serve them better.
You is a word your customers need to hear often, as in “What can I
do for you?”
Zeal is a critical element in your presentations, service and life in
general. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Some things never change—including the importance of knowing
how to treat your customers and what really matters in your relationships. And as you can see, most of these items cover far more than
just sales.
Opportunities are everywhere. Keep your antennae up.
Someday, I think my grandchildren will still be able to use my little
alphabet book. Nothing would make me prouder.
Price is not the only reason customers buy your product,
Mackay’s Moral: Now you know my ABCs—sales skills from A to Z.
but it is a good reason.
More information and learning tools can be found online at
harveymackay.com. TN
22
Tire News
TN
June 2008
Advertorial
Marc Wortman [email protected]
Innovation in Wheel Balancing
3M Introduces Lead-Free
Weight on Continuous Roll
3M brings the spirit of innovation to the world of tire balancing with the
first lead-free and corrosion-free wheel weight on a continuous roll.
I
n 2008, 3M formally launched a new
system allows for less wasteful localized
wheel balancing product in Canada. The
cleaning of the rim where the correcting
new 3M Wheel Weight System consists of
weight is to be applied.
a lead-free material on a roll, a stand that
holds the roll next to the balancer, and
With the new 3M Wheel Weight System,
a cutting tool attached to the stand that
shops can make an environmental deci-
allows the operator to cut only as much
sion to switch to a lead-free product and
weight off the roll as is needed—down to
less harsh rim cleaner, and at the same
the exact gram.
time, reduce waste and increase wheel
weight inventory turnover.
The new 3M system allows a shop to
transition out of lead wheel weights while
“Storage is great.
recouping the higher cost of using a lead-
We found the 3M
free product. First, by allowing correcting
product to be
weight down to the exact gram, the bal-
superior and are
ancer’s rounding feature can be turned off
going to continue
for more accurate balancing potentially
using this in place
using less material. Second, the system
of the older prod-
allows a shop to free up cash tied in wheel
uct.” – Patrick
weight inventory and the myriad part
Fletch, Service
numbers that a shop is forced to carry. As
Manager, Budds’ BMW,
the operator can cut any amount of weight
Oakville, Ontario. TN
off the roll, all of a shop’s wheel weight
part numbers are in one box. The composite material is easy to cut and conformable
so that it will apply on any size rim.
Product features
The attachment used in the product’s
design is 3M’s Automotive Attachment
Tape, used today in assembly plants and
in the aftermarket where adequate and
roadworthy adhesion cannot be compromised. The new 3M system also includes
a Surface Preparation Cleaner, a citrusbased cleaning solution in a disposable
bottle with a Scotch-BriteTM scrubbing applicator pad. This self-contained cleaning
Starter Kit includes stand, cutting tool, and two fivepound rolls of wheel weight (as shown).
June 2008
TN
Tire News
23
Raynald Bouchard
[email protected]
TDAC Convention in Halifax
Grand-Pré for a
Memorable Convention
Welcome to Grand-Pré, the cradle and core of Acadia. In recent years, a few kilometres from the Nova
Scotian capital, quite a pan of Canadian history unfolded. This culminated in the deportation of thousands of
Acadians and was known as “The Great Disturbance.” Situated in the heartland of the magnificent Annapolis
Valley, with a breathtaking view on the Bay of Fundy, Grand-Pré is also a village harbouring one of Nova
Scotia’s most famous vineyards.
A fascinating historical site
The Grand-Pré National Historic Site of
Canada commemorates the colonization
period, the settlement of the Acadians
and their deportation in 1755. It is estimated that there are millions of Acadian
descendants worldwide, and this historic
site recalls their profound and ever-present attachment to this region, the very
heart of their motherland and the symbol
of the ties that bind them.
Open to the public since 2003, the Visitors
Reception and Interpretation Centre houses a multimedia theatre, an exhibit hall,
works of art and artefacts, as well as a
gift shop. There is also a church built by
the Acadians in honour of their deported
ancestors and several monuments, such as
yond a fictional character, symbolizes the
The church and statue of Evangeline
PHOTO: GRAND PRÉ WINES
courage and perseverance of the Acadians.
Domaine de Grand Pré’s beautiful pergola
24
Tire News
TN
June 2008
The development and integrity of the
Halifax. Deemed to be among the best in
Historic Site are assured thanks to the col-
the Maritimes, the grapes of their estate-
laborative efforts of Parks Canada and the
bottled wines have adapted to the climate of
Société Promotion Grand-Pré, represent-
the region and have won numerous prizes at
ing the Acadian community. It is on the
wine-tasting events and contests. Amateurs
indicative list with a view to its designation
can purchase their Grand Cru directly on the
as UNESCO’s World Heritage site.
premises. Visitors also have the opportunity
Nova Scotia’s best wines
to walk through the vineyard overlooking
the Bay of Fundy. The Domaine de Grand
TDAC convention organizers have added
Pré operates Le Caveau, its own restaurant,
to the program, a visit to the Domaine de
which offers fine cuisine, local delicacies,
Grand Pré, located a few kilometres from
fish, and seafood.
TN
TRANSLATED FROM ITS ORIGINAL FRENCH BY MARC-ALAIN NANTEL.
the inescapable Evangeline who, way be-
Tire Dealers Association of Canada
"By the Sea": 2008 National Convention Registration Form
Halifax, Nova Scotia
July 16-20, 2008
General Information
FAX COMPLETED REGISTRATION TO: (902)425-0550 or register on-line at www.atda.ca
By registering for "By the Sea 2008", I hereby understand, acknowledge and agree to the following:
All registrations include:
Meetings
Opening Breakfast
Keynote Speaker
Luncheons / Lunch Stations Welcome Reception
Closing Ceremonies
Leaders Breakfast
Awards Dinner
Farewell Breakfast
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June 2008
TN
Tire News
25
Tire Recycling
Jack Kazmierski
[email protected]
Successful Recycling
Saskatchewan’s
Road to Recycling
Many of Saskatchewan’s
recycled tires are turned into
crumb, which in turn is used
to make road surfaces.
With ten successful years under its belt, Saskatchewan
is poised to clean up its used tire stockpiles by 2010.
A
lthough Saskatchewan’s tire recycling
Requirements
gram was started. “Scrap Tire Corporation
program got off to a bit of a bumpy
Retailers are required to collect the tire re-
directs surplus funds to clean up landfills,”
start, it’s now celebrating a happy 10th
cycling fee on every new tire sold—$4 for
McQuoid says. “We call it ‘Phase 2’ and
anniversary with successful programs in
passenger car and light truck tires, $9 for me-
over the past 10 years we’ve been cleaning
place, and a productive future ahead.
dium truck tires, $15 for agricultural tires, and
up those stockpiles with the goal of having
between $35-$75 for mining and OTR tires.
everything cleaned up by 2010.”
more than 12 years ago. “In ’96 the pow-
“The funds must be remitted to the Scrap
Success
ers that be came together and decided
Tire Corporation, which is a non-govern-
Currently, the province is recapturing about
that they were going to put together an
ment program,” McQuoid says. “We use
73% of tires from retailers, which is better
industry-driven program whereby retail-
those funds to collect the scrap from their
than it might sound. Where do the other
ers would voluntarily support the cause
places of business and take them to the
27% of tires disappear to? “A lot of the tires
and they would deal with the scrap tires,”
recycling facilities.”
we classified as sold are on new vehicles,
In fact, the program was originally launched
says Theresa McQuoid, executive director,
Saskatchewan Scrap Tire Corporation.
