Atlas Tire Wholesale Inc. Rakla Tires proudly stands behind their

Transcription

PM 40014105
volume 7 / Number 4 / NOVEMBer 2010 / 4,95 $
www.autosphere.ca
Made in China
Atlas Tire Wholesale Inc.
Rakla Tires proudly stands behind their suppliers
Aziz Rakla
President, Rakla Tires
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Contents
14
November 2010
8
COVER STORY
f e at u r e s
8
NASCAR, it’s mechanical!
Not sophisticated? Think twice
25
A customer retention solution
Tire storage
10
Tire testing
Winter and All Weather offerings
from Hankook
26
Winter testing in Florida’s heat
Air force base provides snow
indoors for tire testing
12
Updating the business
News from the OTR
and AG tire segments
27
1 million wide-base tires
Michelin X-One
30
Supplier spotlight
Focus on the future
14
Rakla Tires stands behind their suppliers
Made in China... Proudly!
16
Lead issues
Part 1: Why get rid of it?
18
Managing tires
The right software is your best friend
19
Could it be tomorrow’s tire?
Optima introduces the
Camber Tire technology
20
For three years minimum
Pirelli: back in Formula One
24
Recycling regulations
Leveling the playing field
REGULARS
4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Editorial
22, 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industry events
6, 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New products
29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertisers
| www.autosphere.ca | November 2010 | Tire News |
3
editorial
Founding President
Rémy L. Rousseau
Contributing Editors
Shirley Brown, Claude Boucher, Philippe Crowe,
Éric Descarries, Simon Dion-Viens, Jack Kazmierski,
Jil McIntosh and Daniel Rufiange
Revisor and Translator
Shirley Brown and François Charron
Photographer
Marie-josée Rousseau
Graphic designer
Kevin Foster
Circulation Manager
Nancy Belleville
Administrative Assistant
Françoise Poynee
Sales Assistant
Marie-Hélène Côté
Tire Pricing?
Price doesn’t always
equal dollars
Well, it’s that time of year again… the time when consumers ‘shop’
for pricing! Sell more than tire and services; sell added value.
W
hen consumers come to your tire
store, they really don’t just come
for a price… but to purchase a
product and service at a price! It’s up to
you as the tire store owner or the service
advisor to explain in detail what you are
offering at your store… for a price!
You have the answers
Yes, you need to sell tires… but how about
all the rest of the products that are part of
the tires—they too, need to be checked.
How about the valve stems, the wheel
weights (not lead, I hope), cleaning the rims
properly, TPMS, tread depth of the tires, the
wheels, the tire pressure, storage for their
‘summer’ tires, etc.
When the consumer comes to your particular
tire store, you should have all the answers
and all the products and services available.
It’s not just ‘price’, it’s what goes with it
that’s even more important for you and your
customer. You are the expert… you can tell
them what type, quality they need and if the
tire is the correct one for their vehicle in order for your client’s safety and for the kind of
driving they are doing.
Internet shopping
Some people will go to the Internet to source
pricing… and they will discover all kinds of
prices from all kinds of places for the same
product. But, you need to explain the value
of what you’re selling and the Internet can’t
do that. Consumers also forget that if they
do purchase on the Internet, they must pay
(usually) for the shipping and be there when
the package arrives. And how about installation… they have to go somewhere else for
that. Buying through the Internet may be OK,
4
but there will likely be some problems with
the purchase… are the tires the correct size,
are they the correct tire for that particular
vehicle. Consumers don’t always know what
they’re buying on the Internet… other than
price!
| Tire News | November 2010 | www.autosphere.ca |
Remember it’s not always about price…
it’s about the services and product that go
together for safe driving.
We have all kinds of article and photo features about products and services on our
website autosphere.ca. Check it out, you’ll
be surprised.
Rémy L. Rousseau
[email protected]
Business Developement Managers
Nathalie Plouffe
416-925-5665
[email protected]
Luc Champagne
514-945-1299
[email protected]
Réjean A. Rousseau
450-649-9007
[email protected]
Subscription
1 year: $19.95 2 years: $34.95 3 years: $49.95
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E: [email protected]
Tire News Magazine is dedicated to serving the business
interests of the Canadian tire industry. It is published four
times a year by Rousseau Automotive Communication, 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
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Rousseau Automotive Communication / Circulation
Department, 455, rue Notre-Dame est, suite 311,
Montréal QC, H2Y 1C9
NEW!
The ESPIA EPZ, Falken’s latest addition to
the winter tire line up. It provides superb
traction even in the harshest weather
conditions. Specially designed canyon
sipes and a fiberglass-reinforced rubber
compound allow the EPZ to “claw” the
roughness of ice and stubbornness of
snow in a non-studded alternative to
the traditional winter tire. With 10 sizes
available August 1st, 2010 the new
ESPIA EPZ is the perfect choice capable
of conquering mother nature at her worst.
NEW TECHNOLOGy CANyON SIPES
Siping inside the block is composed of complex
zigzag bodies improving overall grip on snow and ice
DUAL-PURPOSE TREAD PATTERN
“ICE FACE”
SELF-mAINTENANCE mECHANISm
An anti-aging agent maintains fundamental functions
CIRCUmFERENTIAL GROOVES
provides for a wider center tread and expanded
lateral shoulder area grooves
maximize hydroplane resistance by
channeling water away from the contact
patch in wet weather conditions
DUAL-PURPOSE TREAD PATTERN
“SNOW FACE”
improved high speed stability and handling
SHOULDER-EDGE WAVE SIPE
stiffer wide steel belts offer greater tread rigidity,
superior grip and high speed stability
expanded lateral shoulder area grooves takes
on snow-packed roads
provides a stronger resistance to wandering
NyLON REINFORCED SHOULDERS
STEEL bELTS
HIGH TENSION CARCASS
increase handling response and high speed stability
Follow us:
Become a Falken Fanatic at wegetyougoing.com
13649 Valley Blvd. / Fontana, CA 92335 / Tel: 800.723.2553 Fax: 909.466.1169
www.falkentire.com
New products
New Muscle Car Toyo Tire
Bridgestone Ecopia EP150
Toyo’s Proxes TQ is a street legal
Bridgestone Corp. has launched a line of eco-friendly tires,
drag radial designed specifically
the Ecopia EP150.
for high-horsepower muscle
cars and street machines
The products were displayed at the International Motor Show (IAA) in
to deliver power to the
Frankfurt, Germany. Compared with current Bridgestone products in the
track, the company reports.
same dimensions, the company claims its new Ecopia EP150 has a 15
Featuring a dual-purpose
percent improved rolling resistance — making it, on average, about 3
low-void asymmetric tread
percent more fuel-efficient while achieving a reduction in CO2 output of
design, it has a semi-slick
around 3 %.
inner area to improve traction. On the street, a vari-
The Ecopia EP150 will be introduced as an integrated replacement and
able pitch outer area of the
original equipment product, targeting
tread reduces pattern noise.
compacts and mid-sized passen-
Combined with the company’s
ger cars with 14- to 16-inch
Tmode design technology, drag ra-
rim sizes in 55 to 65 series.
dial tread compound and special drag-race radial construction,
the tire delivers a smooth, quiet ride on the street and quicker
No release date for the
60-foot times at the track.
Canadian market has
TRW Continues to Drive Affordable
Safety with Low-Cost TPMS
been unveiled.
TRW Automotive announced the launch of its LCCI (Low Cost
Yokohama’s new BluEarth AE-01
wins Good Design Award
Clamp-In) sensor for Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd’s new
applications in 2011 model year vehicles.
BluEarth AE-01 passenger tire has
won the Good Design Award from the
The new design, which TRW says results in significantly lowered
Japan Industrial Design Promotion
costs for the system, features a valve that screws directly into the
Organization.
housing, allowing for a single housing with multiple valve design
capability. This results in fewer parts and higher reliability
The eco-friendly BluEarth was
than using a screw and nut, according to the company.
introduced this past July. “Under
the new BluEarth concept...
