Tire Industry Association Opposes Petition To Limit Imports Of Chinese-Made Tires
Association releases statement; petition before U.S. International Trade Commission would harm consumers; association reiterates belief that all tires - regardless of origin-
should be held to appropriate safety standards.
Bowie, MD - The Tire Industry Association (TIA), one of the leading global authorities on tires, today released a statement announcing their opposition to the proposal before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) that would limit the import of Chinese-made passenger and light truck tires. The association feels strongly that this measure, despite being well-intentioned, would not help in the preservation of manufacturing jobs, and would be harmful to consumers, as these tires are often an affordable solution to those drivers with limited budgets. However, the association also reiterates its long-standing position that all tires - regardless of country of origin - must be held to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
The United Steel Workers (USW), on April 20th, 2009, petitioned the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) to determine whether passenger and light truck tires manufactured in China are being imported in such increased quantities or under such conditions as to cause or threaten to cause market disruption to the producers of like or directly competitive products. They are requesting the imposition of an import quota of 21 million tires (2005 levels) with an increase of five percent each year over a three-year period. This would reduce current imports by almost half. TIA is sympathetic to the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs, but understands that this has occurred over the course of many years and under a multitude of trade policy initiatives, and this attempt - no matter how well-meaning - will not result in either an increase or a preservation of U.S. tire manufacturing jobs.
"TIA believes that the proposal before the ITC would be the worst of both worlds - no U.S. manufacturing jobs would be either saved or created, and consumers would be denied a source of affordable tires at a time in our economy when every penny counts," said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield. He went on to say, "Any reduction in the quantity of tires imported from China would be in and of itself disruptive, as no manufacturing uptick here in the U.S. would satisfy the shortage this measure would create. Instead, manufacturers would have to essentially ration their products, thus resulting in shortages, outages, and most likely, much higher tire prices."
The following is the complete statement:
Tire Industry Association Position on the United Steel Workers Petition Before the United States International Trade Commission Seeking an Import Quota on Chinese-made Tires
The United Steel Workers (USW), on April 20th, 2009, petitioned the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) to determine whether passenger and LT tires from China are being imported in such increased quantities or under such conditions as to cause or threaten to cause market disruption to the producers of like or directly competitive products. They are requesting the imposition of an import quota of 21 million tires (2005 levels) with an increase of five percent each year over a three year period. This would reduce current imports by almost half. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is sympathetic to the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs, but understands that this has occurred over the course of many years and under a multitude of trade policy initiatives.
TIA believes that a reduction of this magnitude in the quantity of Chinese tires imported would itself create a market disruption, and cause very real harm to our member companies and the U.S. consumer. Our members, by directly importing or contracting with suppliers, are meeting the demands of a segment of the tire consumer market for lower-cost tires. No manufacturing uptick would satisfy this product segment, but instead could create a need for product allocation, resulting in shortages and outages. In the best of times such occurrences are troubling, but in today's climate could inflict severe financial harm on many retailers and on the motoring public.
TIA believes that the USITC has the ability to guard against foreign governments supporting the sales of below-cost products, and favors anti-dumping remedies when appropriate. In addition, TIA has long supported requiring that all Chinese tires adhere to applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
TIA would ask the USITC to continue to support a free-trade policy, and reject the USW's effort to impose a protectionist policy.
Note: This position statement is available for download in the "News" section of www.tireindustry.org.
TIA is an international association representing all segments of the tire industry, including those that manufacture, repair, recycle, sell, service or use new or retreaded tires, and also those suppliers or individuals who furnish equipment, material or services to the industry. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has a history that spans more than 80 years and includes several name changes. Originally known as the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (NTDRA), the organization gave birth over the years to the American Retreaders Association (ARA) and the Tire Association of North America (TANA). ARA changed its name to the International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) and merged with TANA in 2002 to form the current Tire Industry Association (TIA), which now represents every interest in the tire industry.
For A Limited Time, TIA Members Can Save Up To 45%
On Payroll Services With New Member Benefit Partner, Ceridian
Bowie, MD – The Tire Industry Association (TIA), one of the world's leading authorities on tires and wheels, today announced that, for a limited time, TIA members (who are not currently enrolled with Ceridian) are eligible for a discount of up to 45% on payroll services with new member benefits partner, Ceridian. TIA members can enroll or find out more about Ceridian by visiting the "Member Services" section of TIA's Web site at www.tireindustry.org, or by calling 800-WE-PAY-YOU (800-937-2996) and mentioning partner code Tire Association.
