Last newsletter we asked for your input on “low priced import tires.” Here’s the question: Entry level, opening price point, cheap stuff, whatever you call them. Our lowest priced tires carry the Westlake brand and we can’t help but notice they are HARDLY EVER returned FOR ANYTHING. Last week I was speaking with our Chester PA distribution center manager Ken Roberts and he was wondering about entry level tires in general. We know they balance up nicely but do they stop in the wet? Do they deliver good treadlife? The results are in:
17% They don’t come back because of PRICE
20% Overall poor, not much better than used
14% They suck in the rain
20% They are just OK
17% They are delivering treadwear right up there with all the big brands
6% Incredible traction and performance
6% Honestly these are great. No need to ever buy Tier 1 again
To frame this up, looks like 51% of our responding dealers think the big brands have nothing to worry about, 20% are on the fence, and 29% think the upstarts are winning the fight against the big brands. Thanks for participating.