Yo ko h a m a e n d e avo rs to b e
environmentally friendly through
The new design also features laser welding of the
cover to the housing, a compliant pin battery and valve
excellent fuel efficiency,” say company officials.
connection, and a heat-resistant, long-life battery capable
of operating within a range of -40 to 120 degrees Celsius.
This marks the third time that
Yokohama has won the Good Design
Contact your local TRW representative or visit www.trw.com.
Award.
Dunlop Rover H/T all-season
Key features of the new tire include the company’s V-Lock
Goodyear has launched the Dunlop Rover H/T all-season tire
Grooves, which are designed to deliver enhanced grip through
for SUV and light truck fitments, replacing the more dated
the use of aggressively styled biting edges. The tire also includes
GrandTrek AT20 and Rover A/T.
dimensionally stable polyester to help maintain
Goodyear is offering the Dunlop Rover H/T in 25 P-metric SUV
sizes backed by a 60,000-mile limited tread life warranty and
eight light truck sizes backed by a 45,000-mile warranty. Each
tire is also backed by Dunlop’s 30-Day Pledge, which allows
6
tire uniformity; Versaload Technology to maximize the tire’s contact footprint; and 5-Pitch
Technology, which the company said aids in
noise reduction.
customers to bring back a set of tires within the first 30 days of
The entire line will be available on the market
purchase and exchange them for another set.
by January.
More on
autosphere.ca
A Green Recylable Tire Bag
eco-friendly recyclable tire bag on the market today. With much
Goodyear standard
fitment on 2011
Ford Explorer
respect for the environment, this robust and well-designed product
Fo rd M o to r C o . h a s
is the first reusable tire bag.
selected Goodyear’s
Eco-logik, a Montérégie-based company, has developed the most
Fortera HL all-season
Made out of flexible polypropylene, this bag is washable, durable,
S U V t i re a s a n O E
recyclable and folds up easily. Its porous material means that the
fitment for the 2011
tire can breathe, ideally suited to ensure the longevity of your
Ford Explorer.
investment. The Eco-logik tire bag is equipped with heavy-duty
drawstrings to protect your clothes and your vehicle from dirt and
The Fortera HL in size
grime. Its handle-free design offers a more ergonomic grip by the
P245/65R17 will be
rim (of single tires) or by
standard fitment for the SE
the middle of the tire.
version of the Explorer, which
No more heavy-lifting or
has been completely redesigned
bags that drag behind
and is expected to hit dealer showrooms this winter. The
on the ground.
vehicle features a 3.5-liter V6 engine capable of generating
290 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, and also is available in a
Available in both black
2-liter EcoBoost engine that generates 237 hp at 5,500 rpm.
a n d b l u e, E c o - l o g i k
tire bags are designed
Goodyear’s Fortera HL features staggered circumferential
and manufactured in
grooves, curvilinear blades and see-through grooves for
Canada.
enhanced forward and lateral traction, according to the
tire maker’s website. It includes a 60,000-mile tread wear
For more information,
warranty and is available in 16 sizes ranging from 17 to 20
visit www.e-logik.ca.
inches in diameter.
UNIMAX TIRE
INFLATES CONSIDERABLY.
our NeW WareHouSe
iN MoNctoN,
We NoW
cover
allATLANTIC
of atlaNtic
caNada.
WITH OUR NEWWitH
WAREHOUSE
IN MONCTON,
WE NOW
COVER
ALL
CANADA.
Nova Scotia
15 Fielding Ave.
Dartmouth, NS, B3B 1C9
Newfoundland
3 Vanguard Court
St. John’s, NL, A1A 5G6
New Brunswick
219 Henri Dunant Street
Moncton, NB, E1E 1E6
Heather Burgwin | 902.468.1179 | 1 877 779.3484 | [email protected]
7
NASCAR, it’s mechanical!
Éric Descarries
Not sophisticated?
Think twice
I
[email protected]
n many peoples’ mind, NASCAR race
cars are not highly sophisticated
pieces of equipment. Granted, com-
pared to a Formula One, a NASCAR race
car shows a lot less technology. But yet,
NASCAR rules are so tight, racing teams
have to develop competition parts that
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
will not only be fast, but also reliable.
Recently, NASCAR had a Nationwide
race in Montreal. Nationwide cars are
very close to Sprint Cup cars. So, many
of their mechanical components do look
alike. But the Montreal event is a road
course race. Consequently, NASCAR
teams have to use their race cars specifically built for such courses (most
NASCAR teams have almost a dozen
identical race car, each one designed for
a specific type of track). Road courses
are demanding. The cars must then be
completely symmetrical. Race preparation is done 90% at the race shop. Yet,
there is still a lot to do at the track
before the race, mostly preparing the
cars (most teams show up with two cars,
the second being a back-up vehicle) first
for the NASCAR inspection. And that is
serious business!
1: NASCAR Nationwide cars designed for road courses are equipped with very beefy brakes. Still, NASCAR
has limited their capacity, forcing the race teams to come up with even better preparation.
2: The overhead valve 358 cubic inch (5.9 litre) V-8 engines used in NASCAR Nationwide races are based on original
production engines. Yet, they are strictly designed for racing. They develop more than 600 horsepower.
3: NASCAR Nationwide engines must have restriction plates under the carburetor. In Montreal, the holes had to be 1 1/8-inch in diameter.
4: Carburetors are restricted to 390 cfm in the Nationwide series (830 cfm in the Sprint Cup series)
and must be inspected by NASCAR officials before the race.
5: Working on a 3400 lbs race car is not always as easy as it seems.
6: Goodyear is the sole supplier of tires for NASCAR’s most important series. The manufacturer
usually posts the tire pressure it recommends for the specific track.
7: NASCAR also has lighter classes such as the local Canadian Tire series. The cars weigh only 3000 lbs including driver. But they are
allowed to use almost only stock parts such as these brakes, smaller than the Nationwide brakes seen elsewhere on this page.
8: In the lower Canadian Tire series, the engines are less powerful since they usually come from the manufacturer.
Consequently, drivers like Don Thomson Jr. with smaller teams (and budget) can work on their engine!
8
Features & Benefits
Features & Benefits
improved tread pattern:
improved
tread pattern:
Parallel central
ribs to improve vehicle handling
Parallelshoulder
central ribs
to improve
vehicle
handling Links to increase performance
Stable
blocks
with Force
Transmission
Stable shouldercentral
blocks groove
with Force
Transmission
increaseand
performance
Circumferential
for fast
drainage, Links
slush to
expulsion
better self cleaning
Circumferential central groove for fast drainage, slush expulsion and better self cleaning
increased sipe density and 3D Drop sipes:
increased
density
andsnow
3D Drop
sipes:
More gripsipe
edges
for better
handling
performance
More grip edges for better snow handling performance
nordic silica compound:
nordic
silicawinter
compound:
Innovative
grip polymer for improved snow traction, performance and ice grip
Innovative winter grip polymer for improved snow traction, performance and ice grip
**
Takes traction on winter roads to a new dimension.
NORD
NORD FROST
FROST 55
Takes traction on winter roads to a new dimension.
