OTR tire manufacturers and dealers are counting on the recently passed stimulus package to help turn the beleaguered segment around. However, it's too early to discuss specifics, says Gary Nash, director of OTR sales for Yokohama Tire Corp.
"If you look at all the indicators -- gross domestic product, the consumer price index, industrial production, everything -- all of these numbers are changing. You can't even get a handle on them daily Unemployment, foreclosures... it's still a big mess to clean up."
Until government agencies start spending stimulus money on road and other construction projects, OTR tiremakers, distributors and dealers will have to monitor market conditions closely, says Nash.
"We have to make sure we remain competitive." Distributors will have to "get closer to your suppliers and your dealers. I think you have to include your dealers in your decision-making. And you have to empower your people to make fast decisions."
