Here's a report on the final day of Tirexpo Asia 2001, courtesy of Tyres & Accessories Editor Peter Gardner:
* Joe Recchia, president of Waterloo, Ontario-based Treadway Exports, called for a worldwide tire quality standard to restore confidence following the Firestone tire controversy in the United States. He added such a standard also would make life easier for tire manufacturers that currently have to comply with many different quality requirements.
* Indian tire manufacturer MRF announced a "massive" export drive. The company has developed new car and truck radials for international markets and is obtaining international approvals.
* Chinese tire manufacturer Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. is about to export a new Westlake brand steer tire in size 11R22.5.
* Tire Service Equipment Manufacturing Co. Inc. (TSI) said it is moving the manufacture of its Cheetah bead seating tool to a sub-contractor in Taiwan for sales outside the U.S.
General reaction to the show has been positive from both visitors and exhibitors. Organizers have confirmed that they will be staging another Tyrexpo Asia in 2003.