NORD
NORD
FROST
FROST 55
*
*
13 inch
16 inch
13 inch
16 inch
155/80R13
79T SL 225/75R16
104T SL
155/80R13
79T
SL
225/75R16
104T SL
SL
175/70R13 82T SL 215/70R16 100T
175/70R13
82T
SL
215/70R16
100T
SL
14 inch
225/70R16 102T SL
14 inch
175/70R14
84T SL 225/70R16
215/65R16 102T
102T SL
XL
175/70R14 88T
84T SL
SL 215/65R16
XL
185/70R14
205/60R16 102T
96T XL
185/70R14 91T
88T SL
SL 215/60R16
205/60R16 95T
96T SL
XL
195/70R14
195/70R14 82T
91T SL
SL 225/60R16
215/60R16 102T
95T SL
175/65R14
XL
175/65R14
82T
SL
225/60R16
102T
XL
185/65R14 86T SL 205/55R16 94T XL
185/65R14
86T
SL
205/55R16
94T
XL
185/60R14 82T SL 215/55R16 97T XL
185/60R14
82T SL 225/55R16
215/55R16 99T
97T XL
XL
15 inch
15 inch
205/70R15
96T SL 225/55R16
17 inch99T XL
205/70R15 98T
96T SL
SL 225/65R17
17 inch
215/70R15
102T SL
215/70R15
98T
SL
225/65R17
185/65R15 88T SL 235/65R17 102T
108T SL
XL
185/65R15
88T
SL
235/65R17
108T XL
XL
195/65R15 91T SL 235/55R17 103T
195/65R15
91T
SL
235/55R17
103T
XL
205/65R15 94T SL 205/50R17 93T XL
205/65R15
205/50R17 98T
93T XL
XL
185/60R15 94T
88T SL
XL 225/50R17
185/60R15 88T
88T SL
XL 225/45R17
225/50R17 94T
98T XL
XL
195/60R15
195/60R15
195/55R15 88T
89T SL
XL 225/45R17
18 inch94T XL
195/55R15 89T XL
18 inch97T XL
245/40R18
245/40R18 97T XL
ATLAS
ATLAS TIRE
TIRE WHOLESALE
WHOLESALE INC.
INC.
20
of
Service
to
the
Trade
20 Years
Years
of
Service
to
the
Trade
Exclusive Gislaved Distributor for Ontario
Exclusive Gislaved Distributor for Ontario
Dealer Enquiries Welcome
Dealer Enquiries Welcome
Call
670-7354
Call (905)
(905)
670-7354 Ext.
Ext. 270
270
TOLL FREE NUMBERS AVAILABLE
e-mail: [email protected]
www.gislavedontario.ca
e-mail: [email protected]
www.gislavedontario.ca
The Swedish Winter Tire Experts.
The Swedish Winter Tire Experts.
b
bb
Tire testing
Winter and All Weather
offerings from Hankook
Hankook invited a selected group of journalists to sample, on an ice rink,
a couple of their tires worthy of the snowflake logo.
T
he first tire tested is Hankook
The Hankook Winter i*cept evo
Winter i*cept evo. This tire, though
will be available in 40-plus
now available in Europe and in very
sizes ranging from 16 to
limited sizes in the U.S., will be available
18 inches. Being a tire
up here for the 2011/2012 winter. The
aimed at high-per-
Winter i*cept evo, codenamed W310,
formance vehicles,
is a winter tire with a focus on high-
m o s t s i ze s w i l l
performance. 3D sipes and large lateral
be v-rated. We
grooves have been integrated in the
look forward to
design to offer good control in snowy
spending more
conditions. The rubber compound com-
time with this
bined with the tread design allowed for
n ew t i re w h i c h
impressive initial bite as well as good
seemed impres-
braking distances on the ice.
sive in this limited
b
Philippe Crowe
[email protected]
The all weather Optimo 4S
initial contact.
The Hankook Winter i*cept evo
All weather, more
than all season…
T h e o t h e r H a n ko o k t i re
on hand was the all weather
Optimo 4S. Codenamed H730,
The Optimo 4S is currently available in
this tire is presently available
28 sizes, ranging from 14 to 18 inches.
in Canada through the OK Tire
These sizes are only for passenger cars.
network and offers true winter
Price-wise, the Optimo 4S is now of-
driving capabilities in a pack-
fered between 15 to 20% less than the
age that can be kept on the
Nokian equivalent.
car all year long. The asymmetric tread design offers a
William R. Hume, vice president of
good balance between win-
Hankook Tire Canada, strongly believes
ter and summer performance
in the all weather segment. “It is a niche
needs, with the inside offer-
in which we see a lot of growth,” said
ing additional kerfs for good
Hume. “All weather tires will never re-
snow and ice performance.
place a dedicated winter tire, but the
The short loops, slalom and
concept of having only one set of tires all
brake tests around the ice
year long, with true winter capabilities,
rink showed this tire truly has
fills the need of a certain segment of the
winter capabilities.
population. People who live in condos
and have storage space issues, people
As opposed to the widely known
who use their car sparingly during the
all season tire, the all weather tire
winter, or who simply can’t afford two
is competent enough in the snow
sets of tires will find the all weather op-
to earn the snowflake logo.
10
tion suits their needs.”
On behalf of Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS), I would like to thank you for helping to make
the program a resounding success. As we pass the one year mark, OTS has helped recycle
over 11 million tires, help Ontario businesses grow and invest in innovations and eliminate
illegal tire dumping. This success has come through cooperation and collaboration between
OTS and businesses like yours – thank you for making Ontario a greener and more
prosperous place to live and work.
Andrew Horsman
Executive Director
Ontario Tire Stewardship
Updating the business
News from the OTR and
AG tire segments
While many of us were busy studying how OTR tire manufacturers were doing to answer
the ever growing demand in mining tires around the world (mostly Asia), the whole
segment has been pretty much alive and active. Here’s some recent news of happenings
within that part of the industry and the AG tire segment around the world.
For example, Alliance Tire Group just announced it was introducing a new forestry
Camoplast
and Solideal
Closer to us, we hear
tire for tractors and forestry equipment,
reports that Canadian
the Alliance Forestar 342. Wider than
rubber track maker
the well-known 540/65R28, it replaces
Camoplast Inc. an-
the new Forestar 342 available in size
nounced it would buy
600/60R28 but keeps the same rolling
industrial tire maker
circumference. Weighing 208 kg (457 lbs),
Solideal Group. The deal
this forestry tire contains several lug ele-
should be closed by the
ments (18 x 2) with inter-lug reinforce-
time you read these lines.
PHOTO : CARLISLE
Alliance’s new forestry tire
Camoplast and Solideal will
continue operating under
PHOTO : TITAN INTERNATIONAL
their own identity and be managed independently. Sherbrooke,
Quebec-based Camoplast will team
tracks for material-handling and construction
Trelleborg introduces an updated
tread design for its TM900 High
Power AG tire
needs. Its R & D facilities are in Europe and Asia,
Scandinavian tire maker Trelleborg Wheel
but its manufacturing facilities are in Europe,
Systems has just introduced a new tread
North America and Asia. Camoplast Tracks and
design for its TM900 High Power agricultural
Systems has its own R & D facilities in Canada
tire. The new 710/70R42 TM900 High Power
and South Korea with manufacturing plants in
has a new design to optimize field perform-
the U.S., Canada, Korea and Europe.
ance, offering 9% more traction than its previ-
up with Luxembourg-based Solideal, a company
specialized in making tires, wheels and rubber
Titan International just released
this deep lug DTE4 mining tire.
12
Did you know that Carlisle
also made agricultural tires?
Titan has a new deep lug mining tire
ous version and better results on the road
with 25% increase in wear resistance and
As mentioned at the beginning of this article,
5% improvement in handling and comfort
mining tires have grown more popular than
according to its manufacturer. The TM900
ment to help protect the tire from rocks
ever around the world, especially in Asia. So it
High Power is intended to fit on high-power
and branches. Alliance also specifies that
comes as no surprise to learn that Titan Tire
agricultural vehicles and tractors.
there’s a central lug bridge to reinforce the
Corp. has added a new deep lug mining tire to
tread and an optimum lug angle for excel-
its list, a 27.00R49 radial haul truck tire better
At the same time, Trelleborg announced it
lent traction and long service life, added
known as the DTE4. Obviously, the 27.00R49
would expand its capacity for forestry tire
to sharp shoulders for better traction and
remains the most popular truck tire size in the
manufacturing at its plant in Tivoli, Italy. As
steel-belted tread and reinforced sidewall
mining and quarry industries. Its deep lugs will
industrial tire management says, there should
for better stability and more resistance to
help traction but the open tread pattern will
be an increase in demand for such tires in the
cuts and punctures.
help self-cleaning.
next few months.
Éric Descarries
[email protected]
Carlisle speeding up Ag tire delivery
Production of Carlisle Tire & Wheel Co.’s
new plant in Jackson, Tennessee began in
March and Carlisle has begun delivery of
its semi-pneumatic soil-compacting tires to
farm equipment makers like John Deere.
