The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has teamed up with the Tire Industry Association (TIA) to offer certified tire technician training in the commercial tire field.
Calling it an "industry-first collaboration between a tire company and the international industry trade association," the company will offer two one-day seminars in 48 cities next year.
Tire technicians from the Goodyear, Dunlop and Kelly dealer network, as well as Wingfoot Commercial Tire Centers, are eligible for the Goodyear/TIA joint certification.
Steve McClellan, Goodyear's vice president of commercial tire systems, said the customized training combines TIA’s commercial tire service program and Goodyear's hands-on experience. "TIA's certification process offers technicians valuable information that will help them perform their jobs better and with more care, particularly as we embark on an aggressive campaign to expand our service business through a strong network of tire servicing outlets."
McClellan said Goodyear seeks to improve its service business revenue, which is more stable than cyclical commercial tire sales.
"Knowledgeable tire technicians across more than 2,000 commercial tire centers will deliver unrivaled service to our customers in their quest to lower costs. The service equation becomes a win-win for Goodyear and its dealer network."
Al Cohn, manager of strategic initiatives for Goodyear's commercial tire systems, said dealer training is a major initiative. "Our vision is to do more than just manufacture quality tires. We want to create business solutions that are measurable, repeatable and sustainable. That means helping dealers to work with fleets to manage their tire costs from original equipment to replacement and retreads, and delivering service and value along the way.
"In addition, the course exceeds OSHA training requirements for improved safety awareness. And that's why Goodyear/TIA technician certification makes sense. Through this collaboration, the training provides a competitive advantage for independent dealers to grow their tire and service business," he said.
Goodyear/TIA certification also may reduce dealer workers' compensation costs, Cohn added.
