TBC wholesale tackles demand across segments

Geoff Doster, promoted earlier in 2022 to president and COO of TBC Brands and TBC International, said the wholesaler is introducing tire lines this year to meet the growing demand for larger rim-diameter tires, last-mile delivery vehicle tires and premium specialty tires.

How would you describe business thus far in 2022?

The replacement tire industry continues to remain fundamentally sound. As reported by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, tire shipments showed an increase year-to-date April over last year, balancing the levels of supply and demand.

How would you describe customer confidence in your market?

While the gross domestic product shrank through the first quarter of the year, we remain steadfast in delivering on our initiatives and projects to serve our customers to the best of our ability.

We have continued to provide products and enhancements to programs further building confidence in our dedication and commitment to deliver on our value proposition of quality, performance and affordability.

What kind of shifts in dealer ordering behavior have you seen this year?

Ordering behavior remains unchanged when compared to the prior year. TBC Brands is able to optimize our distribution network and offer various delivery options while continuing to provide a diverse portfolio across all categories and price points.

How do consumer tire orders compare with last year? With 2020?

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association showed an increase over last year and up significantly compared to 2020. As mentioned before, we have seen a balancing of supply and demand.

How do commercial tire orders compare with last year? With 2020?

Demand in the commercial truck tire market has remained strong throughout last year and over 2020 with growth in all tiers.

What types of product shortages have you experienced this year? How have you compensated for this situation?

Working closely with our suppliers, manufacturers and our supply chain partners, we have been able to mitigate shortages. Our diverse product screen within TBC Brands provides our dealers with options, allowing them to remain competitive and grow in the marketplace.

What do you expect the shortage situation to be for the rest of the year?

While we expect the supply chain to remain a key focus area throughout the rest of the year, we believe that manufacturing will grow and improve. We are committed to providing our dealers with the product they need in a timely manner.

What kind of trends are you seeing in the marketplace? How is your company reacting to them?

We have seen trends in vehicles requiring large-rim diameters, an increase in demand for the last-mile delivery segment, growth in premium ST tires and the growing importance of green solutions to consumers.

TBC Brands has launched, or is in the process of launching, tires to meet the needs of our consumers in each of these categories. A few of these new lines include the Mud Claw Comp MTX with rims ranging from 15-inch to 24-inch, the Performer CXV-C designed for modern delivery vehicles, the Towmax Vanguard for hauling boats, RVs and trailers, and the ERANGE EV constructed and tested for electric cars, trucks and SUVs.

What do you see as your biggest challenge for the second half of the year?

The global logistics issues will continue to challenge the market, impacting not only supply, but also causing increased costs throughout the supply-chain process.

What were some of the procedures/changes your company implemented to tackle these challenges?

Working with our suppliers, manufacturers and supply chain partners we have consolidated shipments and implemented new procedures to account for delays within the supply chain. In addition, our steadfast approach to transparency enabled our partners and dealers to know we are supporting and addressing all business needs.

Despite these obstacles within the industry, our goal is to provide multiple value-priced options with improving fill rates assisting customers in growing their businesses and ultimately exceeding customer expectations.