Groups Endorse Fuel Economy Grades on Tires:...

Groups Endorse Fuel Economy Grades on Tires: A diverse group of environmental and consumer organizations is endorsing a proposed government rule, to be reviewed at a public hearing today, that would provide fuel economy grades on tire labels, Michelin Tire Corp. said Thursday.

The tire maker, which developed the initiative, said it believes the labels will encourage consumers to purchase fuel-efficient tires, ultimately saving millions of gallons of fuel and preventing tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

The NHTSA estimates that raising consumer awareness of the contribution tires can make to fuel savings will lead to an annual savings after five years of more than 1 million gallons of fuel per day, Michelin said. The estimate is based on a 15% increase in fuel-efficient tire sales over current levels, the company said, adding that this would translate into a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions to the environment by up to 4.1 million metric tons annually.