Like other groups, the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has some concerns about the California tire fuel efficiency mandate.
"USTMA has engaged with California at every stage of this 23-year process to help the state develop a tire regulation that enhances safety, performance and consumer value," the association said in a recent statement.
"Significant concerns remain, including replacement tire compatibility and consistent enforcement that protects consumers and supports fair competition. We urge the (California Energy) Commission to resolve these concerns before implementation.”
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) also has expressed concerns. In a statement provided to MTD, TIA said the group has "significant concerns regarding the potential impact of California’s new tire regulation on tire dealers and consumers."
Roy Littlelfield IV, vice president of goverment relations for TIA, said the association "has been actively involved in this process for years, working to ensure that the interests of tire dealers are represented and protected throughout the development of the regulation.
"Through that advocacy, TIA secured several major wins for California tire retailers. Most importantly, the showroom educational requirements were eliminated, reducing a significant burden on dealers.
"TIA also successfully advocated to ensure that the regulation applies only to the sale of new tires. This means dealers cannot be penalized for installing tires that a consumer purchased elsewhere.
"These are significant victories for California tire retailers and they demonstrate the value of TIA’s longstanding engagement in the regulatory process.
"While TIA continues to have serious concerns about the proposal and its potential effects on the industry, we will continue working to protect tire dealers and address the remaining concerns as implementation moves forward.”
More MTD coverage can be found at the following links:
California Moves Ahead with Fuel Efficiency Mandate
TIA Comments on Fuel Efficiency Mandate
Tiremakers Weigh in on Fuel Efficiency Requirement
About the Author
Mike Manges
Editor
Mike Manges is Modern Tire Dealer’s editor. A 29-year tire industry veteran, he is a three-time International Automotive Media Association Award winner, holds a Gold Award from the Association of Automotive Publication Editors and was named a finalist for the Jesse H. Neal Award, the Pulitzer Prize of business-to-business media, in 2024 and 2026. A past Endeavor Business Media Editor of the Year, Mike has traveled the world in pursuit of stories that will help independent tire dealers move their businesses forward. Before rejoining MTD in 2019, he held corporate communications positions at two Fortune 500 companies and served as MTD’s senior editor from 2000 to 2010.