Further record membership growth for ITMA
Two more major international tyre manufacturers have joined the Imported Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ITMA) taking its membership numbers to record levels.
Shandong Linglong and Nexen Tire have become the association’s latest recruits bringing the total number of members up to 15, including five who have joined within the last 12 months.
“We are delighted to welcome our two newest members on-board,” comments David Seward, president, ITMA. “As we have been predicting for some time now, the growing number of laws and technical requirements that tyre importers and manufacturers must adhere to can be quite daunting, so it is important for everyone to fully understand their responsibilities. By joining ITMA independent manufacturers and importers can be sure that they receive this knowledge in a timely manner and can therefore compete on a level playing field.”
Shangdong Linglong was established in 1975 and currently has an annual production capacity of some 30 million tyres which are sold in more than 180 countries and regions. Within Europe, the company’s products are distributed by Eskay Tyres.
Meanwhile Nexen Tire was originally established as South Korea’s first tyre company some 70 years ago, although the company did not adopt its current name until 2000. It currently enjoys a 20% market share in its domestic market and exports to over 120 countries with annual sales of more than $600 million. Its products are distributed across the UK by Stapleton’s Tyre Services.
ITMA is the only trade association in Europe to exclusively represent the interests of non-EU based tyre manufacturers. It was established more than 30 years ago when imported tyre brands started to gain a significant share of UK and mainland European replacement market. The association now represents more than 30 tyre brands from its member companies.
According to recent figures released by the Tyre Industry Federation, non-EU sourced tyres now account for more than 50% of all UK replacement tyre sales and some 30% across Europe as a whole. Indeed, over 300 brands of tyres are on sale in European markets sourced from over 45 countries around the world.
“Europe remains a very attractive market-place for many non-EU based manufacturers, but in order to realise the full potential from operating in the region, it is critical that all legal requirements are met,” continues Seward. “The sheer scale and rate of change of these requirements can be a significant drain on resources. However, with ITMA’s assistance we will provide the insight needed to help all of our members fully understand their responsibilities in a quick and easy manner.”
The Association also has a technical working group, which advises and assists all members with regular technical and legislative updates. ITMA’s members also meet regularly to discuss points of common interest. ITMA is also a founder member of the UK’s Tyre Industry Federation.
For more information about the work of ITMA or becoming a member, visit www.itma-europe.com or call 0845 3700145.
Useful Links
Imported Tyre Manufacturers Association – www.itma-europe.com
Tyre Industry Federation – www.tyreindustryfederation.co.uk
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Danny Rughoobeer
Red Marlin
danny@redmarlin.co.uk
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