By 1998, however, it became painfully
so they won’t enter the system for a couple
Manufacturers that direct-sell into
of years,” McQuoid says. “Then we have a
Saskatchewan must also collect the same
percentage of tires that go back out into the
fees and remit them.
community. We have a large farming popu-
clear that depending on businesses to vol-
lation and they like to use old tires on the
untarily participate wasn’t going to work.
“We have two processors—one in Saskatoon
farm for their implements, so you lose a cer-
“By 1998 the program was suffering finan-
and one in Assiniboia—that handle the tire
tain percentage to that stream. Then there’s
cially to such a degree that we probably
flow,” McQuoid says. “So we have our col-
that certain percentage that’s unknown—
should have shut the doors and ran,” jokes
lectors deliver to one of the two facilities.”
out of province vehicles, for instance.”
The majority of tires are either shredded or
Future
turned into crumb, “which is a great alter-
Looking to the future, McQuoid says her
Legislation was passed that required
native to sand in playgrounds and sports
organization wants to focus on the funda-
retailers to participate in the program
fields,” McQuoid says. “They’re also used
mentals. “Right now our challenges are to
or operate a program. Since operating a
for paving, turned into paving stones you
address the commitments we have, such
program requires retailers to run a prov-
can use on your patio, deck or sidewalks,
as landfill and private stockpiles, so that
ince-wide program, as well as deal with
made into speed bumps, and so forth.”
we can get those completed and move on
McQuoid. “So they lobbied the government to make the program mandatory.”
historical tires in landfills, the Scrap Tire
26
with other initiatives. In the near future, we
Corporation stepped in and took on that
Historical tires
responsibility. Today, Saskatchewan’s
One of the areas the province is focusing on
energies to research and development and
tire recycling program has well over
is historical tires—tires that have been sitting
to encourage communities to use scrap tire
1,200 participants.
in landfill sites since before the recycling pro-
material in their projects.”
Tire News
TN
June 2008
would definitely like to direct more of our
TN
Shirley Brown
[email protected]
Hazardous/Special Wastes
Deadline—July 1, 2008!
A call to action has gone out to Ontario companies in the matter of
hazardous or special wastes. Is your company one of them?
C
ompanies that make and market chemical products (manufacturers and first
importers) such as paint, oil filters, batteries, and antifreeze have until July 1, 2008
to adhere to Ontario’s new regulations laid
out in the Municipal Hazardous or Special
Waste (MHSW) Program Plan.
Approved in February 2008, The MHSW
Plan is designed to reduce environmental
degradation caused by hazardous waste
disposal in municipalities. In its first year,
it aims to recover 23,000 tons of special
waste materials.
Municipal Hazardous/Special Wastes
Under the MHSW program, obligated industry stewards must adhere to Payment
of Fees regulations. A MHSM steward is
Follow the guidelines
an organization which is either the Brand
Following the new guidelines, industry will
Owner or First Importer into Ontario of
be financially responsible for about 80% of
products that result in the generation of the
the program cost while municipalities will
following phase one Municipal Hazardous
cover the balance. The cost to industry in
or Special Wastes:
the first year is expected to be $28 million.
• paints and coatings, and containers in which
they are contained;
“Many automotive aftermarket companies
• solvent, and containers in which they are
contained;
• oil filters, after they have been used for their
intended purpose;
will be affected by the MHSW Program Plan.
It provides an opportunity for our industry to
play an active role in protecting the environment. Besides helping companies find the
balance between good business and civic re-
• containers that have a capacity of 30 litres
or less and that were manufactured and used
for the purpose of containing lubricating oil;
sponsibility, the program allows them to work
• single use dry cell batteries;
Marc Brazeau, president of the Automotive
• antifreeze, and containers in which they are
contained; and
Industries Association of Canada.
• pressurized containers such as propane tanks
and cylinders.
more closely with municipalities and consumers towards a common goal,” according to
TN
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Continental Tire Ladies Car Care Clinics
Women Helping Women to
Understand Their Cars
There is no question: an informed consumer is always the best consumer. That’s the thinking behind
Continental Tire’s Ladies Car Care Clinics, which give women the opportunity to learn about how their cars
work and what maintenance their vehicles can require. The clinics are taught by former race car driver Kelly
Williams, spokesperson for the Be Car Care Aware Team of AIA Canada.
“
T
he percentage of female drivers rose
from four percent in 1972 to 49
percent in 1996,” says Guy Hardiman,
General Market manager for Continental
Tire Canada. “Statistics Canada says that
65 percent of women currently take their
own vehicles to a repair shop for service,
and some sources say it may be as high as
80 percent. So we’ve got women driving
half the cars on the road, and possibly as
many as 80 percent of them are bringing
All aspects of maintenance
see anybody taking care of those women
Williams teaches all aspects of vehicle
drivers. That’s why we teamed up with AIA
maintenance, including how the car works,
not visit a tire centre,” Hardiman says. “These
and Kelly Williams to offer these clinics,
why maintenance is important, and vari-
customers are now more informed to make
which are 100 percent for women.”
ous aspects of tire know-how, including
quicker decisions, and the right decision,
proper inflation, the value of alignment
when it comes to maintaining their vehicles.
Plans for expansion
and rotation, and how to check for wear.
“It’s better to explain the frequency and
Continental held its first clinic in October
2007, and has held twenty since then,
Having a woman teach other women is im-
importance of an oil change, for example,
through O.K. Tire stores. While the clinics
portant, Hardiman says, because it helps
than just to tell a customer that she needs
have been held so far in stores in Ontario
the attendees feel at ease. “The point is in
one. And if they are now checking their
and British Columbia, the tire manufactur-
creating an atmosphere that is comfort-
tires regularly, and know the importance
er plans to expand to other areas, start-
able, and I believe that entails a woman
of proper inflation, they’ll be receiving
ing with Quebec, where French-speaking
instructor,” he says. “Women are more
better fuel economy and fewer CO2 gases
racecar driver Valérie Limoges will tutor
inclined to listen to them, and women
in the environment, which is an informed
the class.
are more involved with detail by nature.
decision that can affect our environment.
They’re more thorough, which describes
That’s very important to women.
The clinics are free for attendees and are
held after shop hours. While some women
28
The sessions are held in the shop, where customers can get a
close-up look at what it takes to keep a car running smoothly.
their cars in themselves for service. I don’t
Kelly as an instructor.”
“The dealer has a new base of clientele
are already customers of the tire shop,
Favourable feedback
more come in through advertisements
Feedback from both attendees and tire
Those women are now informed custom-
placed in local newspapers, which gives
shops has been extremely favourable. “The
ers, and that results in a clientele that be-
the shop a prime opportunity to expand
advantage to the dealer is that it attracts
comes loyal to that dealership. It’s a win/
its client base.
new clientele, and one that typically would
win situation for everybody.” TN
Tire News
TN
June 2008
that they may not have known existed.
