With tire manufacturers and buyers gathered in Las Vegas, tire publications joined the event to report on new products and industry innovations. These publications are a must-read for those in the tire market, with comprehensive coverage before, during and after the SEMA Show. Take a look below, then add these titles to your list of favorite reading.

 

Tire Business With a biweekly print publication and regular updates on its website, Tire Business offers timely news for the tire industry. The magazine did a great job of preparing readers for the SEMA Show in advance, and it did an equally great job of recapping all the important news and announcements afterward.
Modern Tire Dealer The printed monthly Modern Tire Dealer is a must-read for tire dealers, but equally important is the timely news and information posted on the magazine’s website: www.moderntiredealer.com. Find out what’s happening with tire manufacturers, updates on legislation and, of course, news about the SEMA Show.
Tire Review Another key trade publication, Tire Review, is filled with news from tire manufacturers, tire organizations and the SEMA Show. The magazine regularly includes articles that feature tips and strategies to improve business.

FROM THE HILL

Taking part in the Congressional District Site Visit Program call at RTM Productions in Franklin, Tennessee, were (from left) Donnie Eatherly, president of P&E Distributors; Cara Dalmolin and Mike Knotts from the office of Rep. Marsha Blackburn; Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); Joe St. Lawrence, president of RTM Productions; Patty Bledsoe St. Lawrence, COO of RTM Productions; Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company Advertising; and Jim Cozzie, former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors and executive vice president of RTM Productions.

SEMA-member RTM Productions welcomed Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for a behind-the-scenes tour and legislative briefing at its headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee. Established in 1989, RTM produces automotive, outdoor and entertainment programming for television, including the acclaimed PowerBlockTV series. In 2006, RTM consolidated its three locations and moved into a state-of-the-art, 50,000-sq.-ft. facility. The production technical center features six full production studios and five editing suites along with the company’s business offices.

Rep. Blackburn was first elected to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in 2002 and is now serving her fifth term in Congress. She owns a small-business marketing company and, before coming to Washington, was active in state and local politics. She served in the Tennessee State Senate from 1998–2002, where she led a grassroots campaign to defeat a proposed state income tax.

Rep. Blackburn has been a strong advocate for small businesses in Congress, serving on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. She is the Republican Deputy Whip, an important position for coordinating party positions and votes in the House. Rep. Blackburn is also a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

At RTM Productions, Rep. Blackburn was greeted by Chief Operating Officer Patty Bledsoe St. Lawrence and President Joe St. Lawrence as well as Executive Vice President and former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors Jim Cozzie. Joining the tour were SEMA Board members and constituents Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company Advertising, and Donnie Eatherly, president of P&E Distributors. Based in Nashville, Martin & Company specializes in public relations and marketing strategies for the automotive aftermarket. P&E Distributors is a premier automotive wholesale distribution center in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

	Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) was first elected to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in 2002 and is now serving her fifth term in Congress as Republican Deputy Whip. She owns a small business marketing company and is also a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

The RTM tour featured visits to the PowerblockTV studios and production facilities, including the stage sets for RTM shows “Xtreme 4x4,” “Trucks!,” “HorsePower” and “MuscleCar.” Following the tour, Blackburn led a discussion regarding critical issues in Washington, including how to make health care more affordable for small-business owners and increasing access to credit to spur economic growth.

“Small businesses are the engines of our economy, and they will drive our recovery,” Rep. Blackburn said. “As we get to work in Washington creating the environment for jobs growth, it is vital that I stay in touch with the job creators in Tennessee. This visit gave me a wonderful perspective on RTM’s challenges as well as its incredible potential.”

Cozzie congratulated Rep. Blackburn on her leadership in the new Congress and wished her the best of luck for a productive year.

“We appreciate Representative Blackburn’s hands-on approach to constituent service here in her district, especially her fight against increased health care premiums for business owners,” Cozzie said. “Having the opportunity to showcase RTM’s production facilities and discuss local issues with our lawmakers through SEMA’s Congressional District Site Visit Program is invaluable.”

The Congressional District Site Visit Program is overseen by SEMA’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C. The program allows SEMA members to raise the visibility of the industry on Capitol Hill by connecting lawmakers with their constituents in their home districts. The RTM event was Blackburn’s second program visit. In 2003, she toured the Hypertech Inc. headquarters and met with local constituents.

