PORTLAND, Maine (Oct. 1, 2014) — Market researchers Smithers Group Inc. is organizing a three-day conference on tire industry dynamics, to be held May 20-22 in Nashville, Tenn.
The conference, titled “Traction 2015: Driving the Tire Industry Forward,” is designed to bring together vehicle makers, Tier 1-4 system and component suppliers and materials producers “to hash out face-to-face some of our most pressing issues,” according to Smithers Group's Smithers Rapra unit.
“Each segment of the industry has different needs for tire performance, cost and how the formulas align to create a profitable business model,” said Jim Popio, vice president and general manager of Smithers Rapra and chair of the conference.
“Because of this, players in the tire industry are left with their heads spinning, trying to balance the pushes and pulls of often conflicting voices.”
Key topics to be discussed include tire industry business dynamics; regulatory issues; tire importers of record; tire testing and challenges; and disruptors to the tire industry, Smithers Rapra said.
“Traction 2015 will continue our exploration into how tire companies and OEMs can balance innovation, regulatory requirements and cost concerns with consumer perception and actions,” said conference director Andrew T. Smaha.
Among the sessions planned for the conference are:
• Tire Industry Business Dynamics;
• What Does the Tire Need to Do for Me?;
• Regulatory Issues;
• Non-passenger Vehicle Dynamics;
• Tire Importers of Record;
• Breaking Down Barriers in the World of Tire Testing; and
• Special Challenges and Disruptors to the Tire Industry — electrical vehicles, torque, treadwear, new designs.
Smithers Rapra did not identify any speakers at this time. Those interested in speaking should contact Andrew Smaha at [email protected] or 207-781-9635.
The conference will take place at the Omni Nashville Hotel. More information is available by clicking here.
Smithers Rapra is active in rubber, plastics, polymer and composites testing, consulting services, and conferences, training, publications and market reports, focused mainly on the tire, industrial, transportation, consumer and medical industries.