AKRON ? In the year since it launched the suite of Complete Tire Management tools for commercial fleets, Goodyear is claiming its technicians have…
Source: The TPMS Forum
Author: Admin
ATEQ launches detailed updates to Live Sensor platform
LIVONIA, Mich. ? Tire pressure monitoring systems provider ATEQ TPMS Tools L.C. has launched detailed updates for its Live Sensor platform for ATEQ tool users and sensor partners.
Since its launch in November of last year, ATEQ said it has had more than 100 updates in four regions, including 31 in North America. Each software update provides sensor and vehicle coverage to every ATEQ tool on the market.
Previously, tool users would receive updates in four large releases per year. That has changed.
Federico Fava, ATEQ’s European TPMS project specialist, said tool users no longer have to wait for new updates.
"The most completed aftermarket sensor coverage is also updated and uploaded to the tool in real-time," he said.
Renan Ludscher, ATEQ’s database manager, said with Live Sensor, ATEQ can implement new vehicle coverage almost every day. "Our cloud-based system is able to add and improve coverage whether it’s new OEM models or boosting the programmable coverage that will get these vehicles out the door faster."
Mr. Ludscher said ATEQ still plans to release quarterly updates to improve functionality and add new features, "but no one will have to wait for vehicle coverage anymore."
Since its launch in November of last year, ATEQ said it has had more than 100 updates in four regions, including 31 in North America. Each software update provides sensor and vehicle coverage to every ATEQ tool on the market.
Previously, tool users would receive updates in four large releases per year. That has changed.
Federico Fava, ATEQ’s European TPMS project specialist, said tool users no longer have to wait for new updates.
"The most completed aftermarket sensor coverage is also updated and uploaded to the tool in real-time," he said.
Renan Ludscher, ATEQ’s database manager, said with Live Sensor, ATEQ can implement new vehicle coverage almost every day. "Our cloud-based system is able to add and improve coverage whether it’s new OEM models or boosting the programmable coverage that will get these vehicles out the door faster."
Mr. Ludscher said ATEQ still plans to release quarterly updates to improve functionality and add new features, "but no one will have to wait for vehicle coverage anymore."
Source: The TPMS Forum
Goodyear joins connected mobility pilot program in Ohio
DUBLIN, Ohio ? Goodyear is teaming up with a Dublin-based logistics provider and the city of Dublin on a pilot program that will test connected vehicle technology under real-world conditions.
The partnership will "experiment in the areas of tire intelligence and cloud-based logistics, among others, within an innovation region located in and around Columbus, Ohio, known as the Beta District," Goodyear said.
"With the potential to share and enhance data on connected mobility, these experiments could lead to new products and solutions that will benefit trucking fleets, consumers and cities in the future."
Goodyear’s corporate partner in the initiative is Ease Logistics Services L.L.C. of Dublin, a "multi-operational supply chain and transportation solution provider revolutionizing the customer experience."
Initial tests in the pilot include installing Goodyear TPMS Plus systems on eight Ease Logistics vehicles traveling throughout the Beta District outside of Columbus, a location for testing connected vehicle technology.
The Goodyear TPMS Plus systems will monitor tire conditions such as pressure and temperature in real time, which Goodyear said can improve vehicle safety and handling. EASE Logistics then can use the data to make maintenance and routing decisions that could improve traffic flow in the area, the partners said.
"Goodyear has a longstanding reputation for innovation and plays a leading role in global initiatives to advance mobility," Johnny McIntosh, director of integrated solutions and tire management at Goodyear, said.
"We continuously look for opportunities to collaborate with like-minded groups, such as Ease Logistics and the city of Dublin, to test and learn with the ultimate goal of discovering new mobility solutions."
The Beta District ? located northwest of Columbus between Dublin and Marysville, Ohio, that encompasses a 35-mile stretch of U.S. Route 33 and adjoining lands ? is a designated area where companies work collaboratively with nonprofits, academia and government entities to launch, test and evolve new technology in real-world settings, according to Doug McCollough, chief information officer for the city of Dublin.
Dublin got on board with the pilot because of its work to be among the most connected communities in the U.S., the parties said. In addition, Ease Logistics officials said their company shares common values regarding safety, sustainability and service with the Akron tire maker.
Goodyear over the past few years has made strides on the mobility front with several partnerships as it tries to position itself as a leader in tire technology that complements electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles and connected vehicles.
Among recent developments are investments in TuSimple Inc., a San Diego-based technology company focused on making it possible for heavy-duty trucks to operate autonomously, and Starship Technologies, an autonomous delivery company.
The partnership will "experiment in the areas of tire intelligence and cloud-based logistics, among others, within an innovation region located in and around Columbus, Ohio, known as the Beta District," Goodyear said.