It also started making pneumatic products
in June. Carlisle is now using the former
Whirlpool-Jackson Dishwashing Products
plant and has phased out production at its
Carlisle, PA plant.
LOVE THE BUSINESS YOU’RE IN.
By the way, Carlisle will sponsor Roger
HONESTLY.
Penske’s No. 2 Dodge Charger driven by Brad
Keselowski starting next season in NASCAR’s
Sprint Cup. Actually an associate sponsor,
Carlisle will feature many of its brands on the
car’s sides.
Double Coin began
testing giant OTR tires
According to Double Coin Holdings executives,
the Chinese manufacturer’s 49- and 57-inch
OTR radial tires are being field tested before
being launched later this year or early 2011.
Other than for testing, Double Coin has also
invested in X-Ray and shearography inspection
capacity being cautious to make these tires
right before going on the market.
Trelleborg’s TM 900 High Power has a
newly redesigned tread pattern.
PHOTO : TRELLEBORG
Satisfied dealers is one of the reasons we’re now Canada’s largest
independent tire retailer. Our owners are shareholders, which means
they not only benefit from a large buying network but they also get
support, business training and an inventory tailored to their needs.
Not to mention the shared profits in a multi-million dollar business with
270 stores coast-to-coast. What’s not to love?
To find out if O.K. Tire is right for you,
call the Franchise Department at
1-800-663-1749 or visit oktire.com
TM
The O.K. Tire mark is a trademark of O.K. Tire Stores Inc.
OKT-09-321 Honestly.indd 1
2/1/10 8:42 AM
13
Rakla Tires stands behind their suppliers
COVER STORY
Jack Kazmierski
[email protected]
Made in China...Proudly!
While some manufacturers choose to hide the fact that their goods are
made in China, Rakla is proud to acknowledge their suppliers while
eagerly standing behind every tire they sell in Canada.
O
n November 23rd, 2007, The New
by demanding consumers in the West begs
Chinese tires
York Times ran a story entitled,
the question: Are these consumers paying
If companies like Prada and Gucci can
“Made in China on the Sly.” The
top dollar for an item that’s inferior in qual-
make leather handbags, wallets, and
newspaper revealed a dirty little secret
ity to something made in Canada, the USA
other goods in China, and then sell these
about the brands we all covet: Although
or in some part of Europe? Likely not, since
goods abroad to a demanding clientele,
many quality products are made in China,
consumers of luxury goods who are willing
why do some people get twisted out of
manufacturers are doing all they can to
to pay big bucks for a brand name, expect
shape when the topic of Chinese tires
keep that truth from the public.
those goods to live up to the reputation of
comes up?
the brand behind the product.
“Almost all of the major tire brands
The Times explained how even luxury
brands like Gucci and Prada manufacture
How do companies like Prada and Gucci
have factories in China, they just
products in China, but prefer to conceal
make sure their clients are never unsatis-
don’t go out of their way to
that fact from consumers by, “hiding the
fied or that they never spend top dollar
tell you about it.”
‘Made in China’ label in the bottom of an
on what might be an inferior product? The
– Aziz Rakla
inside pocket or stamping black on black
answer is quite simple: Quality control. As
on the back side of a tiny logo flap.”
long as the company oversees the quality of the manufacturing process and of
Part of the problem lies with the media
The fact that luxury goods are being made
the raw materials, it really doesn’t matter
who are eager to jump on a story about
in China, and then exported and purchased
where that product is being made.
anything made in China that may be
defective, while ignoring good news stories about products from China that work
exactly as promised.
The bottom line is that tires, like any
other product manufactured anywhere in
the world, must be made to strict quality
control standards. If those standards are
respected, then the location of the factory
should not matter.
Global view
While many of us have a Canadian or
North American view of the tire market,
Aziz Rakla, President of Toronto-based
Rakla Tires, has had the opportunity to
explore the tire industry on a global scale.
An accountant by trade, Rakla got his
start in the tire business in 1979 when
he began importing tires into Saudi
Arabia from manufacturers in Korea,
Brazil, Austria, and many of the Eastern
Ali Rakla, General Manager of Rakla Tires
14
European countries like Poland, Romania
and Hungary. As his business grew, Rakla
knew he needed to look for a more plentiful supply of tires, and that’s when he
started looking at China as a possibility.
Rakla immigrated to Canada in 1991,
bringing his tire expertise with him. A few
months after landing on Canadian soil,
Rakla founded Rakla Tire Inc., importing
tires from the same trusted Chinese suppliers he had been working with for years
while in Saudi Arabia, and wholesaling
them to companies throughout Canada.
“We started with industrial tires, and then
expanded into OTR, passenger tires, light
truck radials, TBR, and agricultural tires,”
Rakla says. “Now we supply everything
but tires for airplanes.”
Today, Rakla moves roughly hundreds
of thousands of tires a year, selling to
major distributors across Canada as
Rakla’s customer service team works around the clock.
well as a number of smaller players.
His biggest brand names are Westlake
quality expert he has trusted for years.
Rakla offers customer service in a
and Goodride.
Rakla’s tires have also been tested by
p ackage deal that includes a quality
officials at Transport Canada who con-
product, a competitive price, and a mix
“Many people think of Chinese tires
cluded, “the results received from our test-
of product that’s available a la carte.
as entry-level,” says Rakla. “But our
ing laboratory indicate each of the tires
“Our customers are not restricted to
Chinese suppliers make tires for many
completed the testing with no failures,”
ordering only passenger tires, only truck
other major brands. More importantly,
and, “these tires comply with the testing
tires or only OTR tires,” Rakla explains.
almost all of the major tire brands
requirements...”
“In one container, our customers can
have factories in China, they just don’t
go out of their way to tell you about it.”
have a mix of passenger tires, light truck
Not only have Rakla’s tires been tested
tires, OTR, agriculture tire, etc. Whatever
by independent laboratories, and by the
they would like, they can have.”
“Our Chinese suppliers
Canadian government, but they’ve been
make tires for many other
put to real-life testing by race car driv-
The latest chapter in Rakla’s quest for
major brands.”
ers who need the best rubber money can
top-notch customer service includes a
– Aziz Rakla
buy. One of the drivers in the Drift Mania
few paragraphs on marketing. Expect
Canadian Championship Series (DMCC)
to see ads for Westlake and Goodride
Quality goods
sent Rakla a letter stating; “I have used
coming to a radio, TV, magazine or
R a k l a s ta n d s b e h i n d eve r y t i re h e
your tires for almost a year now and really
newspaper near you. It’s all part of
imports into Canada. “Our tires have
love them. They have outperformed tires
Rakla’s plan to make these brands more
been tested time and time again,
like BFG, Toyo and Nitto.”
recognizable in the market.
stringent of standards,” Rakla says.
Customer service
P ro u d l y s u p p l y i n g C a n a d i a n s w i t h
“That’s why our wholesale customers
Besides offering a quality product,
quality tires from China, Rakla offers a
have stuck with us over the years.
Rakla and his staff go out of their way
mix of product and service that’s hard
Once we have a customer, we keep
to keep customers happy. “Our staff
to beat. “We offer a quality tire, at the
them for life.”
works around the clock,” Rakla says, “so
right price, with the right combination
even when we get emails from clients
in each container,” he says, “and we
Rakla regularly visits his suppliers to
at 10 pm, we’re able to address their
offer customer service that’s second
assure quality control, bringing along a
concerns immediately.”
to none.”
and they always live up to the most
15
Lead issues
Philippe Crowe
[email protected]
Part 1: Why get rid of it?
