Vipal Rubber continues to invest in manufacturing with the addition of a new, $20 million plant in Perez, Argentina.

More good things are around the corner for ag tire manufacturers and dealers, Paul Hawkins, senior vice president of aftermarket sales for Titan International Inc., recently told MTD. In this exclusive interview, Hawkins discusses the state of ag tire demand in North America, new products that Titan will roll out during 2021 and more.

Demand for custom wheels has remained robust despite the impact of COVID-19, according to John Tak, senior director of merchandising for American Tire Distributors Inc.  In fact, “with people staying home, they are buying wheels,” he says. “Our dealers are telling us they are as busy as ever on the wheel side. And our wheel business has been up significantly.”

Gabriel Asbun succinctly articulated Bridgestone Americas Inc.’s long-term strategy during the company’s all-digital 2020 Consumer Tire Business Meeting, which was held on Nov. 18. “Our number one priority is to continue to create a stronger tire business that will start with delivering the right mix of products to help meet the needs of your customers today, while at the same time investing in tire-centric and mobility solutions for tomorrow."

Driven by e-commerce and the proliferation of distribution hubs, there are more last-mile delivery vans on the road than ever before, creating additional tire and service opportunities for enterprising tire dealers. Here's how two leading tire dealerships are pursuing this rapidly growing segment, as they share what's working for them.

Fall is in full swing. With the way 2020 has been, even that seemed in question at times. However, we have managed to reach another change of season. And with it, business for many tire dealers will change, as well.

Fuel efficiency and a quiet, comfortable ride might not be the first things that come to mind when thinking about light truck tires. But the tiremakers designing original equipment LT tires indicate those are key considerations at work in the next generation of products.