NEW TYRE LABEL STUDY SHOWS UNEVEN PROGRESS, MORE CONSUMER INCENTIVES ARE NEEDED

Ahead of today’s “Implementation dialogue on energy efficient product legislation” with Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has released a new analysis conducted by Lizeo covering more than 1,000,000 tyre labels observed across the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) between 2012 and 2023.

Introduced in 2012, and updated in 2021, the label was designed to help consumers and fleet managers compare safety and fuel efficiency of tyres when making their purchasing decisions. High performance tyres can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 4 million tons a year and improve road safety, reducing stopping distances by up to 4 cars lengths [1].

“The EU tyre label is meant to steer choices towards best performing tyres. Yet despite the tyre label, the fastest-growing part of the market is also the lowest-performing: budget tyres. Meaning, the average score is still “D” for rolling resistance (fuel efficiency) and “C” for wet grip”, said Adam McCarthy, ETRMA Secretary General. “Not enough consumers are aware of nor use the label to guide their choice. The next step is complementary strategies that act on price, cost of use, and incentives, while keeping the label itself simple and credible”, he concluded.

ETRMA encourages the European Union and its Member States to incentivise the uptake of best performing tyres in public procurement processes and through other incentives on the basis of the tyre label. Clearer awareness and consistent use of the label will reward innovation and accelerate the market shift towards better performing tyres.