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Fleets can expect single-digit increases in tire prices soon, as several manufacturers issued price hikes set to take effect this year.

Bridgestone and Yokohama announced Feb. 2 they would be increasing the price of tires as the price of raw materials rise, following a similar announcement from Michelin.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. added two sizes to the Roadmaster RM272 commercial tire line, which is engineered to withstand the demands of drop-deck trailers, and noted tires in this application are arguably the most abused of any in the trucking industry.

The lightbulb moment came when Brandon Richardson, a former Detroit automotive engineer, had a tire go flat because it was underinflated.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. completed its purchase of a 65% interest in China-based Qingdao Ge Rui Da Rubber Co., Ltd. under terms that were previously announced, the company said.

Many fleets are using technology that monitors tire pressure or automatically adds air as a way to improve fuel efficiency, extend tire life and prevent expensive roadside service calls, but these systems also could play an important role in the industry’s efforts to curb emissions in the years ahead.

Bridgestone Americas Inc. announced Joseph Saoud joined the company as president of the truck and bus radial tire unit at Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. said it added a new size premium, wide-base steer tire for mixed-service applications to its Roadmaster commercial tire line, the RM332 WB.

WASHINGTON — Truck and bus tires from China were being dumped in the United States at below-market prices, a potential step toward the imposition of duties, the Commerce Department announced Aug. 29.