WASHINGTON-``Phillip the Tire'' has made his official debut as the Rubber Manufacturers Association's tire safety character.
The RMA chose that name after conducting a nationwide contest centered around the tire-shaped cartoon figure used to remind motorists to check tire inflation.
Sharon Ogomori of Torrance, Calif., submitted the winning entry for which she received $2,500 and a five-year AAA membership.
RMA's national tire safety campaign, entitled ``Be Tire Smart-Play Your Part,'' has featured the tire safety character since its inception in November 2000. However, the character lacked a name.
The Washington-based trade association said the contest drew more than 5,000 entries. A contest board comprised of representatives of RMA member companies and the AAA selected the winning name.