L
ead has been used for many years as
low a density which means the mass of
having any known eco issues and can be
the main material for effective wheel
the wheel weight is not concentrated
easily recycled. It is also human-friendly
weights when balancing a tire. Its in-
on a single area as it can be with lead.
and any shop is used to working with
herent proprieties made it the ideal metal
This leads to marginalizing its use for
items made of steel. It does carry the
for such an application. Being malleable, it
this application.
stigma of corrosion. Azuma, based in
Japan has pioneered the development of
could and still can easily be shaped to fit
the contour of the rim it is being applied
Bismuth and ecomass materials offer an
steel wheel weights. Steel wheel weights
on with a few taps of a rubber hammer.
ideal density, but is too expensive to be
have been in production since June of
Being a metal with a high density, lead al-
considered a mass-market option like lead
1998, when Azuma began manufactur-
lowed precise placement of weight exactly
has been. Bismuth and ecomass materials
ing adhesive steel weights. Clip-on steel
where needed. And though it’s price has
will have some appeal for manufacturers
weights have been available since April
climbed rapidly in the last decade, it has
of supercars or high-budget race cars,
of 2001. Canadian-based Plombco, of
always been a rather cheap metal.
where an ultra-precise weight placement
Valleyfield, Quebec, is one of the many
is more important than the cost associ-
companies producing steel weights.
ated with the material uses.
Bada, out of the U.S., is another strong
Unfortunately, lead is not the friendli-
proponent of this material. Many steel
est metal for either the environment
or humans.
Zinc is one of the two materials that is
weights will come coated to counter the
gaining ground as a proper replacement
corrosion downside of steel.
According to Health Canada, “ongoing ex-
for lead. It offers a high resistance to
posure to even very small amounts of lead
corrosion and can be an almost perfect
match to the trad-
Aspects to consider when selecting a sys-
Anaemia is com-
“Every vehicle coming out of US and EU
itional lead wheel
tem for your shop, aside from the impact
mon and lead can
car manufacturer’s factories has wheels
weight look, but
on the environment and on employees
also damage the
balanced with a lead-free alternative.”
is hard to recycle
manipulating these wheel weights, are
and still has chal-
the fit and sizes available, as steel or zinc
ous system. Other symptoms are: ap-
lenges density-wise. Canadian-based J. M.
cannot be malleable as lead is. Corrosion
petite loss, abdominal pain, constipa-
Nault, of Delson, Quebec, is one of the
resistance is also a factor to keep in
tion, fatigue, sleeplessness, irritability,
companies producing zinc wheel weights.
mind, as is the price volatility of the ma-
can be harmful.
brain and nerv-
terial you choose as this will give you an
headache. If you are continually exposed
to lead, as in an industrial setting, it can
Steel is the other alternative gaining
idea of the price stability, or lack thereof,
affect your kidneys.
popularity. It has the benefit of not
over the years.
This has led many governments to ban the
use of lead. That is the case in California
and also in the European Union where lead
has been banned since 2005. Leading to
the need to find lead-free alternatives.
As of today, every US and EU based manufacturer has done the switch to a lead-free
wheel weight and every vehicle coming out
of their factories has wheels balanced with
a lead-free alternative.
The solutions
Four options are worthy of mention:
tin, bismuth and ecomass, zinc, steel.
Tin, while relatively malleable, has too
16
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POWER IS NOTHING WITHOUT CONTROL
YOUR SOURCE FOR PIRELLI TIRES
20 Years of Service to the Trade
WEST
6290 SHAWSON DRIVE
MISSISSAUGA, ON L5T 1H5
TEL. (905) 670-9791
FAX. (905) 670-0581
EAST
140 McLEVIN AVE., # 6 & 7
SCARBOROUGH, ON M1B 3V1
TEL. (416) 292-8202
FAX. (416) 292-8177
[email protected]
www.tiredistribution.com
Managing tires
Daniel Rufiange
[email protected]
Translator: Philippe Crowe
The right software is
your best friend
Given that the number of car registration is growing exponentially, retailers have
been dealing with a real puzzle – how to keep enough tires in stock and in the right
sizes. With this comes the need to properly keep track of what is in stock.
B
etween retailers, wholesalers and
and their customers. For example, when
and be well-informed. It’s difficult to
distributors, there’s a whole spec-
a customer stores his tires at a retail tire
be clued in without this. It’s important,
trum of customer demands need-
outlet, the software automatically prints
because your customer is also online,”
ing to be fulfilled. Each type of service
out a reference code for his tires, which
adds Denis Messier.
requires different kinds of resources. Some
are then tagged with the very same code.
software may offer very specific tools while
When the customer returns to reclaim his
As it happens, Messier believes that the
others provide a multitude of uses that
tires, the retailer knows for sure where to
software itself has changed the speed
can cover everyone’s needs. Rather than
find them.”
at which things are done in the industry.
opting for the most sophisticated software
“Before, most retailers only did business
on the market, it’s important to get the
Well-Informed Customers
software that corresponds to your own
Today’s clientele is much different than that
offered twenty or so different sizes. Today,
particular needs.
of 20 years ago, which is yet another reason
new companies appear on the tire market
why management software is essential for
each year and, more and more, vehicles now
retailers. “Back then,” notes Messier, “the
offer the option of a wider range of sizes. To
customer just asked for tires for his car.
keep on top of all of this, you need a soft-
Denis Messier from COSTAR, a company
Today, the same customer will specify that
ware that’s well-adapted to your business.”
that specializes in inventory management
he wants this specific tire brand, this tire
logistics, confirms this. COSTAR’s software
size, etc. Moreover, he’s done his research
Companies Specializing
in Services
is designed to im-
with a handful of tire companies, and only
Going forward
on the Internet be-
According to Messier, we’ll be seeing more
prove auto mainten-
“It’s unthinkable to be able to serve
forehand, so he’s up
important changes in the industry in the
ance and tire retail
a customer well without tools that
to speed with the
next few years, especially when it comes
service management
tell us exactly what we have in stock,
prices. As a result,
to the number of players in the field.
and operations, as
what sizes and at what price.”
it’s unthinkable to be
Those who want to stay in the game will
able to serve a cus-
have no other choice but to use a software
tomer well without tools that tell us exactly
that will help them keep current with all
what we have in stock, what sizes and at
the information they need to run their
what price.”
management system well.
tributors,” said Messier. “This software is a
“Through our software, users can fully
In the long term, a company’s survival
reassuring intermediary between retailers
access all catalogues available online
depends on it.
well as handling all
kinds of distribution needs.
“Our software helps retailers, but also
helps accountants, wholesalers and dis-
18
Could it be tomorrow’s tire?
Éric Descarries
Optima introduces the
Camber Tire technology
[email protected]
You’ve probably never heard about Optima Sports LLC as a tire manufacturer simply
because Optima is, at the moment, an automotive and sports technology company
based in Wisconsin that works on research and development of new products.
Among those is its recently announced newly patented Camber Tire invention.
What’s a “Camber Tire”?
A camber tire has a trapezoidal profile
will be able to be used and fit in the same
by more than 4%. These first tires passed
and asymmetrical sidewalls integrated to
wheel well. Optima is even confident
DOT testing and even met V speed rat-
a regular tire design. Actually, the inner
that such technology will enable more
ings even surpassing Z ratings.
sidewall has a slightly smaller diameter
possibilities for oval track racing where
than the outer sidewall. According to
camber adjustment have been intensively
As Optima’s John Scott is hoping (and
Optima’s John Scott, who in the past was
tested over the years.
expecting) that major tire manufactur-
a successful car dealer and mortgage
ers are having a serious look at his
broker, this technology will provide great
Already, private tests by well-known pub-
convincing invention, he still plans to
benefits including better handling and
lications, have shown that the two-degree
market some Camber Tires to Solo
braking, more safety and, obviously, bet-
Camber Tire prototypes made by M & H
event drivers, week-end racers and even
ter fuel economy. Optima has begun mak-
Racemaster, a division of L.A.’s Interco
fanatic street car owners.
ing prototypes that can be utilized on any
Tire Corporation, provided much short-
on- and off-road vehicles with independent
ened stopping distance in emergency
Could this be the beginning of a new
suspension or vehicles with non-driven
braking and an increased cornering grip
tire revolution?
solid axle(s). What’s more, Optima also
believes that this type of tire can be built
by almost any tire producer with only a
few mold alterations and adjustments
to alignment settings. Applicable to just
about any type of tire or vehicle (including heavy-duty trucks and trailers), the
Camber Tire provides maximum contact
area when running straight and in light
turns. It will also provide, according to its
inventor, full contact during high steering
conditions in corners especially when the
vehicle is heavily loaded.
