BUDAPEST, Hungary (Nov. 11, 2011) — Seven tire manufacturing and distribution companies in Hungary have established their own federation, which will soon be linked to the European Tire & Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA).
The Hungarian Tire Association is made up of the local companies of Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Hankook, Michelin, Pirelli and Vredestein. In the Hungarian language, the organization is called the “Magyar Gumiabroncs SzövetsÃ&Copy;g,” but to aid communications, the group takes the Anglicized abbreviation, the HTA.
On its website, the HTA says its mission “is to promote, represent and protect the legitimate interests of the tire manufacturing and distribution industry in Hungary and to support, assist in and make public knowledge of its contribution to all relevant aspects of social life, such as transportation, public safety and sustainable development.”
HTA claims it is the first professional association of this kind in Central Europe. This month, it expects to apply for membership to Brussels-based ETRMA, and expects to become the Hungarian representative of the organization.
Going forward, the HTA said it plans to represent the tire industry in discussions with the government, media and other business organizations. For this, the association consults continuously with relevant ministries and governmental institutions about new bills and regulations relevant to the tire industry.
This report appeared in European Rubber Journal, a UK-based sister publication of Tire Business.