Traction News News Updates

Kristy Lake has joined the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) as Vice President of Human Resources (HR), reporting to SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. She will be based at the Association’s Diamond Bar, Calif., headquarters. Lake brings deep expertise in organizational development, talent management, and strategic HR leadership. She… Read more »

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), representing manufacturers that produce tires in the U.S., launched National Tire Safety Week 2025, an annual public education campaign designed to raise awareness about the critical role of tire care in driver safety. Running from June 30 to July 4, this year’s theme, “Check… Read more »

Alliance Tire, a leading global brand of agricultural and off-highway tires, hosted its first U.S. in-field demonstration late last week to illustrate the dramatic abilities of VF farm tire technology to reduce long-term harms like soil compaction that lead to reduced yields. At the same time, the company demonstrated the… Read more »

Smither’s industry-leading conference, Traction Summit, will be heading to San Antonio, Texas from August 12-13 at the Thompson San Antonio-Riverwalk. Since 2013, this annual event has been the definitive meeting place to discuss and understand future opportunities for tires, and to make the connections needed to capitalize on those prospects.… Read more »

American drivers overspend approximately $18.6 billion annually on fuel because nearly half are driving on underinflated tires, according to a report released by Firestone Complete Auto Care (Firestone)1. As summer driving season begins, the company estimates drivers could take an extra 500-mile road trip with the money they may save… Read more »

In recent times, there has been a growing emphasis on greener, more fuel-efficient solutions in the automotive sector. Low rolling resistance tires are gaining traction as a practical and immediate way to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. By reducing the energy required to keep a vehicle in motion, these tires… Read more »

SEMA+ benefits include exclusive discounts on top industry brands, discounted ticket entry to select automotive events, insider connections to the car culture community, and more. FuelFest partners with SEMA+ to build stronger industry relationships and engagement across the U.S. Automotive enthusiasts can now gain access to a thriving automotive community,… Read more »

Kyuwang (Ken) Cho to lead Marketing as North America Senior Vice President K.C. Jensen named Vice President of PC/LT Sales, with Mark Roe leading as Vice President, TBR Sales Shaun Prott, Travis Jones, and Brian Ford named Regional Directors of PC/LT and TBR Sales Global leading tire company Hankook Tire & Technology (Hankook Tire) announced several… Read more »

Nordin to lead Aftermarket and Fleet Service TraXtion announces that auto industry veteran Al Nordin has rejoined the company as General Manager of Aftermarket, where he will lead the aftermarket and fleet service areas. Nordin previously worked at TraXtion from 2015 to 2021 as the Executive Vice President of Business Development,… Read more »

Modern car dealerships are undergoing a quiet revolution. No longer are they simply showrooms where transactions take place and keys are exchanged. Instead, they’re transforming into full-service centers focused on education, maintenance, and long-term support. With vehicles becoming increasingly complex, customers are looking for more than just a sales pitch—they… Read more »