Automotive industry leaders discussed opportunities to advance the wheel and tire segment during February’s WTC Open Meeting. Hosted by the WTC Select Committee, the networking event provided a platform for industry experts to share their voice on current projects, successes, and challenges.

Items on the agenda included a live-stream Wheel & Tire Tariff Update from SEMA’s DC office, networking lunch, and guided tour through the SEMA Garage. SEMA Staff was also on-site to provide free education on the latest industry topics, highlighting the benefits and resources available to WTC members, such as SEMA Market Research and the SEMA Data Co-op.

The day concluded with a live demo at Hansen VTF Labs in Anaheim. The Hansen Team simulated the install of a 6” lift on a 2019 Toyota Tacoma followed by a successful calibration of the ADAS systems, highlighting the concerns and more common procedures that are a minimum when changing a vehicle’s ride height.

Below is a recap of current challenges facing the industry, according to attendee feedback: 

  • Finding employees, qualifying, and places or companies to assist in sourcing
  • Tire load carrying capacity versus PSI
  • Vehicle manufacturer information and accessibility of certain specifications
  • Impacts, qualifying and solutions when altering vehicle ride heights
  • Tariff concerns and short-term/long-term effects

This goes to show that the industry faces many similar challenges in day to day business. The common goal is to continue working toward tackling these in the most effective and efficient way and sharing the milestones in an educational way to better our industry while staying current with the unprecedented changes we face.

The WTC Select Committee wants to thank those in attendance from the following companies that were present:

Allied Wheel/Raceline Wheels, AMECA, American Rim Supply, Bendpak, Citic Dicastal Co, DIA, DJ’s Tire Service, Fallbrook Tire Company, Field Evaluation Services, HCS International/Gemini Shippers Group, Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, Nitto Tires, RAD Tires Inc, Siborui USA Inc, Swift Merchants Solutions, TFP Inc, The Carlstar Group/Cragar Wheel, Titan 7, Truespoke, TSW Alloy Wheels, Voxx Wheels.

We wish you all the health and security during this unprecedented time. Stay safe and see you on the road ahead.

Stay up to date on the latest WTC news and updates at www.sema.org/wtc.

Your Partner,

Tyson Boyer, WTC Chair