Magazine for the professional tire industry
Issue link: https://mtd.epubxp.com/i/328077
MTD June 2014 News/views Continental develops a TPMS sensor that reads tread depth thickness Continental AG announced it is developing tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors that will detect when a tire change is necessary due to insuffcient tread depth. The company says intelligent software in the sensor deduces tread depth from gradual changes in tire rolling characteristics. The in-tire pressure sensor infers running characteristics from the variations in tire defor- mation. The feature is tentatively slated for 2017 in new models equipped with direct TPMS from Continen- tal's electronic Tire Information System. The vehicle's telemat- ics module is capable of informing the local auto service center a tire change is due. ATD owners consider a public offering If TPG Capital LP decides to take American Tire Distributors Holdings Inc. public, it might recoup its initial investment and more. Recent acqui- sitions, however, will make an initial public offering (IPO) less proftable. The private equity frm purchased the company in June 2010 for $1.3 billion. Add in the cost of ATD's two most recent acquisitions — $310 million for Hercules Tire Holdings LLC and $345 million for Terry's Tire Town Holdings Inc. — and TPG's investment jumps to nearly $2 billion. TPG has been exploring a possible IPO for ATD, the largest wholesale tire distributor in the U.S. ATD posted a net loss of $6.3 million on net sales of $3.8 billion for its fscal year ended Dec. 28, 2013. Bauer Built celebrates 70 years After 70 years in business, Bauer Built Inc. is not slowing down. As part of its anniversary celebration, the Durand, Wis.-based commercial tire dealership announced two 70th Anniversary Sweepstakes programs for its associates. One is in appreciation for their dedication and loyalty and is related to their years of service to the company. The other is an incentive for salespeople to increase sales in 2014. "Our company slogan is 'Our Strength is in our People,' and this is our way of telling them we mean that and how much we appreciate their efforts, past and present," says President Tad Bauer. Bauer Built also honored its founders by announcing the six winners of the 20th G.F. "Sam" and Ethel V. Bauer/Bauer Built Inc. Scholar- ship Award Program. Since 1994, the program has awarded close to $85,000 in scholarships to a Bauer Built employee, or a son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter or grandchild of an employee. The company ranks ninth on MTD's "Top 25 U.S. Commercial Tire Dealers" list. ■ June 18 Ontario Tire Dealers Association Annual Fund Raiser & Charity Golf Classic, Port Hope, Ontario (888) 207-9059 www.otda.com July 16-18 PAACE Automechanika Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico (770) 984-8016 www.messefrankfurt.com July 18 Georgia Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association Annual Convention, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Fla. (770) 947-2323 www.gtdra.com July 23-25 Latin American & Caribbean Tyre Expo, ATLAPA Convention Center, Panama City, Republic of Panama +1 786-293-5186 www.latintyreexpo.com September 7-10 Automotive Fleet & Leasing Associa- tion Annual Conference, M Resort, Las Vegas, Nev. (414) 386-0366 www.afaonline.com September 10-12 12th China International Tire Expo, Shanghai Everbright Convention & Exhibition Center, Shanghai, China +86-10-85898181 www.citexpo.com.cn September 16-20 Automechanika Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany +49 69 75 75-0 www.automechanikafrankfurt.com September 18-20 Tire Dealers Association of Canada National Trade Show & Conference, Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, Ontario (888) 207-9059 www.otda.com dates If a tire's tread is run down to below a tire-specifc threshold value, Continental's new sensor signals that a tire change is due. 16