Six tire makers raising prices
AKRON—Citing the rising costs associated with raw materials, transportation and a number of other factors, several tire makers recently implemented tire price increases.
Already in effect are increases from Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, American Pacific Industries Inc. (API) and Nankang Rubber Tire Corp. Ltd.
Bridgestone hiked U.S. prices up to 8 percent Nov. 1 on its Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand passenger, light truck, medium truck, bus, agricultural and off-road tires.
Also effective Nov. 1, Nankang raised prices on all Nankang-brand product lines by up to 7 percent.
API increased prices Oct. 27 by up to 10 percent on all Achilles, Advance, Armour, Farmking, Gladiator, Hartland and Pegasus brand tires.
On Dec. 1, Hankook Tire America Corp. will hike prices by up to 6.5 percent in the U.S. on its full line of passenger, light truck and medium truck tires.
Effective the same day, Yokohama Tire Corp. will boost prices by up to 8 percent on all consumer tires, including passenger, performance and light truck models.
Continental Tire the Americas L.L.C. will raise prices up to 6.5 percent in the U.S. on all Continental, General and proprietary brand passenger and light truck tires, effective Jan. 1.
Myers launches inflation program
AKRON—Myers Industries Inc.'s Myers Tire Supply distribution unit has launched the Tire Inflation Maintenance (TIM) customer retention program, part of a nationwide initiative dedicated to improving safety and the environment by promoting regular tire inflation.
Each month, TIM sends customers newsletters and text messages to encourage them to return to their tire shop for a tire pressure check. Dealers can customize these customer reminders to include service coupons for tire rotation, oil changes or any other service, Akron-based Myers said.
Online customer management tools let dealers view and sort customer information and access daily reports on vehicles that are due for service. Enrollment in the program includes initial set-up, website listing, a marketing kit, 50 registration cards and unlimited staff training and support, according to Myers.
Participation in TIM also offers customers free membership in the TIM Auto Club, which provides 24/7 towing and roadside assistance for any flat tire or other tire-related issue. It also includes free routing service, free trip interruption coverage and travel benefits.
Trelleborg moves headquarters
HARTVILLE, Ohio—In order to better serve its customers and facilitate future plans for growth, Trelleborg Wheel Systems Americas Inc. is relocating its Hartville-based national headquarters and distribution center to two separate locations in Northeast Ohio.
In a move set to be complete early next year, the company will relocate operations to new offices in the Akron suburb of Fairlawn, Ohio, and move its distribution center to a separate facility in Akron. Trelleborg said the move gives it space for further expansion, greater warehouse capacity and provides easier highway access.
Trelleborg added that the close proximity of the new offices and warehouse to its Hartville location will allow employees to remain with the company.
Volvo truck recall due to tire labels
WASHINGTON—Volvo Trucks North America is recalling 1,926 trucks for possible incorrect tire information on the vehicle certification labels.
The trucks are models VHD, VNL and VNM, model years 2008-2011, and model VT, model years 2008-2010. They were manufactured between Aug. 13, 2007 and March 26, 2010, Volvo told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The incorrect information, Volvo said, could cause drivers to load their trucks beyond a safe level for their tires.
Volvo will inspect the certification labels and replace any with faulty tire information. It expects to begin the recall by Dec. 1.
Honda recalls 470,000+ cars
WASHINGTON—American Honda Motor Co. is recalling 471,820 vehicles because of possible brake fluid and brake seal problems.
The vehicles include certain Honda Odyssey and Acura RL models, model years 2005-2007, Honda told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The standard equipment brake fluid for these models, Honda said, contains polymers that lubricate certain brake system components.
If replacement brake fluid does not contain those polymers, the rubber seal at the rear of the brake master cylinder can become dry and allow small amounts of brake fluid to leak into the brake booster. This could eventually degrade brake performance, Honda said.
Honda dealers will notify owners and will replace the brake master cylinder seal free of charge.