Two major manufacturers and marketers of tires for motorcoaches Michelin and Bridgestone Firestone have made deals with large truck stop operators to distribute their tires.

Michelin Americas Truck Tires and Loves Travel Stops signed an agreement under which Loves will feature Michelin bus and truck tires and related products.

Earlier, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire signed a seven-year agreement with TravelCenters of America to sell Bridgestone and Firestone commercial tires at TravelCenter outlets and Petro Stopping Centers.

Loves also announced that its expanding services offered at many locations to include tire and emergency road service.

Guy Pekle, Michelins vice president of replacement sales, said Loves commitment to providing outstanding service to operators of commercial vehicles mirrors that of Michelin, which makes the agreement beneficial to carriers from coast to coast.

"Before the end of 2009, we will have enabled 100 locations to carry the new Loves Tire Care banner and offer emergency road service along their key access corridors, as well as tire sales and services," said Kevin McCarthy, Loves divisional manager of tire sales and services. Loves has more than 200 locations.

Under the Bridgestone Firestone-TravelCenters of America deal, Bridgestone becomes the exclusive commercial tire offered by both TravelCenters of America and Petro:Lube commercial vehicle maintenance and repair centers.

Art Campagnoni, Bridgestone Firestone vice president of truck and bus tire sales, said: "Fleets can be sure Bridgestone tires will be offered at more truckstop locations than any other brand. With the help of TravelCenters of America and Petro:Lube we can service our customers quickly and efficiently so they can stay on the road."

The combined TravelCenters of America and Petro:Lube replacement tire network features more than 230 locations and 400 road service vehicles. The agreement affects company-owned TravelCenters of America Truck Repair Centers and Petro:Lube Shop locations only. Franchise participation for both brands is anticipated.