Afleveringen
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Formula E returned to Miami this year for the first time in over a decade, and Hankook's Formula E GEN3 Evo iON Race tires once again took center stage, both on and off the track. In this episode of Whatâs Treading, we take you inside Homestead-Miami Speedway to show how Hankookâs tires handled the intense demands of all-electric racing.
These tires helped cars stay grounded while accelerating from 0-62 mph in just 1.86 seconds. The tires had to deliver extreme grip, endurance, and efficiency across every lap, and each team could only use two sets of tires for the entire race.
Hankook is using what it learns here on the track to build those same qualities into the next generation of iON passenger tires for EV drivers everywhere.
How Hankook Formula E Tire Data Shapes Strategy
At the track, we spoke with Manfred Sandbichler, Hankookâs Director of Motorsport. He explained how Formula E data drives Hankookâs ongoing R&D strategy. We also caught up with Rob Williams, President of Hankook Tire North America, to learn how events like this help build dealer trust and product confidence.
From tight dogleg corners to beach-ready floaties at the Hankook X Formula E Tube Shop, the weekend offered more than racing. It showcased Hankook Formula E tires and their expanding role in the EV tire market. -
You learn a lot about a tire when you push it to its edge â and even more when youâre the one doing the pushing. Thatâs exactly what Kumho Tire had in mind when they invited a group of dealers and journalists to Atlanta Motorsports Park to test the new Kumho Ecsta UHP tires.
Kumho showcased three new products: the Ecsta Sport All-Season, Ecsta Sport, and Ecsta Sport S. But these werenât just lined up for a walkaround. We drove them in conditions designed to highlight their strengths and determine where each tire fits in the competitive UHP market. Wet skidpad sessions, an autocross circuit, and full-track lead-follow laps gave us a real-world feel for how each tire performs.
Distinct Performance for Different Drivers
Each of the Kumho Ecsta UHP tires showcased performance sweet spots. The Ecsta Sport All-Season gripped confidently in wet conditions. Meanwhile, the Ecsta Sport delivered crisp, fast response in dry turns. The Sport S took high-speed corners with control and ease. Kumho didnât just check boxes â they dialed in each tire for a specific type of driver.
Kumho Ecsta UHP Tires: Tech That Matches the Drive
The technology inside each tire is what drives each tire's distinct feel. Kumho equipped the Ecsta All-Season with a "High Grip" compound and interlocking sipes for year-round traction. The Ecsta Sport steps up with Kumhoâs "Innovative Compound Technology." That includes high-dispersible silica and performance resins for sharper cornering and braking. The Sport S, meanwhile, goes all-in on grip. Kumho gave it an aggressive tread pattern and advanced compound mix for control at track speeds.
Advanced Testing and Development Methods for the Kumho Ecsta UHP Tires
During the day-long event, we had the chance to chat with Andy Wallner, a tire development engineer at Kumho, who explained how the team used virtual modeling and AI tools to fine-tune each tireâs compound and tread design.
âVirtual modeling helps us improve our development cycles, so we're able to develop tires in a shorter time frame,â Wallner said. â[Kumho was] able to get to the target and improve the performance of these tires better than we would have without these methods. [Virtual modeling and AI-testing] doesn't fully replace traditional tire testing and development. However, doing that virtual work upfront helps Kumho design tires more efficiently.â
Check out the video above to see how Tire Review Senior Editor Christian Hinton channels his inner video-game driver to test each tire's capability -- and have fun doing it.
Looking for more What's Treading? Click here.
Sponsored by Kumho Tire. -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Ever wonder what happens when you take a tire from Pirelli, a brand best known for race tires, and throw it into some of the toughest terrain on the planet? Well, I got the chance to find out. I took the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT for a spin in Death Valley, and this tire had to prove its performance in some of the harshest conditions out there.
Real-World Testing in Death Valley
We didnât stick to any easy, man-made trails (unless you count the road, I suppose). Nope. We put rubber to sand dunes, rocky roads, and everything in between. From Red Rock Canyon to Shoshone and the Badwater Basin â we took the Scorpion XTM AT tire through it all. The ground was tough, the heat was cranked up to 100°F, and the terrain was unforgiving. This was no vacation drive â this was real-world, all-terrain testing.
Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT performance: The Tread
When you first look at the Scorpion XTM AT, youâre sure to notice its bold, aggressive tread pattern. It's a sign that this tire is built for traction and stability, especially when youâre airing down to handle deep sand or rocky trails. I had the chance to test it out in a Ford Bronco Heritage Edition, a Jeep Wrangler, and a Rivian R1T. Each one performed impressively, but it was the sand where this tire really stood out. The traction felt solid, and I never felt like I was losing control, even in the deepest dunes.
Real On-Road Performance
This tire was built for the wild outdoors, but I was still surprised by how well it handled on the pavement. It was quieter than I expected for an aggressive off-road tire. I was impressed with how it performed on the road, even after putting it through some of the roughest off-road conditions.
The EV Version: Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT performance
Pirelli also developed a separate EV version featuring the company's "Elect" symbol. Itâs designed to reduce rolling resistance. That means better range for your EV, so you donât have to compromise off-road capability for efficiency. And both versions are built with chip-and-chunk resistance, so theyâll last longer, no matter where you drive.
Off-Road Guidance from Emily Miller
We didnât just test this tire on our own. We had some serious off-road expertise from Emily Miller, founder of the Rebelle Rally, helping us navigate the trails. Emilyâs been behind the wheel of some of the toughest vehicles out there, so I was thankful to have her in my ear for this one!
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com -
Whatâs the secret to standing out in the crowded world of selling CUV and SUV tires? These vehicles made up 58% of new car sales in the U.S. in 2024. Tire dealers face an ocean of options and competition. SUV tire selection tips are crucial for dealers to navigate this vast market and add value.
Understanding the Customer's Needs and SUV Tire Selection Tips
In this episode of What's Treading, David sits down with Michael Mathis, President of Atturo Tires. They discuss how tire dealers can navigate this market and provide value to customers.
"Itâs about understanding how the consumer uses their vehicle," Michael says. "If theyâre into off-roading, an all-terrain tire might be the way to go. But for a performance-focused SUV like a Ford Explorer ST, a UHP tire will enhance handling and performance."
Michael emphasizes knowing the customer's lifestyle and vehicle use. Whether the customer drives a light-duty SUV or an off-road-ready model, the SUV tire selection tips offered require understanding how they use their vehicle and what activities they engage in.
Upsell Opportunities for Tire Dealers
The conversation also covers upsell opportunities, from performance tires to lift kits. They also touch on the growing demand for tires for electric SUVs like Rivian and Tesla.
As more consumers customize their CUVs and SUVs, they demand specialized tires, especially in off-roading and performance categories. Dealers who identify these needs increase sales and build lasting relationships by delivering exactly what the driver requires.
Positioning as an Expert in the SUV Tire Market
Tune into the video above to learn how dealers can position themselves as experts. They can capitalize on trends and provide customers with the perfect tire for their driving style.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter: www.hunterengineering.com -
The K&M Tire Dealer Conference and Trade Show remains one of our favorite events each year. From fantastic education sessions featuring the latest technology and data to a hoppin' trade show floor, it's an event that always has something to look forward to. This episode of What's Treading, recorded live at this year's show, captures insights from tire manufacturers showcasing their newest products. We spoke with industry representatives about new tire launches and key product updates at the K&M trade show. They explained why the event remains a top choice for tire professionals in the K&M network.
Jessica Atkinson from Continental Tire shares details about Continental's industry-leading Total Confidence Plan and highlights new and existing tire offerings. She emphasizes how the event creates opportunities to connect with dealers, reflect on the past year, and discuss upcoming trends.
Darrell Sparks from Hankook Tire walks through five new products. This includes a car hauler tire and a popular line-haul trailer tire. He explains how OEM partnerships with Stoughton Trailers and Hyundai continue to strengthen their market presence.
Tyler Haller from Nexen Tire introduces the N'Blue 4 Season 2, an all-weather tire with a 70,000-mile treadwear rating. He shares the positive market feedback and describes how the K&M show stands out for its vendors and networking opportunities.
Jim Robinson from Kumho Tire showcases six tread patterns and describes the show as a one-of-a-kind experience that feels like a client reunion. Other manufacturers share the same perspective:
The K&M Tire Dealer Conference & Trade Show is truly an industry reunion. Whether unveiling new products or reconnecting with long-time partners, the tire manufacturers we spoke with consider this event essential for dealers and suppliers.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com -
Nokian Tyres is making a splash in the North American UHP tire market with the release of the Surpass AS01 ultra-high-performance all-season tire. Tire Review had the opportunity to test the tire at the legendary Las Vegas Motor Speedway. We tested the tires on four vehicles: Lexus RX500h, Polestar 2, Toyota Supra, and Mercedes C300. We evaluated the tireâs wet grip, dry handling, and overall stability. This Nokian Surpass AS01 review highlights the tire's performance in these conditions.