"With the potential to share and enhance data on connected mobility, these experiments could lead to new products and solutions that will benefit trucking fleets, consumers and cities in the future."
Goodyear’s corporate partner in the initiative is Ease Logistics Services L.L.C. of Dublin, a "multi-operational supply chain and transportation solution provider revolutionizing the customer experience."
Initial tests in the pilot include installing Goodyear TPMS Plus systems on eight Ease Logistics vehicles traveling throughout the Beta District outside of Columbus, a location for testing connected vehicle technology.
The Goodyear TPMS Plus systems will monitor tire conditions such as pressure and temperature in real time, which Goodyear said can improve vehicle safety and handling. EASE Logistics then can use the data to make maintenance and routing decisions that could improve traffic flow in the area, the partners said.
"Goodyear has a longstanding reputation for innovation and plays a leading role in global initiatives to advance mobility," Johnny McIntosh, director of integrated solutions and tire management at Goodyear, said.
"We continuously look for opportunities to collaborate with like-minded groups, such as Ease Logistics and the city of Dublin, to test and learn with the ultimate goal of discovering new mobility solutions."
The Beta District ? located northwest of Columbus between Dublin and Marysville, Ohio, that encompasses a 35-mile stretch of U.S. Route 33 and adjoining lands ? is a designated area where companies work collaboratively with nonprofits, academia and government entities to launch, test and evolve new technology in real-world settings, according to Doug McCollough, chief information officer for the city of Dublin.
Dublin got on board with the pilot because of its work to be among the most connected communities in the U.S., the parties said. In addition, Ease Logistics officials said their company shares common values regarding safety, sustainability and service with the Akron tire maker.
Goodyear over the past few years has made strides on the mobility front with several partnerships as it tries to position itself as a leader in tire technology that complements electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles and connected vehicles.
Among recent developments are investments in TuSimple Inc., a San Diego-based technology company focused on making it possible for heavy-duty trucks to operate autonomously, and Starship Technologies, an autonomous delivery company.
Source: The TPMS Forum
Wireless auto data debate continues
WASHINGTON — To the uninitiated, "telematics" might seem like a word uttered in a science fiction movie, but vehicle telematics — or wireless data — are expected to be front and center in 2021 in an ongoing battle to control access to automotive repair information.
As vehicles become more sophisticated, so too does their ability to report information seamlessly and wirelessly to help identify what needs attention.
There’s a battle shaping up pitting the independent repair trade against vehicle manufacturers regarding who controls the data generated by telematics. Without access to this information, independent shops fear they could lose business, according to trade groups representing the sector.
The emerging technology is being adopted in more and more new vehicles that eventually will need service.
Current-generation vehicles are equipped with an on-board diagnostic (OBD) port that allows anyone with the proper scanner to plug in and display basic repair codes that indicate what is wrong. The wireless data approach is much more sophisticated, but also has become a legal battleground.
Wireless data collection already is part of many vehicles that now hit independent repair shops — but on a limited basis. Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are a good example of how wireless technology is commonplace in today’s vehicles. The expectation is that vehicle data systems will continue to evolve to embrace the technology. The fear of independent repair shops is being shut out of that data.
Robert Redding, Washington D.C. representative for the Automotive Service Association (ASA), said he expects the topic to be dominant in 2021. The ASA represents independent repair shops.
"The big item, which has sucked the air out of the room, is vehicle data access," Mr. Redding said.
Vehicle data access has been discussed frequently on Capitol Hill over time, but in more of a tangential matter as it relates to other issues such as rules regarding autonomous vehicles and privacy, for example.
But a win for the independent trade in Massachusetts during the November election is expected to heat up the issue across the country.
Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot question that ensures vehicle owners have access to data their vehicles generate instead of being restricted to the vehicle manufacturers and/or their affiliated dealers. This measure will allow car owners to determine whom they want to have access to their vehicles’ data for repair.
The issue is seen as a battle for both sides, so much so that both sides spent tens of millions of dollars trying to influence Massachusetts voters before the election.
Now that the measure has passed, the Alliance of Automotive Innovators (AAI), a group that represents virtually all U.S. vehicle manufacturers, has filed action in federal court to blunt the results. Where that effort goes remains to be seen.
The AAI claims auto makers could face "impossible compliance obstacles," and the new law "makes personal driving data available to third parties with no safeguards to protect core vehicle functions and consumers’ private information or physical safety," reported Automotive News, a sister publication to Tire Business.
The alliance claims auto makers face "impossible compliance obstacles" and the move is both unconstitutional and conflicts with federal law.
The new "right-to-repair" law requires vehicle makers to share the information beginning with the 2022 model year. And that’s not far away, as 2022 models will start showing up in 2021, the AAI said.