Any company interested in hosting an event at its facilities with its federal elected officials may contact Congressional Affairs Manager Dan Sadowski via e-mail or by calling 202/783-6007 x19.

FROM THE HILL

Taking part in the Congressional District Site Visit Program call at RTM Productions in Franklin, Tennessee, were (from left) Donnie Eatherly, president of P&E Distributors; Cara Dalmolin and Mike Knotts from the office of Rep. Marsha Blackburn; Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); Joe St. Lawrence, president of RTM Productions; Patty Bledsoe St. Lawrence, COO of RTM Productions; Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company Advertising; and Jim Cozzie, former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors and executive vice president of RTM Productions.

SEMA-member RTM Productions welcomed Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for a behind-the-scenes tour and legislative briefing at its headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee. Established in 1989, RTM produces automotive, outdoor and entertainment programming for television, including the acclaimed PowerBlockTV series. In 2006, RTM consolidated its three locations and moved into a state-of-the-art, 50,000-sq.-ft. facility. The production technical center features six full production studios and five editing suites along with the company’s business offices.

Rep. Blackburn was first elected to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in 2002 and is now serving her fifth term in Congress. She owns a small-business marketing company and, before coming to Washington, was active in state and local politics. She served in the Tennessee State Senate from 1998–2002, where she led a grassroots campaign to defeat a proposed state income tax.

Rep. Blackburn has been a strong advocate for small businesses in Congress, serving on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. She is the Republican Deputy Whip, an important position for coordinating party positions and votes in the House. Rep. Blackburn is also a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

At RTM Productions, Rep. Blackburn was greeted by Chief Operating Officer Patty Bledsoe St. Lawrence and President Joe St. Lawrence as well as Executive Vice President and former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors Jim Cozzie. Joining the tour were SEMA Board members and constituents Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company Advertising, and Donnie Eatherly, president of P&E Distributors. Based in Nashville, Martin & Company specializes in public relations and marketing strategies for the automotive aftermarket. P&E Distributors is a premier automotive wholesale distribution center in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

	Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) was first elected to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in 2002 and is now serving her fifth term in Congress as Republican Deputy Whip. She owns a small business marketing company and is also a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

The RTM tour featured visits to the PowerblockTV studios and production facilities, including the stage sets for RTM shows “Xtreme 4x4,” “Trucks!,” “HorsePower” and “MuscleCar.” Following the tour, Blackburn led a discussion regarding critical issues in Washington, including how to make health care more affordable for small-business owners and increasing access to credit to spur economic growth.

“Small businesses are the engines of our economy, and they will drive our recovery,” Rep. Blackburn said. “As we get to work in Washington creating the environment for jobs growth, it is vital that I stay in touch with the job creators in Tennessee. This visit gave me a wonderful perspective on RTM’s challenges as well as its incredible potential.”

Cozzie congratulated Rep. Blackburn on her leadership in the new Congress and wished her the best of luck for a productive year.

“We appreciate Representative Blackburn’s hands-on approach to constituent service here in her district, especially her fight against increased health care premiums for business owners,” Cozzie said. “Having the opportunity to showcase RTM’s production facilities and discuss local issues with our lawmakers through SEMA’s Congressional District Site Visit Program is invaluable.”

The Congressional District Site Visit Program is overseen by SEMA’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C. The program allows SEMA members to raise the visibility of the industry on Capitol Hill by connecting lawmakers with their constituents in their home districts. The RTM event was Blackburn’s second program visit. In 2003, she toured the Hypertech Inc. headquarters and met with local constituents.

Any company interested in hosting an event at its facilities with its federal elected officials may contact Congressional Affairs Manager Dan Sadowski via e-mail or by calling 202/783-6007 x19.

FROM THE HILL

Taking part in the Congressional District Site Visit Program call at RTM Productions in Franklin, Tennessee, were (from left) Donnie Eatherly, president of P&E Distributors; Cara Dalmolin and Mike Knotts from the office of Rep. Marsha Blackburn; Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); Joe St. Lawrence, president of RTM Productions; Patty Bledsoe St. Lawrence, COO of RTM Productions; Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company Advertising; and Jim Cozzie, former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors and executive vice president of RTM Productions.

SEMA-member RTM Productions welcomed Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for a behind-the-scenes tour and legislative briefing at its headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee. Established in 1989, RTM produces automotive, outdoor and entertainment programming for television, including the acclaimed PowerBlockTV series. In 2006, RTM consolidated its three locations and moved into a state-of-the-art, 50,000-sq.-ft. facility. The production technical center features six full production studios and five editing suites along with the company’s business offices.

