July 26, 2002

Bob Redding
Washington, DC Representative
Automotive Service Association
313 Massachusetts Ave., NE
Washington, D.C. 20002

Dear Bob:
On behalf of the 4,000-plus members of the Tire Industry Association (TIA) I would like to express to ASA our full support of the Motor Vehicle Owners Right To Repair Act (H.R. 2735/S.2617). This legislation is crucial to the thousands of independent tire dealers who perform tire and automotive services.

TIA was formed July 1 of this year when the Tire Association of North America and the International Tire & Rubber Association merged into a single entity. Our membership is comprised of tire dealers, wholesalers and distributors, manufacturers and retreaders, businesses that sell, service and recycle tire and rubber products, as well as companies that provide equipment and services for the tire industry.

The Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act would require original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) provide service information to independent auto repair facilities. This bill could not be more important to the tire industry at this time.

The Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act passed as a result of the Ford/Firestone crisis in 2000 includes a mandate that all new passenger vehicles (after 2005) be equip with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMSs). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the final TPMS rule on July 5, 2002. One of TIA’s largest concerns with the published final rule is that the government is ignoring the need of independent tire dealers and automotive service providers to be given the OEM information necessary to install, service, maintain, recalibrate and fix these TPMSs.

TIA will work closely with ASA in the effort to pass the Right to Repair Act, a bill that is critical to our members. If you have any questions I can be reached at 703-736-8082.

Sincerely,

Becky MacDicken
Director of Government Affairs
Tire Industry Association