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Getting the Lead Out
Lead Wheel Weights:
Educating the Consumer
Heavy and malleable, lead weights have several factors in their favour:
they do the job, they’re easy to use, and most importantly, they’re inexpensive.
F
or many, though, environmental issues
“I don’t really think there’s any movement
the guys do hammer the wheel weights
weigh more than the weights, and to
or drive in Canada to legislate any ban on
on, and a pair of gloves because they’re
that end, Europe banned them in 2005, in
products that are made from lead,” says
handling them, and that could possibly be
favour of alternatives such as steel or zinc.
Ian Kedzierski, vice president of Sales
sufficient.”
But the movement has failed to catch on in
and Marketing Canada for Rema Tip Top.
North America: despite lobbying by envi-
“I think people are mistaken when they
Suggesting alternatives
ronmental groups, the U.S. Environmental
look at wheel weights on their own, be-
Because they’re not as heavy as lead,
Protection Agency (EPA) denied a petition
cause there are a lot of other lead items
steel and zinc weights have to be bigger,
for a national ban on lead weights in that
in vehicles.”
which can make it more difficult to please
country.
Recycling is key
consumers who don’t want their weights to
show. Adhesive steel weights are available,
Ecology Center, the U.S. environmental-
as are alternatives such as stick-on steel
ist group that initiated the EPA petition,
shot weights (sold under the trade name
points to a study done in Albuquerque,
XACTBalance) and balancing compounds.
New Mexico that suggested as much as
11.8 kg/km of lead was present on a stretch
Their higher price could possibly be an
of road studied, the result of weights falling
issue, but Kedzierski believes that much
from vehicles and gradually being ground
will depend on how the dealer approaches
into dust by other cars. The study extrapo-
the customer.
lated this to 1.5 million kg of lead finding
“Insufficient data”
its way to the roadside each year across
“When they buy a wheel, it might be $10
the country. The study also suggests that
more to have environmentally friendly
3,730 kg of lead weights fall off cars in that
wheel weights,” he says. “I don’t think it’s
city alone each year.
being offered to consumers, and I believe
that’s why the will to change doesn’t exist.
The decision was made on the grounds that
The report has its critics, especially concern-
The person selling the set of tires must ed-
the EPA found “insufficient data” on the
ing the amount of lead found in the study,
ucate the consumer. If you normally pay $5
issue of the environmental hazards of lead
but there’s no denying that the weights do
for wheel balancing, and we say we can’t
weights. The Tire Industry Association (TIA)
come with environmental issues.
do it for $5 anymore, it’s $7.50 per wheel
now, I think most consumers would be
applauded the decision in a release, stating
30
that the market “seems to be moving away
“My biggest concern is that not enough
willing to pay for it to get environmentally-
from lead on its own without the need for
of the lead is recycled,” Kedzierski says.
friendly wheel weights.” TN
a ban,” and that a more effective method
“Sometimes it ends up in a garbage can
would be education on lead recycling and
instead of with a recycler, and I think that’s
encouraging technicians to take proper pre-
where the real problem lies. The techni-
cautions when working with lead weights.
cian should wear a dust mask, because
Tire News
TN
June 2008
Ignite your sales with really hot inventory and sound expertise from the
wheel experts at DT Tire and DT Custom Wheel. We have the fire to pack
some heat into your custom wheel and tire sales with hundreds of styles in
stock and SEMA certified experts to serve you.
We have what you need to succeed.
Call us today and ask for your free catalog, or check us out
on the web at www.dtwheel.com
DT Custom Wheel 1-800-357-8473
Ask for Bruce Jensen or Nelson Lai.
Email [email protected] or [email protected]
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Wheel Testing: Meeting the Industry Standard
Assuring Your Customers
Their Wheels Measure Up
It might surprise you to know that while tires must meet federal
standards, there are almost none for wheels. But many manufacturers
send them for rigorous testing nevertheless, says Guy Edington, director
of technology at Standard Testing Labs (STL) in Massillon, Ohio.
E
arlier this year, Edington present-
1968 and requires placard requirements
ed a session on wheels at the Tire
relating to load distribution and to rim
Technology Expo in Cologne, Germany, an
and tire separation during rapid deflation,
annual global trade show.
while FMVSS-120 became effective in
Determining safety
Guy Edington is director of technology
at Standard Testing Labs (STL)
1976 and describes tire and rim selection
for vehicles other than passenger cars.
which evaluates components such as tire
“This was the first time they had included
That statute also contains optional wheel
pressure monitoring systems. All of these
wheels as a topic for discussion,” he says.
marking requirements: a manufacturer
tests are SAE methods that are almost
“Since it was a new subject, the focus of
doesn’t have to mark the rim, but if it
universal in U.S. applications.
the paper was why and how wheels are
chooses to do so, it must adhere to ac-
currently tested. About half of our rev-
ceptable markings.
enue is from wheel testing; companies do
Marketing to customers
“Anybody can make a wheel and sell it,”
it to satisfy themselves that the wheels
Industry standards
are commercially successful for durability.
Despite this, there are numerous indus-
should be mandatory, and I say that be-
Although there are no federal statutes for
try recommended standards, including
cause there really aren’t any wheel per-
wheels, they’re still obligated to determine
those from such bodies as the Society of
formance problems in the market that I’m
if they’re safe.”
Automotive Engineers (SAE), the SEMA
aware of.
Edington says. “I wouldn’t say (testing)
Foundation and the American Society of
U.S. federal statutory requirements for
Testing and Materials (ASTM) in the U.S.;
“Still, I would recommend that the dealers
wheels are “relatively quiet,” Edington
JIS and JASO in Japan; TUV in Germany;
talk to their suppliers about whether or
says, “especially as compared to recent
and EUWA in Europe, among others.
not their wheels have been tested to these
activity for tires.” FMVSS-110 dates from
SAE methods and passed the test. They’re
STL carries out many tests in accordance
not obligated by statutes or any other
with these industry standards, including
requirements to provide that information,
wheel impact and lateral curb impact,
but there’s nothing to keep the retailer
which tests durability when dropped and
from asking if they’re in voluntary compli-
for cornering and radial fatigue; road
ance with whatever wheel they’re buying.
hazard impact, which evaluates frontal
This is a road hazard impact testing machine.
32
Tire News
TN
June 2008
impact resistance for the tire and wheel;
“They could probably market that to the
wheel and bead heel dimensions, which
end user, armed with the information that
are accurately measured using a contour
these wheels have met the requirements
gauge and ball tape; environmental test-
of the applicable SAE test methods. Most
ing, which uses a special salt spray to
customers don’t get into test standards,
simulate several winters’ worth of driv-
they don’t even know they exist, but they
ing; run-out testing; a Belgium Block test
expect the retailer to act on their behalf.
that determines if trim items will stay on
They go to somebody they trust and will
the wheel; and free-spin machine testing,
provide what they need at a fair price.” TN
INDUSTRY
NEWS
A Michelin Store
Close to You?
