SEMA News—February 2013
EVENTS
By Mike Imlay
Tire Segment Shows Its Strength
2012 Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA Spotlights Latest Industry Trends at SEMA Show
For the third year in a row, the Tire Industry Association (TIA) allied with SEMA to present the Global Tire Expo (GTE)—Powered by TIA at the recent 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Designed as a freestanding tire industry “show within a show,” the GTE has proven to be an ongoing hit with attendees representing every sector of the tire industry, from automotive to commercial and from retreading to recycling.
The annual GTE saw a strong manufacturing presence, with the return of many of the industry’s top tire makers alongside a host of new and promising manufacturers and dealers. Covering more than 140,700 sq. ft. and featuring 245 exhibitors for 2012, GTE continued its huge draw for the wider SEMA audience seeking insights into this market segment’s latest trends.
As a 90-year-old trade association representing the tire industry both nationally and internationally, TIA further used this year’s GTE to spotlight several new initiatives aimed at improving the overall marketplace. Upon accepting his leadership position during TIA’s annual meeting on the eve of the SEMA Show, incoming president Randy Groh stated that his association will concentrate efforts on two important issues facing the tire industry: successful government affairs and effective training programs for tire technicians.
“I have seen just how important it is to have strong advocates protecting and promoting this industry,” said Groh. “The work that TIA does in government affairs needs everyone’s support and attention so that the bills that could have a damaging effect on businesses will not go unchallenged.”
TIA unanimously passed two resolutions for 2013 supporting the repeal of the estate tax and expressing complete opposition to a proposed credit card settlement in a class-action lawsuit currently facing VISA, MasterCard and their issuing banks. The association believes that the estate tax has an overwhelmingly harmful effect on small businesses. Meanwhile, it also recognizes that credit card fees represent the third-largest expense on its member businesses, after labor and rent, and seeks a more transparent credit card system that will better serve retailers and consumers alike.
On the educational front, Groh emphasized the importance for TIA to remain at the center of training programs.
“Automotive tires are highly engineered products that demand and require proper care during both mounting and use,” he said. “Every tire dealer should have its entire staff of technicians trained to ensure that its customers are getting the safest possible service.”
In addition, TIA chose the GTE as the venue to roll out its new tagline, “Tire Safety Starts Here,” as part of a massive effort to educate the public about proper tire maintenance. The tagline will work in conjunction with a series of sub-taglines ranging from “Tire Safety Starts With Proper Tire Repair” to “Tire Safety Starts With Rotation” to promote the concept among consumers. As part of this education initiative, TIA will also launch a series of quarterly videos based on the new messaging, making them accessible at no charge to retailers and the general public through the association’s website.
The Global Tire Expo expanded by 9% in 2012, with a significant increase in exhibitors, which bodes well for the tire industry as it moves into 2013. The following pages provide a look at Global Tire Expo products that were entered into Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase at the 2012 SEMA Show.
GLOBAL TIRE EXPO NEW PRODUCTS
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The Mobile Price Monitor allows the user to access real-time retail tire-pricing data from multiple retailers on a PC, tablet or mobile device. |
The TPMS Hub is a one-stop shop for TPMS information. Bartec USA says that the TPMS Hub has it all, including vehicle information, detailed sensor data, part number cross referencing, relearn procedures and exclusive service and repair info that only Bartec can deliver. The TPMS Hub is designed to work specifically with the Bartec range of TPMS tools. |
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Bartec says that it is taking TPMS diagnostics and service to the next level with the Tech5, an all-in-one TPMS tool. Like its predecessor, the Tech400SD, this is an |
As a result of our technical break-through, we have succeeded in developing a totally innovative printer that can materialize excellent printing images with a reasonable cost.