Advantages?
Optima says that its Camber Tire technology will improve tire wear thanks to
a more even footprint distribution with a
negative vehicle suspension camber setting; it will reduce tread noise and even
the tendency that some vehicles, like
input will also be decreased, contributing
to improved tread wear. Even wider tires
PHOTO : OPTIMA
SUVs, have to roll over. Steering angle
Optima wants to market a new tire concept, the Camber Tire with slightly smaller inner diameter.
19
For three years minimum
Éric Descarries
Pirelli: Back in Formula One
[email protected]
As expected by racing fans, Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli announced in
June it would replace Japanese maker Bridgestone as sole supplier of racing
tires for at least three years in the Formula One championship.
F
or many people, this might look
in Formula One starting in 2011, the
to match with the various dry pavement
like a new venture for Pirelli but
company indicated it was creating a
surfaces, one of them is to be used if
it isn’t. Pirelli was in Formula One
dedicated team for the development
it rains heavily and the last one being
in the early Fifties when it was called
and production of Formula One tires.
the so-called intermediate tire for damp
World Drivers’ Championship! More
While tires are being developed at
pavement or light rain. Pirelli will also
recently, Pirelli was also in Formula
Pirelli’s Research Center in Milan,
have to work with racing teams to de-
O n e t we n t y ye a rs a g o w h e n t h e re
they’ll be produced at the company’s
velop technical evolutions of the current
wa s a b a t t l e b e t we e n t i re m a ke rs
Izmit Factory in Turkey where other
tires for the future. There are rumours
i.e. Goodyear, Michelin, Avon, Pirelli.
Pirelli competition tires are currently
that wheel size might change during
Consequently, Pirelli is quite familiar
made. Pirelli will make good use of
the 2011-2013 time period Pirelli has
with Grand Prix racing having partici-
some 1,000 research engineers work-
agreed to make Formula One tires.
pated in over 200 events in its history
ing in five development centres around
including 43 victories.
the world to achieve its goals.
What’s in it for Pirelli?
The first question that
might come to your mind
is: What’s in it for Pirelli?
First of all, it has to be
the incredible exposure it
will get from TV coverage
(expected to attract some
two billion viewers per
season). But one thing’s
for sure, management
s ays P i re l l i ’s Fo r m u l a
O n e p ro j e c t w i l l h ave
no impact on the company’s existing financial
strategy. Currently, the
Italian manufacturer allocates between 3-4% of
its revenues to research,
PHOTO : PIRELLI
the highest level in the
tire industry according
to official press releases.
Pirelli is now testing its F-One tires.
The Formula One Project
falls within that part of
the budget. Incidentally,
20
Lots to do
Other than having to meet the sport’s
Pirelli North America has also been
I n p a s t ye a rs, P i re l l i wa s i n vo l ve d
requirements in terms of reliability, safe-
chosen as the official tire supplier for the
in the Superbike series, the Rolex
ty and performance, Pirelli engineers
World Challenge Championship for the
Sports Car Series (Grand Am) in North
must come up with six types of Formula
next five years. Expect to see the Pirelli
America and a few one-make series.
One tires for the complete season: Four
P Zero brand name more often in auto
When they announced they’d be back
of them slicks with different compounds
racing in the next few years!
GO THROUGH
SLEET, ICE AND SNOW
WITH BLIZZAK
DM-V1
DM-Z3
LM-22
LM-25 LM-50 LM-60
MZ-03 W965 WS-60
BLIZZAK WINTER TIRES
YOUR SOURCE FOR BRIDGESTONE TIRES
20 Years of Service to the Trade
WEST
6290 SHAWSON DRIVE
MISSISSAUGA, ON L5T 1H5
TEL (905) 670-9791
FAX (905) 670-0581
EAST
140 McLEVIN AVE., # 6 & 7
SCARBOROUGH, ON M1B 3V1
TEL (416) 292-8202
FAX (416) 292-8177
[email protected]
www.tiredistribution.com
WS-70
industry
EVENTs
événement
de l’industrie
Paris International Motor Show
D
uring a recent tour of the Paris
International Motor Show, we
visited all the stands on site
with a special interest for the upcoming automobile season. Of course,
Porsche displays no bias: the n
is equipped
we also looked at an often neglected
feature during these car shows: Tire
trends. We were curious about any possible patriotic favouritism backed by
the car manufacturers. Our conclusion:
Although no official exclusive agreement
was reached, some interesting trends
could be observed. Take a look...
As to racing this Focus, Pirelli tires got a vote of
confidence; could this be sponsorship-related?
Citroën’s dazzling Survolt concept car
is also mounted with Michelin tires.
Mounting the rims of the Citroën C3 Picasso is the French Michelin tire.
22
Peugeot is playing out the patriotic card to the max. Among
all of its vehicles displayed at the Show, 90% were fitted with
Michelin tires as shown on this superb SR1 concept model.
Daniel Rufiange
[email protected]
Translator: François Charron
The sporty Suzuki Swift comes with Pirelli
tires known for their excellent performance.
new Speedster 911
with Michelin tires.
The British Bentley, owned by Volkswagen of Germany, calls on the
Italian tire maker Pirelli to fit its most recent Continental GT.
Ford’s preference for its Focus RT version
goes to Continental, a German tire.
The Lamborghini’s Sesto Elemento is fitted with Pirelli tires, an
Italian brand. Patriotism or a perfect match?
The Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone was
displaying the Ecopia series of green tires.
Tires used in other sectors of transportation were also featured, such as
these customized Continental tires designed for the smart e-bike.
23
Recycling regulations
Jack Kazmierski
[email protected]
Leveling the playing field
The Ontario Scrap Tire Stewardship Program is now looking after tire recycling for Ontario, and
the Rules governing who has to pay are not as straight-forward as many would like them to be.
I
f you’re running a tire business in the
Steward of those tires in our Program,”
Penalties
province of Ontario, you have to ask
says Horsman.
Ignoring your obligations could be
yourself an important question: “Does
expensive. OTS has an audit program in
the Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) pro-
Next are the First Importers - any com-
place, and penalties for late remittances
gram consider me a Steward? If so, what
pany that supplies a tire into Ontario,
(all the way from September 1, 2009) are
am I legally obliged to do?”
whether for sale or use. These tires can
substantial - 10% of the amount owing as
be on a piece of equipment, or sold as a
a penalty, and interest at a rate of prime
OTS Executive Director, Andrew Horsman,
replacement tire for which there is not a
plus 3%.
admits that the program Rules for
registered Steward already.
“It can be confusing and that’s why we
Stewards can be confusing. “We understand the challenges of deciphering the
“If a distributor brings in a container of
want to work with companies to under-
Rules for some organizations, and that
Chinese tires, and the Brand Owner of that
stand their obligations and ensure a
some companies may make honest mis-
brand of tires is not registered with OTS,
level playing-field for the industry.”
takes regarding their obligations,” he says.
then that distributor is the First Importer
– Andrew Horsman
“They simply don’t understand where they
of those tires,” Horsman explains. “Also,
fit in and whether the law considers them
if a retailer brings in Michelin tires from
a Steward.”
a distributor in Quebec, Michelin is not
If you’re not sure if you should be remit-
responsible for those tires. The retailer is,
ting to OTS, you’re better off finding out
because he brought those tires into the
before you’re caught in an audit dragnet.
Am I a Steward?
A Steward is the party that is legally
Ontario market.”
Contact OTS directly at 1-888-687-2202,
responsible for reporting and remitting
to OTS on every tire they supply into
Tire distributors and retailers should
Ontario. There are three different defin-
confirm whether their suppliers are
itions (or levels) of Stewards.
registered as Stewards for the tires they
Andrew Horsman and his team are ready
are supplying.
to help you out.
or via email at [email protected].
