SEMA News—February 2014
GLOBAL TIRE EXPO NEW PRODUCTS
By Mike Imlay
2013 Global Tire Expo Powered by TIA
The Trade Event’s Continued Growth Bodes Well for the Tire Industry
Each year, SEMA teams up with the Tire Industry Association (TIA) to present the Global Tire Expo Powered by TIA—a unique “show within the SEMA Show” that focuses exclusively on the needs of the tire-business community. Targeted to all segments of the tire industry, including light duty, medium duty, heavy duty, retreading, recycling and more, this tire exhibition and conference stands as the industry’s foremost comprehensive trade gathering.
For 2013, TIA announced that the total number of registered exhibitors for the November 4–8 Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center exceeded that of the prior year by 20%, including 55 new exhibitors. In addition, dealer registration grew by 24% and exhibit space expanded by 16% for a total of 21,000 sq. ft.—all exceptionally strong indicators that bode well for the tire industry in 2014.
“This year’s Global Tire Expo was bigger and better than ever, and the feedback we heard from TIA members was tremendous,” said TIA President Ken Brown.
“The Expo serves the needs of both buyers and exhibitors and allows for opportunities for networking, education and sales all under one roof.”
“It is great to see the growth of the Global Tire Expo from year to year,” added Roy Littlefield, TIA executive vice president.
ZipGripGo One of the easiest tire-traction devices in the world; all-season snow, ice and wet grass. Gets users going again. | |
“We congratulate TIA on another successful Global Tire Expo that again exceeded expectations,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “We focus on value for the Show participants. It’s a perfect partnership that brings strong ROI for members of both trade associations as well as our respective automotive aftermarket buyers, exhibitors and attendees at large.”
The following pages provide a look at the newest Global Tire Expo products that were simultaneously entered into the SEMA Show’s New Product Showcase.
AME International The Hitch Hermit is a hitch storage device for keeping trailer hitches near the receiver, out of the truck bed or cab and out of view from theft. The device allows easy access to the hitch when needed. | Bartec USA LLC Success in servicing TPMS begins at the front counter. The Talking TPMS Kit gives counter people necessary tips, tricks and advice on how to talk TPMS with their customers. | |
Huf North America With market-leading technology, OE-equivalent quality and the fastest installation process, Huf brings what it says is the most innovative TPMS solution to the market. Intellisens is said to be the only configurable sensor in the aftermarket. This solution is easy to use and has high-end European coverage not offered by other brands. Engineered and manufactured in Germany. | J.M. Nault Wheel Weights & Accessories The J.M. Nault Wheel weight hammer and remover is a multi-task tool that easily helps install and remove wheel weights. It comes with a Teflon-head hammer stick-on scraper in a special shape configured to be used directly on a tire-changing machine. This product is light and efficient. | |
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. This new premium two-ply mud tire features an aggressive tread pattern with matching functional side biters. Severe off-road performance with on-road capabilities; studdable for additional winter traction. Popular OE and plus fitments, with sizes up to 37 in. | TiroGage Valve-mounted, flow-through tire-pressure monitor gauge. Analog for durability and precision-instrument rated; a simple solution for safety and savings. | |
NTCC Dream Eco Snow Chain Dream Eco Chain is an innovative snow chain that offers an installation time of less than 30 sec. | Tire Profiles A mobile containerized self-drive diagnostic system equipped with a TreadSpec laser scanner for tire tread and alignment diagnostics and an optional flat plate brake tester. | |
Achilles The Achilles ATR Sport 2 is a tire with a tread design that improves handling in wet conditions, cornering and overall performance. By utilizing the most recent advances in technology and non-PAH oils, this is a true performance tire that also keeps in mind environmental needs. Have confidence in all things driven with Achilles. | Hennessy Industries Coats’ next-generation wheel balancer is accurate, user-friendly and always calibrated for a true balance. Be one of the first to witness accuracy beyond okay. | |
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. The Cooper CS3 Touring is the newest addition to the company’s passenger line | Autel Two brand-new MaxiTPMS sensors cover 98% of all TPMS vehicles in North America. The sensors have been validated on all major OE systems and cover both 315 and 433 MHz frequencies, eliminating the need for large sensor inventories. | |
Bartec USA LLC Industry-leading TPMS diagnostic tool can now program popular aftermarket sensors at the vehicle. In addition to vehicle re-learns and TPMS fault-code detection and clearing, the Tech400SD programs sensors from Alligator, Orange and Schrader. It works perfectly on multi-app sensors from Continental and John Dow, and it is easy to use! | Bartec USA LLC TPMS diagnostics just went wireless! The Tech500 is the latest innovation from Bartec, the leaders in TPMS. The Tech500 has a process-driven menu flow, can program aftermarket sensors, works with multi-app sensors and has service instructions on screen. All that plus wireless updating, data retrieval and charging. TPMS just got easier and faster! | |
Runner-up Best New Tire and Related Product31 Inc. This innovative, multi-application TPMS sensor is a patented out-of-the-box solution that is pre-programmed and ready to use just like an OE sensor. Both snap-in and clamp-in valve options are available, and it works with all major TPMS scan tools. TPMS just got easier! | CEMB USA A professional video touchscreen wheel balancer with a unique design in ABS plastic. Automatic entry (3D), radial runout, a cross laser for stick-on weights and a dual laser for clip-on weights. PNeumatic locking and electric brake. Plug-and-play features. | |
