BOWIE, Md. — Mark Ferner of Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) will serve as the chair of the Tire Industry Association's Electric Vehicle Advisory Council (EVAC).
Ferner, senior manager, technical operations for BSRO, will replace Ron Lautzenheiser, a Big O Tires and Grease Monkey franchisee and former TIA board member, as chair on Aug. 1. Lautzenheiser has chaired the council since it was founded in June 2022.
He will continue to serve the council as a member.
Mark Ferner
TIA CEO Richard Gust said the council "is playing an important role in helping prepare TIA members and the entire tire industry to safely service electric vehicles as they grow more popular in the marketplace. Mark's experience as a former technician combined with his technical background and work at Bridgestone in supporting the company's service technicians will help keep the council vibrant and effective."
According to TIA, Ferner supports more than 11,000 technicians, including those working on EVs, at BSRO's more than 2,200 retail service centers. He is an ASE Certified Master L1 and L3 technician and a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers.
Gust lauded Lautzenheiser enthusiasm and drive "to make sure independent tire dealers have the necessary training and information on EV tires got the EVAC off the ground and running. The council made significant progress in the past year and will soon release a number of recommended industry practices for servicing EV tires."
TIA established the EVAC last June to focus on educating and training tire and auto dealers on the proper service techniques and procedures of EVs, establish potential safety protocols when working on them and deliver best practices for service and maintenance.
Ferner said he is flattered a be a part of the council
"EV/hybrids are already entering service centers and that trend will only increase," he said. "We all need to work together to help manage this change."
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