Following the recent State of the Union, the U.S.-China Business Council weighs in on the President's comments made about the tariffs on passenger tires imported from China. And farm earnings reach record levels in 2011.

In this Jan. 23 edition of the Tire Business newscast, we offer exclusive audio from an Ohio dealer who was impacted by the recent picketing of 150 Cooper tire dealerships.

NCCI Holdings releases study about impact on workers compensation; Liberty Mutual Group claims five causes of workplace injuries drive nearly 72 percent of the nation's direct workers compensation costs.

Sure Tire expands distribution of its Summit brand; U.S. auto market expected to increase sales in 2012; Phillip the Tire announces campagin for president.

Titan, USW, and Bridgestone consider appealing court decision; economists give predictions for 2012.

Hankook, Titan and Tire Business' Newsmakers for 2011 are all featured in this week's News Minute.

RMA lowers its 2011 tire shipment forecast by 3 percentage points; Lehigh Technologies completes expansion of its Ga. facility; Bridgestone creates prototype non-pneumatic tire.

Terry's Tire Town buys Englewood Tire Wholesale with five warehouses in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut; The AAIA and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality say they will commit all resources necessary to pass Right to Repair bill.

Continental A.G. and Marangoni S.p.A. have ended their agreement covering the use of the ContiTread trademark in the Americas; Goodyear’s Akron headquarters project remains on schedule for completion in early 2013.

Titan International pays $9 million for Goodyear tire plant in Union City, Tenn., RMA proposal to regulate tire repair meets opposition.

Toyo names Tatsuo Mitsuhata president/CEO of its U.S. division; Cooper Tire offers new warranty on its RS3-A all season tire.

WEXCO spoke to Tire Business about the company's new pink wiper blades that benefit breast cancer.

During the 2011 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas, Autoshop Solutions' CEO/Founder Danny Sanchez gave tips to attendees for improving their online presence.

Tire Business brings you the top SEMA news from the week.

Tire Business spoke to JK Tyre during the 2011 SEMA Show about the company's outlook on 2012.

TIA held a press conference during the 2011 SEMA Show and announced new training programs.

ASA announced during the 2011 SEMA Show that it will begin offering an iPhone application to its customers during the fourth quarter.

Gabriel spoke with Tire Business during the 2011 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas about the new products and new website the company has to offer customers.

During the 2011 SEMA Show, ITDG and PointS announced that they will parnter.

Tire Rack spoke with Tire Business reporter Kathy McCarrol during the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas about plans for Tire Rack in 2012 and what the winter tire season will bring for the company.

Tire Business announced the winner of its 2011 Humanitarian Award Winner during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

TIA's new president Larry Brandt looks talks about the association's plans for 2012.

TIA inducted four members to its Hall of Fame during the 2011 SEMA Show.

ATD talks to Tire Business about its recent decision to partner with DUB to push wheel biz.

Titan International quintuples net income to $21 million in third quarter; petition to place the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act on the 2012 Massachusetts state ballot gets more than enough signatures.

Tire Business was front and center as exhibitors set up their booths for the 2011 SEMA Show.

During the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Tire Industry Association held its annual meeting.

Daniels Tire Service says the secret to longevity is personal customer service; Coker Tire buys Wheel Vintiques.

Monro Muffler Brake acquires six Terry's Tire Town retail stores in the Alliance, Ohio market; study concludes tire and road wear have no adverse effects on people's health.

Continental Tire executives give TireBusiness.com an exclusive interview announcing plans to build a new car and light truck tire plant near Sumter, S.C.

Continental Tire names first first LifeCycle retreading licensee in the U.S.; Orteck Global Suppy president pleads guilty; and Logan McClelland is sentenced for the 2010 shooting death of a Big O Tires mechanic.

Bridgestone Americas is investing more than $1 billion to build a radial OTR tire plant in Aiken County, SC.

