Triangle Tyres joins ITMA
Triangle Tyre Company has become the latest company to join Europe’s Imported Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ITMA). The association offers timelier access to technical, legislative and market information, helping tyre-makers to operate more effectively within the region. The company’s membership means that ITMA’s 16 members include the top five tyre manufacturers in China in terms of turnover. Triangle is the association’s sixth new member in the last year and a half; a fact ITMA says reflects the growing weight of regulations.
“It is fantastic to welcome another major international tyre manufacturer to ITMA’s ranks,” comments David Seward, president, ITMA. “The sheer weight of technical and legislative rules governing tyre manufacturers’ activities within Europe is now extremely daunting so the type of support and advice we offer is of huge benefit. We look forward to Triangle’s participation within the group and we wish them the very best ongoing success within the region.”
Triangle was formed in 1976 and now produces more than 20 million tyres per year for car, truck, industrial and off-highway applications. The company’s manufacturing operations are ISO-9001, ISO-14001, QS9000 and ISO16949 certified. Its tyres are selected as original equipment by several vehicle and equipment manufacturers.
Support for overseas tyre manufacturers is becoming increasingly important as non-EU sourced tyres are now reported to account for more than half of all UK replacement tyre sales and around a third across Europe as a whole. Over 300 brands of tyres are on sale in European markets sourced from more than 45 countries around the world.
ITMA was established more than 30 years ago when imported tyre brands started to gain a significant share of the European replacement market. It remains the only trade association in Europe to exclusively represent the interests of non-EU based tyre manufacturers.
Tyre manufacturers joining ITMA have access to the association’s 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.
“There are many issues such as tyre labelling that are unique to Europe, so it’s incredibly important that manufacturers without a European technical office fully understand the changing environment in a timely manner. With our help, manufacturers can overcome these challenges and compete without being disadvantaged,” concludes Seward.
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- T&A is first media to visit Triangle
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