During the opening session of its online customer conference, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s Steve McClellan acknowledged the negativity the company’s tire dealers faced when President Donald Trump called for a boycott of Goodyear tires.
The remarks by McClellan, the president of Goodyear’s business in the Americas, are the first since the company issued a written statement a day after the president called for the boycott in August because the company doesn’t allow its employees to wear political clothing to work, including items with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.
McClellan talked about how Goodyear adapted throughout 2020 in the face of COVID-19, and said, “Goodyear has built a brand strong enough to weather anything that comes our way — the temporary suspension of sports, grounding of blimps and even getting pulled into political discussions.”
He never referred to Trump by name, and didn’t repeat the word boycott, but the inference was clear. A picture of the White House appeared on the screen behind him.
McClellan said despite the challenges of the year, the “Goodyear brand remains number one” with consumers.
“This is no accident. We built this brand over 120 years by making significant investments in marketing and advertising. But you are also part of what makes Goodyear the number one brand in the industry. We appreciate all you do to represent Goodyear in your communities and with consumers.
“It’s important to acknowledge that you received a lot of negativity when Goodyear got pulled into the political discussions this year. We know that was difficult and unexpected. I speak on behalf of all of Goodyear when I say we sincerely appreciate your patience and support through that time.
“You’re a big part of what sets us apart from the competition and we thank you.”
Read more about the opening day of the virtual dealer conference here: Goodyear Unveils 3 All-Terrain Tires Coming in 2021
