"Threat of Regulation Has Industry Scrambling to Block, Modify Proposals"
December 11, 2007; Page A18
In theory, boosting a tire's energy efficiency is relatively easy and inexpensive. As much as 20% of the energy needed to operate a car is tire-related, according to some industry estimates. The lower a tire's rolling resistance, the less energy the car consumes.
Quote:
Frankfurt
A new industry is coming under pressure as governments look for ways
to make cars use less carbon-belching fuel: tire makers.
The European Union is expected to propose regulations that would set
limits on tire rolling resistance, or the force a tire must overcome
to move a vehicle. In California, legislators have passed a law
calling for similar rules. In Washington, Congress is considering
legislation that would create a consumer-information program on tire
[...]
The focus on tires reflects a broader effort by governments to shift
some of the burden of fuel-economy rules away from auto makers, which
say job cuts and costly design changes will result from the most
ambitious proposals to cut vehicle emissions. This year, the EU eased
its proposal for cutting average emissions of carbon dioxide, which
contributes to global warming, from new cars in Europe to 18% over
five years from the 25% it had proposed earlier.
energy efficiency.
[...]
This year, the U.S. Senate considered a proposal to require all
passenger-automobile tires to meet low-rolling-resistance standards.
The tire industry warned it would have to make tires that wear out
more quickly, piling up more used tires in scrap yards.
The industry coalesced around a proposal to create a national system
for rating tires on energy efficiency, leaving it up to consumers and
car companies to decide which tires to buy. That is part of broader
legislation being considered by Congress that would also raise
automobile fuel-economy standards.
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(Sorry no linky - this was in an EVDL post.)
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