TIA members also have the opportunity to obtain cost-effective HR, payroll and tax administration services at a preferred rate from Ceridian, a leading national HR/payroll provider. Ceridian's HR/Payroll solution is Web-based and completely hosted, which will free TIA members from the burdens and costs associated with software upgrades, maintenance and hardware purchases.
TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield said, "HR and payroll tasks are often time- and money-consuming. Through our new partnership with Ceridian, we can offer our members a prime opportunity to save time and money, as well as reduce the hassles associated with these tasks. And, with Ceridian's strong reputation for quality and service, our members can rest assured that their payroll and HR issues will be handled promptly, professionally and correctly."
Ceridian Senior Vice President of Small Business Partner Solutions Vinny Mottola explained, "Ceridian's HR/Payroll is accurate, reliable and cost-effective. It enables TIA members to get and keep control of their payroll and human resources responsibilities, while strengthening compliance with rapidly changing state and federal employment laws." Mottola added, "Ceridian is excited about the opportunity of working with TIA and providing its members with integrated payroll services at a preferred rate."
About TIA:
TIA is an international association representing all segments of the tire industry, including those that manufacture, repair, recycle, sell, service or use new or retreaded tires, and also those suppliers or individuals who furnish equipment, material or services to the industry. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has a history that spans more than 80 years and includes several name changes. Originally known as the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (NTDRA), the organization gave birth over the years to the American Retreaders Association (ARA) and the Tire Association of North America (TANA). ARA changed its name to the International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) and merged with TANA in 2002 to form the current Tire Industry Association (TIA), which now represents every interest in the tire industry.
ADVISORY
TIA Accepting Board Secretary Nominations Until May 8
TIA is accepting nominations for Board Secretary until 5p. ET on May 8, 2009. Any TIA member or official representative of an industry association may recommend candidates for Secretary to the Nomination Committee.
Qualifications: Candidates for Secretary must have eighteen (18) months experience on the TIA Board of Directors in the eighteen (18) months immediately preceding the election.
Duties: The Secretary is the custodian of the seal and corporate records of the Association and keeps minutes of all meetings of the members and Board of Directors. The Secretary also performs any other duties that he/she is assigned by the President.
Note: The person elected to Secretary will automatically become Vice President in 2011, and President in 2012. If you would like to nominate someone (including yourself), please contact Peggy Fisher (248.641.8844, ext. 400 or via e-mail) or Sabine Goblet (800.876.8372 or via e-mail).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TIA Contact: Roy Littlefield
May 6, 2009
301-430-7280
TIA and Michelin help Educate Fleets on Wheel-End Safety
Free video now available for download on TIA, Michelin web sites
BOWIE, MD. AND GREENVILLE, S.C. (May 6, 2009) – The Tire Industry Association (TIA) and Michelin Americas Truck Tires (MATT) have partnered to create a new training video for truck fleets. The 20-minute video titled “Wheel End Safety” is intended to provide maintenance personnel and drivers with installation and inspection guidelines to improve wheel-end performance and safety. It addresses a number of related topics, but the primary focus is to help fleets prevent wheel-off accidents and wheel-end fires. The video is available as a free download on TIA’s website, www.tireindustry.org and on Michelin’s website, www.michelintruck.com.
“As part of our ongoing efforts to educate the tire and transportation industries, TIA is proud to partner with Michelin on this important fleet safety video,” remarked Roy Littlefield, TIA executive vice president. “In addition to wheel-off and wheel-end fire prevention, “Wheel End Safety” also addresses the dangers of welding on rims and includes dramatic footage that clearly demonstrates the risks to this dangerous practice. Our hope is that fleets will use this video to educate drivers, maintenance personnel and tire service providers on the steps they can take to make the highways safer for themselves and all motorists.”
In order to illustrate the danger of a wheel-off incident, TIA worked with Michelin engineers to construct a controlled test at Michelin’s Laurens Proving Grounds in South Carolina, where the tire and wheel assemblies could be filmed after they separated from a trailer. After several successful attempts, a parked car was placed in the path so multiple cameras could record the footage. The resulting impact is certain to grab the attention of viewers and demonstrate the seriousness of wheel-off accidents.
“This video dramatically demonstrates the importance of operating trucks and other commercial vehicles as safely as possible,” said Doug Jones, customer engineering support manager at Michelin North America. “By taking a few extra minutes to shore up wheel-end maintenance, fleet technicians can help minimize the number of dangerous wheel-off events.”