TireVan expands its mobile installation business, plans for third location; General Motors speaks at Sept. 13 Tire Society Meeting; and more in this week's installment of Tire Business News Minute. 1163463770001

Tire Business' Bruce Davis talked to Terrence Connolly, keynote speaker from the 2011 Tire Socity's 30th Annual Meeting and Conference on Tire Science and Technology.

Keynote speaker Terrence Connolly discusses his challenges for the tire industry, including reinventing the tire.

Kumho Tire and Midas offering new incentive program; TIA voices disappointment over WTO ruling; and ASRW will move to a new location in 2012.

Two former engineers with Wyko Tire Technology have been sentenced to four years’ probation after they allegedly secretly took photos of a Goodyear tire building device and then emailed the photos to a Wyko subsidiary.

Curry's Auto Service of Virginia opens its third new store in nine months; National Sales & Supply evicted from its Pa. facility. Get all the details from this week's News Minute.

Goodyear chooses a new president of its North American Tire business unit; Goodyear, Cooper each get grants of $1.5 million. Find out all the details to the latest stories from Tire Business.

Future of Bridgestone's Dayton tire brand remains unknown; Action Al's Tire Co. about to turn 50; and more on today's News Minute.

The Rubber Manufacturer's Association is revising its forecast for total U.S. tire shipments this year; Cooper Tire reports 71 percent drop in net income for the second quarter.

Goodyear launches its redesigned Assurance TripleTred this summer; Meineke Car Care Centers, Maaco, and Econo Lube 'N' Tune opens first tri-brand location.

Get all the details about Bridgestone investing $135 million to expand tire plant, and creating new jobs, in this week's News Minute.

Goodyear launches truck care on-highway service network; and a technician finds a scary surprise under the hood of a customer's car.

Goodyear closes a plant in Tennessee; Ford delving into tire research and design; and China's A-Olus Tyre Company is building a passenger tire plant.

North American auto makers paying higher-than-usual prices for tire; Pep Boys acquires seven My Mechanic auto repair stores in Texas; Anywhere Tire Care owner begins new venture.

The global tire industry is on course for an impressive record this year; Tire Rack adds a hydroplaning resistance area to its test track; Tire Business wants your humanitarian award nominations at www.tirebusiness.com/humanitarian.

TBC's Carroll Tire wholesale business expands into Tennessee; OSHA proposes $213,000 for major tire maker; and more.

Continental A.G. combines its Passenger & Light Truck Tires and Commercial Vehicle Tires divisions; Pep Boys plans to roll out a Web-based e-commerce feature.

Tire Business gets exclusive interviews with industry executives about outlook on the economy and much more; Cooper Tire phasing out one of its brand tire lines; and longtime tire dealer and former TIA president dies.

A Goodyear Auto Serivce Center and a Cross-Midwest truck dealership were among the hundreds of businesses and homes destroyed by Joplin, Mo., tornado.

Monro Muffler Brake announces it will purchase a popular chain of tire centers; Remaining GTY joint venture partners divide share of former third partner.

Continental Tire, Michelin announce expansion projects; Discount Tire reaches business milestone; and more.

Pep Boys acquires Big 10 Tire Stores, Continental Tire's CEO leaves the U.S. subsidiary; and McCarthy Tire Service buys Duncan Brothers Tire.

Conti planning to build new tire plant in the U.S.; TCi Tire Centers opens two new stores.

McGee Auto Service expands to 25 stores in Florida; U.S. AutoForce acquires Royal Tire's wholesale business; and more stories in this week's News Minute.

Terry's Tire Town acquires Summit Tire of Mass.; American Car Care Centers stops offering its American Radial tire line; Hercules to open newest dealer warehouse in Phoenix.

TIA releasing its Advanced TPMS training program April 30; Pep Boys expects to open 50 Service & Tire Centers this year; and more in this week's Tire Business News Minute.

TIA reorganizes after two staff members leave and their responsibilities are picked up by others; ATD expects to expand its Tire Pros franchise.

Goodyear spedning more than $1 billion to increase capacity; group of officials and industry stakeholders working to develop procedures for SmartWay.

