Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I politely stated 'Asia' as the general reference for what is considered 'offshore' these days. China is by far the largest Asian country supplying rubber products to North America, but certainly not the only. Vietnam Bangladesh and Cambodia, et al, all manufacture rubber products and export here. The only 'Asian' exception would be Japan, who once had the same quality reputation as China, but over several decades, has evolved and become a symbol of much better quality. The EUROPEAN countries cited DO make quality rubber products, but export very little to North America. Pirelli is the only tire that comes to mind, but I think their manufacturing might even be here in the US. Bottom line: 'cheap rubber from China' was what I was talking about - maybe I should have just come out and said that. What do they say - 'political correction is the language of cowardice'.... Chris

in trying to be discreet, you inadvertently changed the meaning. Most of the tire quality/consistency issues I've heard of are out of China and SEAsia also. Michelin, Continental, Firestone, Pirelli, Bridgestone,etc are all overseas-based but don't have the same recent record. Hankook I have no experience with