Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has hired Joe Jordan as national sales manager for high performance and specialty light truck tires.

Jordan returns to Toyo after an eight-year absence. He first worked for Toyo from 1991 to 2000 before leaving to operate his own tire and wheel accessory store in North San Diego County. A veteran race driver, he also has managed SCCA and IMSA road racing teams.

As a part of his responsibilities, Jordan will manage sales and training programs for ultra-high performance and specialty light truck tires. He also will help support the marketing and promotional efforts surrounding the products.

Jordan was involved with the development and release of the following:

* the Proxes FZ4, a mid-priced UHP passenger car tire;

* the Proxes RA1, a D.O.T.-approved, R-compound tire; and

* the Proxes S/T, a high performance tire for light trucks and SUVs.

Jordan also will be involved in new UHP tire development.

"The combination of his past contributions during his previous tenure at Toyo with his more recent 'hands on' experience as an independent tire dealer will help to guide our future efforts in the super-competitive UHP segment," says Armand Allaire, vice president of sales.