The Auto Care Association (ACA) was on the front lines in pushing for passage of the Massachusetts measure. The hope is that adoption in one state will lead to a national agreement, or legislation, that would extend vehicle data access to consumers around the country, the ACA has said.
This was the case previously when auto makers agreed to share vehicle repair information with independent shops, but those past efforts did not specifically cover wireless data, which will become more commonplace in the years ahead.
"The independent repairers, we repair cars," Mr. Redding said. "We don’t make parts, we don’t import parts, we don’t plan on manufacturing parts, but we need access to vehicle data for the more technologically sophisticated vehicles in the future and we need to have a path to get there."
Both sides of the issue spent millions on the ballot issue, and Aaron Lowe, senior vice president of regulatory and government affairs for the ACA, knows the fight is not over.
"We’re in for probably a good fight," he said, "but I feel really good about our position."
Mr. Lowe estimated opponents of the measure spent about $25 million while supporters spent about $20 million to influence the vote, which ended up 75% in favor of the measure.
"We not just won, but kicked their butt," Mr. Lowe said.
"We saw the access to direct data becoming a huge issue in the future. The onboard diagnostic systems that we depend on to repair your cars on are really being locked down," he added. "In some day, in the not too distant future, the OBD port may disappear entirely and all the data will be available wirelessly.
"So we fought this battle to make sure our industry not only now can repair cars, but in the not too distant future," Mr. Lowe said.
As vehicles become more sophisticated, so too does their ability to report information seamlessly and wirelessly to help identify what needs attention.
There’s a battle shaping up pitting the independent repair trade against vehicle manufacturers regarding who controls the data generated by telematics. Without access to this information, independent shops fear they could lose business, according to trade groups representing the sector.
The emerging technology is being adopted in more and more new vehicles that eventually will need service.
Current-generation vehicles are equipped with an on-board diagnostic (OBD) port that allows anyone with the proper scanner to plug in and display basic repair codes that indicate what is wrong. The wireless data approach is much more sophisticated, but also has become a legal battleground.
Wireless data collection already is part of many vehicles that now hit independent repair shops — but on a limited basis. Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are a good example of how wireless technology is commonplace in today’s vehicles. The expectation is that vehicle data systems will continue to evolve to embrace the technology. The fear of independent repair shops is being shut out of that data.
Robert Redding, Washington D.C. representative for the Automotive Service Association (ASA), said he expects the topic to be dominant in 2021. The ASA represents independent repair shops.
"The big item, which has sucked the air out of the room, is vehicle data access," Mr. Redding said.
Vehicle data access has been discussed frequently on Capitol Hill over time, but in more of a tangential matter as it relates to other issues such as rules regarding autonomous vehicles and privacy, for example.
But a win for the independent trade in Massachusetts during the November election is expected to heat up the issue across the country.
Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot question that ensures vehicle owners have access to data their vehicles generate instead of being restricted to the vehicle manufacturers and/or their affiliated dealers. This measure will allow car owners to determine whom they want to have access to their vehicles’ data for repair.
The issue is seen as a battle for both sides, so much so that both sides spent tens of millions of dollars trying to influence Massachusetts voters before the election.
Now that the measure has passed, the Alliance of Automotive Innovators (AAI), a group that represents virtually all U.S. vehicle manufacturers, has filed action in federal court to blunt the results. Where that effort goes remains to be seen.
The AAI claims auto makers could face "impossible compliance obstacles," and the new law "makes personal driving data available to third parties with no safeguards to protect core vehicle functions and consumers’ private information or physical safety," reported Automotive News, a sister publication to Tire Business.
The alliance claims auto makers face "impossible compliance obstacles" and the move is both unconstitutional and conflicts with federal law.
The new "right-to-repair" law requires vehicle makers to share the information beginning with the 2022 model year. And that’s not far away, as 2022 models will start showing up in 2021, the AAI said.
The Auto Care Association (ACA) was on the front lines in pushing for passage of the Massachusetts measure. The hope is that adoption in one state will lead to a national agreement, or legislation, that would extend vehicle data access to consumers around the country, the ACA has said.
This was the case previously when auto makers agreed to share vehicle repair information with independent shops, but those past efforts did not specifically cover wireless data, which will become more commonplace in the years ahead.
"The independent repairers, we repair cars," Mr. Redding said. "We don’t make parts, we don’t import parts, we don’t plan on manufacturing parts, but we need access to vehicle data for the more technologically sophisticated vehicles in the future and we need to have a path to get there."
Both sides of the issue spent millions on the ballot issue, and Aaron Lowe, senior vice president of regulatory and government affairs for the ACA, knows the fight is not over.
"We’re in for probably a good fight," he said, "but I feel really good about our position."
Mr. Lowe estimated opponents of the measure spent about $25 million while supporters spent about $20 million to influence the vote, which ended up 75% in favor of the measure.
