Tire industry ponders federal rolling resistance information programme

Washington, DC - The US-based tyre industry, through the Rubber Manufacturers Association, is floating a legislative proposal to create a consumer information programme on replacement tyre rolling resistance and fuel economy, according to Washington spokesmen for the industry.

While the details of the proposal aren't firm yet, it probably would consist of a grading system similar to Uniform Tire Quality Grading presented via point-of-sale pamphlets, a website and a consumer bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to Mark Burtschi, Goodyear director of federal and state affairs.

The RMA sees the proposal as an amendment to the next federal energy bill, an RMA spokesman said. "Instead of mandatory technology and reporting, the consumer program will provide information so that people will have the tools to choose replacement tyres with low rolling resistance, if that's what they want," the spokesman said. "It will let the marketplace decide what happens."

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)