Eurotyre USA Inc., an independent tire importer and distributor, has become the distribution arm in the U.S. for Italian tire maker Marangoni Tyre S.p.A.
Tarpon Springs-based Eurotyre is offering Marangoni's full line of passenger and light truck/sport-utility vehicle (SUV) tires, with an emphasis on Marangoni's performance products, according to Greg Metcalfe, a principal of Eurotyre USA.
The firm, which has been test marketing the Marangoni line for the past year, will debut it at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Las Vegas. It will offer retail customers exclusive territories as part of its marketing strategy, Mr. Metcalfe said.
Marangoni Tyre, based in Anagni, Italy, is part of Marangoni S.p.A., a group better known in North America for its Ringtread retreading equipment and processes. Marangoni has been in the new tire business in Europe for about 18 years after buying a stake in the former Ceat Pneumatici S.p.A. in Anagni in 1988.
With fiscal 2005 sales of $213.7 million, Marangoni Tyre ranked 42nd among the world's tire makers. Among the products being offered are the Zeta Linea and Mythos ultra-high-performance, Maxo 4x4 and SUV, and Meteo winter tires.
Eurotyre is marketing to U.S. dealers only, Mr. Metcalfe said. Marangoni already sells tires directly to customers in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Business with the Marangoni brand will be primarily container-load shipments, Mr. Metcalfe said, although Eurotyre is stocking some sizes and lines at distribution points in Memphis, Tenn., and Philadelphia to fill out customers' orders.
Mr. Metcalfe describes the Marangoni brand as a value-priced performance line with a racing heritage. In Europe, Marangoni competes in a number of niche racing venues, including hill-climb competitions and some spec sedan racing series.
Mr. Metcalfe co-owns Eurotyre USA with his father, Maurice Metcalfe, an import/export veteran with more than 25 years in the business. The Metcalfes also operate an import/export company called Imex of Florida Inc.
Eurotyre USA is not affiliated with Dutch tire distributor Eurotyre B.V.