PHOTO: ÉRIC DESCARRIES
Michelin is about
to establish new merc h a n d i s i n g s to re s
selling many products other than tires.
The first was opened
less than a year ago
in Greenville, South
Carolina, close to
Michelin North American’s headquarters
The first Michelin
and labs. The commerchandising store is
pany had given itself
already very successful in
three years to make
Greenville, South Carolina.
it profitable…it took
only a few months! In such a store, one can find
many accessories, from small reproductions
of Bibendum, the Michelin man, up to sports
clothes, clocks, caps, sport bags…there was
even a Porsche GT3 RS in the store. It obviously
had Michelin tires!
Jeffrey Jacobs, merchandising manager for
Michelin, announced that seven other such stores were about to open in the United States. But
the company is also looking out of the country.
Where? Montreal, a car crazy city that Jacobs
knows very well. Nonetheless, he could not tell
Tire News when the store would open.
TIA Offers Free Web
Page to Members
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) announced
that all of its members are now eligible to receive a free, professionally-designed Web page.
The new benefit is the result of a partnership
with ASA Tire Systems, a supplier of software
tools to the tire industry.
The service includes custom page colours,
spaces for contact information and images,
search engine optimization, assistance in domain registration, and the ability for the member to obtain a customized email address.
“As time goes on, more and more tire dealers
are finding that having a Web page is no longer
an option, it’s a necessity,” said Roy Littlefield,
TIA executive vice president. TIA members can
obtain information through Erik Croswell at
1-866-210-6717.
Hercules Performance
Ultra Touring TR / HR / VR
Pour de l’information sur les pneus Hercules,
visitez le www.herculestire.ca
Wheels
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
Wheels, Wheels, and Wheels…
Accessories by the Dozen
Not so long ago, custom wheels were mostly intended for some
was kind of limited.
N
There are many accessories for wheels,
whether stock or custom.
owadays, it seems that everyone
Accessories
caps are rarely lost, but can be easily dam-
wants to have their own distinct
When ordering special wheels for your
aged and might need replacement. Plastic
set of wheels in order to distinguish
customers, be sure you get the proper
hub caps are often lost or damaged, and
their car from the masses. In addition,
accessories that will fit the wheels. While
they are in great demand! Make sure your
tire manufacturers have begun playing
you’re at it, try to identify the customers
supplier has what your customers might
the game and they are coming up with
that already have custom wheels and
need. Add to that valve stems, trim rings,
odd-sized tires that require very special
confirm the type and brand of wheels
and even anti-theft bolts that lock the
wheels. Until recently, we all thought
on their car. You might be surprised by
wheels in place.
that 20-, 22-, and 24-inch wheels for
the numerous custom (mostly chromed)
oversized tires were for light trucks only.
lug nuts available for those wheels. They
If you have customers who own trucks—big
Not anymore, as we saw at the SEMA
might have to be changed, mostly if they
trucks—they might be interested in some
show, last fall. And many wheels aren’t
show rust following multiple tightening
custom accessories that are available for
mass produced anymore. Cars now have
with air wrenches.
heavier trucks. Truck customizing and even
their own similarly-sized wheels. Some
“tuning” is growing stronger than ever.
of them are designed and produced by
Wheel emblems are another source of
Finally, a good display of wheel polishing
computer-aided design and manufactur-
accessories that might need replacement.
kits is a sure hit among people who own
ing. There are as many wheels as there
Some wear out, others fall off. They are
cars and trucks with specialty wheels. Be
are designers.
specialty items that are in great demand.
sure you have what they need and don’t
Hub caps are the same. Push-through hub
hesitate to push your products! TN
INDUSTRY
NEWS
Fastco Canada Getting
Involved in Racing
Fastco Canada has not only announced the introduction of a new competition wheel line, the FCO1 and
the FCO2, but will also participate in this year’s Canadian Touring Car
Championship, for which the wheels were designed. Father and son Glenn and Lee Chaplin,
Operations manager and Regional Sales manager at Fatsco Canada, will run the series with a pair
of 2.7-litre V6-powered 2008 Hyundai Tiburon GTs. Fastco is a Canadian company based in Montreal
and its FCO1 wheel, available in hyper silver or gunmetal, is offered in a 17x8” configuration and has a
suggested price of $335, while the FCO2 is available in platinum colour in 17x7.5” size with one of two
bolt circles for a retail price of $378.
34
Tire News
TN
June 2008
photo: Éric Descarries
American cars and, other than a few classic models, the choice
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
Michelin’s Chairman and President Speaks Out
Jim Micali on Canada
Greenville, South Carolina. Jim Micali is Michelin North America’s chairman and president—at least until
next fall, when he is expected to retire. Nonetheless, Micali will still be in the tire business as a consultant.
No wonder, he has such experience in the field, including the Canadian market, which he respects very
much. We met recently in his Greenville office.
Tire News: Mr. Micali, with the Canadian
loonie gaining strength toward the American
dollar, many Canadian consumers would
rather buy their products, including tires, in
the U.S. How does Michelin react to this?
Jim Micali: It’s called cross-border shopping
and we are keeping a close eye on it. I would
say that in terms of equitable pricing across
the border, one cannot look at it on a sixmonth time frame because of the volatility
in exchange rates. Our Canadian dealers are
important to us especially because we have
particular tires sold to Canadians only. But if
one of our tire dealers in, say, Plattsburgh,
New York usually sells 10,000 tires a year
and he suddenly places an order for a million, we’ll ask questions!
Jim Micali, Michelin North America’s
chairman and president
good tech programs and we are happy to
JM: It’s true that we are not pursuing any
TN: You have Canadian operations that were
say that the plants also enjoy good support
new fitments for PAX. But we will provide
shut down, such as BFGoodrich in Kitchener,
from the local government.
support to current PAX owners. Being a
while others were upgraded, like those in
Nova Scotia. How can this be explained?
market transformer is not an easy thing
TN: How much does the Canadian market
to do. PAX is technically superior, but
mean to Michelin?
the cost and complexity are such that
JM: The tires made in Kitchener were mass
most OEs have decided that they prefer
market passenger car tires and there was
JM: A great deal. Canadians are sophisticat-
standard run-fl at solutions. We all know
significant over-capacity in that segment. It
ed tire buyers, especially where winter tires
that it is almost impossible to unseat a
became impossible for that plant to remain
are concerned. Also, the trucking industry
PAX tire in case of a flat. Still, we will con-
competitive against low-cost import prod-
in Canada has some huge fleets, another
tinue to bring new and innovative ideas to
ucts. With the strength of the Canadian dol-
important factor. As far as OTR tires are con-
the marketplace, such as the successful
lar, some will say that Canada has become
cerned, the Fort McMurray phenomenon is
X-One wide single heavy-duty truck tire.
a high wage country, but that doesn’t have
important to us because it involves a very
to mean high cost. Take for instance our
hard climate – a great test bed for our prod-
TN: In August, you will be retiring from
Nova Scotia plants. They have highly skilled
ucts to perform under extreme conditions.
your post. Nonetheless, you will still be in
employees that produce very technical tires
the tire business, won’t you?
that are in high market demand. Their scrap
TN: In Canada, like in many parts of the
rate is less, their quality is high. But we still
world, some Michelin “innovations” did not
JM: Oh yes! I will still be a consultant
need to improve that excellence to compete
make it. The PAX system is one of them. We
for Michelin, and there are a couple of
against less expensive import products. The
understand that Michelin is discontinuing
boards that I am on and those will con-
Nova Scotia plants are excellent. They have
the PAX system.
tinue.
