Connecticut Attorney General To Investigate Defective Chinese Tires

Says Dealers Who Sell Them Risk Legal Action By State

June 26, 2007 -- Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced he is investigating the distribution and sale of defective Chinese-made tires in Connecticut and warned tire dealers that they risk violating state law if they continue selling them.

The defective tires are manufactured by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. and sold under the brand names Westlake, Telluride, Compass and YKS. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has told the distributor, Foreign Tire Sales of Union, N. J., to recall the tires, but the company says it lacks the money to do so.

The defective tires lack a rubber strip between the steel belts, making them susceptible to premature tread separation, which can cause serious accidents.

"We are preparing to take immediate measures beginning with strong investigative steps to stop sales of these defective, dangerous tires and compensate consumers for damage -- similar to action we took in the Firestone case," Blumenthal said.

"Dealers who sell these perilously unsafe products should be on notice that they can be held liable for violating our state law. An immediate recall should be ordered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"We are contacting other states to begin a joint, multistate investigation and action.

"We will have three goals: recovering money for consumer victims, removing tires from the road and stopping illegal practices. Tread separation can cause horrendous fatal accidents, particularly on SUVs and vans, and a recall is necessary immediately. The Chinese manufacturer -- as well as the American distributor -- should cease selling and marketing these tires, which lack a layer of rubber between the steel belts necessary for durability.

"This safety defect, which has already caused serious accidents, also demonstrates the need for stronger scrutiny and regulation by federal officials on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration."

Source: Connecticut Attorney General