Tireco pursues territorial dispute

Oct. 15, 2008

Tireco Inc. has initiated legal proceedings against two Canadian companies "for intentionally purchasing, soliciting and selling Nankang-made products in Tireco's exclusive territory," say Tireco officials.

Tireco released an official statement about the development last week:

"Tireco has an exclusive distribution agreement with Nankang Rubber Tire Co. for all Nankang-made products that covers the United States, Canada and other U.S. territories. Based on this agreement, Tireco filed two separate lawsuits... in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, alleging international interference with contract and economic interest, as well as the violation of trademark rights.

"The complaints seek injunctive relief, in addition to general and punitive damages... . These suits follow other successful lawsuits filed in the U.S. against unauthorized distributors, including Turbo Wholesale Tires Inc., Zisser Tire Co. and Sentaida International."

Latest in Suppliers

Bridgestone Americas Inc.
Bridgestone has provided Porsche Panamera drivers with two fitments – the 21-inch Bridgestone Portenza Sport Tire and the bespoke 20-inch Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 (pictured) winter fitment.
Frederico Rostagno | Adobe Stock
'There are too many moving parts to give predictions with any confidence,' Simon Heaney, Drewry’s senior manager, container research for Drewry, a leading shipping industry consultant with offices in China, India, Singapore and the United Kingdom, recently told MTD.
Hankook Tire America Corp. 
In North America, high-diameter passenger and light truck tires comprised 55.8% of Hankook’s sales during the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase from 52.8% during the same period in 2023.
Tommy Jeffers | Dreamstime.com
'We recognize that many tires are imported and that tariffs will undoubtedly affect the (tire) industry,' said Roy Littlefield IV, the Tire Industry Association's vice president of government affairs. 'However, the extent and specifics of that impact cannot be determined at this time. TIA will continue to monitor the situation closely.'