Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. says it will increase its marketing efforts on major social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube "to reach current and future Kumho enthusiasts."

Tags: Facebook, Rick Brennan, Social networking

The International Rubber Consortium (IRC) has asked Vietnam to join existing members Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia -- the three largest natural rubber exporters in the world.

Tags: Natural rubber, Raw material costs, Saul Ludwig, Thailand, Vietnam

Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. reports the company’s president, Masaharu Yoshimoto, will be retiring at the end of March, and that Takashi Shimizu has been appointed its president effective April 1.

Tags: Toyo, Toyo Tire U.S.A.

Exhibitors from across the aftermarket continue to sign up for October’s Brityrex International exhibition, with both familiar names and new brands "seeking to capitalize on sales opportunities from a post-recession tire and equipment marketplace," the organizers state.

Tags: Brityrex International, Convention

Equus Products Inc. has debuted its redesigned Web site, www.EQUUS.com, with the latest product information, video content and downloads available at the click of a mouse, the company says.

Tags: Diagnostics, Equus, OBD-II

Volkswagen drivers may complain of a pulsating brake pedal when applying the brakes at highway speeds. The pulsation may also be felt as a vibration in the vehicle body. Additionally, the steering wheel may shake. The cause may be improperly machined brakes, and the condition may not be felt until several months after the brakes were machined. To correct the problem, follow these steps.

Tags: NVH, Volkswagen, VW

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in the 2008-09 Saturn Sky contains several components: a Body Control Module (BCM), Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC), Driver Information Center (DIC), Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR), a radio frequency transmitting pressure sensor in each tire/wheel assembly, and a serial data circuit.

Tags: Saturn Sky, TPMS

More tire dealership software products and services mean more options for tire dealers. What’s the most important function provided by tire shop software? We recently posed that question to several dealers.

Tags: Computer software

There are many tools at the independent tire dealer’s disposal that can be used to secure repeat business. Some dealers put customers on strict preventive maintenance plans. Some promote tire rotations, oil changes, brake checks and other interval-based services. Others bring customers back with specials and coupons.

Tags: Credit, Credit CARD Act, GE Money

Here’s your dilemma: due to the ongoing recession, your budget for capital improvements is the same as last year — nil. That means no new service bays or machinery for your garage.

Tags: Hennessy Industries, Hunter Engineering, Mounting and balancing