GLG News by Tire Experts: Automotive Industry Consultants

James "Jim" RippyFormer Senior Vice President of OperationsCONTINENTAL TIRE THE AMERICAS, LLC.

March 30, 2007

Analysis of:GM CEO Sees No End to Overcapacity | online.wsj.com

GM has missed the boat, the dock and the road to the lake. This company is suffering from a serious disease called "Executivitis".

Arlen SwensonGeneral ManagerBOBCAT ENTERPRISES, INC.

Positive Outlook Increases Meeting Attendance

January 24, 2007

Analysis of:2007 AED Annual Meeting & CONDEX | www.aednet.org

At the conclusion of the AED’s 88th Annual Meeting & CONDEX, held in Las Vegas on January 16-18, the enthusiasm and optimism for the year ahead was mentioned by many attendees. This year’s show was one of the highest attended on record in fact.

Total registrations climbed 17 percent from last year’s convention, bringing the number of attendees up to 3,000. Distributors, manufacturers and service firm attendees from the United States, Canada, and abroad met to discuss the issues and opportunities facing the equipment industry.

Mr. Les Bebchick, President & CEO, Equipment & Systems for Industry, Inc. of Hopkinton, Mass., was inaugurated as the 2007 AED Chairman. Mr. Bebchick delivered an appreciative message on the strengths of the AED organization and how its network is an important bridge to the success of dealers -- big or small -- across North America.

Outgoing 2006 Chairman, Mr. Dale Leppo, President, Leppo Rents/Bobcat of Akron, of Tallmadge, Ohio, was noted for his successful leadership of AED during 2006 and was recognized for his contribution to a successful annual meeting and CONDEX.

The annual meeting concluded on Thursday with a review of the Outlook for the Construction Equipment Industry and a series Executive Seminars on processes for improving dealership business success.

Brian SextonRetail Consultant AutoTech LLC

CarMax-Hitting On All Cylinders Except One

September 27, 2006

Analysis of:CarMax Reports Record Second Quarter Results; Updates Fiscal 2007 Expectations | www.prnewswire.com

CarMax recently reported an outstanding Q2, FY’07 performance, however continues to be unable to achieve meaningful SG&A leverage. Without meaningful SG&A leverage, this otherwise hot company could go cold.

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

Depends on the Price of Benzene -- at the moment

August 23, 2006

Analysis of: Mitsui Chemicals To Develop Benzene Catalyst In Singapore | www.easybourse.com

Technology is well-understood

Make/buy decision for benzene

Brian SextonRetail Consultant AutoTech LLC

Pep Boys - Analyisis Counterpoint

August 23, 2006

Analysis of:Pep Boys CEO to get $2.7M in severance package | bizjournals.com

I agree with GLG counsel member, Mr. Phil Akin, that Pep Boys can prosper again and that their operating model needs to be changed, however I couldn’t disagree more on two of the three recommendations.

The service bays must NOT be sublet to regional repair shops. Rather their service offerings needs to refocused and streamlined.
Pep DOES NOT need to be rid of the tire business. Rather they need to considerably expand their offering.
Pep can become a super store in the auto parts aftermarket. I agree on this point and will expound further.
Lastly, I’ll add that Pep Boys desperately needs new leadership and a cultural shift to accomplish these tasks; and this includes levels below CEO.

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

How to view margins

August 23, 2006

Analysis of:CMAI Conference | www.cmaiglobal.com

Plastics margins

Integrated producers

Feedstock prices

Terry HebronPresidentHeavy Truck And Equipment Wholesalers.com

Pre Buy is over.

August 17, 2006

Analysis of:Diesel vehicles to reduce emissions by 90 percent | www.news-record.com

The prebuy before the 07 mandate takes place is much stronger than the 02 pre buy.

The author also stated the previous EPA mandate was in 04 when it was really Oct 02.

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

Chlor-alkali and PVC margins

August 10, 2006

Analysis of:PolyOne Reports Best Second Quarter Results Ever, Earnings Increase 28 Percent, Performance Plastics Post Solid Year-to-Date Sales | www.chempoint.com

-Chlor-alkali market stable

-PVC margins strong

-Margin outlook for both tightening

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

Some Hope for Rubber prices

August 9, 2006

Analysis of:Potholes Ahead for Global Tire Makers | www.businessweek.com

-Rubber prices are dragging down tire manufacturers' margins.

-Rubber prices have increased significantly over the past couple of years.