"We not just won, but kicked their butt," Mr. Lowe said.
"We saw the access to direct data becoming a huge issue in the future. The onboard diagnostic systems that we depend on to repair your cars on are really being locked down," he added. "In some day, in the not too distant future, the OBD port may disappear entirely and all the data will be available wirelessly.
"So we fought this battle to make sure our industry not only now can repair cars, but in the not too distant future," Mr. Lowe said.
Source: The TPMS Forum
Goodyear to work with heavy-equipment AV systems developer
MILTPAS, Calif. — SafeAI Inc., a California enterprise focused on developing autonomous operating systems for heavy equipment, is partnering with Goodyear to incorporate tire intelligence into its programming for this sector.
The companies’ collaboration will focus on the integration of Goodyear’s TPMS-based tire intelligence-gathering capabilities with SafeAI’s artificial-intelligence-based autonomous ecosystem with a goal of contributing to a "smarter, safer standard for the construction industry," Goodyear said.
The collaboration will start with one vehicle, a Caterpillar 725 articulated truck operating at a demonstration construction site in Cupertino, Calif. The vehicle, already operating autonomously at the site using SafeAI’s autonomous software, will be retrofitted with Goodyear’s rim-mounted sensors to enable the system to capture pressure and temperature data and monitor overall tire health.
These sensors can identify and communicate adverse conditions before they cause maintenance issues and derail a project, Goodyear said, noting that construction and mining sites typically are rife with inefficiencies, fueled by costly unplanned downtime rates as high as 20% to 30%.
Goodyear claims tire intelligence can help mitigate these challenges by identifying early or potential problems, such as underinflation, before they cause unexpected delays, thus potentially bolstering efficiency, safety and return on investment.
"No matter the vehicle – automobile, freight truck or dump truck – tire intelligence can help elevate safety, performance and efficiency," Chris Helsel, Goodyear senior vice president and chief technology officer.
"Through our work with SafeAI, we will not only empower site operators with greater visibility and efficiency, but also gain invaluable performance data to inform our future innovation in autonomy and heavy equipment."
Noting that Goodyear has been at the "forefront" of tire innovation for over 100 years, SafeAI Founder and CEO Bibrajit Halder, said: "At SafeAI, we strongly believe in a collaborative approach to deploying autonomy in construction and mining, at scale. We have purpose-built an interoperable autonomous technology that enables us to work with industry leaders like Goodyear and set the standard for autonomous heavy equipment."
Miltpas, Calif.-based SafeAI is focused on retrofitting heavy equipment for autonomous applications in mining and construction. By building a software platform with industry-specific AI, SafeAI enables equipment owners to transform existing machines into self-operating robotic assets.
The companies’ collaboration will focus on the integration of Goodyear’s TPMS-based tire intelligence-gathering capabilities with SafeAI’s artificial-intelligence-based autonomous ecosystem with a goal of contributing to a "smarter, safer standard for the construction industry," Goodyear said.
The collaboration will start with one vehicle, a Caterpillar 725 articulated truck operating at a demonstration construction site in Cupertino, Calif. The vehicle, already operating autonomously at the site using SafeAI’s autonomous software, will be retrofitted with Goodyear’s rim-mounted sensors to enable the system to capture pressure and temperature data and monitor overall tire health.
These sensors can identify and communicate adverse conditions before they cause maintenance issues and derail a project, Goodyear said, noting that construction and mining sites typically are rife with inefficiencies, fueled by costly unplanned downtime rates as high as 20% to 30%.
Goodyear claims tire intelligence can help mitigate these challenges by identifying early or potential problems, such as underinflation, before they cause unexpected delays, thus potentially bolstering efficiency, safety and return on investment.
"No matter the vehicle – automobile, freight truck or dump truck – tire intelligence can help elevate safety, performance and efficiency," Chris Helsel, Goodyear senior vice president and chief technology officer.
"Through our work with SafeAI, we will not only empower site operators with greater visibility and efficiency, but also gain invaluable performance data to inform our future innovation in autonomy and heavy equipment."
Noting that Goodyear has been at the "forefront" of tire innovation for over 100 years, SafeAI Founder and CEO Bibrajit Halder, said: "At SafeAI, we strongly believe in a collaborative approach to deploying autonomy in construction and mining, at scale. We have purpose-built an interoperable autonomous technology that enables us to work with industry leaders like Goodyear and set the standard for autonomous heavy equipment."
Miltpas, Calif.-based SafeAI is focused on retrofitting heavy equipment for autonomous applications in mining and construction. By building a software platform with industry-specific AI, SafeAI enables equipment owners to transform existing machines into self-operating robotic assets.
