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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:
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LT235/75R-15
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LT225/75R-16
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LT235/85R-16
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LT245/75R-16
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LT265/75R-16
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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 Web site - 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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