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RMA Letter to NHTSA Administrator

21 September 2000

RMA Letter to NHTSA Administrator

    WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 The following letter was submitted by
Donald B. Shea, president and CEO of the Rubber Manufacturers Association to
NHTSA Administrator Dr. Sue Bailey regarding tire safety legislative and
regulatory initiatives.

    The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) represents every major U.S.
tire manufacturer including Bridgestone/Firestone. Inc., Continental General
Tire Inc., Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company,
Michelin North America, Pirelli Tire North America, and Yokohama Tire
Corporation.
    Congress, NHTSA, and tire manufacturers have an opportunity to craft
significant legislative and regulatory initiatives regarding tire safety. The
industry is pleased to be a part of this process. Tire manufacturers support
efforts to require the industry to report to NHTSA any foreign recalls or
safety-related defect campaign in a foreign country of tires sold by the
manufacturer in the United States. We also support the implementation of an
early warning system for consumers. We believe that NHTSA is the appropriate
body to address the complex issues surrounding the reporting of data.
Therefore, we support a rulemaking initiative by NHTSA and pledge our full
cooperation in this endeavor.
    RMA is launching a tire care and safety campaign to educate consumers an
the importance of proper tire care and to encourage them to practice regular
vehicle maintenance. We will be pleased to brief you fully on this campaign at
your earliest convenience.
    Finally, we will continue to work with the NHTSA staff to revise and
update FMVSS 109.
    We look forward to working with you, your staff, Congress, and other
interested parties.