Continental Tire expands its North American retreading presence; Conti also plans to double size of Brazilian plant; and ATD suffers loss of $111 million in 2010.

Bridgestone Americas and IndyCar extend contract through the 2013 season; and K&M Tire has plans to revitalize the Mr. Tire affiliated dealer marketing program.

Northwest Tire Factory releases new ad campaign; and Michelin begins offering a new warranty program called the "Promise Plan."

The EPA rules whole and shredded scrap tires are not solid waste under Clean Air Act regulations The fourth quarter of 2010 proved better than expected for Titan; and there are some major changes on the horizon for the OTR tire market.

Maine Industrial Tire sells Hebei Starbright Tire plant in China to Trelleborg; Winter road accidents in Quebec decline 18 percent after winter tire mandate; and GITI Tire launches two winter tire lines.

Goodyear plans to close Union City, Tenn., plant by year-end; Michelin Americas Truck Tires offers new dealer franchise program; "Search for the Oldest Coats Direct Drive Balancer" has its winners.

Goodyear unveils new marketing campaign; Curt Andersson discusses Goodyear's goals for 2011; and AKH names new president.

Hankook announces record sales of $1 billion in U.S. and Canada in 2010 as well as three new consumer tires. Also, H&H Industries sells its stake in the H&W Retread & Repair joint venture.

Toyo settles claims against GTY joint venture partners; Commodity prices continue to rise; and Talbert Tire Service owner wins the Pa. lottery.

Kumho will decide on Ga. plant status in 3rd quarter; Expense of motorsports sponsorships cause tire makers to change marketing techniques.

Maine Tire closes plant in Maine; Cooper Tire buys majority share of Mexican affiliate; La Cie Tire sets goal of 75 associate dealers in its SPEK-plus network by year end.

Tire Business reporter Kathy McCarron spoke with economists regarding their predictions of 2011 and its potential impact on the tire and automotive industries. Watch this week's News Minute to find out what they said.

Titan has a pending agreement to buy Goodyear's European and Latin American farm tire business; 2010 top stories include tariffs on Chinese consumer tires and growth in OE tire sales.

Chrysler's Mopar service departments to open on Saturdays; Discount Tire Co. opened 12 stores in the past quarter; Tire Business releases audio of a Titan International conference call about the company's 2011 predictions.

OSHA cites Cooper's Findlay, Ohio, manufacturing plant for 10 alleged violations; U.S. replacement tire shipments expected to show gains over 2009; and National Employment report shows increased private-sector employment in the U.S.

K&M Tire buys assets of Universal Cooperatives’ Triton Tire & Battery; continued rise of materials prompts more price hikes on commercial tires; and Pit Bull Tire's Michael Green is offering patriotic merchandise through www.honorgutsandglory.com.

Tire distributor pleads not guilty to alleged tire fraud; Bridgestone moves portion of its Muscatine, Iowa office to Nashville; RMA study: 28 million vehicles have at least one bald tire.

Independent Tire Dealers Group reports a record year in 2010; Tiremax plans to have 15 outlets open by year-end; and Pirelli announces site for a new plant in Mexico.

TIA talks about membership insurance programs; Tire industry outsider picked to head TRIB; Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award given to Jerry Rosenthal

Michelin and Goodyear report increased tire demand and jump in tire sales; Harvey Brodsky announces formation of the Retread Tire Association.

Bridgestone to discontinue Dayton truck and bus tire line; Discount Tire tops Tire Business' annual independent dealership rankings; and Wayne Croswell says TIA to announce health insurance program.

Strauss Auto emerges from Chapter 11; Goodyear launches Dunlop Rover H/T; Hennessy holds fall sweepstakes.

TRIB managing director, Harvey Brodsky, was let go; TRIB President Mike Berra Jr. to serve until election; and TBC Retail Group has acquired 21 Tires Plus licensees.

ASA urges Texas members to contact their state legislators about state’s Franchise Tax Code; Michelin hopes to raise $1.6 billion through “preferential subscription rights”; and ITEC wraps up its first expanded show.

