NHTSA explains information requests for tyre fuel-efficiency rule

By Miles Moore, Senior Washington Reporter

Washington DC -- TheUS-based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking additional comments on its proposed market research process to gather data toward promulgating the consumer information program of its tyre fuel-efficiency rule.

NHTSA originally issued a call for comments Sept. 3, outlining its plans and asking interested parties to submit their opinions by Nov. 2. A Sept. 27 Federal Register request updated the call, asking for certain pieces of information the first document didn't request.

Specifically, the new document asks for comments on where the three planned cities for its information focus groups should be located.

“NHTSA is particularly interested in comments regarding whether or not the western location should be in California,” the agency said. Because California has its own draft tyre fuel-efficiency law in place, NHTSA said, the agency is concerned that a California focus group's information might not be generally applicable nationally.

Among other questions, NHTSA also is interested in comments on whether the rolling resistance coefficient (RRC) or rolling resistance force (RRF) should be the basis of the tyre fuel-efficiency rating.

Earlier, NHTSA stated a preference for RRF because it relates more directly to fuel consumption, but the Rubber Manufacturers Association and other industry groups argued for RRC because it provides a greater range of grade choices to consumers.

Finally, NHTSA wants comments on public recognition of tyre labeling that tyre makers and retailers provide voluntarily to consumers.

“NHTSA intends to explore what information participants have seen, and how they recall, interpret and apply it,” the agency said. “This will assist the agency in evaluating how well the participants comprehend the information, which types of information are meaningful to their purchasing choices, and which information impacts their behavior.”

Nov. 2 remains the deadline for comments. NHTSA issued the 195-page tyre fuel-efficiency final rule March 25 and held a public hearing on the standard the following day.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)