Sixteen tire companies participated in the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) March 21-23, 2013, in Louisville, Ky., the three biggest days on the heavy-duty trucking calendar.
MATS had 1,072 exhibitors from 43 U.S. states and nine countries, and there were 78,000-plus attendees from all 50 states and 79 countries.
In the “Tires, Wheels, Rims, Mudflaps, Covers and Accessories” category, there were 71 exhibitors in addition to the 16 tire companies, which created a strong tire industry presence at the event. Tire industry-related companies used the show to announce new products and new company initiatives.
Alliance Tire Americas Inc. revealed that its Aeolus tire brand is about to become available at Love’s Travel Stops.
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC gave a sneak-peak of the M760 Ecopia tire and launched four Firestone tires: the FS591 steer radial, the FS820 all-position radial, the FD691 drive radial and the FT491 all-position radial.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. presented its 30th Goodyear North America Highway Hero Award to Jason Harte of Rogers, Ark. Attendees tried to puncture a Goodyear DuraSeal tire as part of the “DuraSeal Challenge.”
Great Lakes Tire Co. North America (GTCNA) announced that the Samson Tyre Advance line, including the GL283 L.E.T. steer tire and the GL283 L.E.T. drive tire, has been SmartWay-verified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Hankook Tire America Corp. launched the Hankook DL07 E3 Wide line-haul drive tire and announced that the AH24 Premium Regional Haul commercial tire has been SmartWay-verified.
Michelin North America Inc. launched the Michelin X Line Energy T trailer tire and the Michelin X Line Energy D Pre-mold retread. The company also announced that Boss Truck Shops will carry the Michelin X line.
TBC Wholesale Group launched the Sumitomo Fleet Select national account program that provides Sumitomo truck tire distributors and dealers quick delivery, competitive pricing, flexible billing options, a wide product selection and nationwide warranties.
[PAGEBREAK]
Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. launched the M144 regional steer tire to the U.S. market and also an iPad app developed specifically for the medium truck tire segment that provides easy access to Toyo Tires product information.
DENSO Sales California announced the company is getting a new name — DENSO Products and Services Americas.
Fleet Equipment Corp. (FEC) launched the TNT Golden Tool line of tubeless truck tire mount/demount tools.
Gaither Tool Co. gave live demos of the Bead Bazooka, and the company launched its GT-3531 GT Series 35-Ton Service Jack.
International Marketing Inc. (IMI) promoted its EcoSeal product that seals tire punctures, and Equal Tire Performance that keeps truck tires balanced, reduces irregular wear, saves fuel and extends tire life.
Ken-Tool Corp. launched the reCore TPMS Sensor Saver System that provides everything service technicians need to repair corroded TPMS valves, including replacement TPMS valve stems and caps that are nickel-plated and will not fail due to galvanic corrosion.
Maxion Wheels introduced the Maxion 2013 Commercial Vehicle Wheel Quick Reference Guide. ■
