Concerns Raised Over Enforcing New EU Tyres Law
By Oliver Hall
Concerns have been raised over how the new EU law to make tyres safer, greener and quieter tyres will be enforced.
Tyres manufacturers will have to work hard and invest heavily in research and development in order to the meet the strict standards set by the regulation which is set to be passed by the European Parliament.
However, the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA) has voiced concerns about how the legislation will be enforced.
Dr Francesco Gori, chairman of the ETRMA, warned: “There is need for robust verification mechanisms in each member state to protect both industry and consumers from the less scrupulous producers and importers.
“Equally important will be truly dissuasive penalties that must be set and rigorously applied when products are found not complying.”
The ETRMA, whose membership is made up of the leading European tyre manufacturers and those with production facilities within the continent, welcomed the new labelling proposal.
Fazilet Cinaralp, secretary general of the ETRMA, said: “One fifth of the fuel consumption of a passenger car is devoted to fighting the rolling resistance phenomenon.
“Expected fuel savings from the increased use of fuel efficient tyres are estimated to lead to a saving of 20 million tons of CO2 per year and 10 billion euros of fuel per year.
“Therefore, the availability of reliable and comparable information on tyre performance will make it easier for consumers to take these elements into account in their purchasing decisions.”
Number: Z8037079
Reg: NKF419