TN
June 2008
TN
Tire News
35
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
Micheal Sigillito, Canadian Marketing director
for Bridgestone, was at the launch.
The Potenza RE 760 Sport is tailor made
for cars like the AMG E63 Mercedes-Benz.
Performance Tires
Bridgestone Introduces the Potenza
G019 Grid and RE 760 Sport
Phoenix, Arizona. Performance tires are more important than ever. Indeed, many more car manufacturers
than before are introducing sedans and regular products equipped with what is known as performance tires.
Consequently, tire replacement will also include performance tires, which is why Bridgestone adopted the
philosophy that any driver with any car should be able to drive on a good performance tire and launched two
new performance tires, the Potenza G019 Grid and the Potenza RE 760 Sport.
The Potenza G019 Grid
The Potenza RE 760 Sport
The Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid is a
The Bridgestone RE 760 Sport—
sporty tire meant for a large array of cars
which replaces the RE 750—is a tire
and light trucks. Indeed, the G019 Grid—
that the manufacturer says will let
w h i c h re p l a c e s
drivers in any car, on any road, maxi-
the successful
mize their driving pleasure. Though
G009—is
de-
it is a pure enthusiast tire, it still ap-
signed with per-
peals to a broad market. It is target-
formance driving
ed to sports passenger and compact
features and af-
tuner cars and is available (for the
fordability. It will
moment) in 33 sizes in the 55 to 30
be developed over
series for 16 to 20-inch wheels with
t h e n ex t t h re e
a W speed rating. The tire will be recognizable by its asymmetric tread with grooves
years but for now
that give it more stability and grip, mostly on wet pavement, as we tried it. By the
is available in 27
way, it is definitely not an all-season tire that can be used in winter!
The new Potenzas,
the RE760 Sport (l.)
and G019 Grid (r.).
sizes with H and V speed ratings (210 and
240 km/h) in the 60 to 45 series for 15- to
In the case of this performance tire, we had the opportunity to try it on BMW Series
18-inch wheels. This tire has added silica for
3 on wet pavement (once again pitted against very good competitive products)
wet grip and a wider footprint with a quiet
where they proved to be very efficient at speeds around 40 mph (65 km/h). But the
tread pattern.
most convincing exercise was to know more
International Raceway driving. AMG C63
GTIs at the Firebird International Raceway—
and E63 Mercedes-Benz sedans at speeds
the tire was pitted against some of the best
hovering around 100 mph (160 km/h)! Trust
competitive products possible. There was
the tires, you say?
TN
some difference to be felt, mostly on dry
pavement.
The Potenza RE 760 Sport is
efficient on wet pavement.
36
Tire News
TN
June 2008
PHOTOS: ÉRIC DESCARRIES
about the tire at high speeds at the Firebird
We tried the G019 Grid on sporty Volkswagen
INDUSTRY
NEWS
Saskatchewan has successfully implemented
a recycling program that sees many scrap tires
used to resurface public roadways.
SSTC Gets Two Green ‘Thumbs Up’ from Heppner
Environment Minister Nancy Heppner congratulated the Saskatchewan Scrap Tire Corporation
(SSTC) on a very successful year. The Minister
spoke at the SSTC’s Annual Public Meeting on
March 31 in Regina.
The highlights for SSTC in 2007 include:
“We were pleased to see that the Minister
both attended the meeting and had good things
to say about our program,” said SSTC chairman
Don Schlosser. “It was a nice way to close out
the past year, one of the best years ever for the
corporation.”
• The development of a “front end” payment
system for processors
• The collection and recycling of the 10 millionth tire
• Creation of a plan to clean up all municipal
landfills by 2010
• Funding for 12 community improvement projects through the Community Demonstration
Grant Program
• Supporting two major paving projects on
Highway 1 and Highway 11
• Contributing towards the new turf on Taylor
Field at Mosaic Stadium that uses 18,000
recycled Saskatchewan scrap tires.
Uni-Select Acquires Beck/Arnley
The acquisition of Beck/Arnley Worldparts
Corp. and its Canadian subsidiary is an important
one for Uni-Select. The company is building a new
division aimed at servicing the needs of the foreign nameplate aftermarket and this acquisition is
the cornerstone of its strategic initiative in order
to better service the growing import business in
North America.
This development will add annual sales of US
$29 million to Uni-Select. Beck/Arnley operates
one master distribution centre in Smyrna, TN and
has two other satellite warehouses.
“Beck/Arnley’s high quality product offering, its
strong brand image at the jobber and installer
levels, its catalogue, and its capabilities in the
areas of product sourcing and logistics provides
us with a great opportunity to support and improve the capabilities of the company. We intend to
grow the business by expanding its geographical
reach and its product offering. In addition, we’ll
deliver the quality product the customer wants,
where and when he wants it and at a competitive
price,” said Richard G. Roy, Uni-Select’s president
and CEO.
“These developments are exciting news for our
customers and employees. Uni-Select’s support
will allow us to more effectively develop and
rebuild our capabilities to better serve our customers by delivering the quality products we’ve
been working so hard to provide. In Uni-Select,
we’ve found the right partner as their vision,
culture, values, and business model, including
support of the independent jobber, coincide so
closely with ours,” commented Max Dull, Beck/
Arnley president.
Tire Manufacturers in Racing
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
RACING IMPROVES
It’s summer. This is North America.
This is racing season. Whether you
are into motorsports or not, it still is
THE BRAND
N
ow, do you think that tire
that the investment is much higher
manufacturers give away their
than the return. Michelin discov-
Not only is auto racing a rolling
racing tires to teams expecting
ered that all the money it poured
billboard for the manufacturers, it
some publicity in return? No, racing
into Formula One was getting way
is an industry and tire manufactur-
too expensive to maintain. In the
also improves the breed as it serves
ers are part of it—a big part of it.
past, Goodyear, Pirelli, Avon, and
as a real time proving ground. Yes,
In some cases, tires are sold to
other brands came to the same
the racing teams. In others, they
conclusion. Michelin then pulled
tire manufacturers still learn a
are leased. Yes, leased. Take for in-
out of Formula One (but stayed in
lot from racing.
stance Goodyear, who is very much
many other international series
involved in the NASCAR series—
such as American LeMans, Formula
Goodyear is the exclusive provider
BMW, the newly formed Speed Car
of racing tires for the Sprint Cup,
stock-car series, and others), leaving
Nationwide, and Craftsman Truck
Japanese tire maker Bridgestone
series in the U.S. and Canada and
alone to invest in Formula One.
the sole provider of tires to the
Consequently, being alone in a ser-
NASCAR Canadian Tire series in
ies diminishes the pressure but does
Canada. In the case of the American
not end research and development.
series, the used tires are not to be
Also, keep in mind that Bridgestone
left in the hands of the teams. This
owns the legendary American brand
would allow teams to proceed to
Firestone, which is still used in the
private testing which might give big-
Indy Racing League. For years—
ger teams an edge over the smaller
almost a century—Firestone tires
ones. Consequently, tires are leased
were on each Indianapolis 500 win-
to the teams (approximately $325
ning car! However, Michelin is still
per tire) that have to bring them
very active in many other forms
back after the races or after each
of racing with its other brand,
tire change. There, Goodyear engin-
BFGoodrich.
very important to tire manufacturers.
