Chris Young named CTO of TBC Corporation
North American replacement tyre wholesaler and franchiser TBC Corporation has appointed Chris Young to the role of Chief Technology Officer. Young will report directly to TBC President & CEO Don Byrd.
Across the Atlantic they are called tires, while over here we use a “Y” and say tyres. This tag provides the latest tyre business news emanating from the United States of America (USA), whichever way you spell it.
Tag Archive for: USA
Kenda may build US tyre factory
Yang Chi-Jen, chairman of Taiwan tyre manufacturer Kenda, recently told Taiwanese media that “the possibility of setting up a tyre factory in the United States in the future is not ruled out.”
Pirelli pauses USA investment plans
In response to media reports about possible investments in the United States, Pirelli says it has “for some time” considered increasing production capacity in that market, in line with a local-for-local strategy. But sometimes the ‘when’ is as important as the ‘if’ – and this is currently uncertain.
Chinese tyre companies respond to US tariffs
On 2 April, the Trump administration announced its intention to impose tariffs on all imported products entering the USA. Although the specific timing and final rates of these tariffs have yet to be determined, it is clear that this development will have a significant impact upon China’s tyre industry.
GSF Car Parts CEO reaffirms commitment to garages live on BBC Breakfast News
The CEO of one of the UK’s most important motor factors has discussed the implications of tariffs for the aftermarket on national television. Steve Horne, CEO of GSF Car Parts told BBC Breakfast the company will attempt to soften the blow to independent garages as the impact of the trade tariffs unfolds.
Europe business unaffected by Midas divestment
TBC Corporation, one of the largest wholesale and franchise marketers of car tyres in North America, has agreed to divest its Midas business to Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. This deal follows TBC’s divestment of NTB Tire and Service and Tire Kingdom to Mavis in 2023.
Well-positioned: Titan International’s pro-tariff statement
Anyone who has followed the career of Maurice “The Grizz” Taylor Jr over the years won’t be in the least surprised that the firm he founded has called attention to its strengths in light of the Trump tariffs. In a statement, Titan International, Inc. “proudly highlights” its “extensive domestic manufacturing capabilities and skilled workforce” at a time when “industries around the world begin to adapt to new tariff policy.”
US tariffs pose ‘significant risks’ to UK automotive sector – NFDA
David Dibert; PixabayThe National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) says the US trade tariffs of 10 per cent introduced on all UK imports to the USA, and 25 per cent on cars entering the US market pose “significant risks to the sector and the global economy as a whole.” The association appealed for the UK government to offer increased support to the sector as a result of the earthquake in global trade and its particularly severe implications for the automotive sector.
Trump’s 25% tyre tariff – further details
The share price for US-based tyre maker Goodyear jumped during the course of today’s trading, and it’s easy to see why when reading the ins and outs of the US Government’s proclamation introducing new tariff measures affecting imported vehicles and parts, including tyres. Local production becomes a whole lot more attractive now that, from 3 May 2025, tyres made in most parts of the world will attract a 25% ad valorem tariff.
Paolo Ferrari joins Element
Ex-Bridgestone executive Paolo Ferrari has joined Element Fleet Management Corp., purportedly the largest publicly traded automotive fleet manager in the world. Specifically, Ferrari has been nominated to stand for election to the company’s board of directors at its shareholder AGM on 2 May 2025.
Barna & Chandgie take on North America roles at Yokohama
Yokohama Corporation of North America (YCNA) has announced three organisational changes that take effect immediately, including the promotion and expanded remit of Jeff Barna. In addition to his existing duties as President & CEO Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC), Barna now also serves as President & CEO of YCNA. His extended role supports Yokohama Canada (YTV) and Yokohama Mexico (YTMX).
How tyre companies are navigating Trump’s trade war
As the global business landscape shifts under the weight of geopolitical tensions and economic recalibrations, recent developments at Pirelli are emblematic of how the context is forcing tyre businesses to be strategically agile.
On 27 March 2025, Pirelli CEO Andrea Casaluci addressed the press following an already-postponed board meeting, signalling ongoing negotiations with its largest shareholder, China’s state-owned Sinochem, which holds a 37 per cent stake. The messaging was clear: Pirelli must adapt to new realities, particularly in the US market, where President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war threatens to put the economic brakes on companies with significant Chinese ties. Here I examine how Pirelli’s predicament reflects broader challenges for multinational firms, intertwining Trump’s tariffs, parallel Italian governance, and economic headwinds in the UK, while spotlighting opportunities for agile businesses.
Mutually beneficial relationship instead of tariffs – SMMT response to Trump announcement
Donald Trump’s second presidency has been anything but uneventful so far, and the automotive industry isn’t missing out on the excitement. The USA intends to impose tariffs of 25% on car and automotive parts imports from 2 April 2025, a measure that the SMMT calls “disappointing” but “not surprising”. The UK trade organisation calls upon the Trump government to consider alternate means of benefitting both British and American manufacturers.
Pirelli continues Sinochem stake reduction talks
PirelliOn the evening of 27 March, Pirelli CEO Andrea Casaluci stated that “Pirelli’s management will continue to work on finding a solution that will allow the company to adapt to the new regulations of the American market, as it does in all the markets in which it operates”. That statement follows reports that Pirelli’s board is calling for Sinochem to reduce its stake in the well-known tyremaker due to fears that too close an association with China could hamper Pirelli’s international growth, especially in the USA where President Trump has fired several volleys in a trade war designed to protect US manufacturing and wider economic interests.
GRI Wins Material Handling Industry (MHI) Innovation award in USA
GRI (Global Rubber Industries), a proud Sri Lankan company, has won the MHI Innovation Award for Best Innovation in Sustainability at ProMat 2025, held in Chicago, USA. The recognition honours GRI’s Ultimate Green XT as the world’s most sustainable Material Handling tyre made with 93.5 per cent sustainable materials.