Nokian Surpass AS01 Review: Performance and Durability
The Surpass AS01 combines Nokian's Silica Sense tread compound for improved traction and longevity with durability features. These features include Pothole Protection and a Driving Safety Indicator. Nokian leadership emphasizes the company's focus on premium performance, versatile fitment for ICE and EV vehicles, and a competitive price point. These factors position the Surpass AS01 as a standout in the all-season UHP category.
Fitment and Range of Sizes
The Surpass AS01 comes in 65 sizes, ranging from 16-21 inches. These sizes cover many popular vehicles, making it a solid option for both everyday drivers and performance enthusiasts. Tire Review Editor David Sickels takes the tire to the track and provides a comprehensive review of its capabilities on one of the most challenging (and fun) tracks in North America.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunterengineering.com -
Bridgestone plans to improve its fleet service strategy and optimize service networks to enhance the customer experience â and it only takes 4.5 million vehicles and a partnership with Geotab to do it. In this episode of What's Treading, we speak with Josh Holland, Vice President of Network and Solutions Development at Bridgestone Americas, to discuss Bridgestoneâs new partnership with Geotab. This collaboration gives Bridgestone access to 4.5 million connected vehicles. The partnership allows them to gain insights into traffic patterns, vehicle behaviors, and road conditions.
Bridgestone Uses Geotab Data for Fleet Service Optimization
Josh explains how this partnership will help Bridgestone enhance its services: "Really what we're gaining is additional access to data and with the intent to really drive and enhance our fleet service strategy." Geotabâs data will help Bridgestone understand fleet dynamics, such as vehicle types and locations, while ensuring privacy. Bridgestone will use this data to refine its fleet care services, improve efficiency, and reduce downtime by better understanding fleet behavior.
How Enhanced Bridgestone Fleet Service Benefits Tire Dealers
Josh also dives into how tire dealers will benefit from the partnership. The data will optimize service provider operations and offer detailed information on fleet locations. This data will help improve decision-making regarding mobile service capabilities, staffing, and service location expansion. This means tire dealers will be able to provide more efficient and tailored services to their customers.
The Long-Term Impact of Data on Tire Development
But, what's the long-term impact of this data? Josh says the insights could ultimately help develop better tires and solutions for fleets. Find out how by watching the episode above.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com -
Nokian Tyres recently launched the Nokian Surpass AS01, an ultra-high-performance (UHP) all-season tire for high-horsepower sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles.
Steve Bourassa, Nokian Tyres North America Director of Products, joined us on the latest episode of What's Treading to discuss the tireâs improvements and standout features. This tire replaces the zLine A/S, which Nokian Tyres discontinued a few years ago.
This new tire fills a gap in the brandâs lineup, and Bourassa says it provides a balanced mix of performance, durability, and ride comfort for North American drivers.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com -
During the waning weeks of 2024, Hankook Tire invited Tire Review to Joliet, Illinois, just outside Chicago, to experience the Weatherflex GT. It's the company's newest all-weather tire offering. For this Hankook Weatherflex GT review, we took to the track at the Autobahn Country Club, taking several laps with professional racing instructors offering guidance.
Key Specifications of the Hankook Weatherflex GT All-Weather Tire
Before diving into performance, letâs review Hankook's Weatherflex GT specifications. The Weatherflex GT comes in 37 sizes, from 15 to 22 inches. Hankook backs it with a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty. It also has the three-peak mountain snowflake designation for handling snow and ice. Hankook says it designed the tread pattern to deliver excellent winter performance. High-density sipes in the grooves enhance traction in snow. The sipes in the center and shoulder blocks helps to improve performance on snowy roads. Wide lateral grooves channel water away efficiently, reducing hydroplaning.
Wet Weather Performance and Hydroplaning Mitigation
The zig-zagged grooves improve cornering grip by engaging the road at various angles. This design ensures drivers maintain control. The tire's â3D GripKontrol Sipesâ minimize block deformation. Better block stiffness leads to improved handling in wet and dry conditions, and we had the opportunity to experience this for ourselves on the track. Wide lateral grooves channel water away efficiently, reducing hydroplaning. This keeps the driver in control during rainy conditions.