About TIA
TIA is an international association representing all segments of the tire industry, including those that manufacture, repair, recycle, sell, service or use new or retreaded tires, and also those suppliers or individuals who furnish equipment, material or services to the industry. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has a history that spans more than 80 years and includes several name changes. Originally known as the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (NTDRA), the organization gave birth over the years to the American Retreaders Association (ARA) and the Tire Association of North America (TANA). ARA changed its name to the International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) and merged with TANA in 2002 to form the current Tire Industry Association (TIA), which now represents every interest in the tire industry.
About Michelin
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelintruck.com) employs more than 22,600 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.
Tire Industry Association Opens Membership To Fleets
Bowie, MD —The Tire Industry Association (TIA), one of the world’s leading authorities on tires and wheels, has opened up membership to fleets. Fleets interested in joining TIA are encouraged to visit www.tireindustry.org, or call 800.876.8372, extension 106.
Fleets now have access to discounts on TIA’s world-class training and certification programs, including Commercial Tire Service (CTS) and OSHA Compliance. TIA can even custom-design fleet tire service training programs that allow fleets to combine classroom instruction and hands-on training in the maintenance facility for commercial and off-the-road tire service.
In addition to this, fleet members have access to significant savings on programs such as Comdata’s Fleet Team, a service that frees merchants who are involved in providing parts, maintenance and repair services to fleets from receivables management, while allowing them to offer their customers a fleet maintenance system at no cost. Other program discounts include Coface Commercial Credit Information and Collection Services, Ceridian payroll services, and a significant discount on overnight and freight shipping from one of the world’s largest package shippers.
“We are very excited about adding fleets to our membership roster, and we want to show fleets that membership in TIA is not an expense; it’s a value,” said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield. “From discounts on training, to discounts on services and products, to representation in Washington on issues of great importance to fleets, TIA will work hard to deliver the value and quality our other members have come to expect and enjoy.”
About TIA: TIA is an international association representing all segments of the tire industry, including those that manufacture, repair, recycle, sell, service or use new or retreaded tires, and also those suppliers or individuals who furnish equipment, material or services to the industry. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has a history that spans more than 80 years and includes several name changes. Originally known as the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (NTDRA), the organization gave birth over the years to the American Retreaders Association (ARA) and the Tire Association of North America (TANA). ARA changed its name to the International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) and merged with TANA in 2002 to form the current Tire Industry Association (TIA), which now represents every interest in the tire industry.
Bowie, MD —The Tire Industry Association (TIA) today announced the association is accepting nominations for the 2009 Tire Industry Hall of Fame from May 1 to July 1, 2009. The Hall of Fame is open to individuals in the tire industry, including manufacturers, inventors, publishers, equipment suppliers, tire association executives, tire dealers, tire and rubber recyclers and retreaders. The "Historical Contributors" category of the Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals who have been out of the industry for at least 20 years or more. These individuals may be retired, deceased, or may have begun their career in the tire industry and moved on to a different industry.
Inductees are chosen based on the following criteria: their contributions of new ideas, practices and/or innovations that promote the health and well being of the tire industry; their exemplary and distinguished service in the tire industry; and the respect of their peers. Contributions in civic, cultural, educational or charitable endeavors will be considered, but are not a primary consideration as attributes for selection.
TIA is also accepting nominations for the Friend of the Industry Award (a former International Tire and Rubber Association award)which recognizes well-known individuals who are allies and proven supporters of the tire industry. These individuals are not part of the tire industry, but have affected it positively in some manner.
The deadline for nominations for the Tire Industry Hall of Fame and Friend of the Industry Award is July 1, 2009. A nomination form that can be used for both awards is available on www.tireindustry.org or by calling TIA at 301-430-7280 ext. 109.
“There are so many people who have given so much to the tire industry. That’s why it’s great to be able to honor these people, via the Tire Industry Hall of Fame,” said TIA President Dan Beach. “The TIA Hall of Fame Committee will undoubtedly have a challenging task ahead of them when it comes to selecting the honorees, as there are so many worthy candidates who have a lifetime of achievement in both their business and community.”
The Hall of Fame Inductions will take place in early November during TIA’s Breakfast with the President, which is a part of the Tires, Wheels & Equipment /SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. For the latest information, please visit www.tireindustry.org.
