Bridgestone against MOT changes
Bridgestone has added its voice to the argument against the proposed changes to the MOT test schedule, suggesting that the potential 2012 change in the interval from one to two years could compromise road safety. Andy Dingley, communications manager at Bridgestone UK, said: “We know that a large proportion of motorists do not check their tyres regularly, and the MOT has proven to be very effective in highlighting tyre problems. The decision to change the MOT interval to two years throws up a lot of issues, primarily the inevitable increase in mileage between tyre checks.
Continue ReadingETRMA: Non REACH compliant tyres still entering Europe
On 16 October ETRMA (European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers' Association) announced the results of its second round of tyre testing examining REACH compliance of tyres found within Europe. ETRMA’s results show that roughly 10 per cent of the sample failed to comply with the clean oil legislation, around the same proportion as failed the last set of tests held earlier this year. However while ETRMA raised concerns about both compliance and enforcement of REACH regulations, some of the companies named in the report have already responded to accusations of compliance failure by raising questions of their own about the way in which the sample was selected. ETRMA’s second testing campaign was carried out between April and September 2011 on a sample of 94 tyres available for sale to EU consumers in several of the largest national tyre markets. These tyres were all produced in late 2010 and 2011 in 50 factories located in 11 countries, and are being sold in the EU under 51 brand names (these include 31 brands not tested in the first round). The first round of tyre compliance tests the ETRMA conducted took place in March 2011 and followed a similar approach.
Continue ReadingITMA offers help with tyre labelling compliance
Described by some as one of the biggest changes to affect the tyre industry in recent years, much ballyhooed new tyre labelling regulations for car and truck tyres will come into force from 1 November 2012. The regulations are designed to provide consumers with information on the tyre’s fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise so they are able to make a more informed choice when selecting new tyres. but they also mean that manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers alike would do to get their houses in order well in advance of the deadline.
Continue ReadingTyre convictions at a four year high
The number court convictions related to d driving on defective tyres in England and Wales is at a four year high, according to the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office. TyreSafe has released details of the figures which show that in 2010, 10,475 motorists were successfully convicted – almost 1,000 more than the previous year. The figures highlight the scale of the problem of illegal tyres in the UK, especially as they do not take into account tyre related matters dealt with by the police at the roadside.
Continue ReadingRMI "concerned" over possible higher speed limit
Responding to recent speculation that the Government are considering raising the speed limit to 80 miles per hour on motorways, John Ball, Retail Motor Industry (RMI) MOT chairman, commented: "If cars are allowed to go faster there will be an increased need for a rigorous MOT test."
Continue ReadingCRIA: Chinese tyre market will be ‘tested’ in 2H 2011
Analysts believe that China’s tyre industry will face a severe test in the second half of this year. According to the China Rubber Industry Association (CRIA) statistics, in the first six months of 2011 member companies’ tyre production totalled 128 million units, of which 107 million were radial tyres. This represents year-on-year growth of 1.6 […]
Continue ReadingWTO upholds US import tariffs on Chinese produced tyres
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has upheld the US government’s decision to impose 35 per cent import tariffs on Chinese produced passenger car tyres in September 2009. Two years later these have been lowered to 25 per cent, as initially planned. However, the Chinese authorities maintain that the original ruling has seriously harmed Chinese producers and the decision to uphold it will “intensify their difficulties.”
Continue ReadingHiQ adds voice to MOT changes opposition
The opposition to the UK Government’s proposed changes to the MOT test has acquired another voice, as fast fit network HiQ makes the argument that doubling the length of time between legally required tests will eventually cost motorists more: “The pockets of motorists will be hit harder than ever,” HiQ stated. Secretary of State for Transport Philip Hammond hopes to introduce the initial MOT test for new cars after four years instead of three, as it currently stands today.
Continue ReadingWTO rules against parallel US duties on Chinese OTR tyres
The United Steelworkers has described a decision made by the Appeals body of the World Trade Organization as “a slap in the face to US workers and industries that are harmed by China's predatory trade practices.” The decision reverses the findings of a WTO panel report from last year on anti-dumping and countervailing duty proceedings for off-road tyres and a number of other products from China; specifically, the WTO states the US Department of Commerce acted erroneously by simultaneous levying both anti-dumping and countervailing duties on these products.
Continue ReadingUS and China Both Claim WTO Victory in Tariff Dispute
The United States claimed victory in a recent trade spat with China over anti-dumping charges placed on imports pipes, tubes, OTR tyres and sacks. US Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk told the AFP news agency that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) had broadly upheld Washington's right to place duties on goods from China that were unfairly subsidised: "This is a significant win for American workers and businesses affected by unfairly traded imports.” Nevertheless a report produced by China’s Xinhua news agency suggests the People’s Republic would like to present the 22 October WTO ruling as falling in its favour. China welcomed the fact that the WTO found that the US imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on four types of Chinese imports was inconsistent with WTO regulations, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said a day after the ruling was published.
Continue ReadingRMI Forms MOT Working Group
The Retail Motor Industry (RMI) has announced the formation of an MOT Working Group, to discuss MOT policy and the future of the test. The group, chaired by RMI’s MOT chairman John Ball, will meet for the first time in November, and will include representatives from a broad cross-section of the MOT testing industry. The announcement follows significant speculation that the government has been reconsidering changing the MOT interval to two years from one at present.
Continue ReadingIAAF Questions Need for MOT test Change
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has added its to the growing number of voices questioning the need to alter MOT frequency requirements. For its part the IAAF has written what it describes as a “strongly worded letter” to Transport Minister Michael Penning expressing surprise at the government’s decision to review the MOT test.The review is scheduled for later in the year. Transport Department whip Earl Atlee told the House of Lords in July “we intend to look at the issue of MOT frequencies later this year.”
Continue ReadingIndependent Hails Labelling as “Bright New Future for the Tyre”
The Independent newspaper has hailed the forthcoming 2012 labelling legislation saying “drivers will soon be able to make a much more informed choice when buying tyres – and the product should be better too.” Asking the question “how did you choose your last set of tyres?” the report, written by the Independent’s David Wilkins pragmatically suggests “the chances are that you simply asked for the cheapest option or told the garage to fit tyres of the same brand and type as those being replaced” and confesses “The truth is that most of us lack the knowledge to make informed choices about the subject.”
Continue ReadingFinding a Healthy Balance
Upcoming European tyre labelling and associated regulations are serving as a laxative for some tyre manufacturers, while others are relishing their implementation. Counted amongst this second category is Michelin, who sees similarities between the label and its own ‘innovation strategy’ – the tyre maker’s focus upon three areas it sees as inseparable: Reducing vehicle fuel consumption, ensuring outstanding safety performance and offering greater total mileage.
Continue ReadingThe Guardian Publishes Michelin-Sponsored Tyre Labelling Roundtable
The Guardian has published comments made by the eleven participants in a roundtable discussion about the new European tyre labelling system, which will be introduced in November 2012. Operating the Chatham House rule (attributing no comments to those who made them), the discussion was split into the categories of what information the labels will contain – the tyre’s fuel efficiency, wet grip characteristics and road noise – and what the current labels do not contain – specifically the make and model of the tyre graded and the lifecycle of the tyre; both features that similar labels in the USA do contain.
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