Global Tire Expo to Host Educational Seminars, Awards Ceremony
Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA—was created in 1997 as a result of a merger of the International Tire Expo and the SEMA Show. Since then, it has grown into one of the world's largest tire expositions under the direction of the Tire Industry Association (TIA). At the 2022 SEMA Show, more than 130 companies exhibited at GTE, a considerable increase over the previous year, when fewer than 100 companies had a presence.
For 2023, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will host TIA's pre-Show events prior to the opening of the SEMA Show, which runs October 31–November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center
(LVCC).
TIA's pre-show events include the Annual Membership Meeting, Advisory Council Meeting, Cocktail Reception and Tire Industry Honors awards ceremony, all of which take place on Monday, October 30, at the hotel. There is no charge for these pre-Show events but Showgoers must reserve a ticket to attend.
A day earlier, on Sunday, October 29, TIA tees-off its GTE/SEMA pre-Show activities with the TopGolf Challenge TIA Government Affairs Benefit at TopGolf of Las Vegas. The two-hour event costs $150 per golfer, or $900 for a private bay (six golfers). The benefit will take place from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Additionally, TIA will reprise its popular 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. educational tracks at the 2023 SEMA Show. This year's schedule includes the following sessions.
Tuesday October 31
TPMS at 10: Lessons Learned From the Front Lines of TPMS
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., Room S226
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have been standard on new cars for 15 years, but the challenges associated with managing the service requirements for all makes and models continue to this day. TIA is partnering with ATEQ, Bartec USA and Schrader TPMS Solutions to create a structured Q&A discussion on real-world scenarios straight from the 1-800 hotlines. The session will address some of the most common TPMS issues as well as situations where the solution was more elusive, and in some cases unrepairable at the tire retail level. TPMS service requires a higher level of technology and knowledge to diagnose the problem when the dashboard light stays on after service. This session will help service providers understand potential issues with TPMS, so they can implement solutions to prevent them when the vehicle is in the service bay.
Truck Tires at 10: Service Truck Driver Safety
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., Room S227
The costs associated with operating road service continue to rise for a number of reasons. Besides the cost of the truck, tools, fuel and labor, ensuring a fleet of company vehicles is expensive. Federated Insurance developed Speed, Attention, Fatigue and Emotion (SAFE) driving practices to help commercial tire dealers provide driver training for employees who operate company vehicles. By focusing on SAFE practices, drivers can avoid accidents and improve safety. In this seminar, Federated will address the liability connected to company drivers and provide real-world examples of how nuclear jury verdicts are reached. If you operate company service trucks, delivery and/other vehicles, this presentation will show you how the SAFE driving practices protect the drivers and the company.
Tires at 2: Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., Room S226
Every year, two of the tire trade publications recognize the generosity and excellence of tire retailers. Tire Business presents the Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award to a tire dealer or retreader who demonstrates an ongoing commitment to supporting local charities and others less fortunate. Tire Review recognizes the winner of its Top Shop Award by considering a wide variety of factors that makes them successful and one of the best dealerships in the nation. For years, the winners of these awards have shared their secrets on how they achieved the highest levels of service and generosity. This session is an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand from the most successful tire dealers in North America.
Wednesday, November 1
TPMS at 10: Wheel Installation and Retention Guidelines
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., Room S226
To keep tire and wheel assemblies on the vehicle, service technicians must control a number of factors that ultimately will determine if sufficient clamping force is achieved. While fastener torque is important, it does not guarantee tires will stay on the end of axles. TIA developed the Remove, Inspect, Snug, Torque (RIST) procedure to help technicians remember the key elements of clamping force. A panel of TIA instructors and industry experts will discuss each step in the RIST procedure and how it translates to keeping the wheels on the vehicle without damaging the components or causing excessive wear. Whether you have a torque program in place or you are looking to start one, there are a lot of things to consider. The goal of this session is to make sure you have the tools and knowledge you need to make informed decisions. Releasing a vehicle after service should be done with confidence that your team performed their tasks properly. If technicians follow the RIST procedure every time they install a wheel, your chances of success
increase.
