ETRMA, Manufacturers Respond Positively to Tyre Labelling Decision

The European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association and its twelve leading tyre corporate members have “welcomed” the objectives of the mandatory tyre performance information requirement voted upon by the European Parliament yesterday. Noting the braking performance and fuel efficiency aspects covered by the upcoming tyre labelling, ETRMA says it is “happy that these aspects are fully reflected in the regulation”. The organisation adds that expected fuel savings from the increased use of fuel-efficient tyres will lead to saving an estimated 20 million tonnes of CO2 per year and 10 billion euros of fuel per year.

Secretary general of the ETRMA, Fazilet Cinaralp, further adds that the measure will encourage tyre manufacturers to upgrade their products in a context of increased competition on the tyre market, by introducing a level playing field for all with the possibility for producers to benefit from product differentiation, not only based on prices but also on product quality. The consumers will have access to objective, reliable and comparable information on tyre parameters. The new regulation is, according to a press statement released by the organisation, a “step further towards improving traffic safety and combatting global warming.”

Finnish manufacturer Nokian Tyres has referred to the labelling’s approval as a “significant step forward for consumers” and an “opportunity” for itself: “For years, we have already been carrying out sustained development work in questions related to tyre safety and eco-friendliness,” commented Nokian Tyres CEO and president Kim Gran. “This classification is a challenge, but the decision is a very positive one, and, for a manufacturer such as ourselves concentrating on high-quality, specialised products, it brings many opportunities. The clear labelling indicating tyre rolling resistance and wet grip classification and the noise value will help consumers to decide which tyre to purchase.”