The Tire Industry Association placed special attention on repealing recently enacted tariffs on imported China-made passenger tires and on getting a seat at the table when it comes to a new consumer education offering.
TIA members approved two resolutions aimed at these issues at its annual meeting on Nov. 2.
The first resolution states that TIA “will strive to be a significant partner of NHTSA” and lobby to handle the consumer education aspect of pending tire fuel efficiency regulations currently being developed by NHTSA. The regulatory agency is required to develop testing and tire labeling programs under Congressional mandate, including developing and executing a national consumer tire education program. TIA has made no secret of its desire to take on the consumer education aspect, feeling the government plan is lacking.
The second resolution calls on President Obama to rescind his late-September decision to levy an added 35% tariff on passenger tires imported from China. The tariff has had a devastating effect on the entire industry, from forcing price increases at every level to pressing importers and private branders to seek out new supply sources.
TIA’s new board members took thier seats during the annual meeting. Joining the 36-member board were: Russell Belcher, QMI/Ever-Wear, Lakeland, Fla.; Dean Bray Jr., Bray’s Recapping Service, Mt. Airy, N.C.; Eddie Burleson, Central Marketing Inc., Colonial Heights, Va.; Dick Gust, Liberty/Lakin National Tire Recycling, Chicago, Ill.; Keith Jarman, AME International, Brooksville, Fla.; Jim Melvin, Tire Pros of R.I. Inc., North Kingstown, R.I.; Glen Nicholson, TBC Retail, Juno Beach, Fla.; Jim Pangle, Fountain Tire, Edmonton, Albert.; Freda Pratt-Boyer, Purcell Tire & Rubber Co., Potosi, Mo.; and Mike Wolfe, Southeastern Wholesale Tire, Raleigh, N.C.
Roy Bromfield of Q Tires Inc., of Greenville, S.C., was named to fill a one-year vacancy that was created by the election of Larry Brandt, MSB Tires of Lakeville, Minn., to the position of secretary.
