ETRMA concerned by proposed EC motor vehicle regulation

ERJ staff report (RD)

Brussels - The ETRMA (European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers' Association) is raising concerns over most of the tyre noise requirements in the EC (European Commission) proposed regulation on advanced safety for motor vehicles.

The ETRMA's primary concern is that too much emphasis on noise reduction could jeopardise vehicle and customer safety, the association said in a 23 May press release. The EC's noise recommendations -- in certain categories up to 5dB(A) compared with current limits -- are based on a report prepared by the Forum of European National Highway Research Laboratories (FEHRL), a body focused on road engineering.

“A reduction of 5dB(A) means sound intensity reduced by 67 percent, which is the same difference as listening to a passenger car with less than one tyre instead of four. As a recent study performed by TUV (to be published) shows most of the limits proposed by the current draft may lead to an increase in braking distance on wet roads, to a decrease in aquaplaning performance or poorer traction in winter,” the association said.

The ETRMA went on to urge EU governments and the European Parliament to make a combined effort with the Member States in the areas of road construction and its technical specifications to achieve a far more timely and cost-effective reduction in tyre road noise intensity.

At the same time, the European tyre manufacturers fully support the introduction of requirements for tyre pressure monitoring systems, low rolling resistance tyres and wet grip, the ETRMA said.

Press Release

Website