About TIA: TIA is an international association representing all segments of the tire industry, including those that manufacture, repair, recycle, sell, service or use new or retreaded tires, and also those suppliers or individuals who furnish equipment, material or services to the industry. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has a history that spans more than 80 years and includes several name changes. Originally known as the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (NTDRA), the organization gave birth over the years to the American Retreaders Association (ARA) and the Tire Association of North America (TANA). ARA changed its name to the International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) and merged with TANA in 2002 to form the current Tire Industry Association (TIA), which now represents every interest in the tire industry.
TIA Announces New Partnership With ContactPoint;
ContactPoint To Offer TIA Members A Free Trial Of,
And Discounts On Valuable Sales Evaluation And Training Tools
Bowie, MD —The Tire Industry Association (TIA), one of the world’s leading authorities on tires and wheels, today announced their newest member benefit – a free trial of ContactPoint’s Rate My Dealership sales evaluation system, which helps tire dealers better measure and increase customer sales. TIA members can enroll or find out more about ContactPoint and Rate My Dealership by visiting the “Member Services” section of TIA’s Web site at www.tireindustry.org, or by calling 800.876.8372, ext. 106.
Rate My Dealership is designed to help each TIA member close more sales while offering better customer service. ContactPoint will conduct three free mystery shopping calls. Afterwards, members will receive a secure login to review their call scores, best practices and an industry-wide benchmark study. TIA members can then compare and contrast their dealership’s skills to regional and national averages once sufficient data is gathered to produce the study.
In addition, TIA has negotiated a discount for its members who participate in ContactPoint’s Mentor Program, which provides training, recorded calls and sales coaching. The program will focus on the key principles of converting a customer call into a sale, and is customized to each individual dealership with a guarantee to double sales close ratios.
TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield said, “We are thrilled to be working with a leader like ContactPoint to raise the standard of sales and service across our industry. When it comes to introducing new member benefits, TIA has been on a roll, and this partnership continues that momentum. TIA members can now potentially save over $25,000 a year by utilizing our member programs.”
An initial assessment of the industry suggests that tire dealerships are converting much fewer customer calls into sales than they could. Mr. Jason Wells, CEO of ContactPoint, said, “Companies that learn and apply the best practices in telephone sales and service often double their conversion of callers into a sale.”
About TIA: TIA is an international association representing all segments of the tire industry, including those that manufacture, repair, recycle, sell, service or use new or retreaded tires, and also those suppliers or individuals who furnish equipment, material or services to the industry. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has a history that spans more than 80 years and includes several name changes. Originally known as the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (NTDRA), the organization gave birth over the years to the American Retreaders Association (ARA) and the Tire Association of North America (TANA). ARA changed its name to the International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) and merged with TANA in 2002 to form the current Tire Industry Association (TIA), which now represents every interest in the tire industry.
About ContactPoint: Founded in 2001, ContactPoint developed a patented system to provide measurable results to in house or outsourced sales training. ContactPoint’s Mentor system provides training, call recording, call scoring, coaching and analytics designed to triple sales close ratios. Their innovative program and patented technology has been deployed globally across hundreds of locations in the automotive service, auto glass, hospitality, multifamily, medical and equipment rental industries. For more information on ContactPoint, visit www.contactpointsolutions.com.
Susan Sizemore (Bridgestone Americas)
877-201-2373
TIA and Bridgestone Americas Team Up
to Help Educate Consumers on Tires
Educational Video Available in Support of National Car Care Month
Bowie, MD — When replacing tires, do you know which tires are best for maximum performance and safety? If purchasing just two tires for a passenger car, should the new tires go on the front axle or the rear axle? The Tire Industry Association (TIA), one of the leading authorities on tires and tire training, has teamed up with Bridgestone Americas business units Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) and Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC. (BSRO) to help consumers answer these and many other tire-related questions in a brief seven-minute video. Launched in support of April’s National Car Care Month, consumers may access the free video by visiting the TIA Web site (www.tireindustry.org), BATO’s Web site (www.tiresafety.com), and BSRO’s Web site (www.FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com).
The video, Passenger Tire Replacement, is comprised of three modules:
• Module 1 discusses tire sizing and how the information contained on the vehicle tire placard helps consumers select the best tire and inflation pressure for their vehicle.
• Module 2 helps consumers understand tire replacement guidelines, most importantly the proper installation when replacing only two tires and the consequences of improper installation.
• Module 3 educates consumers on the critical issue of tire rotation, and how proper tire rotation can save consumers money, fuel and ensure maximum tire life and performance.