Rep. Blackburn was first elected to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in 2002 and is now serving her fifth term in Congress. She owns a small-business marketing company and, before coming to Washington, was active in state and local politics. She served in the Tennessee State Senate from 1998–2002, where she led a grassroots campaign to defeat a proposed state income tax.

Rep. Blackburn has been a strong advocate for small businesses in Congress, serving on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. She is the Republican Deputy Whip, an important position for coordinating party positions and votes in the House. Rep. Blackburn is also a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

At RTM Productions, Rep. Blackburn was greeted by Chief Operating Officer Patty Bledsoe St. Lawrence and President Joe St. Lawrence as well as Executive Vice President and former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors Jim Cozzie. Joining the tour were SEMA Board members and constituents Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company Advertising, and Donnie Eatherly, president of P&E Distributors. Based in Nashville, Martin & Company specializes in public relations and marketing strategies for the automotive aftermarket. P&E Distributors is a premier automotive wholesale distribution center in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

	Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) was first elected to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in 2002 and is now serving her fifth term in Congress as Republican Deputy Whip. She owns a small business marketing company and is also a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

The RTM tour featured visits to the PowerblockTV studios and production facilities, including the stage sets for RTM shows “Xtreme 4x4,” “Trucks!,” “HorsePower” and “MuscleCar.” Following the tour, Blackburn led a discussion regarding critical issues in Washington, including how to make health care more affordable for small-business owners and increasing access to credit to spur economic growth.

“Small businesses are the engines of our economy, and they will drive our recovery,” Rep. Blackburn said. “As we get to work in Washington creating the environment for jobs growth, it is vital that I stay in touch with the job creators in Tennessee. This visit gave me a wonderful perspective on RTM’s challenges as well as its incredible potential.”

Cozzie congratulated Rep. Blackburn on her leadership in the new Congress and wished her the best of luck for a productive year.

“We appreciate Representative Blackburn’s hands-on approach to constituent service here in her district, especially her fight against increased health care premiums for business owners,” Cozzie said. “Having the opportunity to showcase RTM’s production facilities and discuss local issues with our lawmakers through SEMA’s Congressional District Site Visit Program is invaluable.”

The Congressional District Site Visit Program is overseen by SEMA’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C. The program allows SEMA members to raise the visibility of the industry on Capitol Hill by connecting lawmakers with their constituents in their home districts. The RTM event was Blackburn’s second program visit. In 2003, she toured the Hypertech Inc. headquarters and met with local constituents.

Any company interested in hosting an event at its facilities with its federal elected officials may contact Congressional Affairs Manager Dan Sadowski via e-mail or by calling 202/783-6007 x19.

FROM THE HILL

Taking part in the Congressional District Site Visit Program call at RTM Productions in Franklin, Tennessee, were (from left) Donnie Eatherly, president of P&E Distributors; Cara Dalmolin and Mike Knotts from the office of Rep. Marsha Blackburn; Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); Joe St. Lawrence, president of RTM Productions; Patty Bledsoe St. Lawrence, COO of RTM Productions; Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company Advertising; and Jim Cozzie, former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors and executive vice president of RTM Productions.

SEMA-member RTM Productions welcomed Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for a behind-the-scenes tour and legislative briefing at its headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee. Established in 1989, RTM produces automotive, outdoor and entertainment programming for television, including the acclaimed PowerBlockTV series. In 2006, RTM consolidated its three locations and moved into a state-of-the-art, 50,000-sq.-ft. facility. The production technical center features six full production studios and five editing suites along with the company’s business offices.

Rep. Blackburn was first elected to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in 2002 and is now serving her fifth term in Congress. She owns a small-business marketing company and, before coming to Washington, was active in state and local politics. She served in the Tennessee State Senate from 1998–2002, where she led a grassroots campaign to defeat a proposed state income tax.