Continental produces ice racing tires.
eers are able to analyse the used
tires and improve them if needed.
I n d e e d , ra c e fa n s c a n s e e t h e
Race fans will also see the Goodyear
BFGoodrich name in many series
tires in NHRA top drag racing ser-
such as off-road series (including
ies, SCCA road racing, and many
rock crawling), Grand-Am Miller
other amateur divisions.
cup, Hooters stock car series, SCCA
d in
Pirelli is involve
38
Tire News
TN
June 2008
the Grand-Am
series.
Barber Dodge, and more. But one of
the most active tire makers in ama-
In some cases, the development
teur and semi-professional racing
can become very expensive. Tire
has to be Hoosier, a small family-
manufacturers like the exposure
owned manufacturer that produces
they get out of motorsports, but
some of the most efficient and least
sometimes competition between
expensive racing tires even for pro-
brands can become very serious, to
fessional series like ARCA, NASCAR
a point where a tire maker discovers
West, last year’s Grand-Am series,
PHOTOS: ÉRIC DESCARRIES
An expensive adventure
es equip
BFGoodrich tir
ries.
r Mustang se
the new Mille
and various paved and dirt oval
facturers Yokohama and TOYO are
tracks. The Hoosier name can even
also part of the game, the first one
be seen in drag racing and in kart-
in ALMS, European Touring cham-
ing! Its main competition comes
pionships, rallying in Canada, and
from Specialty Tires, which makes
even off-roading, while the second
the American Racer products.
is present in various off-road events
It’s everybody’s game
Goodyear is w
ell known for
its
involvement in
NASCAR.
even drag racing (NOPI), drifting,
SCCA road racing and more. Smaller
Almost every brand of tire can be
manufacturer Nitto is also part of
found in racing. Cooper is now in-
the NOPI drag racing series and
volved with A1 GP international
the SCORE off-road series. Italian
racing and the new Formula Atlantic
manufacturer Pirelli is very active in
series. One of its specialized brands,
rally racing and is now the supplier
Mickey Thompson, is also well known
for the Grand-Am Rolex Series. In
among drag racers. Go to inter-
Canada, it even supports the local
national event like the American Le
Toyota Cup run in Québec and part
Mans Series and you will notice the
of Ontario. Finally, German manu-
Dunlop brand on some cars. Dunlop
facturer Continental is also into ra-
also provides tires to the Australian
cing as we have seen its winter race
V8 Supercar Series and the Canadian
tires at the Challenge sur glace in
Formula 1600 series. If you are into
Sherbrooke, Québec.
cing!
rmula One ra
ry serious in Fo
ve
Bridgestone is
drifting, you probably noted the
Falken and General Tire brands,
Did we miss someone? It could
with Kumho and Hankook not too
be. Because, by the time you have
far away. As a matter of fact, Kumho
fi nished reading this article, other
is also in the ALMS series and sup-
manufacturers have probably got-
porting many other series such as
ten involved in some series of some
the SCCA Mazda MX-5 cup. Maxxis
sort, big or small. What can you do?
is involved in off-roading, drifting,
It’s impossible to dissociate tires
and rock crawling. Japanese manu-
from auto racing.
Kumho tires equip
the prototype
Mazda race car.
General Tire’s Vladimir Aguilar points out one of its drifting tires.
TN
The sticker on
the car says BF
Goodrich,
but the tire sa
ys Michelin.
June 2008
TN
Tire News
39
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Senior Customers: a Significant Market Segment
Services for Seniors Benefit
All Your Customers
According to Statistics Canada, there are over 4.4 million Canadians aged 65 and older, and that number is
increasing daily. Is your shop prepared to handle this important sector of the marketplace?
M
arketing your business to seniors,
anyone with a computer can set up a
and making your shop and your
Web site. There are a number of sites
service attractive to older customers,
making money by warning seniors about
should be an essential part of your busi-
“repair rip-offs,” and while some post
ness plan. A well-rounded strategy that
legitimate concerns, a number of them
takes into account the diversity of older
portray auto shops as scams, telling
drivers will reach this segment and ultim-
people that important services such as
ately benefit all of your customers.
alignments and brake inspections aren’t
necessary. Make sure your advisors are
Marketing to seniors
always ready with a thorough explana-
Setting up your shop: While it isn’t always
tion of why any service is needed. It
possible to retrofit, your store should be
doesn’t hurt to surf these sites occasion-
easily accessible to all of your customers.
ally yourself and see what you’re up
This will include older seniors who might
against.
not be able to get around easily, but it
will also benefit others, such as disabled
Time is money
customers or parents with strollers. If it’s
Realize their time is valuable: Don’t put
possible, consider large parking spaces,
seniors’ vehicles to the back of the line
barrier-free doors, assistant handles in
You should also watch the calendar to
because you figure they won’t need them
the washroom, and waiting-room chairs
make sure your advertising dollars are
right away. If you offer a shuttle service,
that are comfortable but designed so that
well spent. In late summer and early fall,
don’t automatically think you can drop
it’s easy to get out of them.
market your maintenance specials heavily
them off last. These customers may be
to snowbirds, who will want to have their
retired, but that doesn’t mean they have
Discounts: If you can, offer discounts to
tires and vehicles in top shape for the long
nothing better to do.
seniors, especially if your competitors do.
trip south.
You can also use discounts as timed incentives, offering them during traditionally
Explaining repairs
slow periods to encourage a steady flow
Never underestimate them: Today’s sen-
a trip to your shop as a day out. Your staff
of customers.
iors are as Internet-savvy as their grand-
needs to ensure that extended pleasant-
children are. Chances are good that your
ries don’t leave other customers waiting,
Advertising to seniors: Most people want
older customers have already gone online
and that customers don’t walk into re-
a repair shop that’s convenient, and
to research their vehicles, price their re-
stricted shop areas to talk to the techni-
seniors are no exception. If there’s a
pairs, and shop around with your com-
cians.
retirement residence near your store,
petitors. They may have grown up with
target your advertising there. If your
carburetors and bias-ply tires, but today
Respect seniors’ time, money, knowledge,
shop is associated with an automobile
they’re up-to-date.
and needs, and in return, you can com-
club, Chamber of Commerce, or Better
40
But be prepared: That said, you will get
the occasional older customer who views
mand a respectable amount of business
Business Bureau, make sure this is prom-
Be ready with an explanation: Of course,
from this vitally important customer seg-
inently displayed.
there are two sides to the Internet, and
ment.
Tire News
TN
June 2008
TN
Jack Kazmierski
[email protected]
Customer Service
Hot and Bothered
Dealing with angry customers isn’t difficult, but it does require a bit of knowhow. As long as you and your staff know what to do, there’s no reason why an
irate customer can’t become a satisfied customer.