Comfort Features Built Into the Hankook Weatherflex GT
To test the Weatherflex GT on the track, I drove two vehicles equipped with these tires: a 2025 Honda Accord and a 2025 Honda Pilot. The weather varied greatly during the test. A sunny, mild day turned overcast, windy, and drizzly. These conditions were perfect for testing this tire. The quiet ride stood out while reviewing this tire. Hankook says its engineers prioritized reducing road noise using strategically positioned tread blocks. The company optimized the block arrangement to minimize vibrations. Poorly positioned tread blocks generate unpleasant sounds, similar to clashing musical notes. Hankook harmonized these ânotesâ by varying block sizes and aligning them properly. This creates a quieter, more comfortable ride. The tire's â3D GripKontrol Sipesâ minimize block deformation.
Introducing the Hankook Weatherflex GT to the Lineup
Hankook organizes its tires into families. These include the Kinergy, Ventus, and iON lines. The Weatherflex GT introduces a new family line. Tire Review spoke with Rob Nasca, Hankookâs Product and Marketing Training Manager, about the decision to introduce a new line. He explained the vision for the Weatherflex GT. "Consumers are looking at the market as a whole, and we've noticed that the snow accumulations actually decreased," Nasca said. "It's still getting cold out there in the wintertime, but there isn't as much snow. So, we've [responded] by having an all-weather tire that's going to be like an all-season, but have that three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. It's also going to be more cost-saving, because now the consumer doesn't have to buy a summer and a winter tire."
Asymmetrical Tread Design
There is one key feature of the Weatherflex GT that deserves extra attention: Its asymmetrical tread pattern. This design differs from the tread pattern of the Kinergy 4S2 â another all-weather tire in Hankook's line-up. The asymmetrical pattern allows rotation between the driverâs and passengerâs sides. This prevents irregular wear. Rotating directional tires similarly could cause performance issues. Hankook says its engineers prioritized reducing road noise using strategically positioned tread blocks.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering Company: www.hunter.com -
What can tire industry history from 30 years ago tell us about today's trends? In this episode of What's Treading, Editor David Sickels takes a nostalgic look at the Tire Review 1995 issue. We explore '90s ads, timeless business advice, and emerging tire technologies that still resonate today. Ads in the Tire Review 1995 issue were all about showcasing bold, text-heavy designs and tire manufacturer-dealer partnerships. We also encounter a fair share of customer service and market trend articles, demonstrating how much of the 1995 business advice still applies. Whether youâre reminiscing about the tire business in the '90s or learning timeless fundamentals about the tire industry, this episode delivers on both fronts. Plus, we review some fantastic 1990s computing software that was used to show customers what a new set of wheels would look like on their vehicle. You might be familiar with it if you sold wheels around this time. Watch the video above to see what we thought was important three decades back, as well as a look at historic ads from Falken Tire, Maxxis, Mitsubishi, Jetzon Tire, Reliable Tire Co., Firestone, Mastercraft Tires, Keystone, Telstar, Raybestos, Galaxy Tire, Mopar, and Hankook Tire.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
Hunter Engineering: www.hunter.com -
We produce a lot of content on this show, and we know it can be hard to keep up. That's why we feel you deserve an easy-to-digest, condensed version of some of our favorite podcast moments this year. Enjoy thoughts, comments and predictions from the leadership at BKT, Continental, Hercules, Hankook Tire, Kumho Tire, Omni United, Ralson Tire, RNR Tire Express, Sailun Tire Americas, and ZC Rubber.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com -
Not every tire shop can claim that they attract âraving fans,â but at Best-One of Indy, itâs actually what theyâre known for. Itâs literally part of the company's mission statement â and honestly, the team just does a great job at it. You have to give this team credit: Itâs not easy making a âraving fanâ out of someone who just found out theyâre going to need to drop a few hundred dollars on tires. That's a big part of why Best-One of Indy has been named Tire Review's 2024 Top Shop.
But, if you stop digging into the shop's strengths there, you're doing yourself a big disservice.
To understand the inner workings of what makes this business tick â from attracting customers to hiring skilled technicians who want to stay on board for the long term, and how the business stays at the front of driversâ minds in the Indy area, I sat down with the leadership team here at Best-One to pick their brains.
