The purpose of the event was to collect information regarding a new tire rating system on rolling resistance, which is required by the federal Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007. Part of the act is the establishment of a Tire Fuel Efficiency Consumer Information Program with the goal of increasing fuel efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the nation’s energy independence.
TIA’s presentation, which supports the position of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), focused on several key areas including tire labeling and rolling resistance coefficient. While the measurement system for rolling resistance is more important to the tire companies, TIA remains strongly opposed to implementing new tire labels as the primary mechanism for the national consumer education campaign.
Rohlwing also emphasized the importance of educating retailers on the new rating system because tire dealers are the primary sources of information for the average car owner in need of tires.
TIA stressed that the new ratings must be simple and easy to explain, unlike the confusing Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQG), which is supposed to provide tire shoppers with information to compare tire treadwear, traction and performance.
“TIA has the experience as well as the network in place to ensure that retailers are properly educated,” says TIA President Larry Brandt, who has spent decades within the retail tire market.
“Tire dealers are the natural ‘trusted adviser’ of the general public when it comes to gathering information when purchasing tires,” he points out.
Rohlwing, TIA’s senior vice president of training, testified that “proper tire inflation, rotation, alignment and maintenance are still the most effective and proven methods for improving tire fuel efficiency.”
He noted that NHTSA’s own research has indicated that rolling resistance is not an important factor for tire buyers, and it will not have a major effect on fuel consumption in the U.S.
For more information, visit www.tireindustry.org.
