Japan introduces tyre labeling

Geneva, Switzerland -- Tyre makers in Japan are voluntarily introducing tyre labels from the beginning of 2010. The voluntary scheme is being promoted by JATMA, the Japanese federation of tyre makers. The label is based very closely on the European tyre label, giving indications of tyre performance in terms of wet grip, fuel economy and noise levels.

Although it is still too early to tell how Japanese consumers' buying patterns are changing following the introduction of the labelling scheme, details will start to emerge within the next few months, after the Spring buying season, said Satoshi Miura, manager of the passenger car tyre product planning department at Yokohama.

A spokesman for Bridgestone confirmed that the initiative has been running since January, and that most JATMA members are participating.

He added that tyre dealers have welcomed the move and reported that the labels had generated substantial interest and questions from the buying public.

The spokesman said that it is too early to tell if tyre buyers have altered their behaviour or buying patterns as a result of the labels, and that such data would not be available before the Summer and maybe not until the end of 2010.