The new tyre label (pictured), which takes effect from November 2012, will make rolling resistance and consequently fuel efficiency a key focal area of European tyre evaluation, according to Goodyear Dunlop.

A survey carried out by the Goodyear Dunlop showed that only 40% of commercial vehicle operators purchased fuel efficient tyres for their vehicles.

This implies that more than half of the commercial vehicle fleets in Europe are unnecessarily burning fuel and therefore missing the opportunity to reduce their operating costs.

Labelling, Goodyear believes, will make operators aware of the importance of tyres with regard to fuel efficiency, and help to reduce not only operating costs through tyre choice but also CO2 emissions.

Boris Stevanovic, marketing director truck tyres at Goodyear Dunlop EMEA, said: “I believe that one reason why so many fleets have not been choosing fuel efficient tyres is that until now it has not always been clear exactly how tyres perform or compare. Tyre labels will ensure transparency for everyone.

“We welcome this transparency. However, tyre buyers should bear in mind that the label covers only three areas (fuel efficiency, wet grip and exterior noise) and therefore may not reflect well on tyres designed for a specific purpose such as winter tyres, which are developed to perform under specific winter conditions; or mixed service and off-road tyres, which might have been optimized for off-road traction and mileage.

“At Goodyear Dunlop we work on 50 different criteria not featured on the label including wet and dry handling, footprint contact pressure, high speed, durability, traction and mileage. These are benefits that all customers want from their tyres so it is important to identify and compare all relevant criteria before making a choice.”