TANA sets date for OTR meeting RESTON, Va.—The Tire Association of North America will hold its annual Off-the-Road Conference Feb. 17-19, 2000, at the Sheraton El Conquistador in Tucson, Ariz.
The 2000 OTR Conference will feature seminars from leading industry executives and will include a golf tournament at the El Conquistador's golf course.
``We hope to build on last year's success,'' said TANA OTR Conference Chairperson Al Chicago. ``There is no better forum for education and training in the OTR market, and we're very proud to offer this exclusive TANA conference to the industry.''
Kumho develops HP run-flat tires
FONTANA, Calif.—Kumho Industries said it has successfully marketed a 60/65 series tire in Korea with run-flat technology.
Kumho will introduce the "ECSTA Supra" Ultra-High Performance 45 Series run-flat tire this month in Korea and will export it to the U.S. later this year.
The firm's run-flat tires do not require a special rim. The sidewalls are stiffened with special rubber compounds which generate less heat and support the vehicle's weight during air loss. The bead area is designed to stay in contact with the rim when the tire loses air, the company said.
The new tires can be driven up to 130 mph with proper inflation. During air loss, the tires can be driven for 200 miles at 55 mph.
Kumho said it spent $500,000 over two years to develop this technology.
Pirelli firs 20-inch tire on new Jaguar
NEW HAVEN, Conn.—The Pirelli P Zero tire has been selected as original equipment on the new Jaguar XKR-Special, marking the industry's first 20-inch tire, Pirelli Tire North America said.
The car uses sizes 255/35R20 for front and 285/30R20 for the rear. The P Zero also has been fitted in the same 20-inch sizes on Jaguar's new XK-180 concept car.
TANA, Okidata start scholarship
RESTON, Va.—The Tire Association of North America and Okidata Inc. are launching a new scholarship program for students pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket.
Okidata's new AutoEducator scholarship, which is now available to TANA members, will aid students interested in attending the Arizona Automotive Institute in Glendale, Ariz., the only U.S. facility devoted exclusively to automotive electronics technology.
Individuals eligible for the scholarship include current employees of a TANA member company, and their dependents and grandchildren. One $2,000 scholarship will be awarded each year for the duration of the scholarship program.
Applications for the AutoEducator are due Sept. 30. Individuals interested in receiving an application should contact Okidata at (877) 288-6654, or TANA at (800) 876-8372.
Okidata of Mount Laurel, N.J., is a full-line supplier of PC peripheral equipment. The firm has donated $15,000 to help TANA provide seminars teaching dealers to effectively use electronic technology.
Washington expands street rod definition
DIAMOND BAR, Calif.—Washington Gov. Gary Locke has signed a bill that allows vehicles manufactured after 1949 to resemble those made prior to that year to be titled as street rods.
The new law's expanded street rod definition also encompasses street rods constructed of non-original material or those altered dimensionally or in shape and appearance from the original manufactured body.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association and the Washington state vehicle hobbyist community worked together on the state's legislation.
The law also exempts street rods that are owned and operated as collector cars from a fender requirement when the vehicle is used during fair weather.
Ford recalls F150s to revise rim labels
WASHINGTON—Ford Motor Co. has recalled 32,240 1999 F150 pickup trucks because the tire and rim identification information on their certification labels is incorrect.
Ford will provide owners of the vehicles with revised label overlays.
Involved in the recall are F150 4x4s with Off Road option packages manufactured between August 1998 and February 1999, as well as 4x2 vehicles with Sport option package made between November 1998 and February 1999.