Rep. Blackburn has been a strong advocate for small businesses in Congress, serving on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. She is the Republican Deputy Whip, an important position for coordinating party positions and votes in the House. Rep. Blackburn is also a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

At RTM Productions, Rep. Blackburn was greeted by Chief Operating Officer Patty Bledsoe St. Lawrence and President Joe St. Lawrence as well as Executive Vice President and former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors Jim Cozzie. Joining the tour were SEMA Board members and constituents Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company Advertising, and Donnie Eatherly, president of P&E Distributors. Based in Nashville, Martin & Company specializes in public relations and marketing strategies for the automotive aftermarket. P&E Distributors is a premier automotive wholesale distribution center in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

	Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) was first elected to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in 2002 and is now serving her fifth term in Congress as Republican Deputy Whip. She owns a small business marketing company and is also a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

The RTM tour featured visits to the PowerblockTV studios and production facilities, including the stage sets for RTM shows “Xtreme 4x4,” “Trucks!,” “HorsePower” and “MuscleCar.” Following the tour, Blackburn led a discussion regarding critical issues in Washington, including how to make health care more affordable for small-business owners and increasing access to credit to spur economic growth.

“Small businesses are the engines of our economy, and they will drive our recovery,” Rep. Blackburn said. “As we get to work in Washington creating the environment for jobs growth, it is vital that I stay in touch with the job creators in Tennessee. This visit gave me a wonderful perspective on RTM’s challenges as well as its incredible potential.”

Cozzie congratulated Rep. Blackburn on her leadership in the new Congress and wished her the best of luck for a productive year.

“We appreciate Representative Blackburn’s hands-on approach to constituent service here in her district, especially her fight against increased health care premiums for business owners,” Cozzie said. “Having the opportunity to showcase RTM’s production facilities and discuss local issues with our lawmakers through SEMA’s Congressional District Site Visit Program is invaluable.”

The Congressional District Site Visit Program is overseen by SEMA’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C. The program allows SEMA members to raise the visibility of the industry on Capitol Hill by connecting lawmakers with their constituents in their home districts. The RTM event was Blackburn’s second program visit. In 2003, she toured the Hypertech Inc. headquarters and met with local constituents.

Any company interested in hosting an event at its facilities with its federal elected officials may contact Congressional Affairs Manager Dan Sadowski via e-mail or by calling 202/783-6007 x19.

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

 

When It Hits: Audi has not announced an official U.S. release, but Priddy expects that to change in the next several months.

What Priddy Says: With amber side markers, space for a U.S.-sized license plate and a speedometer in mph, this high-riding Allroad looks ready for U.S. roads.

 

When It Hits: Watch for the Chrysler 200 convertible to hit dealer lots in the summer of 2011.

What Priddy Says: Sporting a traditional soft-top and two fewer doors, the 200 convertible will feature a 2.4L four-cylinder or the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The latest word on transmissions is that a six-speed dual clutch will join the lineup on the upper-end models.

 

When It Hits: Production was scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2012, and that start date was bumped up to Q4 2011. Rumors now circulate of a possible summer 2011 start date.

What Priddy Says: The Malibu will ride on the same short-wheelbase version of the Epsilon II chassis found on the ’11 Buick Regal. Reports indicate an all-four-cylinder lineup, with either the 2.4L SIDI four-cylinder or the 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder. A hybrid version will also be available.

 

When It Hits: No word on an official release yet for the ’12 Hyundai Genesis.

What Priddy Says: While the ’12 Genesis will carry slight updates—a new lower front fascia, brighter exhaust tips and new trim pieces in front and rear—the big news is the all-new 5.0 V8. Hyundai anticipates its naturally aspirated engine to yield better acceleration and a 2% increase in fuel economy.

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

 

When It Hits: Audi has not announced an official U.S. release, but Priddy expects that to change in the next several months.

What Priddy Says: With amber side markers, space for a U.S.-sized license plate and a speedometer in mph, this high-riding Allroad looks ready for U.S. roads.

 

When It Hits: Watch for the Chrysler 200 convertible to hit dealer lots in the summer of 2011.

What Priddy Says: Sporting a traditional soft-top and two fewer doors, the 200 convertible will feature a 2.4L four-cylinder or the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The latest word on transmissions is that a six-speed dual clutch will join the lineup on the upper-end models.

 

When It Hits: Production was scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2012, and that start date was bumped up to Q4 2011. Rumors now circulate of a possible summer 2011 start date.

What Priddy Says: The Malibu will ride on the same short-wheelbase version of the Epsilon II chassis found on the ’11 Buick Regal. Reports indicate an all-four-cylinder lineup, with either the 2.4L SIDI four-cylinder or the 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder. A hybrid version will also be available.

 

When It Hits: No word on an official release yet for the ’12 Hyundai Genesis.

