RMA Co-Sponsoring Rubber Asphalt Conference
A major industry conference will convene later this year to work toward expanding the use of rubber-modified asphalt produced using scrap tires. The RMA is partnering with the Rubber Pavements Association, Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society, Asphalt Institute, National Asphalt Pavements Association and the National Center for Asphalt Technology to co-host the fifth
N.C. Dealers Oppose Safety Inspection Elimination
The North Carolina Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association is opposing the proposed abolishment of the state’s vehicle safety inspection program. According to NCTRA PAC chairman Gary Baldree, N.C. Senate Bill 123 "has heavy support from a group of legislators aiming to discontinue the safety aspect of the inspection process. This being a self-funded program appears
Annual TIA OTR Conference Delivers Info, Networking, Weather
Over the years, the OTR tire segment has proven to be among the strongest supporters of TIA and the most interested in educational opportunities. That certainly was again the case with the 2011 TIA OTR Conference, where a near-record crowd gathered at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami. Prior to that panel discussion,
Natural Rubber Prices Declining: Report
A March 11 report from DB Equity Research Automotive observes that the cost of "certain key raw materials" used by tire manufacturers have begun to decline.The Deutsche Bank equity research team states: “Most notably, we estimate that natural rubber prices have declined by 9% since last Friday…and rubber has declined by approximately 15% (from the
Wanna Serve? TIA Board Nominations Open
TIA is now accepting nominations for service on its board of directors. Board members serve three-year terms and may be re-elected to serve two additional three-year terms."If you are thinking of a way to give back to the industry, I hope you will consider serving on the TIA Board," said TIA Executive Vice President Roy
Chinese Brands Get Mixed Marks in Reach Testing
The use of high-PAH extender oils in tires manufactured for sale within the European Union has been prohibited under the Reach regulation since Jan. 1, 2010. This restriction was heeded by firms producing within the EU and appropriate modifications to the manufacturing process made before the deadline, and the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association
Bridgestone Joint Research Aims Science at Rubber Production
Indonesia is the world’s second largest natural rubber producer, with figures from the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries putting the number of hectares under cultivation at 3,445,000 and those under tapping at 2,773,000. With an aim of further enhancing this production, Bridgestone Corp. has entered into a cooperative research project agreement with two other
Top 10 Repair Shop Websites Named
AutoInc., the official publication of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), recently named its annual "Top 10 Automotive Repair Websites." The annual Top 10, now in its 13th year, serves as a guide to help shop owners understand the capabilities of the Internet in the automotive repair industry. The list for 2011 includes (in alphabetical order):•
Is TPMS a Headache or Opportunity?
d see the value in the work performed. Rohlwing: Customers don’t understand and dealers need to explain. We should position the light being on as a good thing. It’s a signal that tells the driver that something is wrong and it needs to get serviced. Take the positive role and tell them how it works
The Price Crisis Part IV: China Stretches Rubber Demand
China has announced that it would put a cap on new vehicle registration in Beijing. It is the price the country is paying for its rapid economic growth. The high demand for personal vehicles has resulted in urban gridlock. It also has led to the inevitable rise in demand for more tires. The result has