Watch the video above to see us surprise the Best-One of Indy team with news that they have been named Tire Reviewâs 2024 Top Shop Winner.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com -
Between dealing with inventory, competition, or adapting to retailer and consumer needs, there's a lot for a tire wholesale distributors to deal with. Add proprietary tire brands to the mix, and that brings a whole other level to things, like figuring out how to adapt to market trends, creating value across multiple segments and marketing your brands to the right audience.
Todd Pickens, Turbo Wholesale Tires' chief commercial officer, says that Turbo is trying to adapt it's proprietary lines to meet the changing needs of consumers and retailers in an attempt to position itself in an already crowded market.
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Pickens takes us through Turbo's 'go-to-market' approach for growth, from its partnership with Double Coin to launch Rolling Big Power's commercial line, marketing that targets younger consumers, developing an EV-specific tire under its Lexani brand, and climbing up the Tire Tier ladder.
Tire Review: www.TireReview.com
AAPEX: www.AAPEXShow.com -
It shouldn't be news to anyone that the last-mile delivery segment is going absolutely bananas. Supercharged by the COVID-19 pandemic, online retail isn't slowing down; in fact, according to researchers at Statista, global retail e-commerce sales reached an estimated $5.8 trillion last year. Projections indicate a 39% growth in this figure over the coming years, with expectations to surpass $8 trillion by 2027.
To understand the effect this incomprehensible amount of dollars intends to have on the tire industry, we're sitting down with Marshall Gillespie, director of proprietary brand commercial merchandising at American Tire Distributors (ATD). Gillespie discusses emerging trends in the medium-duty truck tire market, the growing acceptance of value-oriented brands like Hercules Tires and the impact of economic conditions on purchasing decisions. He also shares how fleet owners and operators are more open to exploring new brands to achieve cost savings without sacrificing quality, a shift ATD is capitalizing on as the company expands its portfolio to meet this demand.
âWeâre really leaning into [last-mile delivery] in terms of our product portfolio, our ideas for new product development, and our stocking strategies,â he says.
Additionally, Gillespie touches on the return of market stability in 2024 after a challenging 2023 and forecasts modest growth for 2025, driven by increased utilization in Class 8 trucks.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com -
The off-roading tire segment has seen a lot of growth since the pandemic, and it's only going to get bigger in the coming years. According to SEMAâs 2023 Future Trends report, U.S. off-roading and oversized tires rake in around $2 billion annually, and the light-truck segment in the U.S. is estimated to account for close to 80% of all new-vehicle sales by 2027.
Sailun Tire Americas is hopping on the off-roading trend with its RoadX brand, recently releasing the RoadX RX Quest R/T tire. Made for trucks and SUVs â and including on- and off-road capabilities, the tire comes in over 40 sizes, a 45,000 mile warranty and even a 3PMS rating for severe winter certification.
In this episode of Whatâs Treading, Sailun had Tire Review out to Horseshoe Bay, Texas to test the off-roading capabilities of the RoadX RX Quest R/T. Sailun's manager of PLT in Canada, Dwayne Sawyer, gave us the inside scoop into the tire's development process and the rigorous testing Sailun does on this and all of its tires.
Tire Review: www.TireReview.com
AAPEX: www.AAPEXShow.com -
There's running a business, and then there's running a family business â and as it turns out, many running a tire business are in the latter. Building a company is difficult on its own, and adding family dynamics into the mix can throw a serious wrench into traditional notions of what qualifies as success in terms of leadership, expectations, value, accountability, legacy, and a whole lot more. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does bring its own set of challenges.
Of course, a business built upon family values comes with a host of huge positives as well, like a company culture strengthened by incredibly deep roots. At RNR Tire Express, those positives really shine, encapsulated by the relationship between Founder Larry Sutton and his son and CEO, Adam Sutton.
âWe have an instant baked-in trust that usually takes years to develop⊠when youâre working off the same set of core values, it makes it a lot easier,â Adam says.
In this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Larry and Adam take us through their respective entrepreneurial journeys, from Larry's early days in the rent-to-own industry to the founding of RNR Tire Express, which initially focused on custom wheels. The duo shares how they made the shift to concentrate on passenger tires, growing the business into a nationwide chain with 200 stores in 30 states, and gives an honest and insightful look at the dynamics of running a family business.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com -
All-weather tires are becoming a popular choice for drivers, particularly as colder weather approaches. According to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, there is a strong market opportunity within this segment, which saw 6.1 million replacement tires sold in 2023. This trend is not new to tire manufacturers like Goodyear, which is capitalizing on the demand with the release of its new Assurance WeatherReady 2 all-weather tire.
