NEWARK, NJ -- The Office of the Attorney General and Division of Consumer Affairs today issued a subpoena to Foreign Tire Sales, Inc. of Union Township opening an investigation of that company’s importation of an estimated 450,000 allegedly defective tires from China, First Assistant Attorney General Anne Milgram and Acting Consumer Affairs Director Stephen B. Nolan announced.

In opening its investigation, Milgram said New Jersey wants to coordinate with the offices of Attorneys General of other states and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that are looking into this matter. NHTSA has ordered a recall of the tires.

"We need to know exactly how many tires were sold, the identity of the purchasers and how consumers are going to be notified that they are riding around on tires that might fall apart and cause serious injury, or, in at least one instance, cause death,’‘ Milgram said. "This is a critical public safety issue that affects consumers throughout New Jersey and the United States, and we will do everything we can to protect people from harm.’‘

The subpoena seeks information regarding the locations to which the tires were shipped, the identity of consumers who might be using them, FTS’ knowledge that the tires might be defective, and information about the recall.

FTS recently reported to the NHTSA that it imported light truck radial tires, manufactured by the Chinese firm, Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Ltd, that either lacked a gum strip or had a substandard gum strip. The gum strip is placed between the steel belts within the tire and holds the layers of the tire together. FTS said it believes that approximately 14,000 tires potentially involved in the recall were sent to New Jersey-based sellers.

"FTS selected this Chinese tire manufacturer and sold these allegedly defective tires in New Jersey and elsewhere. We are very concerned about allegations that FTS has been aware of the defect for some time," Nolan said.

The company has stated that it stopped purchasing the Chinese tires in June 2006. The tires were sold under the Westlake, Telluride, Compass and YKS brand names. The affected tire sizes include:

• LT235/75R-15
• LT225/75R-16
• LT235/85R-16
• LT245/75R-16
• LT265/75R-16
• LT-31x10.5-15

Consumers who find that their vehicles are equipped with these light truck radial tires should contact FTS at 800-634-8335. FTS advises that its website - http://www.foreigntire.com - will have detailed information about the recall and an 800 number for consumer questions. Consumers who suspect they may have tires subject to the recall should have them checked by a qualified professional and consider replacing them. They also should keep the tires and all related documentation to support their recall claim.

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