NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Rich Kramer doesn't consider the changing mobility in today's world as a threat, either today or in the future.
In fact, Kramer, the Goodyear chairman, CEO and president, said the new and developing means of mobility—be it fleets, autonomous vehicles, connectivity and electric vehicles, or FACE—"have the potential to launch a new wave of growth in the tire industry."
He wrapped up the structured part of the 2018 Goodyear Customer Conference with his 36-minute keynote address, in which he reviewed some the company's initiatives, both past and present, and thanked tire dealers for their support and relationships.
The annual three-day conference concluded Saturday night at Gaylord Resort and Conference Center with a surprise performance by a county-and-western singer.
Kramer said the Akron-based tire maker is "positioned for success" in the new mobility system. He said forecasters believe the combination of these new mobility options could lead to a dramatic increase in vehicle miles driven, prompting an increase in tire demand. He said some believe that demand could double by 2030.
He highlighted Goodyear's experience in recognizing and reacting to trends in the industry during the company's century-plus of doing business. He reviewed some of ways Goodyear is preparing for the FACE of the future, such as including sensors in tires and products to review electric vehicles and working closely with commercial truck fleets and government agencies in their quest to find more efficient ways to operate.
He emphasized Goodyear's branding and its commitment to interactive engagement with consumers. Goodyear has driven more than 100,000 appointments to Goodyear-aligned customers in the past year, he said.