Cooper recall 216 HP tires WASHINGTON—Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is recalling 216 Cooper Cobra Radial G/T and Viper Radial GT passenger tires, size P215/70R14, for possible inadequate rubber coverage of the belt edge due to low tread gauge under the shoulder slots.
This can cause the ply cords to break, the tubeless liner to tear and the tire to go flat over time, the company said.
TANA's Tire Expo grows 40%
RESTON, Va.—The Tire Association of North America will increase floor space by 40 percent for the next International Tire Expo November 2-5, 1999, in Las Vegas.
This will be the third consecutive year of growth for the Expo's floor space. The 1997 EXPO had 78,000 square feet of exhibit space and the 1998 show had a 100,000-sq.-ft. exhibit. This year's show will feature 140,000 square feet of exhibit area in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Noting that demand for exhibit space continues to grow, TANA President Jim Shook said, ``We're glad to have the extra exhibit space. We're going to need it.''
Bankrupt Boyds Wheels sold
IRVINE, Calif.—Automotive Performance Group Inc. has acquired Boyds Wheels Inc. and its subsidiary, Hot Rods by Boyd, in a stock transfer April 2.
Boyds was founded in 1988 and markets aluminum wheels and aftermarket products for automobiles and motorcycles.
Boyds filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 1998 and confirmed a reorganization plan with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in January 1999.
APG was founded in April 1998 and received approval from the court in January to acquire 80 percent of Boyds.
APG also owns Royal Purple Motor Oil Inc. in Houston and Klein Engines and Competition Components Inc. in Tempe, Ariz.
Goodyear to aid Soap Box Derby
AKRON—Goodyear has signed a one-year deal—with an option for two additional years—to be national title sponsor of the All-American Soap Box Derby.
The 62-year-old Derby will hold its national finals on July 31, at newly renovated Derby Downs in Akron.
Goodyear also will provide marketing and promotional expertise to the International Soap Box Derby Inc. and promote the regional and national races through company-owned stores and independent dealerships.
Goodyear will send a promotional kit, including registration forms and order blanks for kit cars, to 300 company-owned stores in 120 regional markets that are holding local qualifying races for the Derby. Many of these local stores will be holding kit-car giveaway contests.
As part of the agreement, the Goodyear logo will appear on all Derby advertising, signage at Derby Downs and collateral materials sent to participants. Goodyear also will host a VIP hospitality tent during the Derby.
Wheel co. moving Calif. warehouse
SANTA ANA, Calif.—TSW Alloy Wheels will move its West Coast warehouse and offices to Lake Forest, Calif., by July.
The company has signed a five-year lease for a 45,000-sq.-ft. facility that includes enough space for 75,000 wheels—tripling TSW's current West Coast inventory capacity.
The new warehouse will have a 10-bay loading dock and wire-guided order picking technology to improve order shipment capabilities. The company's sales, administration, and research and development personnel also will move to the new location.
TSW, which also has a warehouse in Orlando, Fla., will have a total inventory capacity of 100,000 wheels.
The new warehouse's address is: TSW Alloy Wheels, 25954 Commercentre Drive, Lake Forest, Calif., 92630.
Myers opens training center
AKRON—Myers Tire Supply has opened a new, fully-equipped sales training center at its Akron headquarters.
Myers is a wholesale distributor of tools, equipment and supplies to tire service and auto repair dealers.
The facility will be used to train and update the 200-plus members of Myers' sales staff on the firm's products and services. It features an auditorium with audio/video equipment, Internet connection and air and power hook-ups for equipment demonstrations.