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Summits Hygronics N.A. Inc. Fully automatic PSA-type digital tire inflation system with touch-screen display and automatic vacuumizing. Suitable for cars, SUVs and trucks. |
TPMS test before you touch! The newest innovation from Bartec is the Tech200—an activation tool that tests the TPMS sensor for proper function and fitment. The Tech200 then sends the data wirelessly to the user’s PC or work station. An easy-to-read display also gives the user a quick reference to sensor status and tire pressure. |
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Tire Industry Association (TIA)
TIA says that this unparalleled resource |
RightPSI are tire caps that indicate tire pressure by turning orange when a tire’s pressure is low, black when it is correct and yellow if the tire is overfilled. A Popular Mechanic’s Editor’s Choice Award winner for design at the 2011 SEMA Show, RightPSI’s product launch is February 2013. Each cap acts as a gauge that the user fills through. Said to save money, gas and tires. |
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The reCore TPMS sensor saver system from Ken-Tool. Now, you can repair TPMS Sensors without even taking the tires off the vehicle. |
JOSN Electronic Co. says that this tire |
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JOSN Electronic Co. Ltd. TPMS for Smartphones The TYREDOG WTPMS (Wireless Tire Pressure Monitoring System)is a relatively new technology which has captured the focus of the industry because of its unique valve stem cap sensor design. |
ITM Autoparts OBDII add-on connection for ITM TPMS handheld devices. |
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Orange Electronic Co. Ltd. Orange Electronic adapts an innovative idea, combining a tire-pressure monitoring system with technology and security through the Apple iPhone or iPad as a platform. Applies to high-end luxury vehicles, most passenger vehicles and RV/SUVs, Tire Vitals also maintains an easy, single touch and perfect matching, the company says. |
Winner: Best New Tire and Related Product
Aggressive A/T performance with refined on-road manners. Putting the “All-Terrain” back into A/T tires, the New TAIGA A/T offers outstanding off-road capabilities while still delivering a commanding level of on-road traction, comfort and long life. |
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X Smart Tire Rack Accommodates four tires with mags/rims up to size 255/45/20. Weight capacity is 400 lbs. No assembly or tools required. Easy and simple to use. Lightweight and folds quickly for storage. U.S. patent 6591991; Canada patent 2355628. |
Pirelli Tire North America
The Cinturato P7 All-Season is the new all-season version of the Green Performance Cinturato P7 All-Season tire, bringing |
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Runner-Up: Best New Tire and Related Product
JM Nault Wheel Weights For all types of weights (lead, steel and zinc). One head for lead and zinc; one head for steel weights. Easy installation; faster; light; more precision; does not damage weights; does not damage rims. JM Nault says it’s the one and only in the market. |
Perfect Equipment Hofmann Power Weight Type 380 Colored Adhesive Wheel Weight Retail Pack
The new Hofmann Power Weight Type 380 is a premium zinc alloy adhesive wheel balance weight that is available in nine colors. For the first time ever, consumers have a chance to |
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Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels The Mickey Thompson Street Comp tire is an ultra-high-performance tire designed for the street. Providing incredible traction, crisp handling and high-speed cornering ability. Compounded for traction and responsive handling in both dry and wet conditions, the Street Comp is said to be the perfect tire for American musclecars. |
Revolution Supply/Oro-Tek TPMS Service Packs TPMS service packs. Oro-Tek's team has been engineering and manufacturing OE replacement sensors since 2006, virtually the beginning of TPMS. We have thoroughly validated all vehicle applications. |
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Perfect Equipment Adhesive wheel weights are increasing in popularity at the OEM and aftermarket levels, and Perfect Equipment says that no other solution is as efficient as the Steel QuikStik adhesive wheel weight on a roll. The Steel QuikStik allows technicians to balance with little to no waste—no cutting and no measuring. Just rip and stick. |
TPMS test before you touch! The newest innovation from Bartec is the Tech200—an activation tool that tests the TPMS sensor for proper function and fitment. The Tech200 then sends the data wirelessly to the user’s PC or work station. An easy-to-read display also gives the user a quick reference to sensor status and tire pressure. |
