New rating system for tyres

A NEW energy-rating system for tyres, designed to cut fuel bills and reduce CO2 emissions, was agreed by European transport ministers last week.

The agreement, which paves the way for the introduction of an A to G labelling system from 2012, was approved after ministers were told tyres can be responsible for up to a quarter of a vehicle’s total fuel consumption.

The move is part of the EU’s energy efficiency package as well as the EU climate package legislation which calls for a 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

The labelling system has been backed by members of the EU Parliament’s industry committee, which adopted a report claiming the fuel savings would be equal to taking 1.3 million cars off European roads. An EU directive is expected to make the system mandatory by 2012.

As well as fuel efficiency, the new system would also have to show levels of wet grip and rolling resistance of tyres. There would also be a low noise mark.

Belgian MEP Ivo Belet, who led the negotiations, insisted the move would not have significant additional costs for the tyre industry. He also said the system could save motorists up to 10 per cent on fuel costs.

The agreement has to be formally approved by the full parliament and the council of ministers but this is seen as procedural. The move is in line with the recommendations of car manufacturers that more can be done to make existing vehicles more eco-friendly before moving to electric vehicles.