NASHVILLE, Tenn.-Three Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. divisions have announced price increases, ``due to the continuing escalation of raw material costs,'' the company said. Bridgestone/Firestone Off Road Tire Co. will raise prices of Firestone- and Bridgestone-brand OTR tires by up to 8.3 percent, effective July 3.
Firestone Agricultural Tire Co. will hike prices of Firestone farm tires 3-5 percent July 1.
*Dayton Tire Co. will boost prices of Dayton and Road King passenger and light and medium truck tires 3-4 percent on July 1.
These increases follow BFS' May 11 announcement that it will hike prices of Bridgestone, Firestone and Seiberling passenger and light truck tires up to 3 percent, and commercial truck and bus tires 2-4 percent, also effective July 1.
Goodyear to supply FedEx in new pact
AKRON-Under a new agreement, Goodyear will supply all original equipment, replacement and retreaded tires for Federal Express Corp.'s fleet of 35,000 over-the-road, shuttle and freight pick-up/delivery trucks. Details were not disclosed.
The program, which includes Goodyear and makers of engines, tractors, trailers and other truck components, ``represents the first time (FedEx) has coordinated the activities of multiple suppliers in adding custom-designed vehicles to its fleet,'' said Lynn Gorman, vice president of vehicle maintenance for FedEx.
Faulty jacks prompt VW, Volvo recalls
WASHINGTON-Two European automakers are recalling more than 135,000 cars sold in the U.S., because of defective jacks.
Volkswagen of America Inc. is recalling 104,000 1993-95 Golfs and Jettas because of jacks with improperly machined spindles. The spindles can damage the inside thread of the jacks' scissor shoes, causing them to collapse.
Also, Volvo of America Inc. said 31,315 of its 1995 Volvo 850s and 854s have jacks with insufficient load capacity to lift the vehicles. This can cause the vehicles to fall off the jacks.
Yokohama inducts first 'club' mumbers
FULLERTON, Calif.-Yokohama Tire Corp. has inducted the first members of its ``Yokohama Number One Club,'' created to ``promote and recognize outstanding customer service.''
The 43 stores in the Houston region of Discount Tire Co. Inc., the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based dealership chain, were selected for the honor.
Yokohama Technical Service Representative Linda Craft said the group's use of ``loaner'' tires for customers who need tires not in stock was an example of its commitment to customer service.
Individuals and dealerships are selected for the Number One Club based on positive customer comments, via correspondence or the telephone, Yokohama said.NTDRA show to tout
NTDRA show to tout entrepreneurial spirit
WASHINGTON-The National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association has chosen the theme ``The Entrepreneurial Spirit!'' for its 75th anniversary convention and trade show, set for Oct. 12-14 in New Orleans.
The NTDRA said its program ``is designed to empower the tire dealer as a better entrepreneur'' through trade show exhibits and educational seminars geared to improving dealers' businesses.
Raybestos/BPI opens brake training center
McHENRY, Ill.-Raybestos/Brake Parts Inc. recently opened a $1 million technical training center for jobbers, dealers and installers at its McHenry headquarters and distribution center.
The facility includes a two-bay service area, a two-post symmetrical hoist and a four-post alignment rack, along with other service tools and equipment.
The company said it will try to fit training schedules to customers' needs, ``the most popular being 3.5-day sessions.'' Bilingual instruction is available.
For more information, call the training center: (815) 363-9000.
U.G. tire plant to reopen soon
ARDMORE, Okla.-Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Co.'s Ardmore plant, where a May 7 tornado did $10 million to $12 million in damage, should resume one-third its normal production level of 32,000 units per day by June 18, and may be back to full output as early as August, according to a spokesman for parent company Michelin North America.
Most of the plant's output consisted of original equipment passenger and light truck tires for General Motors Corp., which is seeking increased shipments from two other tire makers.
Kmart to close 72 more stores
TROY, Mich.-In addition to 110 stores already recently shuttered, Kmart Corp. plans to close 72 stores by year end that failed to meet its requirements for sales, profit and return on investment.
The stores, 24 of which contained automotive service centers, are in 23 states, with the majority in Texas and California.
Kmart is continuing its modernization program that includes opening 22 Super Kmart Centers and 43 Kmart discount stores.