Electric vehicles (EVs) are the buzz. And it seems the EV movement has become even more turbocharged over the last few months. Tire dealers need to be ready.

In the November 2020 issue of MTD, in this very column, I wrote that “electric vehicles are here to stay.” Boy, was that an understatement! Since then, both the public and private sector have doubled down on vehicle electrification. This has the potential to impact your business in profound ways.

While still making up a relatively small percentage of all personal vehicles sold in the U.S., the number of EVs on American roads is expected to multiply over the next several years as governments and vehicle manufacturers pursue electrification. MTD recently spoke with tire manufacturers who have an original equipment presence in the U.S. to learn how EVs are impacting tire design and construction. 

Nokian Tyres plc recorded a 22% increase in sales in the first quarter of 2021, and the tiremaker says it expects net sales and segment operating profit to “grow significantly” throughout the year.

Continental AG recorded a 10% gain in tire sales in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, results the company says were driven in particular by improvements in China and North America.

Registration for the 2021 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, set for Nov. 2-5 in Las Vegas, Nev., is open.

The Michelin X-Ice Snow tire from Michelin North America Inc. will be available in 44 additional sizes beginning this month — and 119 sizes total.

Continental Tire the Americas LLC will raise prices on select Continental and General brand passenger and light truck tires in the United States, effective July 1.

If you get 30 tire dealers in a room and bring up point-of-sale (POS) systems, prepare for 45 different opinions and a very long, passionate conversation. This month’s column is not going to endorse any particular POS system. Instead, it will help you learn to drive your POS system like the race car that it is and understand what role it plays at your dealership.

In our industry, we are faced with technological changes in nearly every aspect of what we do. Automotive systems are evolving and changing. How we interact with our customers is evolving and changing. It is important to recognize these changes and act upon them at the right time in order to keep our businesses thriving.