Relationship with the Auto Industry.
The tire and inner tube industry has always been heavily dependent upon the automobile industry. Competition among tire manufacturers has been fierce, particularly for status as original equipment for automakers. Because car buyers tend to purchase replacement tires of the same brand originally sold on the car, it is good business for a tire producer to cut prices and induce auto producers to select its brand. For each tire included as original equipment, an average of three replacement tires will be purchased.