FTS begins recall of 255 000 Chinese-made light truck tyres in US

By Lisa Hockensmith, Tire Business

Union, New Jersey - Foreign Tire Sales Inc. (FTS) on Aug. 9 began its recall of 255 000 Chinese-made light truck radials it imported into the US-about half the number originally anticipated.

The tyres are defective, said FTS, because they lack a gum strip or have gum strips that are not large enough. The Union-based importer notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the defective tyres, and the agency in June ordered 450 000 light truck tyres to be recalled. In July FTS reduced that number to around 250 000 on information from Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Ltd., which manufactured the tyres.

The tyres were sold from early 2004 to mid-2006 as replacement tyres for sport-utility vehicles, pickups and vans under the brand names Westlake, Compass and YKS.

FTS also released instructions for dealers who encounter the recalled tyres.

“Consumers should know that the affected tyres meet all federal motor vehicle safety standards,” said FTS President Richard Kuskin. “But we went the extra mile by testing them and determining that they did not meet our standards, which are more rigorous.”

The recall applies to tyres with the following markings on their sidewall:

• Size:LT235/75R15; Model: CR861, CR857; Partial DOT number: 7DT5FTS;
• size: LT235/85R16; Model: CR860, CR861, CR857; Partial DOT number: 7DT2FTS;
• Size: LT245/75R16; Model: CR860, CR861, CR857; Partial DOT number: 7DT3FTS;
• Size: LT265/75R16; Model: CR860, CR861, CR857; Partial DOT number: 7DT4FTS; and
• Size: LT31X10.5 R15; Model: CR857, CR861; Partial DOT number: 7DT6FTS.

Consumers whose tyres are affected by the recall should call (in the United States) (888) 899-9293 or visit www.foreigntire.com. (see link below)

Hangzhou Zhongce has disputed claims that the tyres are unsafe.

“HZR tyres have performed exceptionally well on the roads of the United States,” the manufacturer said in an Aug. 3 statement. “Many other tyre distributors have stepped forward to extol the quality and durability of HZR tyres. The experience of HZR tyres in the United States, and throughout the world, reflects its sound commitment to robust engineering, design and production.”

The company further said it continues “to provide NHTSA with information needed to make a more accurate assessment about the quality and safety of the tyres.”

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Website of FTS with recall information