Bridgestone Americas Inc.'s OTR tire plant in Bloomington, Ill., is celebrating 55 years of operation.

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.

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.

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.

Eight months ago, Barnwell House of Tires found itself at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, supplying tires and related services that enabled waste haul, utility and other essential fleets to operate, while enacting measures to protect the well-being of its customers and employees. “The Big Apple” is no longer the nexus of the pandemic and Barnwell has emerged as a stronger, more nimble company. Scott Weeden, the dealership’s vice president of sales, calls it “the corona shift.”

Sumitomo Rubber North America (SRNA) will increase prices on its Falken and Ohtsu brand passenger, light truck and medium light truck tires in the United States and Canada.

Double Coin’s ultra-premium, fuel-efficient RLB452 is a durable regional/long haul drive-position tire that offers an open shoulder directional tread design, which delivers excellent traction in all weather and road conditions.

Maxam Tire North America Inc. plans to ramp up its investment in the ultra-large OTR tire segment following the recent introduction of its first-ever 63-inch tire, the MS453.

Titan International Inc. has added a new size, 875/65R29, to its Titan STL3 line. The size "is in high demand for loaders and scrapers used in construction, mining and quarry applications," say Titan officials.

Keter Tire USA has added two new drive tires to its Neoterra radial commercial truck tire line: the CD301 closed shoulder and the OD311 open shoulder.

What impact will a Joe Biden White House have on concerns that are vital to independent tire dealers? MTD recently caught up with Roy Littlefield, CEO of the Tire Industry Association, to find out. Infrastructure funding and more COVID-19 relief are two of the first issues that Biden will most likely tackle.

Hunter Engineering Co. has unveiled a number of new equipment solutions, including its Quick Check Drive and Quick Check Edge heavy-duty inspection system, which can "cycle trucks through continuously, eliminating the need for stopping or labor," according to Hunter officials.

Zhongce Rubber Group Co. Ltd. (ZC Rubber) is bringing two new truck tires to the North American market under its Arisun brand.

Preliminary orders of Class 8 trucks jumped 27% from September to October and are up nearly 80% versus one year ago, according to ACT Research.

Vipal Rubber Corp. has launched its new VT850 tread, which has been developed for vehicles like graders and loaders, plus "traction vehicles" that operate off-road, according to Vipal officials.

Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has unveiled a 57-inch OTR tire prototype that is currently in the testing phase. The Earthmax SR 468 is the latest addition to BKT's Earthmax family of OTR tires and has been designed for rigid dump truck applications.

Hankook Tire America Corp. will raise prices on its commercial truck tire products sold in the United States up to 5%, effective on shipments received on or after Dec. 1.

Nokian Tyres plc has added six sizes to its Hakkapeliitta TRI, a commercial tire that is designed for enhanced performance in winter conditions.

Global Rubber Industries (Pvt.) Ltd. (GRI) is now supplying ag tires to Joskin, an Belgium-based ag tire equipment manufacturer that specializes in trailers and tankers.

Continental Tire the Americas LLC’s new commercial truck tire plant in Clinton, Miss., is up and running and will produce 750,000 units a year, according to the company.