Continental’s website now features a comprehensive overview of the new EU tyre label legislation, its background and targets, as well as information on how to read the label, its implications for different industry sectors and importantly, its relationship to lowering the cost of driving.

The EU directive 1222/2009 for obligatory labeling of new tyres applies to tyres produced after 1st July 2012, and sold from 1st November onwards. The legislation has been introduced as part of an ongoing EU campaign to reduce noise pollution and improve energy efficiency, and is intended to contribute towards the goal of cutting 20% of Europe’s energy consumption by 2020.

Unlike passenger car and transporter tyres, there is no legal requirement to physically display the EU label sticker on truck and bus tyres. Instead, retailers can provide the information via technical documents, within their premises and on invoices.

Continental recommends that retailers should prepare for the EU Label by consulting their business systems providers as some are integrating label values from many manufacturers into their systems. This is the most efficient way of handling all the information relating to the new label.

Also by speaking to their tyre suppliers, retailers can obtain label values in a format to suit their business needs – either electronically to be uploaded into their systems, or hard copy – eg. price lists, label value lists, etc.

Continental is also helping retailers with a new online tool. Launched recently on www.continental-tyres.co.uk/truck, the new facility allows retailers to find individual label values quickly by simply entering details of the axle position, tyre size, load and speed ratings and tread pattern. This will be valuable as a quick reference tool if for any reason other sources are not at hand.

“The introduction of the new EU tyre label is a step in the right direction in terms of providing clear information about the safety, quality and environmental performance of tyres,” comments Tracey Hyem, Marketing Manager for Continental Commercial Tyres.

“We have always maintained a strong focus on developing and optimising tyres to achieve the highest quality and lowest overall driving costs for our customers. Therefore in addition to the label values it is also important to be aware that characteristics such as mileage, dry grip, retreadability and durability are not covered by the EU tyre label, all of which contribute to the overall cost and quality of the tyre,” continues Hyem.

“Retailers have a responsibility towards their customers to fully explain all attributes of a tyre when assisting them in their purchasing decisions. All of this information can be found on our website, and is also contained within all Continental literature and price lists.”
In preparation for the new EU tyre legislation, Continental has tested and classified all relevant commercial vehicle tyres in its product range, and provided the details to retailers via internal and external computer systems. The leading tyre manufacturer has tested more than 500 truck and bus tyres in accordance with the methods prescribed by the EU to classify each product according to fuel efficiency, wet grip and external noise emissions.

The new Continental online tyre label information can be found at www.continental-tyres.co.uk/truck