Swedish energy saving website publicises best label ratings

A consumer website aimed at improving awareness of energy saving products has begun listing tyre models with AA EU labels. Comprising Pirelli’s Cinturato P7 Blue in three XL sizes – the first AA tyre on the market, launched at Reifen 2012 – and Bridgestone’s October-launched AA-rated Ecopia EP001S, www.toptensverige.se (Topten Sweden) has begun to list tyres among what it believes to be benchmark products. The Topten online service, present in 17 countries in Europe as well as in China and the United States, aims to make transparent and independent assessments of goods and services, and has included the four tyre sizes as its first foray into the product area.

Pirelli says the latest product in its Cinturato range, the P7 Blue, offers 23 per cent less rolling resistance compared to a C-graded tyre. It exemplifies the potential savings of a saloon car using the tyre: covering 15,000km in a year it would use 5.1 per cent less fuel, equivalent to 52 litres, and reduces CO2 emissions by 123.5kg, the manufacturer says.

In terms of wet braking distances, Pirelli says the P7 Blue would reduce the distance by nine per cent of the distance achieved by a tyre in the same segment with a B rating. In comparative tests carried out by the TÜV SÜD certification body, the P7 Blue reduces braking distances from 80kph by 2.6 metres compared to a tyre classified with a ‘B’ rating.

Topten Sweden lists the Cinturato P7 Blue in sizes 235/45R17 97W XL, 225/55R16 99W XL and 215/55R16 97W XL as labelled AA 72dB. The Bridgestone Ecopia EP001S is listed in size 195/65R15 91H, rated AA 69dB (http://www.toptensverige.se/bildack/).

Currently, these are the two tyres with AA ratings on the market, though Michelin’s Energy E-V electric vehicle tyre has also achieved the rating.

Related news:

• Pirelli talks labelling, Cyber Fleet at Reifen 2012
• Bridgestone achieves AA label on tyre to launch 1 October
• Michelin targets “real world benefits” beyond tyre labelling