The first level is an OEM like Ford,
Kenworth or JDJ Trailer Manufacturers,
for example. They are Stewards of new
tires on the new vehicles and equipment
they sell into Ontario. That means they’re
responsible for registering with OTS, completing a monthly report that tells OTS
how many tires were supplied into Ontario
on new vehicles, as well as making a
monthly remittance - $5.84 for every passenger tire and $14.65 for every medium
truck tire.
The next level is the Brand Owner, and
includes tire manufacturers like Michelin
and Goodyear, but also companies that
don’t manufacture tires, but own or license a Brand name. “For example, the
Motomaster brand is owned by Canadian
Tire, making them the Brand Owner
24
Glenn Maidment, President of the Rubber Association (L) with OTS Executive Director, Andrew Horsman
A customer retention solution
Tire storage
Claude Boucher
[email protected]
Translator: Philippe Crowe
Automotive dealerships and major tire retailers are now
offering this service, considered essential by many.
W
ith the raise in popularity of
warehouse, tracking what goes where,
condos and mess linked to sto-
the software, insurance, handling, deliv-
ring, cleaning and carrying two
ery to our branches. We have no choice
sets of tires, tire storage has been gaining
but to charge for storage because of
in popularity. Automotive dealerships and
these costs.”
service, considered essential by many.
In the Montreal region, customers are
While offering tire storage helps a bu-
billed between $6 and $12 per tire, per
siness help their clients, there is also a
season. In the greater Toronto area, the
strong business case behind it for whom
range is between $6 and $25 per tire per
can properly manage it.
season. In Vancouver the same service
• SATISFIED CUSTOMER
• MORE ACCURATE
WHEEL
BALANCING
can go up to $300 per year for a set.
These fees may simply cover your costs,
Offering tire storage is a business deci-
or may allow you to make a profit, but
sion with major implications. Cost of
storing tires is first and foremost a client
such a venture can be high, especially
retention measure.
when doing business in major cities
• ADD REVENUES
• CLEANER SHOP
major tire retailers are now offering this
Expense or investment?
CLEAN YOUR CUSTOMER’S
TIRES AND WHEELS
where land is costly. This is because
Managing tire maintenance
storing tires means having proper space
Properly managing tire storage can also
for a huge amount of tires, adequate
show customers how much you care about
racks, software to keep track of inven-
the general state of their tires. Services
tory, heating bills, handling and some-
like balancing, fixing a leak, cleaning rims
times shipping costs, insurance, …
and tires, filling tires with nitrogen or
simply adjusting pressure… Through good
Pneus SP of Ville d’Anjou, Quebec, stores
management of tire storage operations,
more than 10,000 tires in its warehouse.
everything can be ready for when the cus-
“Tires stored for our clients have been
tomer shows up in the spring or autumn,
eating up a lot of space usually dedicated
making the customer’s visit even quicker
to our new tires,” said Sylvain Marois,
as all there is left to do is switch tires. It
vice-president of Pneus SP. “We’ve had
also allows maximization of employees’
to find creative solutions as demand is
presence during slow season by having
strong and it can be costly. We have to
them handle these tasks when they have
keep track of everything: space in the
time to do it.
WHEEL WASHER # MWW-550
PASSENGER & SUV SEMI-AUTOMATIC
WHEEL WASHER # MWW-750
PASSENGER & SUV FULL-AUTOMATIC
TIRE CONVEYOR 15’ & 18’
MODEL # TC-15 & TC-18
1-866-409-7225
Ontario: Lorenzo Valotta
East: Yannick Lejour
Western: Julien Depelteau
WWW.MARTINSINDUSTRIES.COM
25
Martins Industries.indd 1
10-08-06 12:07 PM
Winter testing in Florida’s heat
Jil McIntosh
[email protected]
Air force base provides snow
indoors for tire testing
It’s Florida. It’s 35 ˚C outside, and the sun is relentless. So what do you do?
Why, put on a parka and gloves, and check out winter tires in the snow.
I
t’s all in a day’s work at the McKinley
Climatic Laboratory, located on Eglin
Air Force Base near Fort Walton
Beach on Florida’s panhandle. I was
there as a guest of Goodyear Canada,
which was debuting its Ultra Grip Ice
WRT tires. Along with the military, many
private companies use the test facility, including tire manufacturers and
automakers.
Consistency is the key
It may seem odd to rent such a place
when there’s more than enough of the
white stuff here in winter, but it’s all
about consistency. No matter what’s
The main building at McKinley is the world’s
largest environmental testing chamber.
outside, the giant facility can produce
steady temperatures, humidity and
precipitation, necessary when deter-
sub-zero weather during the war, winter
sand and dust storms, and even vor-
mining a tire’s performance. It’s also
equipment testing became essential,
texes. These mini-tornadoes can form
much easier and cheaper for North
but getting planes and personnel to
on wet runways as a jet engine passes
Americans to get to Florida, versus the
Alaska proved difficult. In 1943, Eglin
by, pulling water into the engine with
expensive, multi-connection flights to
was assigned the task of winter testing.
potential for catastrophic failure.
outdoor Scandinavian proving grounds.
It fell to Lt. Col. Ashley McKinley, an expert in cold-weather testing, to develop
The facility is used to test a broad range
Walking into the main building takes
the idea of a refrigerated hangar that
of items, including vehicles, tanks, heli-
your breath away, and not only because
could produce consistent conditions.
copters, jets, and even shelters, which
it’s minus 9°C. This is the largest cli-
The giant building, still used today,
must be able to shield soldiers from
matic environmental testing chamber in
opened for testing in 1947.
burning heat or killing cold. The base
the world, capable of accommodating
Today, the range of conditions that
the hardware for testing, and pumps
mercial aircraft. There are also smaller,
can be accurately reproduced is mind-
water for high-pressure testing.
specialized environmental chambers
boggling. It’s possible to go from minus
alongside.
54°C to plus 65°C, while a special bank
It’s quite a shock to step outside of the
of lights can simulate solar radiation
snowy interior into the noonday Florida
up to 93˚C to test high-altitude aircraft.
sun; it takes several minutes before
Testing since 1947
The equipment is modern, but the fa-
26
produces its own electricity, fabricates
fighter jets and even the largest com-
eyeglasses and camera lenses defrost.
cility has a long history. In 1934, it
In all kinds of weather
was recommended that tactical units
Weather also plays a major role, and
time for a jacket, the interior stays at
train under winter conditions, and so
the chambers are able to reproduce
the temperature required, putting the
in 1942, a facility was set up in Alaska.
rain, hurricane-force winds, freezing
quality into quality control no matter
When aircraft were grounded during
rain, fog, snow, ice build-up, salt fog,
what’s being tested.
But whether it’s bathing-suit weather or
1 million wide-base tires
Simon Dion-Viens
[email protected]
Translator: François Charron
Michelin X-One
Since its North American launch in 2000, the Michelin X-One
wide-base tire has set the standard for all heavy-duty vehicle tires.
O
n September 30, a full ten years
still provide great stability. After almost
can save between 4-10% on gas costs.
after the X-One’s launch, Michelin’s
10 years of R & D, the very first X-One
With numbers like this, Michelin has
North America team announced
wide-base single tire was ready for the
helped its customers save about 238 mil-
the production of the 1-millionth X-One
road. This tire was launched in November
lion litres of fuel so far… an impressive
tire in their US-3 plant. I had the pleasure
2000 at The Great American Trucking
eco-friendly achievement. Many truck
of taking part in this exceptional event.
Show.
drivers can testify the X-One offers more
The X-One’s Beginnings
This latest Michelin product was a real
itional tire. It’s approved throughout the
In the early 90s, Michelin’s engineers
breakthrough. With the X-One, they
U.S., Canada and Mexico.
started playing with the idea of design-
were the first to offer a wide-base tire.
ing a tire with less rolling resistance and
With 12% less rolling resistance than a
rolling stability and comfort than a trad-
An Undeniable Success
traditional tire, the X-One is
The Michelin team developed a high
an extremely fuel efficient
quality tire thanks to plenty of sup-
choice.
port and feedback from N.A. truck fleet
Considerable Benefits
X-One tires provide a multi-
owners. Some well-known companies
(Freightliner, Alcoa Wheels) developed
several of their products to get the most
CARS AD SERIES 2010 out of X-One tires.
we’re seeing more and
HORIZONTAL
FORMAT
m o re o f t h e m
o n N o r t h Michelin is an ultra visionary company.
