WASHINGTON (March 30, 2004) — The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is backing off for now on its plans to obtain a “checkoff” program for the tire industry.
TIA Executive Vice President Roy E. Littlefield III reached the decision after Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) President Donald B. Shea told him the RMA would not support the program. “In recent weeks, tire manufacturers have been contacted by significant customers voicing opposition to the checkoff proposal,” Mr. Shea told Mr. Littlefield in a March 4 letter.
TIA still intends to go forward with the plan, which if approved by Congress would charge tire manufacturers and dealers a small portion of their profits to fund a consumer education and industry and government training program. But it won't yet go to Capitol Hill with it, according to Mr. Littlefield. “Politically, what can you do?” he said. “We're not giving up on the idea, but we're being realistic in that we realize we must have an industry consensus before we can go ahead.”
TIA plans further meetings with the RMA, tire manufacturers and tire dealers this year to try and gain their support for the program, he said.