The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has created an Electric Vehicle Advisory Council (EVAC), which will focus on training "tire and auto dealers on the proper service techniques and procedures of EVs," according to association officials.
Other functions will include establishing "potential safety protocols" for EV service and best service and maintenance practices.
“The shift toward EVs and hybrids is gaining momentum and TIA members and the entire tire industry will be seeing more and more of these vehicles in their shops in the coming years,” says TIA CEO Dick Gust.
“As the leader in tire service training, the association wants to stay ahead of this change to ensure our members are prepared to service these vehicles safely and properly when they come into their dealerships.”
TIA President Mason Hess officially appointed the members of EVAC during the association’s recent summer board meeting.
Ron Lautzenheiser, a Big O Tires and Grease Monkey franchisee and former TIA board member, will serve as chair of the new council.
A long-time tire industry veteran, Lautzenheiser "is an electric vehicle service advocate," according to TIA officials.
The EVAC also will include Dr. Bryan Wilson, executive director of Colorado State University Energy Institute; Craig Van Batenburg, the CEO of the Automotive Career Development Center, which specializes in EV service training and education; Debra Hamlin, TIA's new secretary and the director of commercial business, environment, health, safety and sustainability at Bridgestone Americas Inc.; John Evankovich, past TIA president and the current director of Sam's Club Tire & Battery Centers; Jim Pangle, current TIA vice president and incoming president and business development specialist at Fountain Tire Ltd.; Dave Zielasko, TIA vice president of marketing and communications; and Roy Littlefield IV, the association's director of government affairs.
.