A m e r i c a n h e a v y - d u t y Despite their success, their engineers still
1/3 PAGE
vehicles. Outfitting a truck work non-stop to improve their products
tude of user benefits and
or tow vehicle with X-One
for customers. Ten years after its market
t i re s s l i m s d ow n c o n voy
debut, the X-One’s success is undeni-
weight by 700 lbs, so you can
able. By helping to lower usage cost,
load more. With the X-One,
Michelin created a winning solution for
Michelin says truck drivers
drivers and truck operators alike.
FIX IT RIGHT EVERY TIME
ONLINE TRAINING FOR RIM & TIRE PROFESSIONALS
CALL TODAY
1-888-224-3834
www.cars-council.ca
Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sector Council Program
27
industry EVENTs
Leading the World
2010 Rubber Recycling Symposium
Canada’s tire recycling efforts are second to none. We’re setting
a fine example, and the world is paying attention.
D
elegates from all over the world
Andrew Horsman, Executive Director of
Old tires are also being turned into prod-
flocked to Toronto at the end of
Ontario Tire Stewardship. “What we’re
ucts like rubberized sidewalks and as-
September in order to attend the
talking about now is how valuable old
phalt. “These are applications where you
2010 Rubber Recycling Symposium. The
tires are as a raw material that can go
are reducing the use of virgin materials,
3-day event attracted delegates from all
into high-performance products.”
and reducing the carbon footprint of the
over Canada, the USA, Europe, Australia
and even China.
product you are making while improving
Some companies have devised ways to
the longevity and performance of the
turn old tires into ultra-fine rubber pow-
infrastructure,” Horsman explains.
“There’s no question that Canada is a
der in order to blend the recycled ma-
leader,” says Glenn Maidment, President
terial back into applications that would
Promising future
of the Rubber Association. “What makes
historically require virgin rubber. “The
The fact that Canada is serious about
us a leader is the fact that you have stew-
holy grail or tire recycling is the ability
tire recycling and the fact that com-
ardship bodies in virtually every province.
to turn a tire back into a tire,” Horsman
panies and governments are investing
There’s an obligation on the provincial
admits. “I’m not saying that we’re there
heavily into finding innovative solutions
level to not only collect and recycle tires,
yet, but the industry is closer now than
to this age old problem gives everyone a
but to invest in the industry. As a result,
they have ever been.”
reason to get excited about the future.
there’s way more activity going on here in
Canada than in many other jurisdictions.”
“There’s no question that
Canada is a leader.”
– Glenn Maidment
The tire recycling industry has now
reached what Maidment calls a critical
mass. “Our industry has moved to a higher level of sophistication,” he says. “It is
no longer a fledgling industry, uncertain
of itself or even if it could continue to
grow. In my opinion, we have reached its
tipping point, wherein we have a number
of large players, with better ‘know how,’
improved technology, more and better
markets and stronger commitment to
invest in the future.”
Innovation
Canadians are coming up with some
innovative solutions to the age-old tire
problem. “The old mindset of ‘tires are
dirty, so let’s just grind them up and
make them go away’ is gone,” explains
28
(L-R) Lucy Vieira, Ralph Warner and Helen Theodorou
Jack Kazmierski
[email protected]
ADVERTISERS
Gilles Paquette, Rubber Association of Canada
“I think this Symposium was the first
time there was so much excitement
about the innovations and the investment,” Horsman concludes. “I think
www.atlastire.com
9, 17, 21
CARS Council
www.cars-council.ca
27
Bridgestone
www.bridgestonetire.ca
32
Duret & Landry
www.duretlandry.com
2
Falken Tire
www.falkentire.com
5
Kumho Tire Canada Inc.
www.kumhotire.ca
31
Martins Industries
www.martinsindustries.com
25
O.K. Tire
www.oktire.com
13
Pneus Unimax ltée.
www.unimax.ca
7
Rakla Tires
www.rakla.com
14-15
Ontario Tire Stewardship
www.ontariots.ca
we’re going to see more of that in the
years to come.”
11
29
Supplier spotlight
Jack Kazmierski
[email protected]
Focus on the future
Yokohama’s new president discusses his plans
for the company and for Canadian tire dealers.
R
ecently appointed to the position
says. “We have been
of president of Yokohama Tire
able to grow our busi-
(Canada) Inc., Eric Dedoyard has
ness and I think we
years of tire business experience to draw
became victims of our
on as he tackles the challenges and oppor-
own success in that
tunities that lie ahead.
sometimes we were
short on supply with
Dedoyard’s career with Yokohama began
some of our stock on
over 17 years ago. He started off as an ac-
backorder. Our focus
count manager, moved up to the position
now is to create pro-
of zone manager, then director of sales,
grams with our key
vice-president, and chief operating officer.
dealers and work on
On July 1st of this year, he was appointed
collaborative forecast-
president.
ing so that we can
avoid supply issues in
“I think the fact that a Canadian is taking
the future.”
clear message to our dealers,” Dedoyard
While introducing the
says. “The Yokohama Corporation is living
market to new prod-
up to their commitment to keep key deci-
ucts is still part of
sions here in Canada along with a focus on
the overall picture,
Canadian dealers.”
Dedoyard knows that
Photo: Marie-Josee Rousseau
over as president in Canada is sending a
his priority is to “bring
While some corporations have either shut
more business solu-
down or downsized their Canadian oper-
tions to Yokohama cus-
ations, Yokohama believes that in order to
tomers. Reliability in
remain competitive in this market - as well
the supply chain is key
as close to their dealer network and end
in order for us to thrive
users - they need people on the ground
in this market. Our energy will be focused
here in our country who can make critical
on becoming a much more reliable sup-
decisions.
plier - getting the right product at the
With a core of youthful and energetic exec-
right time is going to be our focus.”
utives running the show, Yokohama has
Eric Dedoyard, the new President of Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc.
“Yokohama offers a great portfolio
the spirit and the ability to take the busi-
of products, a young and talented team
Yokohama also plans on investing in their
ness to new heights. “We have some young
and we’re really going to look after
own people who in turn will have the skills
executives in this company,” Dedoyard
our Canadian market.”
and know-how needed to help tire dealers
says. “We’re really focused on the future
– Eric Dedoyard
implement business solutions. “Human
and we are committed to the Canadian
resources is key,” Dedoyard adds.
market. We’re hearing from our competi-
Company focus
30
Youthful & energetic
tors that they consider Canada a very
While most new presidents talk about ex-
mature market and that’s why they’re
Dedoyard has a clear understanding of
pansion plans and lofty goals, Dedoyard is
shutting down operations. We, on the
both the strengths of his company, as
realistic in his views. “We’re not looking for
other hand, are looking at expansion in
well as the challenges that still need to
more dealers,” he says. “We don’t want to
terms of people and sales. Yokohama of-
be addressed. “Our product portfolio is
expand at this stage with too many points
fers a great portfolio of products, a young
great, and we have introduced a number
of sale. We’re having trouble supplying our
and talented team and we’re really going
of innovative products in recent years,” he
existing dealer base.”
to look after our Canadian market.”
KUMHO TIRES
Jack Kazmierski
[email protected]
THanks to its new multicell compound and advanced 3-D sipe technology, the Bridgestone Blizzak™ WS70™ delivers improved snow and slush
performance, as well as a reliable ride in icy conditions. It’s a tire that will help get you to your destination—regardless of the weather forecast.
■ Snow and ice traction
■ Wet performance
■ 35 sizes from 15″ to 18″
1-866-9 GO TIRE
tiresafety.com
bridgestonetire.ca

Atlas Tire Wholesale Inc. Rakla Tires proudly stands behind their

Transcription

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