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Perfect Equipment As lead-based wheel-weight regulation continues to grow, Perfect Equipment says that its zinc wheel weights are the perfect non-lead solution for wheel balancing. Featuring an OEM-approved clip and coating, this product is said to be a premium alternative. |
Perfect Equipment Hofmann Power Weight Type 380 Colored Adhesive Wheel Weight 800-251-1566 www.perfectequipment.com PN: H380 The new Hofmann Power Weight Type 380 is a premium zinc alloy adhesive wheel balance weight that is available in nine colors. As wheels get larger and painted wheel calipers increase in popularity, add a matching colored adhesive. When every detail has to be perfect, make sure your wheel weight is as well. |
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Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. Mastercraft Courser AXT 419-423-1321 The Mastercraft Courser AXT sports a progressive all-terrain design that provides balanced all-season capabilities, confident highway performance and aggressive off-road traction. The New Courser AXT—trusted performance in all seasons and on any terrain. |
Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels The Baja ATZ P3 has a unique hybrid design between an all-terrain and mud terrain to give users the grip they need for their weekend adventures and the smooth ride to get them down the road in comfort. Features an extra-wide footprint and beefy tread blocks for great all-around traction. Select sizes have PowerPly three-ply sidewalls. |
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Now users can get Mickey Thompson wheels in steel. Featuring a flat-black powdercoat finish, each wheel includes the Mickey Thompson tattoo stamped into the wheel face. |
Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels With its unique hybrid design between an all-terrain and mud terrain, the Fun Country has proven to be a real any-terrain radial. Available in a wide selection of traditional and specialty light-truck sizes for almost any on- or off-road application. |
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Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels Now users can get Mickey Thompson wheels in steel. Featuring a flat-black powdercoat finish, each wheel includes the Mickey Thompson tattoo stamped into the wheel face. The Mickey Metal series offers a special application for trailers and toy haulers, plus exclusive 17x9 fitments designed for late-model trucks with larger brakes. |
The Classic III features a highly polished finish with matching polished hand holes. The M/T stamp of quality and a limited lifetime warranty give added value to this popular truck wheel. |
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Continental Tire the Americas Continental says that its PureContact is a skillful balance of luxury and all-season performance. Designed for long wear, a comfortable ride and best-in-class wet braking, this tire provides a 70,000-mile limited tread-wear warranty and a 60-day free trial. |
Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels SC-5 Wheel The new Mickey Thompson SC-5 wheel was designed to perfectly complement the all-new Mickey Thompson Street Comp UHP tire. Match SC-5 wheels with Street Comp UHP tires for a winning combination. |
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Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels The Torque Gun Metal really stands out from the crowd with its new gunmetal finish, machined accents and tough, glossy clear coat. Designed for newer trucks and SUVs that require higher offsets or additional brake caliper clearance, this wheel is said to be the perfect choice for truck owners who want to combine style with usability on- or off-road. |
Digital gauge accuracy ±1% full scale or ± 1.5 psi. With user-friendly displays, these gauges make it effortless to read the accuracy we provide in reading anywhere from 5-120 psi on a variety of products. Along with the gauges, check out our air chucks to help make checking your tire pressure easy and efficient |
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Mickey Thompson Performance The Classic III Black features a satin-black finish and protective clear coat. The M/T stamp of quality and a limited lifetime warranty give added value to this popular truck wheel. |
Atturo introduces the Trail Blade Mud Terrain tire. Designed in coordination with Mantis Knife, Trail Blade brings cutting-edge style |
Tire Intelligence LLCMobile Price Monitor704-360-5176
Bartec USA
Bartec USA 
LAC Corp. 
Bartec USA 
RightPSI Inc. 
Ken-Tool 
JOSN Electronic Co. Ltd. Windshield Display TPMS 886-299-93-820 
ITM Autoparts 
Vee Rubber 
Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels M/T Metal Series MT-88 
Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels 
BlackJack Tire Repair 
Atturo Tire
