Ford, Polaris, FedEx Fleet, Bridgestone, J.D. Power and More at Traction 2015: Driving the Tire Industry Forward

March 12, 2015 | By Business Wire News

AKRON, Ohio

Polaris Industries, Bridgestone, J.D. Power, CSX, Michelin, FedEx Fleet, Discount Tire, Consumers Union, Pirelli and Ford Motor Company are just a few of the tire industry drivers who will be presenting at Smithers Rapra’s Traction 2015, taking place May 19-21 at the Omni Nashville Hotel in Nashville, TN. This conference and exhibition will bring together tire OEMs, Tier 1-4 system and component suppliers, and materials producers to discuss supplier and consumer needs, material technology advancements, policy and regulations and tire industry business dynamics.

“The industry needed a forum where the entire supply chain could come together to explore how to balance innovation, regulatory requirements and cost concerns with consumer perception and actions. Traction will deliver that while focusing on real world applications, challenges and solutions,” said Conference Chair Jim Popio, Vice President and General Manager, Smithers Rapra. “We are proud of the exceptionally high caliber of expert content on business dynamics, engineering advancements, regulations and industry challenges that we have secured for this program. But more importantly, we are excited that all of the key stakeholders will be in Nashville to focus on building the relationships that will keep us strong and foster the open exchange of ideas and solutions needed for the future.”

Tire manufacturers – including Goodyear, Pirelli, Michelin and Bridgestone – will be in the room to share the latest advances and innovations in the industry. CSX Intermodal Terminals, FedEx Fleet and Polaris Industries will give insights into the business dynamics of developing, selecting and operating tires in Agricultural, Off-Road, Intermodal & Fleet Vehicles applications. The NTSB, Gillespie Automotive Safety Services and the Rubber Manufacturers Association will share perspectives on passenger vehicle tire safety; the impact of global regulations on the tire industry and more.

Rounding out the rest of the Traction 2015 agenda are presentations from American Pacific Industries; Arizona Chemical; Cabot Corporation; Consumers Union; Discount Tire; DuPont; J.D. Power; Notch Consulting; Penton | WardsAuto and Sumitomo Rubber Industries.

“The mission of Traction 2015 is ‘innovate regardless of the obstacles.’ By offering direct access to industry leadership and insights from the most-connected individuals throughout the supply chain, the stage is set for honest and impactful discussions of our current and future realities,” said conference director Andrew T. Smaha. “The final ingredient is you – the attendee. I promise that you will leave Nashville with a deep understanding of all of the issues facing the global industry, as well as the relationships needed to affect real change in your organization and beyond. You simply cannot afford to miss Traction 2015 this May!”

Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available. For more information about Traction 2015: Driving the Industry Forward, visit www.tractionsummit.com.

About Smithers Rapra

Smithers Rapra is the global leader in rubber, plastics, polymer and composites testing, consulting and information products and events, with key focuses including the tire, industrial, transportation, consumer and medical industries. For more information, visit www.smithersrapra.com.