Continental Tire the Americas LLC Developed on the world famous Nürburgring, this ultra-responsive tire is engineered by Continental for track and street performance. Precise control, confident handling and outstanding grip make this the ultimate tire for the driving enthusiast. | Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. Engineered from Cooper Tire’s proven Discoverer line, the Discoverer HT3 was designed as a premium commercial light-truck tire that provides trusted all-season performance. The tread design helps resist abnormal wear that is common with commercial vehicles. | |
Continental Tire the Americas LLC General Tire’s newest all-season touring tire is designed for coupes, sedans, minivans and small crossover vehicles. The AltiMAX RT43 delivers a comfortable ride with year-round traction and extended tread life and includes General Tire’s exclusive Monitor Technology. The AltiMAX RT43 offers a 75,000-mile T-rated (65,000 H-rated) limited tread-wear warranty. | JOSN Electronic Co. Ltd. Saving lives, conserving fuel and protecting property with every unit sold! | |
Greenball Corp. The Kanati Trail Hog offers exceptional traction, stability and durability in all kinds of terrain and weather conditions. Thirteen LT sizes for 16- to 20-in. wheels; pinnable for winter studs. | JOSN Electronic Co. Ltd. Full HD DVR with tire-pressure monitoring system; record driving history and monitor tire pressure and temperature. One-of-a-kind driving safety product. | |
Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels The Dick Cepek Trail Country is a true all-terrain tire that delivers a unique, five-rib tread design, aggressive off-road capabilities, confident highway control and wear and balanced all-season performance. | Hercules Tire The premium, all-terrain Hercules Terra Trac AT II is the next generation of all-weather, on- and off-road strength, durability, versatility, quiet and design. The Terra Trac AT II has the total package: rugged looks with good manners and absolute performance. | |
Ken-Tool Ken-Tool reCore Kit provides everything needed to drill out a corroded valve core, tap new threads and install a new corrosion-proof valve core and stem. | Ken-Tool Makes removing stuck or frozen dual steel wheels quick and easy. Ideal for use on nearly any truck, bus, van or trailer with dual steel wheels. | |
Ken-Tool Makes it easier to check the inside dual tire. No more moving the rig to position valve stems just to get to the caps. No more dropped caps. | Ken-Tool Lightweight molded plastic pan locks inside truck and trailer wheels, keeping tires and wheels clean. Fits most steel and aluminum 22.5- and 24.5-in. 10-hold hub-/stud-piloted wheels. | |
Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels has introduced an innovative new light-truck tire. Developed with four-time Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series champion and 16-time X Games medalist Brian Deegan, the Deegan 38 is the ultimate mud-terrain tire, delivering aggressive performance, respectable street manners and impressive style. | Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels Styled after one of the best-known innovations in off-road history, Mickey Thompson’s revolutionary tread-on-the-sidewall tire design called SideBiters. | |
Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels This simulated bead-lock wheel features the same great styling as the Classic III wheel, with the finely machined bead-lock styling coated in a protective matte finish with large M/T logos. These attributes give the look and feel of a real bead lock without the expense. | Mickey Thompson Performance | |
Runner-up Best New Tire and Related ProductMyers Tire Supply Air-Flexx valve extensions are flexible but rigid enough to use without a rim holder, clamp or stabilizer, saving time and money. The plastic casing will not corrode. The pin in the extension opens the tire valve only when checking pressure or inflating. If the extension is cut in half or is broken, no pressure is lost from the tire. | Myers Tire Supply For use by truck fleet maintenance facilities | |
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. The RS3-S features world-class dry-road traction, handling and cornering. The tread compounds are specifically formulated to combine dry and wet traction with crisp handling and high-speed capabilities. | Myers Tire Supply TPMS Consumer Education Kit | |
Niagara Lubricant Co. Inc. This VOC-compliant penetrating lubricant offers superior lubricity while attempting to separate all rusted mechanical parts. Many competing products contain solvents with high vapor pressures and volatile organic compounds that are harmful and hazardous. This product is safe to use on virtually any surface. | Qingdao Sentury Tire Co. Ltd. Delinte DH2 is a quality all-season performance touring tire that offers superior handling and long life. It is manufactured in more than 60 sizes, so it can serve a full range of passenger cars, SUVs and crossover vehicles. Four-wide longitudinal grooves provide an efficient water-evacuating feature, while 3D shoulder grooves reduce road noise. | |
Orange Electronic Co. Ltd. Simple Sensor simplifies all the user’s needs. Three SKUs cover 95% of vehicle applications and are compatible with ATEQ and Bartec tools. Patented ID copy function—fast and easy! | RightPSI Inc. Interactive packaging: If scanned with Layar app (download at Layar.com), RightPSI’s packaging comes alive with video projecting on the front. This augmented-reality feature describes the product and installation and links to Facebook. Combined with QR-coded back and clear packaging, customers enjoy an improved buying experience. | |
J.M. Nault Wheel Weights & Accessories The weight gun applies weight on wheels without the use of a hammer. It eases the application on any kind of weight: steel, zinc or lead. Two models of weight guns are available—one for steel weights and one for lead and zinc. When you try it, you will wonder why you would apply weights any other way! | Vee Rubber International Co. Ltd. Veento G-3: all-season high performance with dual-nature technology. Features asymmetric tread that can be mounted either side out, depending on desired performance. Mount wet side out for enhanced wet cornering performance or dry side out for better dry performance. Three large circumferential zigzag grooves for wet/snow traction. | |
Niagara Lubricant Co. Inc. The next-generation tire-mounting compound formulated for commercial, off-road, motorcycle and all specialty tires. This environmentally friendly product provides superior lubricity and adhesion that aids tire mounting and dismounting. This product is approved by Goodyear Dunlop for mounting all motorcycle tires in AMA competition races. | Myers Tire Supply |