What Priddy Says: While the ’12 Genesis will carry slight updates—a new lower front fascia, brighter exhaust tips and new trim pieces in front and rear—the big news is the all-new 5.0 V8. Hyundai anticipates its naturally aspirated engine to yield better acceleration and a 2% increase in fuel economy.

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

 

When It Hits: Audi has not announced an official U.S. release, but Priddy expects that to change in the next several months.

What Priddy Says: With amber side markers, space for a U.S.-sized license plate and a speedometer in mph, this high-riding Allroad looks ready for U.S. roads.

 

When It Hits: Watch for the Chrysler 200 convertible to hit dealer lots in the summer of 2011.

What Priddy Says: Sporting a traditional soft-top and two fewer doors, the 200 convertible will feature a 2.4L four-cylinder or the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The latest word on transmissions is that a six-speed dual clutch will join the lineup on the upper-end models.

 

When It Hits: Production was scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2012, and that start date was bumped up to Q4 2011. Rumors now circulate of a possible summer 2011 start date.

What Priddy Says: The Malibu will ride on the same short-wheelbase version of the Epsilon II chassis found on the ’11 Buick Regal. Reports indicate an all-four-cylinder lineup, with either the 2.4L SIDI four-cylinder or the 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder. A hybrid version will also be available.

 

When It Hits: No word on an official release yet for the ’12 Hyundai Genesis.

What Priddy Says: While the ’12 Genesis will carry slight updates—a new lower front fascia, brighter exhaust tips and new trim pieces in front and rear—the big news is the all-new 5.0 V8. Hyundai anticipates its naturally aspirated engine to yield better acceleration and a 2% increase in fuel economy.

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

 

When It Hits: Audi has not announced an official U.S. release, but Priddy expects that to change in the next several months.

What Priddy Says: With amber side markers, space for a U.S.-sized license plate and a speedometer in mph, this high-riding Allroad looks ready for U.S. roads.

 

When It Hits: Watch for the Chrysler 200 convertible to hit dealer lots in the summer of 2011.

What Priddy Says: Sporting a traditional soft-top and two fewer doors, the 200 convertible will feature a 2.4L four-cylinder or the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The latest word on transmissions is that a six-speed dual clutch will join the lineup on the upper-end models.

 

When It Hits: Production was scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2012, and that start date was bumped up to Q4 2011. Rumors now circulate of a possible summer 2011 start date.

What Priddy Says: The Malibu will ride on the same short-wheelbase version of the Epsilon II chassis found on the ’11 Buick Regal. Reports indicate an all-four-cylinder lineup, with either the 2.4L SIDI four-cylinder or the 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder. A hybrid version will also be available.

 

When It Hits: No word on an official release yet for the ’12 Hyundai Genesis.

What Priddy Says: While the ’12 Genesis will carry slight updates—a new lower front fascia, brighter exhaust tips and new trim pieces in front and rear—the big news is the all-new 5.0 V8. Hyundai anticipates its naturally aspirated engine to yield better acceleration and a 2% increase in fuel economy.

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

 

When It Hits: Audi has not announced an official U.S. release, but Priddy expects that to change in the next several months.

What Priddy Says: With amber side markers, space for a U.S.-sized license plate and a speedometer in mph, this high-riding Allroad looks ready for U.S. roads.

 

When It Hits: Watch for the Chrysler 200 convertible to hit dealer lots in the summer of 2011.

What Priddy Says: Sporting a traditional soft-top and two fewer doors, the 200 convertible will feature a 2.4L four-cylinder or the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The latest word on transmissions is that a six-speed dual clutch will join the lineup on the upper-end models.

 

When It Hits: Production was scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2012, and that start date was bumped up to Q4 2011. Rumors now circulate of a possible summer 2011 start date.

What Priddy Says: The Malibu will ride on the same short-wheelbase version of the Epsilon II chassis found on the ’11 Buick Regal. Reports indicate an all-four-cylinder lineup, with either the 2.4L SIDI four-cylinder or the 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder. A hybrid version will also be available.

 

When It Hits: No word on an official release yet for the ’12 Hyundai Genesis.

What Priddy Says: While the ’12 Genesis will carry slight updates—a new lower front fascia, brighter exhaust tips and new trim pieces in front and rear—the big news is the all-new 5.0 V8. Hyundai anticipates its naturally aspirated engine to yield better acceleration and a 2% increase in fuel economy.