The United Steelworkers union requests duties on Thai-made tires; Service Tire Truck Centers buys 16 TCI outlets; Detroit police raid four area tire shops.

Kumho Tire says work-out program for Kumho Asianic Group won't affect U.S. operations; Goodyear gives away next generation touring tires at its annual dealer meeting; and Goodyear plans to produce 63-inch OTR radial tires in the first half of 2011.

Tire companies support Haitian relief efforts; Michelin will invest $1 billion to build a tire plant in China; and the World Trade Organization's Dispute Settlement Body will create a panel to review U.S.-imposed Chinese tire tariffs.

The World Trade Organization will address China's tariff complaint; Michelin North America unveils a concept tire for electric vehicles; and a few major tire makers plan to expand their motorsports programs in 2010.

U.S. auto sales pick up in December, but fall short of 10-year average; surveyed executives say new auto technology will have an impact in 2009; and Kumho Asiana will sell some assets and focus on cutting costs.