HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C.—Federal performance standards for tire rolling resistance and wet traction are a necessity for the U.S., said top officials of both Michelin North America Inc. and the Rubber Manufacturers Association April 16 at the Clemson University Tire Industry Conference in Hilton Head.
“America needs a rolling resistance and wet grip standard,” Pete Selleck, Michelin North America president, said in his keynote speech at the conference.
The benefits of such performance rules would be manifold, according to Selleck. They would enhance consumer safety; improve vehicle fuel efficiency; encourage innovative research and development; and, above all, bring the U.S. in line with the European Union and other developed tire markets, he said.
“Imports to Europe of low-tech tires dropped off drastically in 2012, when the European Union introduced its rolling resistance and wet grip standards,” Selleck said. “Guess where those tires are going now?”