WASHINGTON (March 30)—The Tire Industry Association is backing off for now on its plans to obtain a "checkoff" program for the tire industry.
Roy E. Littlefield III, TIA executive vice president, reached the decision after Donald B. Shea, Rubber Manufacturers Association president, told him the RMA would not support the program. "In recent weeks, tire manufacturers have been contacted by significant customers voicing opposition to the checkoff proposal," Shea told Littlefield in a March 4 letter.
TIA still intends to go forward with the plan, which if approved by Congress would charge tire manufacturers and dealers a small portion of their profits to fund a consumer education and industry and government training program. But TIA won't yet go to Capitol Hill with it, according to Littlefield. "Politically, what can you do?" he said. "We're not giving up on the idea, but we're being realistic in that we realize we must have an industry consensus before we can go ahead."
TIA plans further meetings with the RMA, tire manufacturers and tire dealers this year to try and gain their support for the program, he said.