Bob Ulrich

Editor

Bob Ulrich was named Modern Tire Dealer editor in August 2000. He joined the magazine in 1985 as assistant editor, and has been responsible for gathering statistical information for MTD's "Facts Issue" since 1993. He has won numerous awards for editorial and feature writing, including five gold medals from the International Automotive Media Association. Bob earned a B.A. in English literature from Ohio Northern University and has a law degree from the University of Akron.

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Main event: TIA vs. Sean Kane at the SEMA Show

By: Bob Ulrich

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) hosted the first International Roundtable at the recent Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nev. The event ran long, so not everyone stayed to the bitter end.

For those who didn’t stay, here’s what happened. Paul Fiore, director of government and business relations for TIA, estimates the roundtable opened with about 175 people in attendance. Two hours later, that number had dwindled to 40.

And that’s when the fireworks began.

OK, maybe that’s a little strong, but people certainly were direct in attempting to get their points across when the topic of tire aging came up. Fiore was updating the audience on legislation in California that would require full disclosure surrounding a tire’s age before it is purchased or installed. TIA is against it.

Sean Kane, president of Safety Research & Strategies Inc., sponsored the bill, and he was in attendance. He could not remain silent, and loudly voiced his opinion.

“I always raise my voice,” he told me. “I’m an excitable guy.”

Dan Beach, TIA’s immediate past president, took exception to Kane’s views. A California tire dealer himself, Beach said tire dealers in the Golden State have to jump through enough hoops now just to do business; the tire aging bill was not needed and would not help tire dealers.

Fiore said there is not enough science to back any bill setting an expiration date on tires. Kane said after all this time, it is ridiculous to use that as an excuse.

“It was just back and forth,” says Kane about the discussion. He adds that dealers are “getting the raw end of the deal because they are not getting the proper information on the front line.”

“His legislation creates an atmosphere of suspicion and fear on the product being sold at the time of the sale,” says Fiore. “We can’t accept that.”

Hey, at least they started a dialogue.

Related Topics: Paul Fiore, Sean Kane, SEMA Show, Tire age disclosure bill, Tire Industry Association

comments

1. Jeff | November 23, 2009 at 02:26PM
   What method of aging a tire has Mr. Kane proposed?

2. Ed | November 23, 2009 at 06:16PM
   Our store started about one year ago putting the manufacture date in the computer on all used tires we sell. We put that on the invoice with a place for the customer to sign. We make sure the customer is aware. We sell lots of used tires, some in various 14 inch & 16.5 inch and other discontinued sizes that are older. We warn customers the tires are for town use only, not over 45 mph, etc. We make sure they understand and then make them sign that they understand. Not everyone in today's economy can buy new tires for an older car that they just drive to work and back ,thanks to our deadbeat Government and the wonderful tariff. Having said all that it's really pretty sad that a loose cannon like Kane can cause so much extra expense for the consumer and so much grief for tire dealers just for his own gain not based on proven facts.

3. Art | November 25, 2009 at 07:15AM
   What are Kane's ideas on tire aging? All he does is complain. Does he have a plan of his own?

4. David | November 30, 2009 at 09:41PM
   Ed, OMG - all that disclaimer for a used tire, you are just setting yourself up for a lawsuit. You are telling the public and think about this - the judge - that you knew the tire was junk and should be driven on and you sold it anyway!! Everyone thinks just becasue you have a disclaimer you are off the hook, its almost always the other way around!!!!

5. Cynthia | January 17, 2010 at 10:47PM
   Auto enthusiasts and car consumers should be aware that aged tires sold as new can put drivers, their passengers, and others on the road at serious risk for dangerous, even fatal car accidents. Some large retailers have sold aged tires as new placing untold numbers of consumers in danger. Here is some good information on the aged tire issue: http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/Aged_Tires