“With a tight economy forcing consumers to keep their vehicles longer, TIA is proud to partner with Bridgestone Americas to offer the public this important video, which will help them better understand important issues such as how to choose the correct size replacement tire for their vehicle, how to make sure replacement tires are properly installed, and how proper rotation can maximize the life of tires, thus saving them a considerable amount of money,” said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield. “TIA and Bridgestone Americas are committed to helping consumers find the facts about tires in order to make a safe, smart, cost-effective decision.”
“We are honored to join TIA in this educational initiative as part of our ongoing efforts to empower consumers in making informed decisions affecting the performance, safety and efficiency of their vehicles’ operation,” said Phil Pacsi, Vice President, Consumer Marketing, U.S. & Canada Consumer Tire Sales Division, BATO.
“Our technical expertise combined with TIA’s extraordinary commitment to tire industry training and education will reach customers at all levels. Engaging our dealer network and our more than 2,100 company-owned stores in this initiative underscores our dedication to enhance the safety of the driving public. This informative video provides the consumer with valuable tire information on many levels. We are also confident that our passion to provide quality products will continue to enhance our customers’ driving experience,” Pacsi added.
About TIA:
TIA is an international association representing all segments of the tire industry, including those that manufacture, repair, recycle, sell, service or use new or retreaded tires, and also those suppliers or individuals who furnish equipment, material or services to the industry. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has a history that spans more than 80 years and includes several name changes. Originally known as the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (NTDRA), the organization gave birth over the years to the American Retreaders Association (ARA) and the Tire Association of North America (TANA). ARA changed its name to the International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) and merged with TANA in 2002 to form the current Tire Industry Association (TIA), which now represents every interest in the tire industry.
About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world’s largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home.
TIA ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH FEDERATED INSURANCE:
FEDERATED TO OFFER PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE, RISK MANAGEMENT RESOURCES, AND LIFE & DISABILITY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Bowie, MD — The Tire Industry Association (TIA), a leading automotive trade association, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Federated Insurance, of Owatonna, MN, to offer TIA members property and casualty insurance, risk management resources, and life and disability products and services. TIA members interested in finding out more about this offering are encouraged to visit the “Member Services” section of the TIA website at www.tireindustry.org, or call 800-533-0472, extensions 112, 139 or 140.
TIA members will have access to personal service by a Federated representative, including a no-obligation Right Report®. The Right Report® is a tool the Federated representative will use to analyze your exposures and business needs. Part of this review also includes a discussion regarding business succession and access to a network of independent specialized estate planning attorneys when necessary.
Federated Insurance is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company®, a respected insurance rating authority. In business for over 100 years, Federated specializes in creating tailored products and services for the tire industry; their Trac Pac® program was designed for tire dealers by tire dealers.
“TIA is excited about our new partnership with Federated Insurance,” said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield. “While no tire dealer spends much time thinking about fires, natural disasters and other similar events, the fact of the matter is that these things do occur, and thus, it’s important that every tire dealer makes sure he/she has the right level of insurance coverage. Federated will make sure that our members receive proper coverage at a competitive price. Given the current economy, we encourage all our members to contact Federated and get an ‘insurance check-up.’ They will probably be pleasantly surprised at how much they might save.”
“Federated Insurance is proud to be recommended by TIA,” said Pat Cooper, Federated’s First Vice President and Director of Marketing. “TIA is the premier tire dealer association in the country, and its members are some of the ‘best of the best’ in the industry. TIA’s professionalism, culture, and core values are a perfect fit with Federated.”
TIA is an international association representing all segments of the tire industry, including those that manufacture, repair, recycle, sell, service or use new or retreaded tires, and also those suppliers or individuals who furnish equipment, material or services to the industry. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has a history that spans more than 80 years and includes several name changes. Originally known as the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (NTDRA), the organization gave birth over the years to the American Retreaders Association (ARA) and the Tire Association of North America (TANA). ARA changed its name to the International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) and merged with TANA in 2002 to form the current Tire Industry Association (TIA), which now represents every interest in the tire industry.
Federated is a mutual insurance company headquartered in Owatonna, Minnesota, has been in business for over 100 years. Federated operates throughout the United States except in Alaska and Hawaii. The Company specializes in business insurance for selected industries, including tire dealers. Federated offers insurance protection products and services to meet virtually all the business and personal insurance needs of business owners, including property, auto, liability, umbrella, workers compensation, group health, life, disability, annuities; regular coverage review; risk management services; claims services; and business and estate planning assistance. (Not all products and services available in all states.)
Download PDF of the Official Statement