US tyre industry association forum to tackle right to repair, EVs

The Tire Industry Association will hold a special Right to Repair/Electric Vehicle (EV) Forum on Monday, 30 October, the day before the opening of the Global Tire Expo/SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The two interlinked topics are at the forefront of tyre and automotive servicers’ minds around the world, as the health of an independent aftermarket increasingly depends on the ability to access car data from complex OEM systems. There is a relative consensus that legislative support is required to ensure independent servicers’ right to repair vehicles. At the same time, electric vehicles are creating new challenges for workshops, with extensive technician training a necessity to ensure workplace safety. These issues and more will be discussed with key industry stakeholders, including tyre dealers, manufacturers, suppliers and activists between 13:30 and 15:00 in Melrose 4 at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

“We recognize how important right to repair legislation is to the survival of the independent tyre and automotive aftermarket,” said TIA CEO Richard ‘Dick’ Gust. “We understand the challenges electric vehicles are creating for tyre and vehicle service shops. What better way to address them than in Las Vegas and the GTE/SEMA Show where industry leaders can delve into these topics, share thoughts and ideas, and hopefully come up with some strategies in dealing with them.”

Speakers from TIA and the Specialty Equipment Market Association will lead the right to repair discussion, while members of TIA’s Electric Vehicle Advisory Council will conduct the forum on EVs. Those interested in participating in the Forum should contact TIA vice president of government affairs Roy Littlefield to reserve their spot. The TIA said it will provide lunch prior to the Forum.