Camoplast has agreed to buy industrial tire maker Solideal Group for an undisclosed price; Washington Tire Corp.’s proposed OTR tire plant has foundered; and Vee Rubber America has bought a 60,000-sq.-ft. warehouse in Atlanta.

Legislation requiring adult children up to age 26 to be covered by employed parents' health insurance begins in September; Liberty Tire Recycling acquires High Tread International; and ITEC comes to Cleveland Sept. 21-23.

OSHA investigating explosion at Titan plant; Pep Boys plans to open 35 stores this year; and a study shows U.S. consumer tire production increased more than 15 percent, or 10 million units, between October 2009 and March 2010.

CGS will spend $43.8 million on Charles City, Iowa plant; Calif. now requires automotive service providers to check tire pressure on every vehicle they repair or service; EPA and NHTSA are jointly proposing an overhaul of vehicle fuel efficiency labels.

Tire Business releases its annual rankings of the world's largest tire makers; Tire makers worldwide allocate more than $8 billion in spending the past year for new plants and expansions; and the Obama administration is called upon for a tariff review.

Continental is renaming its General-brand truck tires to simplify; CIMS and ABMS partnership allows software users to register tires at the point of sale; and Phil Wick, former Les Schwab chairman dies at age 66.

Commerce Department ordered to stop imposing countervailing duties on some imported Chinese OTR tires; RMA revises its 2010 tire shipments forecast; Goodyear will boost capital spending to more than $1 billion; and Big O Tires' mechanic fatally shot outside Colorado outlet.

Mass. Right to Repair legislation stalls in the House of Representatives; Joe Finney announced as new president of Sears Automotive Group; Goodyear announces election of Richard Kramer as chairman; Hoosier Racing Tire restructures its management.

Federal judge upholds verdict awarding Alpha Tire Systems' owner $26 million; Titan sales increased 11 percent in Q2; Utah's oldest tire dealership turns 60.

Toyo Tire gets a preliminary injunction to reinstate its GTY tire supply; Czech tire maker CGS looks to possibly open tire plant in Iowa; Titan Tire's purchase of Denman assets is complete.

Calif. proposed regulation mandating tire pressure checks could go into effect Sept. 1; Pilot Travel Centers and Flying J have finalized a merger; Burggraf Tire adds its fourth retail outlet and distribution center with the acquisition of Galloway

Nick Hodel's new firm develops a visual tire safety indicator; U.S. withdraws duty-free status for certain passenger tires from Thailand; and Pirelli opening sales/marketing office in New York.

Jury orders Goodyear to pay $5.6 million; Bridgestone recalls nearly 4,100 Bridgestone R192 truck/bus tires; American Tire Distributors helps create "Tread Town."

Pirelli will be single-source tire supplier Formula One and GP2 racing seasons in 2010 to 2013; As of Sept. 1, auto repair shops in Calif. must check tire pressure; Goodyear Dunlop are suing their attorneys.

Toyo, Conti, Yokohama in legal dispute over GTY Tire joint venture; Titan Tire Corp. bids $1.47 million for some of the remaining Denman assets; Tireman Auto Service Centers plans to contest more than $177,000 OSHA citation.

Cooper, Ford, others sued over fatal rollover accident; Double Coin testing OTR tires; Analysis shows consumers are expected to remain frugal over the next few years.

Penske Automotive Group is now handling more specialty service work in-house; Techking Tires has established a headquarters for the Americas in Chattanooga, Tenn.; USW and Yokohama ratify four-year contract.

Goodyear is moving forward with Lawton, Okla., plant expansion; Monro Muffler Brake Inc. reports record annual sales, earnings; Identifix is offering a new Factory Scheduled Maintenance program.

Titan Tire successfully bids to take over most Denman Tire assets,Yokohama and USW reach tentative agreement at tire maker's Virginia plant; McCarthy Tire Service purchases Gerrard Tire.

GCA Tire is preparing to bid $2.5 million for the assets of bankrupt Denman Tire; GTS North America has signed an agreement to import Rosava tires; and Conrad’s Tire & Total Car Care in Cleveland has invested $100,000 to install air pumps.