Truck Tires at 10: Total Truck Tire Repair With TRMG
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., Room S227
Between the rising costs and limited availability of truck tires, commercial tire dealers must offer tire repair services. In some cases, a simple puncture repair can be installed in the shop or on the road, so the vehicle can immediately return to service. In others, the puncture repair is not as simple, but still can be completed on the spot. Finally, there are instances where the damage is repairable but requires a higher level of tools and technology. The Tread Rubber and Tire Repair Materials Manufacturers' Group (TRMG) is the industry authority for recommended practices on retreading and repairing tires. A panel of tire repair experts from TRMG companies will discuss the limits and key elements of puncture repairs, reinforced shoulder repairs and section repairs. Truck tire repair also plays a major role in retreading, so the benefits of casing preservation also will be addressed. If you want to help your fleet customers get the most out of every casing and ensure multiple retreads, this session will help you understand how total truck tire repair preserves casing life and helps fleets lower costs.
Management at 2: Employee Engagement—The Key to Retention and Development
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., Room S226
Join Automotive Training Institute's (ATI) Executive Coach Kevin Allen as he navigates you through the "4 Simple Steps" of employee engagement. In this session, you will learn not only the "Why" but, more importantly, the "How" to implement these "4 Simple Steps" to create a more loyal and dedicated team.
New Products Preview
As of August 15, 2023
Predator Mutant X-AT
The New Mutant X-AT from Predator is an all-terrain tire that's designed for use on Jeeps, light trucks and SUVs. A dual sidewall design allows drivers to choose the look that best matches their ride, and the New Mutant X-AT's widely spaced tread blocks promote self-cleaning for consistent traction and to protect the casing from damage.
Yokohama Geolandar A/T XD
Yokohama Tire's newly launched Geolandar A/T XD is a work-truck tire engineered for full-size pickup trucks and commercial vans. It is severe-snow service-rated and molded for optional studs, offering outstanding on- and off-road traction all year-round. The A/T XD is initially available in 21 sizes ranging from 16 to 20 in., with more sizes coming later in the year. Durability is achieved by Yokohama's GEO-SHIELD technology, which features a three-ply sidewall, full nylon cap and high turn-up carcass to assure merciless traction and reliable protection. Plus, the sidewall armor creates a bold, new look and provides protection from lateral impacts.
Hankook iON evo and iON evo SUV Tire
Hankook Tire has unveiled the iON evo and iON evo SUV, the latest in the company's iON line of tires specifically designed for electric vehicles (EVs). Battery weight makes electric vehicles up to 30% heavier than ICE vehicles, which frequently causes uneven wear on non-EV specific tires. The iON evo AS is made of a compound specifically made for electric vehicles to evenly spread road pressure to account for this different and extend tire life.
Quadratec Spare-Tire Reinforcement Bracket Kit for '18–'23 Wrangler JL
Includes the reinforcement bracket, bump stops, and spare tire relocation brackets for the ultimate in spare tire carrier reinforcement. Manufactured from a heavy-duty, 8mm-thick steel alloy to handle the road and trails with ease and is covered in a durable powder-coated finish that provides years of trouble-free use. Just bolt your hinge reinforcement bracket and factory tire carrier to this bracket to move your spare-tire mount up 1.75 in. and out 0.94 in. No drilling is required to install. and is designed to reuse the factory spare-tire carrier which maintains your factory mounting point. Includes all hardware.
Cemb USA Fully Automatic Tire Balancer
The new ER90 EVO tire balancer from Cemb USA is a no-contact balancing machine without the need of check-spin. The new ER90 EVO automatically detects wheel data by simply pressing one single pushbutton, and after a few seconds gives a clear and accurate indication of exact position to place counterweights (clip-on and/or stick-on weights). The ER90 EVO is available with optional accessories such as an accessory rack and a pneumatic wheel lift and can accommodate tires up to 42 in. in diameter.
