Freshly retired NBA and international basketball star Yao Ming joined with Maxxis officials as the tiremaker celebrated the company’s Cheer for the Earth initiative, targeting environmental protection through fuel efficiency. 
The event was held Aug. 16 at the Shanghai Regent Hotel in Shanghai, China.
As part of its effort, Maxxis offered free pressure checks and free tire inflation at more than 1,000 stores throughout China in July and August. More than 150,000 customers have taken advantage of the promotion to date, saving an estimated 61,965 tons in carbon emissions, the tiremaker claimed.
Maxxis General Manager Gary Lee said that actions by individual consumers are important in protecting the planet, and added that tire pressure has a direct impact on overall fuel consumption. The company is committed to supporting and encouraging green driving practices, and sponsored a similar promotion in 2010.
The former Houston Rockets star retired from basketball this year, but is the most recognizable athlete in China and remains popular around the world.