Coker Tire bids $1.2 million on Denman Tire assets; Cooper Tire reports a net increase of $12 million for first quarter, and Hercules phasing out its Merit tire brand.

Goodyear and Continental back in the black; ITEC registration is now open and Goodyear stop carrying Remington commercial tires at www..

TPG Capital agrees to buy American Tire Distributors; Michelin North America's to close Kansas City by next year; Kumho Tire avoids potential strike with workers in South Korea.

Continental Tire expects tire market to rebound this year to 2008 levels; TPMS sponsoring new online industry tool; Richard Kramer officially takes office as Goodyear's CEO and president.

Alliance Tire's motion approved in Denman Tire's Chapter 7 proceedings; Michelin North America announces increase in prices; Goodyear's Wingfoot Commerical Tire Systems releases rebranding details

Bridgestone spends $77 million in Iowa; NHTSA finalizes fuel-efficiency rule; TIA, SEMA announced Global Tire Expo

RMA rpedicts rebound for commercial tire aftermarket; Kal Tire retains top commercial dealership title for 2009; H&H Industries teams up with H&W for new venture; Green Diamond restarts production at N.Y. factory.

Denman Tire goes out of business; TIA takes credit for proposed bill's language change; EZ Street Co. launches 'The Spoken Wheel' campaign.

Tiremax begins franchising retail concept; Pirelli Tyre predicts a 6 to 8 percent sales growth this year; Proposed Alaska snow tire mandate put on hold.

TRIB urging members in Georgia to protest HB 981; Titan International to produce 73.5-inch OTR tire; INRIX says traffic jams are sign of improving economy.

Nevada AG drops lawsuit against Tire Works Total Car Care; Denman Tire expected to close soon; Goodyear names new president/CEO; and Web site announces best, worst places to take car for a fair price quote.

Bridgestone President, CEO participates in groundbreaking ceremony; Sears launches franchise program; TCI's Dallas warehouse roof collapses.

Goodyear's Fuel Max tire line sets company sales record; Continetal Tire North America changes its name; Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions launches national ad campaign.

The United Steelworkers union requests duties on Thai-made tires; Service Tire Truck Centers buys 16 TCI outlets; Detroit police raid four area tire shops.

Kumho Tire says work-out program for Kumho Asianic Group won't affect U.S. operations; Goodyear gives away next generation touring tires at its annual dealer meeting; and Goodyear plans to produce 63-inch OTR radial tires in the first half of 2011.

Tire companies support Haitian relief efforts; Michelin will invest $1 billion to build a tire plant in China; and the World Trade Organization's Dispute Settlement Body will create a panel to review U.S.-imposed Chinese tire tariffs.

The World Trade Organization will address China's tariff complaint; Michelin North America unveils a concept tire for electric vehicles; and a few major tire makers plan to expand their motorsports programs in 2010.

U.S. auto sales pick up in December, but fall short of 10-year average; surveyed executives say new auto technology will have an impact in 2009; and Kumho Asiana will sell some assets and focus on cutting costs.

Chinese tire imports plummet in October; U.S. tire shipments take a dive in the first half of 2009; and Ford dealers are on track to reach 600 Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers in 2010.

Alliance Tire Group wins bid for the bulk of GPX International's global distribution assets; Two groups of investors buy GPX's Canadian operations and solid tire assets; and top U.S. executives expect capital spending to increase.

The Automotive Service Association moves Automotive Service & Repair week in 2010; Several tire makers announce price increases; and Alcoa plans to close its wheel plant in Lebanon, Va.

Bridgestone is making upgrades to its plant in Quebec and boosting capacity in India; Michelin plans to build an $870 million truck tire plant in India; and an Ontario tire recycler is building a plant to be used to microwave scrap tires.

Several tire and equipment makers introduce new products at the SEMA Show; American Pacific Industries partners with China's Good Friend Tire Co.; Schrader International develops programmable TPMS sensor; and TIA updates its TPMS Relearn Chart.

