Ford exec to keynote Traction 2015

AKRON (Jan. 21, 2015) — David Rohweder, global chief engineer, tire and wheel engineering at Ford Motor Co., will be the keynote speaker at Traction 2015: Driving the Tire Industry Forward, a three-day conference and exhibition organized by Smithers Rapra Group.

The event, for tire OEMs, Tier 1-4 system and component suppliers, and materials producers, will run May 19-21 at the Omni Nashville Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.

The topic of Mr. Rohweder's address, scheduled for the end of the conference on the afternoon of May 21, was not given.

SmithersRapra has slated six sessions for the conference; the expo opens on the 19th.

“Each segment of the industry has different needs for tire performance, cost and how the formulas align to create a profitable business model. 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,” said Conference Chair Jim Popio, vice president and general manager for Smithers Rapra.

“Our second annual event will therefore provide a forum for the entire industry to come together in one room to hash out face-to-face some of our most pressing issues. Business leaders will leave Nashville with the resources and relationships needed to shape a clear path forward.”

The sessions are:

• Exploring Tire Industry Business Dynamics, Market Drivers and the OE Landscape — presenting information and trends in the tire industry, including marketing analysis, business trends, merchandising and sales methods.
• What the Tire Needs to Do For Us — discussing how suppliers, tire companies and OEMs balance innovation, regulatory requirements and cost concerns with consumer perception and actions.
• Policy, Regulation and EH&S — reviews the current regulatory landscape and the impact of global technical regulations on tires.
• Making Commercial Tire Decisions Based on ROI — addresses the business dynamics of developing, selecting and operating tires in agricultural, off-road, intermodal  and fleet vehicle applications.
• Tire Importers of Record — discusses new tire identification systems, tariff issues, inconsistent global regulatory concerns and tire labeling.
• Crystal Ball Wisdom and Future Disruptors — reviews advances in non-pneumatic tires and how virtual technology is driving tire innovation.

Other scheduled speakers include: John Baldwin, assistant vice president, Discount Tire/America's Tire; Frank Randolph, director of sales engineering, American Pacific Industries Inc.; Tim Rhyne, Michelin Americas Research Co.; Hans Dorfi, manager, advanced tire technology, Bridgestone Americas; Haig Stoddard, industry analyst, Penton / WardsAuto; Paul Ita, principal, Notch Consulting; Brent Gruber, director of global automotive, J.D. Power; George Gillespie, president, Gillespie Automotive Safety Services; and Tracey Norberg, senior vice president, regulatory affairs and general counsel, Rubber Manufacturers Association.

For more information, visit the Traction 2015 website.