Roy Littlefield: TIA stronger than ever before

The Tire Industry Association (TIA), the nation's foremost association for tire dealers, distributors and retreaders, was asked where the industry stands in mid-year 2018. Roy Littlefield, TIA's longtime executive vice president, answered Tire Business' questions on behalf of the association.

Q: With the year nearing its halfway point, how would you describe the state of the association in 2018?

A: I've been here since 1979, and I would have to believe that the state of the association is stronger than it's ever been. Our membership has more than tripled, we are training more than 12,000 technicians every year, our Online University is exceeding all expectations, and we are regularly putting money in our reserves.

Q: What are some of the pleasant surprises you are seeing for TIA and its members?

A: I wouldn't call this a surprise, but it is very encouraging that we are working with USTMA (U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association) on issues of mutual concern, such as tire registration. All segments of the industry are showing a real maturity, and a real respect for each other.

Also, we signed 54 new members in the past week alone, so that's a pleasant surprise.

Q: What are some of the challenges you and your members are facing?

A: Of all the issues we face, No. 1 is health care. Affordability and availability of health insurance policies are a huge concern. Retailers are very concerned about online tire sales and where they're going to go.

Our members are also concerned about aftermarket parts. Auto companies are trying to keep their consumer warranties tied to original equipment parts, which is illegal under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

We have been fighting this successfully in the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). (In April, the FTC warned Hyundai Motor Co. to stop requiring the use of Hyundai genuine parts as a requirement for warranty holders, a move TIA, the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Oil Change Association all lauded.)

With low-cost tire imports, some retailers like that option, but others see them as a threat to retreads. National accounts are an important part of many retailers' business, but there's no cash involved, whereas low-cost imports purchased by individuals keep the cash coming in that keeps the lights on and the employees paid.

But retreaders have grave concerns about the competition from low-cost imports and the quality of the casings. We have a real divided membership on this issue.

Counterfeit and lookalike tires are also a concern, as is finding good employees. There is a labor shortage in tire stores, because we need employees with some sophistication and maturity to handle the demands of the job. Health insurance again is part of the equation here, because benefits are a big part of finding and keeping good people.

Q: How, if at all, is the prospect of tariffs affecting your members?

A: Retreaders are struggling, and the whole issue of tariffs on Chinese (truck) tires is important to them. Again, all the issues come into play — competition from offshore imports and the availability and quality of casings. You talk to retreaders, and they are very nervous and letting people go. Right now that industry is very challenged.

Q: How have the tax cuts affected your members? In particular, are customers buying more tires because of it?

A: don't know if they've been in play long enough. I don't know if people are seeing the money to make purchases. The corporate tax rate cuts don't affect most of our members, who file as individuals. I don't think our members will see the impact the manufacturers would have.

Q: TIA now has the largest membership in its history. What benefits are the association and its members seeing because of this?

A: When we hit 10,000 members, we knew we would be having a greater impact. We now have members in all 435 congressional districts, and as we grow larger, we can sponsor more grassroots campaigns. Our next Lobby Day (scheduled for June 20) will be our biggest ever.

Our training programs are also growing. As more people are coming in and realize what our training programs offer, they are seeking them out. Some customers are coming in, seeing our programs, and offering their advice on what they'd like to see in technician training.

We are continuing the message of what we offer as an association, and with more members, there's more funding. We can go out and get the best programs for things such as credit cards. We're on the economic path to provide what we're trying to provide. There's no need to cut back on that.