European Commission Proposes Tyre Labelling Scheme

The European Commission has proposed a draft directive to introduce a tyre labelling scheme aimed at encouraging sales of more energy efficient (low rolling resistance) tyres. The proposed scheme will feature the introduction of a point of sale labelling system scheduled to take effect by the end of 2012.

The commission’s EU Transport & Energy Directorate General draft proposal also highlights the fact that there are wide performance variances when it comes to wet grip and external rolling noise. “Lack of reliable and comparable information on tyres’ performance makes it difficult however for consumers to take these elements into account in their purchasing decision, in particular when the time comes to replace a used set of tyres,” the commission said in a memo dated 13 November 2008.

The proposed directive will require tyre manufacturers to declare the fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise performance of C1, C2 and C3 tyres (tyres fitted on passenger cars, light and heavy duty vehicles). “Tyre performances should be displayed at the point of sale by means of a sticker and on technical promotional literature such as catalogues, leaflets or web marketing,” the commission explained.

The labelling scheme that the commission is proposing will allow end-users to compare tyres by means of a grading on fuel efficiency as well as on wet grip and by the indication of the external rolling noise emitted. The stated objective is to promote the market transformation towards more fuel-efficient, safer and low noise tyres.

According to the commission, tyre choice can affect a fuel bill by up to 10 per cent, between the best and the worst set of tyres available on the. Expected fuel savings from the increased use of fuel efficient tyres are estimated between 2.4 and 6.6 million tonnes of oil equivalent in 2020 depending on the speed of market transformation. To put this in perspective, this quantity exceeds the annual oil consumption of Hungary. An earlier commission consultation paper put EU-wide cost savings at 100 billion euros.

Rooted in rolling resistance

As the commission’s inclusion of the above CO2 savings data demonstrates, fuel efficiency and emissions reductions are the driving force behind the new proposals. However, the commission’s April 2008 consultation paper also described the relatively low proportion of replacement low rolling resistance tyres being sold “a market failure.” Seeing as the lack of information was described as the most significant barrier, the European Commission has pressed ahead with tyre labelling proposals.

European tyre makers welcome labelling proposal

The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) welcomed the tyre labelling proposal of the EU Transport & Energy Directorate General. ETRMA particularly supported integrated approach of the draft proposal, explaining that any action on a single performance of the tyre may have an adverse impact on the others, altering the overall performance. ETRMA’s position, which contradicts what Michelin managing partner Didier Miraton told Tyres & Accessories last month at Clermont-Ferrand is that acting on a parameter such as energy efficiency may affect other parameters such as wet grip. ETRMA representatives also said that a potential for improvement of tyre rolling resistance and wet grip performance above the limit values set in the proposed legislation (2008/316) has been identified.

Francesco Gori, President of ETRMA, commented: “EU demands on industry are more and more challenging. We agree on this line of action which offers to customers broad guarantees in terms of product quality and safety, and we are taking an active role…In the end “safety” and CO2 reduction mean high standards for performance of tyres.”

ETRMA members criticised the “stickers on tyres” method of informing end users of the features of the tyre, explaining that many customers don’t physically see the tyre before it is fitted on their car. In stead the say consumers choose their tyres before hand through magazine tests, information collected through the Internet, brochures, personal recommendations and discussions with the dealer.

Fazilet Cinaralp, ETRMA Secretary General, added: “This new initiative will increase the availability of information on all tyres in the market, which can only be beneficial for consumers; the question is ‘can the European tyre manufacturers be competitive, when bringing these high quality products to the European market?’ We believe it is necessary to set up robust verification mechanisms in each member state to protect both industry and consumers from the less scrupulous producers and importers.”