1 TYRE LABELLING

WHY THE NEED FOR A NEW EUROPEAN TYRE LABELLING SYSTEM?

- Objective : improved safety and less environmental impact...

Michelin backs this initiative which will be beneficial for safety, the environment and transport companies' energy-saving projects. The new labelling system will help to promote safer tyres with lower rolling resistance but also with lower external noise emissions.

- User benefits

1. Enhanced manufacturers' products (safety, economic efficiency, environmental performance).

2. Clearer, objective and standardised information regarding the three characteristics concerned.

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THE NEW EUROPEAN REGULATION COMES INTO FORCE ON 1st NOVEMBER 2012

The EC/1222/2009 regulation requires that tyres for private cars and light commercial vehicles, manufactured after 1st July 2012 and marketed in the EU from November 2012 onwards carry a sticker or be accompanied by a leaflet on show in the point of sale.

For truck tyres*, the regulation simply requires tyre manufacturers and distributors as well as vehicle suppliers and distributors to make the information available clearly. Labels stuck to new tyres are not therefore compulsory but, if labels are not provided, a leaflet in the point of sale or online documentation should be made available instead.

* This does not apply to retreaded tyres.

Schéma labeling

Energy efficiency rating

based upon
tyre rolling resistance

Wet grip rating

External rolling noise rating

These three characteristics should be taken as a starting point when it comes to choosing tyres. They should be considered in conjunction with other factors related to the customers' business and their specific requirements.

It is the tyre distributors and vehicle distributors responsibility to inform their customers. They should provide customers with the classification information prior to purchase and ensure it appears on invoices or any accompanying document.

Additional information is provided on the ETRMA (European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers' Association) website.

2 SELECTED PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CO2 EMISSIONS (Truck tyres)

Tyre energy efficiency (fuel consumption and CO2 emissions) is related to its rolling resistance.

Low rolling resistance plays a crucial part in how much a tyre contributes to fuel savings in the transport sector.

Find out more
Video

Between two ratings, "A" and "B" for example, the difference in fuel consumption on a fully-equipped vehicle can be as much as 3 litres/100 km.*

How fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are measured

To comply with the European regulation, measurements will be carried out on tyres using calibrated rolling machines.

The ratings awarded will correspond to the measured values given in kilograms per tonne (kg/t).

Ratings will range from "A" (up to 4 kg/t) to "F" (over 8 kg/t), i.e. twice the initial coefficient. The "G" rating will not be used.

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* Estimation by Michelin

BRAKING ON WET SURFACES

BRAKING ON WET SURFACES (Truck tyres)

Tyre performance when braking on wet surfaces is one of the main safety benefits provided by tyres.

Braking efficiency on wet surfaces is tested by measuring the deceleration performances – between 60 and 20km/h when making an emergency stop.

Find out more
Video

For a truck decelerating from 60 km/h to 20 km/h. If a 'B' rated tyre takes 30 metres to slow down, the 'C' rated tyre would take 15% or 4.5 metres longer.*

How braking on wet surfaces is measured

The data is collected on test tracks sprayed beforehand to create a layer of water from 0.5 to 2 millimetres in depth. The ambient temperature, and that of the ground, are permitted to vary between 5 and 35°C. Track characteristics (type of coating, roughness, coefficient of friction on the asphalt, etc.) can also vary within the limits prescribed by the Legislator. The test vehicles are specifically designed for the purpose.

Ratings will range from "A" to "F". There will be no "G" rating.

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* Estimation by Michelin

ROLLING NOISE

EXTERNAL NOISE (Truck tyres)

External noise is taken into account since it represents noise pollution.

This influences the environmental impact of transport, especially for the transport sector operating in urban areas.

Find out more
Video

The difference in performance of a tyre rated with two lines and a tyre rated with one line is 3 decibels, which represents a reduction of approximately half.

How external noise is measured

The European regulation takes into account the number of decibels produced as a tyre rolls and compares it with the future target which will come into force between 2012 and 2016 (regulation EC/661/2009).

Pictogram with 3 black lines Three black lines indicate the poorest performance. The noise emitted by the tyre is over the value set out in the future standard but below the maximum currently authorised.

Pictogram with 2 black lines Two black lines mean that the noise emitted by the tyre is in line with the limits which will be applied in the future.

Pictogram with 1 black line One black line means that the level of tyre noise is already 3 decibels below the future legal limit.

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3 HOW BEST TO CHOOSE YOUR TYRES

A TYRE FOR EVERY NEED...

Tyres can play an important part in optimising operating potential. They can reduce fuel costs, increase vehicle load capacity and passenger comfort, reduce vehicle down time and help optimise schedules...

Above all choosing a suitable tyre requires careful consideration of the customers' business and their specific requirements.

TRANSPORT FOR
GENERAL GOODS

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ARRIVING ON TIME...

To meet requirements in terms of flexibility and responsiveness, for general goods transport, it is important to optimise schedules, minimise vehicle down time and maintain safety.

With significant economic constraints, companies in this sector require tyre designs that focus on safety and performance.

YOUR SELECTION CRITERIA Truck pictogram Sticker for the new european tyre labelling system
Safety (braking) Yes Yes
Safety (grip) Yes
Reliability (minimise and prevent vehicle down time) Yes
Lifespan Yes
Tyre budget optimisation Yes
Fuel savings Yes Yes

TRANSPORT FOR
PASSENGERS

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SAFETY COMES FIRST...

The passenger transport sector (schools, inter-urban, long distance, trips) has two main requirements : safety and passenger comfort.

Tyres need to be chosen mindful of these two requirements while ensuring the vehicle remains mobile, this is especially important when it comes to transporting passengers.

YOUR SELECTION CRITERIA Truck pictogram Sticker for the new european tyre labelling system
General safety at all times Yes
Safety (braking) Yes Yes
Comfort/low inside noise Yes
Mobility at all times Yes
Lifespan with consistent safety Yes
Tyre budget optimisation Yes
Fuel savings Yes Yes

TRANSPORT FOR
HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS

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COMPLYING WITH THE REGULATIONS FOR TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS...

Compliance with regulations and road safety are the basic requirements for transporting hazardous materials (liquids or solids).

For tanker trucks, other important requirements are maximising the load transported and minimising operating costs.

YOUR SELECTION CRITERIA Truck pictogram Sticker for the new european tyre labelling system
General safety at all times Yes
Safety (braking) Yes Yes
Increased vehicle load capacity Yes
Mobility at all times Yes
Tyre budget optimisation Yes
Fuel savings Yes Yes

TRANSPORT FOR
CONSTRUCTION, BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING

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STRENGTH AND RELIABILITY COME FIRST...

The different means of transport in the construction and works sector need to be able to tackle all kinds of terrain. This often involves difficult conditions and high loads.

Tyre strength and mobility are crucial and have a direct impact on productivity.

YOUR SELECTION CRITERIA Truck pictogram Sticker for the new european tyre labelling system
Resistance to damage and impacts Yes
Safety (braking) Yes Yes
Mobility at all times Yes
Tyre budget optimisation
/Retreadability 		Yes
Load carrying capacity Yes
General safety at all times Yes
Fuel savings Yes Yes