Source: The TPMS Forum
Tire Business offering online shop advice via 'Shop Floor' feature
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — Shop Floor, a Tire Business-generated online source of stories and video content covering eight topics common to tire shops across North America, is open for business.
The material — which covers balancing; demounting, mounting and inflation; tire repair; safety; TPMS service; training; vehicle lifting; and torque — is intended as an outline of each job to help educate, among others, students in the industry, as well as new and recently hired technicians.
Each topic includes not only the description of the service, but also has an accompanying video that shows a technician performing the particular job.
Each topic is broken down into several sections.
For example, tire repair includes: An introduction to tire repair; How to repair a puncture properly; Staying safe when repairing a tire; Essential tools, materials and equipment for tire repair; and Tire repair: Shining a light on visual inspections.
Shop Floor is free to all Tire Business readers. It can be accessed at tirebusiness.com/shop-floor.
The material — which covers balancing; demounting, mounting and inflation; tire repair; safety; TPMS service; training; vehicle lifting; and torque — is intended as an outline of each job to help educate, among others, students in the industry, as well as new and recently hired technicians.
Each topic includes not only the description of the service, but also has an accompanying video that shows a technician performing the particular job.
Each topic is broken down into several sections.
For example, tire repair includes: An introduction to tire repair; How to repair a puncture properly; Staying safe when repairing a tire; Essential tools, materials and equipment for tire repair; and Tire repair: Shining a light on visual inspections.
Shop Floor is free to all Tire Business readers. It can be accessed at tirebusiness.com/shop-floor.
Source: The TPMS Forum
Detore: Food, family, fun key for Best Places to Work finalists
If there is one theme that binds the success of this year’s Tire Business Best Places to Work finalists together, it’s the f-words.
All four of them: Family, food, fun and flexibility
The five organizations that have been recognized this year (see story on page 1) as finalists — SimpleTire L.L.C.; Best-One of Indy; McMahon’s Best-One Tire & Auto Care; MFA Oil Co.; and Tire Group International (TGI) — have plenty of attributes in common, but one sticks out the most: the perks they provide employees.
Here are just a few:
• SimpleTire, the Trevose, Pa.-based online retailer that is the overall winner of the survey, allows employees to purchase up to 12 tires per year at cost, to share with family and friends. SimpleTire also provides discounts for purchases of BMW, Jaguar and Volkswagen vehicles, as well as purchases with major retailers such as Office Depot, Sprint, Sketchers and Verizon.
• Miami-based wholesaler TGI has a ping-pong table that team members may use on lunch breaks or after clocking out for a match against a fellow employee. TGI preaches family, and each year, on Florida’s "Take Your Child to Work Day," the company organizes a host of activities to teach "all things tires."
• Best-One of Indy has a mobile shoe program that provides, twice a year, employees with free pair of work shoes valued up to $100. A Cintas mobile shoe truck visits each store, and employees may select the shoe of their choice. In addition, the company hosts cookouts at store locations that are free for each employee, including management.
• MFA Oil, a Columbia, Mo.-based Big O Tires franchisee, runs monthly incentive contests, offering opportunities to win cash, grills, steak dinners and other prizes. The company also gives back to organizations and causes that are meaningful to employees such as local schools and Operation Homefront. The company plans to donate more than $40,000 this year.
• Family-owned McMahon’s Best-One of Fort Wayne, Ind., touts its flexibility. Each of its stores works with employees to ensure that their schedules are flexible, giving them the ability to take care of their kids and other family members. After-hours meetings are usually held in a fun location, the company said, and it tries to keep the time to a minimum. And food is important: McMahon’s Best-One buys lunches on Fridays and provides ice cream during the summer.
Compensation, of course, is another factor in setting these companies apart.
Four of the companies offer a 401K, and three pay at least 75% of medical premiums. SimpleTire offers 18 days of paid time off (PTO) after one year of employment. MFA offers profit-sharing.
Parties seem to be common as well. TGI hosts a Holiday Spirit Week with prizes — examples include Pajama Day, Office Decorating Contest, Ugly Sweater Day, etc. SimpleTire hosts a Super Bowl party during working hours with games, food, beer tasting, as well as a St. Patrick’s Day party, with prizes, food and beer.
Best-One of Indy hosts an annual team party where team members are recognized for their dedication and hard work and years of service, encouraging fun outside of the work place.
Other awards programs include the McMahon Award, which recognizes one employee per year who encompasses the dedication and values of the company, while SimpleTire lauds an Innovator of the Month, with the winner receiving a $50 gift card and a certificate.
TGI awards employees a "happiness" pin, depending on the accomplishment achieved. Employees then may trade pins for different prizes such as days off or even an expense-paid trip to Cancun, Mexico.