Recently launched in 58 sizes (with more to come) the tire offers a 60,000-mile tread life limited warranty. The WeatherReady 2 will eventually replace the original WeatherReady tire, introduced in 2017, as Goodyear plans to phase out the older model in most sizes.
In this episode of What's Treading, Goodyear provided Tire Review an opportunity to test the WeatherReady 2 firsthand, and Goodyearâs product marketing manager, Andrew Lau, provided insights into the attributes of the new tire.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com -
How big is the knowledge gap between you and your customers when it comes to the difference between all-season and all-weather tires in your region? When you consider all the aspects surrounding the tire sale â from driver demands to technological differences to price to simple vocabulary befuddlement â it's easy to understand why your customers are confused.
According to Chris Han, Senior Product and Channel Marketing Manager at Kumho Tire, one of the biggest points of confusion stems from the similarity in terminology, as many consumers assume "all-season" means the tire will perform in all weather conditions. "Many consumers think all-season actually means all-weather... but theyâre not necessarily meant for severe weather conditions," Han says.
On this episode of What's Treading with Tire Review, Han emphasizes the evolving landscape of tire technology and consumer preferences, and introduces the Kumho Solus 4S HA32 tire, which was originally launched as an all-weather product but has since been repositioned as a next-generation all-season tire. Han also shares insights into the trade-offs tire manufacturers must consider when developing these products and practical maintenance tips for tire dealers and consumers alike.
This episode is sponsored by Kumho Tire. -
Flying into Monterrey, Mexico, the first thing you'll notice is the serene & green mountain ranges all around you. After getting off the plane, the next thing you notice will be the restroom you just missed before joining the international customs line, as your brain hurriedly looks for another one. But we put that crisis behind us before joining employees from ZC Rubber for a special event.
Tire Review recently flew down to Mexico to witness the groundbreaking of ZC Rubber's third overseas manufacturing facilityâand to get to the site where the facility will be, we had to take a short drive to the nearby city of Saltillo, specifically stopping in the Alianza Industrial Park. Though it's mostly a field for now, soon it will be home to ZC's third international manufacturing facility, and at a size of 600,000 sq. m., this plant is going to be big. For the ceremony, ZC executives and local government officials took turns thanking one another for the opportunity, and celebrating what they expect to be a fruitful partnership, before digging in with gilded shovels.
ZC said this plant will be highly automated and follow the company's "future factory" model. The company said this automation increases speed, safety, consistency, and warehousing and shipping capabilities. Despite the advancements, ZC expects to employ about 2,000 locals at the plant when it's up and running. Speaking of, the timeline to get things running is short. The company expects the first tires to roll off the line by late 2025 or early 2026.
"Actually, I already got some orders," said Henry Shen, ZC Rubber's vice president and secretary of the board of directors. Shen sat down with Tire Review for an interview during our time in Mexico, to break down details of this new project. He said even before construction began, customers were showing interest. "I already got some orders when I flew from Shanghai to Los Angeles, and Los Angeles to here," Shen added. "People like Mexican products because there is a much shorter lead time and they can get tires within several days. The other very important reason for U.S. or Mexico customers this what they call a 'sustainable supply.' Thailand, Vietnam and China all have tariffs andy they travel a long distance. There's a lot of uncertainty there.â
The plant is expected to have a starting annual capacity of more than 13,000,000 passenger car tires and over 50,000 tons of off-the-road (OTR) tires, which Shen tells us will help supplement growing demand in the North American and Latin American markets.
"We studied a lot of places. This whole program started two years ago with people coming here to see different options,â he said.
In our interview, Shen also explains how ZC settled on Saltillo as the site to plant its flag, what goes into an automated facility like this, future plans the company has for this area and more.
Tire Review: www.tirereview.com
AAPEX: www.aapexshow.com -
Every year, members of the Ohio Tire & Automotive Association gather at the Country Club at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio for OTAA's annual golf outing. For the first time in three years, this yearâs outing had a full field with 128 golfers â which included members of OTAA from independent tire shops and dealerships, friends and family of those members, and media.
Watch the video for more insight from Wallick and Boyd on the event, including an explanation on the benefits of the annual OTAA golf outing, information on OTAA priority legislation and an inside look from our perspective at this years annual outing.
Tire Review: www.TireReview.com
AAPEX: www.AAPEXShow.com - Laat meer zien