U
nless you’re a mortician, sooner or
the time to put your pride on the back
If the mistake was serious enough, be
later you and your staff are going
shelf for a minute, apologize for what
sure to send out a small gift, like flowers,
to have to deal with an angry customer.
happened and reassure him that you are
to the customer’s place of work. Not only
In our crazy stress-filled world, tempers
going to help.
will this surprise him, it will give him an
flare, customers yell, and adult tantrums
opportunity to talk about you with his co-
are sometimes part of the cost of doing
Even if what just happened was not your
workers. And since he is now a satisfied
business.
fault, be sure to accept full responsibil-
customer, he’ll tell them about how you
ity (keep that pride on the shelf) without
made a mistake, how he told you off, and
The key to successfully dealing with an
blaming a new employee, faulty equip-
how eager and willing you were to make
angry customer is planning for the event
ment, the guy who drives the truck, etc.
things right.
ahead of time, and making sure everyone
Just accept the blame, apologize, and
on your staff knows what to do when the
tell the customer that you are there to
Finally, follow-up with a quick phone call
yelling starts, the volume reaches a cre-
help him.
a couple of days later to make sure every-
scendo and the cursing begins.
Shhhh!
Do
thing is okay. The brief call will only take
a minute or two, but the level of customer
Now it’s time to do something about the
service it displays is sure to create a cus-
The first thing you and your staff need
problem. More importantly, you have to
tomer for life.
to do when a customer gets angry is be
tell the customer what you plan to do, and
quiet. This is the time to listen closely,
the sooner you can get it done the better.
TN
and allow the customer to express his
frustrations without getting into a yelling
Ask them to bring the car in right away, if
match or trying to minimize the way the
possible. Get some of your best people on
customer feels. Just be quiet and listen.
it and fix whatever is wrong. Doing so will
show the customer that you care. Making
While you’re listening attentively, be sure
mistakes is human, and most customers
to take notes. This will signal to the frus-
realize that. All they’re after is a solution.
trated customer that you’re concerned
And if they see that you’re happy to offer
enough to actually document his com-
one—and quickly—they will likely return
plaint and do something about it.
to buy from you again.
Talk
Follow up
his frustrations, calmly look him in the eye
being resolved, thank the formerly irate
and say, “Now, let me make sure I under-
customer for bringing the matter to your
stand the issue.” Then paraphrase what he
attention. This will help smooth things
said, using your notes as a reference.
over considerably, and demonstrate—
Once the client has finished expressing
Once the problem is well on its way to
once again—that although a mistake was
If he agrees with your synopsis of the
made, you were more than willing to cor-
situation and has nothing to add, this is
rect it, and fast.
June 2008
TN
Tire News
41
Guy O’Bomsawin
[email protected]
Photo Contest
Winners of the 6th Edition
This spring, Bridgestone Firestone distributed, for the sixth time, tens of thousands of dollars among the
36 winners of the Bridgestone Photo Contest held across the country.
T
he major prize winners of the 2007
The winners were chosen by Gerry
Inaugurated in 2002, the Bridgestone
contest are both from Quebec:
Fréchette, automobile columnist, author
Photo Contest aims at celebrating stu-
Martin Gros, from Cégep de Matane,
and photographer, Stuart McCall, profes-
dent’s creativity as well as the same in-
and Natalia Shaidenko, from Montreal’s
sional photographer, and Tony Whitney,
novative spirit and passion for excellence
Dawson College; awarding them respec-
print media journalist.
reflected by Bridgestone through its high-
tively $3,500 and $2,500.
$39,000 in prizes
A highly-rated objective
quality products derived from advanced
technology. TN
For this sixth edition, a record number of
In fact the contest, whose jury this time
269 students enrolled in commercial pho-
was from Vancouver, brings the winners
tography in 12 colleges and universities,
a total of about $39,000 divided among
from the Atlantic to the Pacific, submitted
those who won the first prizes and the
353 photos last fall featuring Bridgestone
creators of the three prize-winning works
in an exceptional context.
www.bridgestonephoto.com
from each educational institution.
GRAND PRIZE
Jordan Bennett
Mark Anthony Coronel
Martin Gros
Sir Wilfred Grenfell College
Algonquin College
Cégep de Matane
Newfoundland
Ontario
HONOURABLE MENTION
Mélanie Massinon
Jessica Faust
Natalia Shaidenko
Nova Scotia Community College
MacKay Career Training
Dawson College
Nova Scotia
Saskatchewan
Spencer Birt
Jillian Logee
Holland College
SAIT Polytechnic
Prince Edward Island
Alberta
Megan Pauls
Romy Yamsuan
New Brunswick College
The Northern Alberta
of Craft and Design
Institute of Technology
New Brunswick
Alberta
Ann Rivera
Shelly Ann Teskey
Brandon University
Western Academy of Photography
Ontario
British Colombia
Natalia Shaidenko, Honourable Mention winner,
Pierre Robidoux of Bridgestone Firestone, and
Martin Gros, Grand Prize winner
42
Tire News
TN
June 2008
First prize winners from each institution
Mention – Natalia Shaidenko
Grand Prize – Martin Gros
François Charron
[email protected]
René Gélinas, president
and CEO of Pneus
Unimax, states that this
acquisition is consistent
with the company’s
growth strategies.
Acquisition of Tirecraft Group
Pneus Unimax
Continues to Grow
(PHOTO: MARIE-JOSÉE ROUSSEAU)
It’s an important strategic transaction for the Quebec giant Pneus Unimax of
Boucherville, a company that also owns the UNIPNEU banner. Already approved
by the Court of Appeal of Alberta, location of Tirecraft Group’s head office, this
transaction was to be fiinalized by May 30, 2008 at press-release time.
F
aced with financial difficulties, Tirecraft had
Skills Connection
claimed the benefit of provisions of the Law
According to Gélinas, Pneus Unimax’s expertise
on the arrangements with creditors of the com-
in distribution was a significant consideration
panies on April 15. René Gélinas, president
in this purchase offer, and it will be profitably
and CEO of Pneus Unimax, comments on the
employed. “In our industry, success is not
transaction: “Regarding the announcement
only based on sound technological choices
earlier this year to extend the UNIPNEU ban-
and qualified human resources, but also on
ner in Ontario, the pur-
good business practices. It is spe-
chase of Tirecraft assets
cifically our practices and our
constitutes a strategic
decision that ideally
rounds out my vision for
Pneus Unimax also confirmed
its intention to uphold Tirecraft’s
growth. This takeover is
proven processes, built on a tight
management culture, that we will
bring to Tirecraft,” he indicated.
current business model.
excellent news, since we
will thus break into the
Pneus Unimax also confirmed
its intention to uphold Tirecraft’s
Canadian market quickly by acquiring a com-
current business model as well as the Tirecraft
pany that is already integrated and situated in
and President banners, the Remington network
all major Canadian centres.”
and the Canadian Treads plants. TN
The Tirecraft Group > Tirecraft is an integrated company whose head office is located in Sherwood Park, Alberta.