TGI also does something unique to its Cuban culture: Twice a day, the company passes around a cafecito, or a Cuban espresso. "Nothing like a delicious pick me up after lunch," according to the company.
Some of the other unique offers: Two of the companies offer facilities for mothers to breastfeed; Best-One Indy allows customers’ pets in stores, a "treat" for employees; and weight loss competitions in which winning employees are awarded a day off or a cash prize.
Perhaps your shop can replicate just one of these innovative ideas. And maybe next year, your shop can be among the Best Places to Work.
Check out Shop Floor
Be sure to check out Tire Business’ latest online feature: Shop Floor (tirebusiness.com/shop-floor).
The feature includes a detailed looked at eight topics common to tire shops across North America: Balancing; demounting, mounting and inflation; tire repair; safety; TPMS service; training; vehicle lifting; and torque.
Each topic not only includes the description of the service, but also has an accompanying video that shows a technician performing the particular job.
The material is intended as an outline of each job to help educate new and recently hired technicians.
Thanks go to Ziegler Tire & Supply Co., the Massillon, Ohio-based retail and commercial dealer and wholesaler. Ziegler Vice President John Ziegler Jr. graciously allowed videographers from Tire Business to use one of his locations for the shoot.
Special thanks go to Rod Lanham and his staff at the Ziegler location in North Canton, Ohio, for allowing us to monopolize one of his technicians for part of a day in order to capture video of the various jobs.
All four of them: Family, food, fun and flexibility
The five organizations that have been recognized this year (see story on page 1) as finalists — SimpleTire L.L.C.; Best-One of Indy; McMahon’s Best-One Tire & Auto Care; MFA Oil Co.; and Tire Group International (TGI) — have plenty of attributes in common, but one sticks out the most: the perks they provide employees.
Here are just a few:
• SimpleTire, the Trevose, Pa.-based online retailer that is the overall winner of the survey, allows employees to purchase up to 12 tires per year at cost, to share with family and friends. SimpleTire also provides discounts for purchases of BMW, Jaguar and Volkswagen vehicles, as well as purchases with major retailers such as Office Depot, Sprint, Sketchers and Verizon.
• Miami-based wholesaler TGI has a ping-pong table that team members may use on lunch breaks or after clocking out for a match against a fellow employee. TGI preaches family, and each year, on Florida’s "Take Your Child to Work Day," the company organizes a host of activities to teach "all things tires."
• Best-One of Indy has a mobile shoe program that provides, twice a year, employees with free pair of work shoes valued up to $100. A Cintas mobile shoe truck visits each store, and employees may select the shoe of their choice. In addition, the company hosts cookouts at store locations that are free for each employee, including management.
• MFA Oil, a Columbia, Mo.-based Big O Tires franchisee, runs monthly incentive contests, offering opportunities to win cash, grills, steak dinners and other prizes. The company also gives back to organizations and causes that are meaningful to employees such as local schools and Operation Homefront. The company plans to donate more than $40,000 this year.
• Family-owned McMahon’s Best-One of Fort Wayne, Ind., touts its flexibility. Each of its stores works with employees to ensure that their schedules are flexible, giving them the ability to take care of their kids and other family members. After-hours meetings are usually held in a fun location, the company said, and it tries to keep the time to a minimum. And food is important: McMahon’s Best-One buys lunches on Fridays and provides ice cream during the summer.
Compensation, of course, is another factor in setting these companies apart.
Four of the companies offer a 401K, and three pay at least 75% of medical premiums. SimpleTire offers 18 days of paid time off (PTO) after one year of employment. MFA offers profit-sharing.
Parties seem to be common as well. TGI hosts a Holiday Spirit Week with prizes — examples include Pajama Day, Office Decorating Contest, Ugly Sweater Day, etc. SimpleTire hosts a Super Bowl party during working hours with games, food, beer tasting, as well as a St. Patrick’s Day party, with prizes, food and beer.
Best-One of Indy hosts an annual team party where team members are recognized for their dedication and hard work and years of service, encouraging fun outside of the work place.
Other awards programs include the McMahon Award, which recognizes one employee per year who encompasses the dedication and values of the company, while SimpleTire lauds an Innovator of the Month, with the winner receiving a $50 gift card and a certificate.
TGI awards employees a "happiness" pin, depending on the accomplishment achieved. Employees then may trade pins for different prizes such as days off or even an expense-paid trip to Cancun, Mexico.
TGI also does something unique to its Cuban culture: Twice a day, the company passes around a cafecito, or a Cuban espresso. "Nothing like a delicious pick me up after lunch," according to the company.
Some of the other unique offers: Two of the companies offer facilities for mothers to breastfeed; Best-One Indy allows customers’ pets in stores, a "treat" for employees; and weight loss competitions in which winning employees are awarded a day off or a cash prize.