Scott Beasley takes home the 2009 Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award; the Rubber Manufacturers Association forecasts a drop in tire shipments in 2009; and Goodyear decides to drop its Republic associate brand.

GPX International Tire Corp. files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, while Alliance Tire and a group of investors look to buy some of its assets; Goodyear plans to add 63-inch OTR tires to its product line; and Goodyear and Titan post third quarter results.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signs bill banning lead wheel weights in the state; Goodyear will close its Spartanburg, S.C., plant by year-end; and Pirelli Tire North America and Sumitomo Rubber Industries hike tire prices.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signs bill to use state funds to pay for tire recycling projects in Mexico; Pep Boys has agreed to buy Florida Tire; and a law firm launches a consumer Web site dealing with tire defects and safety.

Bob Sumerel Tire sells its retail operations in order to expand its commercial business; Michelin launches a global advertising campaign; and Cooper Tire plans to ramp up capacity at its plant in Texarkana, Ark.

Monro Muffler Brake buys Tire Warehouse Central for $34 million; Snider Tire will acquire Consolidated Tires before the end of 2009; STA antitrust lawsuit against Hoosier Racing is dismissed; and several tire makers are staying home from SEMA.

The fallout in the tire industry continues from President Obama's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese tire imports; tire dealers look to new media to market their businesses; and Titan could soon have its first European plant

The tire industry, United Steelworkers and China's government react to President Obama's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese tire imports; Goodyear Chairman Robert Keegan highlights innovation; and contract talks proceed

Two retreaders make news with one opening a new plant and another switching processes; more details emerge about Goodyear's tentative pact with the union; and a study reveals a contradiction about attitudes toward vehicle maintenance

Goodyear secures a tentative contract with the United Steelworkers; a Missouri dealership marks its 70th anniversary; and Cheng Shin Rubber buys out Toyo Tire's minority stake in a joint venture

Bridgestone retakes the top spot as the largest global tire maker; Town Fair Tire celebrates a victory in court; and Titan looks to install pressure and temperature sensors on its 63-inch radial OTR tires

Michelin North America inks a tentative pact with the union as other tire makers continue talks; a little noticed clause in this year's economic stimulus bill is creating headaches for dealers; and Midas looks to grow its tire business

As the deadline approaches for a decision on tariffs on Chinese tire imports, both sides make their cases; domestic auto makers ask for an exception to the tariffs; and Goodyear relaunches a brand

Cooper Tire reports improved second quarter results; Hennelly Tire/The Tire Choice continues toward its goal of 35 stores by 2010; and Lex Brodie's Tire makes a green pitch to its customers

Chairman Robert Keegan discusses Goodyear's second quarter results; Green Diamond looks to revamp its manufacturing and image; and Monro has a positive outlook for the rest of the fiscal year

Carlisle Tire consolidates some production in Jackson, Tenn.; a Firestone Complete Auto Care store in New Orleans re-opens; and car dealers look at strategies to recoup lost service sales

Specialty tire maker Denman Tire explores its options; a California tire age bill is dropped by sponsors; and major tire makers work on new contracts with the United Steelworkers

Right to Repair supporters get some good news and bad news; the trucking industry takes stock in the midst of a down year; and two tire makers announce regional investments

Big 10 Tire Stores Inc. finds a buyer in its bankruptcy; the U.S. International Trade Commission opts for imposing duties on tire imports from China instead of quotas; and Pep Boys plans an expansion

Tire industry groups respond to two proposed government regulations covering tire labeling and tire dealers, and Chinese tire makers look for new markets as the U.S. considers import quotas.

The International Trade Commission votes in favor of a United Steelworkers' petition seeking to limit Chinese tire imports; Goodyear completes final tests for upcoming NASCAR race; and a car dealer makes inroads in the tire business.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association wraps up its 8th--and largest--National Tire Safety Week; the "Cash for Clunkers" bill passes another hurdle; and tire dealers add stores.

