NHTSA Takes Up E-Registration, RMA Supports

The RMA has thrown its support behind NHTSA’s plans to broaden tyre registration methods. NHTSA earlier this week release proposed regulations to improve tyre registration and recordkeeping, allowing greater use of online tyre registration. The agency feels broader use of Internet or other “electronic registration” will improve tyre registration rates, which, in turn, would make tyre recalls more effective and efficient.

Currently, the industry’s best estimate is that only 10 per cent of paper tyre registration cards are ever completed and returned. While most tyremakers already offer online tyre registration via their Web sites, current online tyre registration rates are unknown.

The proposed changes would not eliminate traditional paper registration, it would formally approve the use of Internet or other electronic tyre registration. Tyre dealers would still be required to provide registration cards to consumers, but would not “impose new obligations on tyre dealers or manufacturers.” (Tire Review/Akron)