July 24, 2008

Welcome to the Thursday edition of Modern Tire Dealer's e-News Hotwire. Today's top news: Analyst Saul Ludwig predicts distributors will continue to play a key role in the U.S. tire market. Also, we look at how the U.S. Court of Appeals has ruled against tiremakers on the 'early warning reporting' issue and other developments. The next edition of the MTD e-News Hotwire will be sent out on Monday. Meanwhile, check out www.moderntiredealer.com. for continual updates.

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Distributors will continue to play a key role in U.S. tire market, Ludwig says

"Several years ago I had predicted that pure tire distributors would lose market position as retail consolidation would drive more business direct with the manufacturers. That prediction has not proved to be one of my best," says analyst Saul Ludwig in the July installment of the "Ludwig Report" in Modern Tire Dealer magazine.

Court of appeals rules against tiremakers on 'early warning reporting' issue

The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has ruled against the Rubber Manufacturers Association in a case involving the public disclosure of certain information collected under the government’s Early Warning Reporting System.

Continental AG acquires Otlas shares

Continental AG has purchased 89.66% of the shares in Oltas SpA headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey, from Koç Holding and other Koç Group shareholders.

Marangoni increases production at Madison plant by 25%

Marangoni Tread North America Inc. has increased its Ringtread production in Madison, Tenn., by 25%. The increase "will accommodate domestic and global growth," according to the company.

Best-One Tire & Service opens Indiana location

Best-One Tire & Service recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newest location, a 9,000 square-foot facility in Newburgh, Ind.

Michelin opens second retail store

Michelin North America Inc. has opened its second retail store, this one at the Westgate Mall in Spartanburg, S.C.

Pete's Tire Barns gets ready to rumble

Pete's Tire Barns Inc. will co-sponsor a Monster Jam event as part of its 40th anniversary July 26-27, 2008, at the Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, Conn. Advance Auto Parts and Ford Motor Co. are the other sponsors.

Goodyear names Pegher v.p. of internal audit

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has named Richard Pegher vice president of internal audit, effective Aug. 1.

Hunter brake tester approved by FMCSA

New enforcement regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have approved Hunter’s B400T Brake Tester to test tractor and trailer brake compliance.

Michelin in, Cooper out: A1GP World Cup of Motorsport changes tire supplier

Groupe Michelin will replace Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. as the exclusive tire supplier to the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport starting with the 2008/09 season.

BBS wheels to be OE on Lexus IS F

BBS of America is supplying satin-finished, dark-gray BBS wheels as original equipment for the 2008 Lexus IS F high-performance luxury sports sedan. It is fitted with unidirectional BBS 19x8 inch wheels in the front and 19x9 in the rear.

TIA members will vote in 10 board members from 19 candidates

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has announced the slate of candidates for its 2008 board of directors election.

Continental to its dealers: If you train, you will gain

Continental Tire North America Inc. has launched ENGAGE 360, a comprehensive, interactive online training center.