Steady progress

Toyo's focus: 'Keep dealers competitive'

By: Mike Manges

“We are making every effort to keep dealers competitive with quality products,” says Ron Gilbert, director of sales, commercial products, for Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.

Steady as she goes is one way to describe Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.’s medium truck tire program. Seemingly content to eschew the fanfare that other manufacturers employ when promoting programs and products, the Cypress, Calif.-based company has been quietly building its truck tire dealer network, as well as its portfolio of tires.

At the forefront of Toyo’s new product line-up is the M647, a premium drive tire that was introduced this past May.

The tire contains the company’s e-balance technology, which helps minimize tread profile growth during operation. This, in turn, helps maintain a more uniform tread radius during the life of the casing, which results in long wear.

Toyo has high hopes for the tire. Commercial Tire Dealer recently caught up with Ron Gilbert, Toyo’s director of sales, commercial products, to discuss the M647, Toyo’s overall truck tire strategy, and where dealers fit into the big picture.

CTD: Can you bring us up to speed on Toyo’s medium truck tire program in the U.S.?
Gilbert: Our medium truck tire program for the U.S. remains the same as in the past. Our focus is to maintain our relationship with our dealers and fleets that have used our tires in the past, while assisting our dealers in obtaining new customers during the economic downturn.

We are making every effort to keep our dealers competitive with quality products to offer to their fleet and owner-operator customers.