Perhaps your shop can replicate just one of these innovative ideas. And maybe next year, your shop can be among the Best Places to Work.
Check out Shop Floor
Be sure to check out Tire Business’ latest online feature: Shop Floor (tirebusiness.com/shop-floor).
The feature includes a detailed looked at eight topics common to tire shops across North America: Balancing; demounting, mounting and inflation; tire repair; safety; TPMS service; training; vehicle lifting; and torque.
Each topic not only includes the description of the service, but also has an accompanying video that shows a technician performing the particular job.
The material is intended as an outline of each job to help educate new and recently hired technicians.
Thanks go to Ziegler Tire & Supply Co., the Massillon, Ohio-based retail and commercial dealer and wholesaler. Ziegler Vice President John Ziegler Jr. graciously allowed videographers from Tire Business to use one of his locations for the shoot.
Special thanks go to Rod Lanham and his staff at the Ziegler location in North Canton, Ohio, for allowing us to monopolize one of his technicians for part of a day in order to capture video of the various jobs.
Source: The TPMS Forum
ATEQ launches Live Sensor update portal
LIVONIA, Mich. — Tire pressure monitoring systems provider ATEQ TPMS Tools L.C. has launched its Live Sensor platform, creating a real-time portal for each sensor maker in the ATEQ portfolio.
Live Sensor allows sensor information to be updated in real-time, the company said, allowing users to update as needed, benefitting both TPMS sensor manufacturers and the tool user.
The Live Sensor platform updates constantly no matter the market, eliminating the need for quarterly software updates. The Live Sensor platform was made to accommodate every market environment around the world, ATEQ said.
In order to activate the Live Sensor platform, tool users must update their tool. With ATEQ wifi enabled, a notification will appear on the top right corner of the screen when an update is available. The tool user will update it, and once complete, the user will have the most up-to-date sensor information for all vehicles.
For ATEQ tools not connected to WiFi or without a WiFi enabled device, users may connect their tool to WebVT and perform a normal update. ATEQ will communicate Live Sensor updates to every ATEQ TPMS tool user.
Live Sensor allows sensor information to be updated in real-time, the company said, allowing users to update as needed, benefitting both TPMS sensor manufacturers and the tool user.
The Live Sensor platform updates constantly no matter the market, eliminating the need for quarterly software updates. The Live Sensor platform was made to accommodate every market environment around the world, ATEQ said.
In order to activate the Live Sensor platform, tool users must update their tool. With ATEQ wifi enabled, a notification will appear on the top right corner of the screen when an update is available. The tool user will update it, and once complete, the user will have the most up-to-date sensor information for all vehicles.
For ATEQ tools not connected to WiFi or without a WiFi enabled device, users may connect their tool to WebVT and perform a normal update. ATEQ will communicate Live Sensor updates to every ATEQ TPMS tool user.
Source: The TPMS Forum
SEMA: Mickey Thompson scores double win in New Products Awards
LAS VEGAS — Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels scored a double win in this year’s SEMA Show Best New Products Award judging, taking firsts in the Powersports and Tires & Related Products categories.
Mickey Thompson is the only tire company to gain accolades in this year’s virtual SEMA360 New Products Showcase. The company’s winners are the Baja Pro X ATV/UTV and Baja Boss A/T tires, respectively.
Mickey Thompson, a Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. subsidiary, describes the Baja Pro X as a "competition-proven" extreme terrain tire designed for off-road use only. It’s available in three 17-inch rim diameter sizes in 37-, 40- and 43-inch outside diameters.
The Baja Boss A/T is a "hybrid" (radial/bias-ply) all-terrain tire that’s due to launch in early 2021 in a variety of 16-, 17-, 18-, 20-, 22- and 24-inch rim diameter sizes. M/T said the tire features an asymmetric tread design optimized for reduced noise and "excellent" wet and snow traction.
Tire-pressure-monitoring system (TPMS) tools took the runner-up spots in the Tire & Related Products category: Bartec USA L.L.C. for the Tech600Pro wireless TPMS tool and ATEQ TPMS Tools for its Quickset X Summer/Winter Tire Reset Tool
In addition, Tire Stickers L.L.C., winner of the Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product category for the Cerebrum Boost — Smart Tire Sensor Solution. The product earned runner-up honors at the 2019 SEMA Show in the Performance-Street Product category.
Van Nuys, Calif.-based Tire Stickers describes Cerebrum as an "intelligent tire solution utilizing revolutionary, patented sensor technology mounted directly to the tire."
Forgeline Motorsports L.L.C. was the winner of the Wheel & Related Product category with its F01 Flow Formed Wheel, a lightweight alloy street wheel with a load rating of 1,500 pounds per wheel.
