The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) will work together to share information about look-alike tires, officials from both groups announced earlier today during the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show.
"We're concerned that dealers may unknowingly carry tires that aren't in compliance," said TIA Immediate Past President Paul Hyatt.
"We aren't after (creation of) an unfair marketplace," said RMA CEO Donald Shea. "We are after a marketplace where everybody abides by the same rules. We applaud TIA's initiatives and will be as supportive as we can for the betterment of the industry."
TIA recently passed a policy resolution that acknowledges tire manufacturers' growing concerns about tire intellectual property infringement.
Association officials assert that imposter tires pose liability risks.
"We want every dealer to know what they are involved with if they choose to carry look-alike tires and the consequences that could come their way," said newly installed TIA President Peggy Fisher.
