Dealers say Ford not taking away biz.

AKRON--Ford Motor Co.'s "Around the Wheel" program--which participating auto dealers say is working well--apparently is not having a significant effect on independent tire dealers across the U.S.

Around the Wheel is Ford's initiative to sell automotive aftermarket products and services, including replacement tires, through its dealerships.

Ford announced the program about two years ago and last year ran an advertising campaign promoting Ford dealers as "America's newest tire store."

Initially, the program and subsequent advertising initiative el