Michelin North America Inc. (MNA) has filed comments with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in support of the agency's proposed tire fuel efficiency consumer information program, which is in the rulemaking phase.
If the proposal becomes a rule, a ranking system for consumer tire fuel efficiency will be established "that will clearly communicate to consumers at the point of sale the fuel efficiency of individual tires via an objective rating system," say MNA officials.
"Michelin further supports setting maximum rolling resistance standards for all passenger tires sold in the U.S. to guarantee minimum levels of tire fuel efficiency performance and spur further progress in tire performance.
"Tires account for up to 20% of fuel consumption for passenger vehicles. Allowing consumers to understand this fact and compare fuel economy performance among tire brands at the point of purchase is an important step in improving the overall fuel efficiency of vehicles, reducing fuel costs to consumers and lessening the impact of road transportation on the environment."