Omni gets SmartWay nod for two brands

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (Jan. 8, 2014) — Tire importer/distributor Omni United USA has achieved Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay verification on a number of Goodride- and Roadlux-branded tires it sources from China.

Omni United reports that it recently received SmartWay verification for its Goodride CR989 Line Haul Steer, CM983 Closed Shoulder Drive, CM980 Open Shoulder Drive, and CR915 Line Haul Trailer tires, along with the RoadLux R116 Line Haul Steer, R216 All Position Rib, R516 Closed Shoulder Drive and R120 Line Haul Trailer tires.

EPA SmartWay verification means that certain tire models have been determined to reduce NOx emissions and fuel use by 3 percent or greater, relative to the best-selling new tires for line haul trucks, when these products are used on all three axles, Omni United said.

"Omni United's global commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded throughout the company, and the SmartWay verification of these products is just another step of integrating that into our day-to-day operations around the globe," said Steve Williams, commercial tire sales director for Omni United.

"As a company, we are proud to continue our efforts towards reducing our overall footprint on this planet," Mr. Williams said.

Traverse City-based Omni United USA markets Goodride products exclusively in the U.S. and RoadLux TBR products in North America. A subsidiary of Singapore's Omni United Pte. Ltd., the company recently opened its first U.S. distribution center, in Fairfield, Calif.

The Goodride brand is produced by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Ltd., the largest tire manufacturer in China and 10th largest manufacturer in the world, while Omni sources the RoadLux brand from China's Chaoyang Long March Tyre  Co. Ltd.