Thailand solidifies spot as top U.S. tire trade partner

When the United Steelworkers (USW) union filed a petition for import duties on tires from Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan and South Korea on May 12, one had to wonder how seriously to take it.

SALEM, Va. — Yokohama Corp. of North America is planning to restart production June 1 at its passenger/light truck tire plant in Salem, ending eight weeks of being idled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MIAMI — Tire Group International L.L.C. is adding a trio of "super regional" commercial tires to its Cosmo brand portfolio, blending the durability of a long-haul tire with the casing strength of a regional tire.

BETHESDA, Md. — The Auto Care Association has joined more than 230 other business and trade organizations in urging lawmakers to enact temporary and targeted liability relief legislation related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany — A Goodyear airship is flying over Europe again for the first time in eight years.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Monro Inc. suffered a 98.6% drop in operating income and reported a net loss for the quarter ended March 31 on 0.4% lower sales, as the retailer suffered the double impact of a mild winter in the first part of the quarter and the early stages of COVID-19-related business interruption in the latter weeks.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. ― Bridgestone Americas Inc. has introduced the Firestone FD692, a drive-axle tire that offers all-weather performance, fuel-efficiency and durability.

LAS VEGAS — Tire Stickers L.L.C., a 13-year-old company specializing in aftermarket tire decals, has branched into a higher tech field, developing an aftermarket tire-pressure-monitoring system (TPMS) product it's marketing under the name "Cerebrum."

BETHESDA, Md. — The University of the Aftermarket Foundation, which provides scholarships to automotive students, is seeking donations through Amazon.com's Amazon Smile fundraising portal.

AKRON — Goodyear is stepping up through its "Roll by Goodyear" tire-buying channel to help fund food banks struggling to supply meals to communities impacted by COVID-19.