The United Steelworkers and various tire distributors make their cases for and against the union's petition to limit Chinese tire imports; tire makers react to GM's bankruptcy filing; and one segment remains a bright spot in the tire industry

A group sets out to defeat the United Steelworkers' effort to limit tire imports from China; Monro to buy 26 retail stores; and Goodyear looks to sell more businesses.

Michelin cuts capital expenditure budget in half; An NHTSA report shows TPMS is effective; Tire Kingdom Internation drops its Fate brand; and a Lang Marketing Resources report shows the amount of vehicles per service bay is increasing.

Michelin settles with state attorneys general about a fuel-efficiency ad; another retreader switches operations; and Goodyear discusses plans for one of its brands.

The owners of Suburban Tire Auto Care Centers lead a tour of the dealership's newest store in Chicago. They're billing it as the world's greenest tire store, and they describe many of its energy-efficient features, from major new systems to simple improvements other dealers can make.

American Tire Distributors closes some of Am-Pac Tire Distributors' distribution centers as part of integration efforts; Goodyear looks at its options after losing an appeal; and tire makers' first quarter results show a tough period.

The USW petitions the government to limit consumer tire imports from China and one importer reacts; Tire Kingdom hits a milestone and plans more; and a longtime industry player retires.

Michelin will close its Opelika, Ala., tire plant; Bridgestone will boost capacity at its plant in Wuxi, China; The American Truck Associations releases study on U.S. freight tonnage; and Evans Tire offers "buy 2, get 2 free" deal.

Big 10 Tire Stores files for bankruptcy protection, closes 21 stores; more on Snider Tire's decision to change its retread operations; and a dealership recovers from a destructive fire.

The software companies offering $1 million "bailouts" report on their progress so far; the Nevada attorney general sues to stop a tire dealer from operating in the state; and wrangling over a tax case involving Town Fair Tire continues.

Reports track declines in the global and North American tire makets, but the American Trucking Associations notes a small uptick in U.S. truck tonnage. Also, Tire Business publisher Crain Communications Inc. announces a new tire trade show.

Two more software companies offer their products to dealers to stimulate the economy; the RMA predicts a big drop in tire shipments in 2009; and a marketing firm outlines how tire dealers can benefit from car dealers closing.

Continental A.G. will close a passenger tire plant in France to align capacity with falling demand; ASA Tire Systems elaborates on its "tire dealer bailout package"; and Midas Inc. looks to tires to improve its profitability.

Jack Williams Tire Co. signs sales agreements with two tire makers as part of a five-year growth and expansion plan; another tire maker reports a loss for 2008; and General Motors hopes to give consumers more confidence to buy its vehicles.

Tire Centers L.L.C. adds 40 warehouses, giving it coverage of 95 percent of the U.S.; some states including North Carolina reconsider their vehicle inspection laws; and some tire makers report big drops in their 2008 financial results.

Goodyear announces plans to cut 5,000 jobs worldwide this year after reporting a loss in 2008; Cooper Tire and Kenda end their marketing and distribution agreement; and tire dealers in Wisconsin and Illinois may be close to a settlement with the EPA.

American Tire Distributors' CEO Dick Johnson announces his retirement; Goodyear executives discuss their outlook on the recession; and a tire industry marketing executive joins a dealer consulting group.

Bauer Built reorganizes the management of its tire division in a succession planning move; Hercules Tire & Rubber names a new CEO; and two tire makers announce production cutbacks.

Continental makes several changes in its rubber and tire businesses; North Carolina awards state contracts to three retreaders, ending its single-contract practice; and retreaders look to cope with the recession.

Bridgestone Americas will end consumer tire production at its LaVergne, Tenn., plant and reduct truck tire production; a NHTSA report weighs new vs. retreaded medium truck tires; and a lawsuit over Michelin's Pax run-flat tire system is resolved.

Tire makers re-evaluate their 2009 motorsports plans in light of the slumping economy; a congresswoman introduces a bill to penalize states that don't have vehicle inspection laws; and a major auto show could be cancelled this year.

