Significant step forward for consumers

According to a decision approved by the European Parliament yesterday on 25th November, from November 2012 tyres will have to be labelled with their fuel efficiency, wet grip and rolling noise performance. This new quality classification system is similar to that used in modern household appliances.

- For years, we have already been carrying out sustained development work in questions related to tyre safety and eco-friendliness. 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, says Kim Gran, President and CEO of Nokian Tyres.

Tyre labelling will use quality classes ranging from best performance (green ‘A’ class) to worst (red ‘G’ class). The classification labelling indicates how much a tyre affects the car’s fuel efficiency and how it performs in wet conditions. It will also give its external rolling noise in decibels.

From 1 November 2012, suppliers of tyres for passenger cars and light and heavy duty vehicles will have to inform consumers about fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise classes in all technical promotional material. Re-treaded tyres, off-road professional tyres and racing tyres will be exempt from this requirement.

All tyres produced after 1 July 2012 must have a quality classification sticker or other labelling when distributed from the factory to a shop or a garage.
 

Source: Transportweekly