AKRON (June 6, 2002) — It's a sure bet it won't be known as “Tires, Rubber & Retreads R-Us.”
But on June 17 the tire industry's two soon-to-be-merged trade groups—the Tire Association of North America (TANA) and International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA)—will announce their new name and logo during a press conference in Akron. The presidents of both groups, as well as Ross Kogel Jr., the melded group's executive vice president, will be on hand for the unveiling. Though tight-lipped about what the association will be called, Mr. Kogel did acknowledge it will indeed have “tire” in its title.
Late last year the boards of both groups agreed to the historic merger, then earlier this year their respective memberships overwhelmingly approved the move, which officially takes effect July 1.
Mr. Kogel told Tire Business the first joint board meeting of the new association will take place June 20-22 in Pinehurst, N.C., where “everything related to the merger” will be discussed, as well as the future of the industry and important issues facing dealers.