Runners-up are Design Infini’s Drifz D09 and BBS of America’s CI-R Bronze Anniversary Edition
The annual awards recognize outstanding achievements in the development of products that enhance the performance, styling, comfort, convenience and safety of cars, trucks and SUVs. Products are judged in 16 award categories, with one winner and two runners-up in each category.
Mickey Thompson is the only tire company to gain accolades in this year’s virtual SEMA360 New Products Showcase. The company’s winners are the Baja Pro X ATV/UTV and Baja Boss A/T tires, respectively.
Mickey Thompson, a Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. subsidiary, describes the Baja Pro X as a "competition-proven" extreme terrain tire designed for off-road use only. It’s available in three 17-inch rim diameter sizes in 37-, 40- and 43-inch outside diameters.
The Baja Boss A/T is a "hybrid" (radial/bias-ply) all-terrain tire that’s due to launch in early 2021 in a variety of 16-, 17-, 18-, 20-, 22- and 24-inch rim diameter sizes. M/T said the tire features an asymmetric tread design optimized for reduced noise and "excellent" wet and snow traction.
Tire-pressure-monitoring system (TPMS) tools took the runner-up spots in the Tire & Related Products category: Bartec USA L.L.C. for the Tech600Pro wireless TPMS tool and ATEQ TPMS Tools for its Quickset X Summer/Winter Tire Reset Tool
In addition, Tire Stickers L.L.C., winner of the Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product category for the Cerebrum Boost — Smart Tire Sensor Solution. The product earned runner-up honors at the 2019 SEMA Show in the Performance-Street Product category.
Van Nuys, Calif.-based Tire Stickers describes Cerebrum as an "intelligent tire solution utilizing revolutionary, patented sensor technology mounted directly to the tire."
Forgeline Motorsports L.L.C. was the winner of the Wheel & Related Product category with its F01 Flow Formed Wheel, a lightweight alloy street wheel with a load rating of 1,500 pounds per wheel.
Runners-up are Design Infini’s Drifz D09 and BBS of America’s CI-R Bronze Anniversary Edition
The annual awards recognize outstanding achievements in the development of products that enhance the performance, styling, comfort, convenience and safety of cars, trucks and SUVs. Products are judged in 16 award categories, with one winner and two runners-up in each category.
Source: The TPMS Forum
AAPEX: Schrader hosting six more live educational sessions
TROY, Mich. —Schrader, the automotive aftermarket brand of Sensata Technologies, is holding six more live educational sessions during Virtual Industry Week.
The sessions, called TPMS Tech Talk, are a free, subscription-based online training portal that provides training and information to service professionals with Schrader’s tire pressure monitoring system (TMPS) team.
Each session will include a 15-25 minute presentation with time for a Q&A.
According to Schrader, TPMS Tech Talk is designed to educate, inform and initiate dialogue. Some of the topics will include talking to customers about TPMS; the importance of maintenance and tool software updates; differences between programming and relearning procedures; and TPMS legislation.
The SEMA/AAPEX sessions include (all times EST):
The sessions, called TPMS Tech Talk, are a free, subscription-based online training portal that provides training and information to service professionals with Schrader’s tire pressure monitoring system (TMPS) team.
Each session will include a 15-25 minute presentation with time for a Q&A.
According to Schrader, TPMS Tech Talk is designed to educate, inform and initiate dialogue. Some of the topics will include talking to customers about TPMS; the importance of maintenance and tool software updates; differences between programming and relearning procedures; and TPMS legislation.
The SEMA/AAPEX sessions include (all times EST):
- Nov. 3, Noon-12:30 p.m.: "Top 5 TPMS Mistakes: How to Avoid Them," with Yanick Leduc, technical team leader;
- Nov. 3, 1-1:30 p.m.: "Top 5 TPMS Mistakes: How to Avoid Them," Mr. Leduc;
- Nov, 4, 1-1:20 p.m.: "TPMS Sensor Types Pros and Cons," Mr. Leduc;
- Nov. 4, 2-2:30 p.m.: "Not all TPMS Sensors are Created Equal," with Felipe Pozatto, head of engineering;
- Nov. 5, 1-1:20 p.m.: "Schrader’s Training Opportunities"; and
- Nov. 6, Noon-12:20 p.m., "Understanding TPMS Sensor Fitment," with Mr. Leduc.
Schrader said the content is updated frequently and visitors can subscribe for free. Users may engage with Schrader’s technical team, as well as their peers below each article in the comment field.
"We want to create a space for service professionals where they can read, learn more, and ask questions about the subjects that matter to them," Yanick Leduc, North American technical team leader at Schrader, said.
Schrader recently launched its e-training platform, Schrader TPMS Academy, a module-based TPMS online training platform that is free for users.
For more information, contact the company at SchraderNA@sensata.com.
Source: The TPMS Forum