The company owns the Tirecraft and President banners, a group of 330 affiliated dealers. It also operates 48 corporate
under the name Canadian Treads. The seventh most important tire dealer network in North America, Tirecraft employs
about 800 people and is found everywhere across Canada.
Pneus Unimax > Founded in 1979, Pneus Unimax is the most important tire distribution network in Québec, uniting
86 independent shareholder-dealers under the UNIPNEU banner which operates 135 retail, wholesale and commercial
points of sale in Québec and the Maritimes. In 2007, the company inaugurated a new, highly advanced, 400,000 sq. ft.
distribution centre in Boucherville.
44
Tire News
TN
June 2008
stores, a Remington tire distribution network with 22 warehouses, and four retreading plants for heavy vehicle tires
INDUSTRY
NEWS
Advertisers
www.3m.com/CA
Recycling Cycles
http://bridgestone-firestone.ca
Alberta Recycling is behind an innovative pilot project that
offers cycling enthusiasts a more environmentally friendly way
to dispose of their old bicycle tires. The program is less than two
years old and is already seeing promising results.
www.cdatire.com
“This pilot project addresses the need to recycle bicycle tires
which would otherwise end up in the landfill,” explained Myles
Kitagawa, Alberta Recycling Board Member and avid bicycle
commuter. “It is also a natural fit with the provincial tire recycling
program.”
The program removes bicycle tires from the waste stream, integrating them into current tire recycling programs. Bicycle tires are
processed into tire crumb, which is used in the manufacturing of
recycled rubber products such as cobblestone tiles, rubber matting, and tree rings.
The pilot project, which was started in Edmonton in late 2006, will
continue in Edmonton in 2008 with plans to extend the pilot into Calgary in the future.
Date Correction
Adjust your calendars: The 2008 Rubber Recycling Symposium in
Vancouver, B.C. will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver on October 29, 30, and 31, 2008. For details, visit the 2008
Symposium Website at www.rubberrecycling.ca; information will be
available shortly.
3M Canada
2, 23
Bridgestone
17
Canada Supply & Tire
www.carrus.ca
Carrus Technologies
6
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TIREMAX
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www.tireindustry.org
www.unipneu.com
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®
TN
Tire News
45
Pierre Lalonde
On the Ford Escape Hybrid, under the hood, we can see
the two pink square fuses (50 amp) removed.
These gloves are specially made to withstand the high
voltages present on hybrid cars. (SOURCE: AUTOMOTIVE CAREER
DEVELOPMENT CENTER, USA)
Toyota and Ford
This will activate all four lines of the brake
How to Repair Hybrid Brakes
system with pressure testing for leaking
Dealing with hybrid vehicles for brake maintenance or repair is peculiar.
fuse #24 (50 amp) and #31 (50 amp) in
There are slight differences among manufacturers, which you have to
know about in order to fix the car correctly – not to mention the high
voltages present in the electrical system that can be lethal if you don’t
follow the safety instructions.
H
hydraulic components. It could accidentally crush your fingers, or pop pistons out
of the caliper. Ford recommend to remove
the under hood fuse box, and to disconnect the 12 volt battery to prevent this
occurrence.
Safety precautions
You might have to work around high voltage/high amperage wiring or compo-
ybrid vehicles run on a combination
Toyota Prius
of 12 volt and high voltage, which
It is very important that you get acquain-
precautions required, or better stiff, enroll
varies from one manufacturer to another.
ted with hybrid cars’ start and stop pro-
for hybrid training if available in order
The hydraulic part of the braking system
cedures. Hybrids made by Toyota and
not to put your life at risk or get seriously
is conventional and requires only common
Ford drive on electrical power at times.
injured. Remember, electricity cannot be
tools. What you have to remember is to
The engine can start at any time and, to
seen but it’s always there. Most manufac-
stay away from any orange color cable,
prevent this, you must remove the key
turers use a disconnect or interlock switch
wire, plastic plug or switch.
from the ignition switch. This is especially
to shut off the high voltage power (orange
true when working on a Toyota Prius. The
cables) to isolate it from the rest of the
car can be equipped with a smart key,
car. It is also a must that you buy a pair
Because these vehicles use a brake-by-
which you have to keep at a good distance
of high-voltage lineman gloves as a safety
wire system that uses deceleration to re-
(about 3 metres) from the car to prevent
measure. TN
charge the battery pack, the conventional
accidental start up.
Brake-by-wire
brakes are seldom applied, except at very
low speeds or for emergencies. Gripped or
Ford Escape
corroded brakes parts will then become
Note that before start up, the Ford Escape
more common if you don’t modify mainte-
Hybrid will run the pump motor as a rege-
nance intervals.
nerative self-evaluating brake system test.
nents. Thus, you must read the safety
This article was originally published in the October
2007 issue of CASP Magazine.
www.affiniagroup.com
46
Tire News
TN
June 2008
How Do You Meet
Original Equipment Ceramic Standards?
High Content
of Ceramic Fibers
100% Scorched
No Break-In Required
Positive Mold
Manufacturing Technology
Post-Cured Process
For longer Service Life
High Pressure, Consistent Friction
Material Density
Low Resin Formula
Chamfered
Multi Layer Nitrile
Rubber Shims
Slotted
To Eliminate Fade and Noise
This is How Our Ceramic Meets
Original Equipment Standards!
Visit us at Automechanika Canada, Toronto, booth #533
June 19 to June 21, 2008, at the International Centre.
Visit us at PAACE Automechanika Mexico, booth #4020
from July 9 to July 11, 2008.
1.866.573.9889
Tel: 905.612.9889 Fax: 905.612.9623
7027 FIR TREE DRIVE, MISSISSAUGA, ON CA L5S 1J7
Looking for the best? So are we.
Since 1956, Fountain Tire has thrived and grown to
over 135 locations throughout Western Canada.
We attribute our success to the strong partnerships
we have with our store managers. We actively seek
feedback from our managers to build programs that
work. Together, we look for nothing less than the
best for our customers. The best tires. The best
service. Most importantly, we look for the best
people.
People are the heart and soul of our business. And
we’re looking for more of the best people to expand
the Fountain Tire family. Fountain Tire store managers
are people who believe – as we do – that customer
service is the most important product in the store.
We have the best tools in the business to ensure
your store’s profitability. We’d love to tell you about
them!
We’d love to sit down over
coffee – anytime, anywhere –
and discuss how your business
and one of our many ownership
programs can cultivate a mutually
beneficial relationship. With our
tools and your expertise we can
grow stronger – together!
Jason Herle
Direct: (780) 410-2136
Toll Free: 1-800-222-6481
[email protected]
Our toolbox contains:
■
■
■
A complete retail solution which provides support
for your business including accounting, payroll, IT,
legal services, an educational learning centre, a
Corporate Fleet and National Account sales team,
and more! This gives you more time to take care
of your customers.
A comprehensive marketing and advertising
strategy that creates awareness and increases
traffic.
The #1 Loyalty Program in Canada –
AIR MILES® reward miles.
■
■
Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies Platinum status.
Key brands such as Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly,
NAPA and Quaker State.

June - Autosphere.ca

Transcription

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