Titan International moves its Freeport, Ill., plant to a "rolling shutdown" schedule after laying off 83 workers; Les Schwab cuts 65 in Prineville, Ore.; and auto makers plan programs to jump start new car sales.

ATD buys Am-Pac Tire Distributors for $75 million; tire industry groups look ahead at legislative and regulatory outlook for 2009; and wholesalers are uncertain about the coming year.

Cooper Tire will close its plant in Albany, Ga., and an analyst reviews what effect the move will have on its profitability; Dill recalls 2 million tire valve stems; and we review top newsmakers from 2008.

The bad economic news continues in the tire industry with layoffs, potential closures and falling shipments; one dealer shares some of his tips for surviving a recession; and Mavis Discount Tires grows its retail reach.

Carlisle Tire & Wheel Co.'s Bowdon, Ga. tire plant burns down; Goodyear scales back production at iNew York Dunlop plant; American Tire Distributors' net income quadruples in third quarter; Michelin adapts wheel design for use on NASA moon rover.

Tireco sues Canadian distributors over its exclusive rights to Nankang-made products, and TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield and President Dan Beach discuss the association's standing.

Yokohama tire named an editors choice winner by Popular Mechanics; Nitto launches new tire; parting scenes from the show.

Larry Morgan and Terry Westhafer are inducted into the Tire Industry Hall of Fame; Francois Michelin and Joe Esco named historical contributors; and Cooper announces a joint development pact.

Attendance at the show starts slow but seems to pick up; Hankook announces a new marketing campaign; and Continental launches a new General tire.

Burnham E. Neal is the 2008 Tire Dealer Humanitarian of the Year award winner. The award, sponsored by Tire Business, recognizes a tire dealer or retreader who contributes to his or her community.

Exhibitors get ready for the 2008 SEMA Show ahead of its opening.

Tire Business ranks the largest retail tire dealerships in North America and determines which are still in the hands of the founding family. Cooper elaborates on its plans to conduct a capacity study of its four U.S. plants

Find out which tire makers won't be at this year's SEMA Show and why; Bridgestone/Firestone promotes its new green tire to dealers; and ATD buys Gray's Wholesale in Texas

The financial meltdown causes uncertainity for the automotive aftermarket and dealers; Tire Business compares its dealer rankings for its 25th anniversary; and Special Projects Reporter Bruce Davis reflects on his 25 years at Tire Business.

This full-length video features excerpts from Tire Business' interview with tire dealer legend T.J. Foord, founder of Kal Tire.

This full-length video features excerpts from Tire Business' interview with tire dealer legend Don Olson, founder of Don Olson Tire.

This full-length video features excerpts from Tire Business' interview with tire dealer legend Paul Zurcher, founder of Best-One.

This full-length video features excerpts from Tire Business' interview with tire dealer legend Bruce Halle, founder of Discount Tire Co.

GPX examines its global strategy in light of tariffs on Chinese-made OTR tires; a tire maker looks to sell new brands in North America; Goodyear gets ready for 2009 NASCAR series; and two marketing groups solicit Tirecraft dealers.

The results of TB's annual ranking of global tire makers; Conti's acceptance of Schaeffler Group's takeover bid; tire makers' expectations for the rest of 2008; Vee Rubber's plans for North America; and Goodyear's plan to close 92 stores.

A Double Coin senior executive is removed from his position in China; dealers in Wisconsin and Illinois are told by the EPA they may have to pay for some cleanup costs for a 2005 tire fire; and raw material costs are affecting Chinese tire makers.

Jim Micali reflects on his career as he retires from Michelin; former Bandag CEO Martin Carver forms a consulting company; a German company ups its bid for Conti; and BFS keeps its tech center in Akron.

ACCC refines its image for its 20th anniversary; former Tirecraft officials may bid for parts of the bankrupt dealership; the U.S. Commerce Department rules on Chinese subsidies for OTR tires; and a Canadian marketing group gains steam

Tech International expands its valve stem recall; Goodyear to invest nearly $2 billion in plants; dealers share their efforts to go green; and Cedar Bend Tire cleans up from the Midwest floods.