Tire Labeling in Korea started December 1, 2012: "Green Tires" are rolling!

New market survey: 70 percent of drivers in Korea are willing to buy Green Tires

Seoul, Korea - This month LANXESS just concluded a market survey to better understand people’s perception and knowledge about Green Tires and the mandatory tire labeling system, which will officially take effect in December 1, 2012 in Korea.

The survey showed that some 70 percent of motorists surveyed would buy “Green Tires”, with fuel efficiency and safety named as main factors behind a potential purchase. Green Tires refer to high-performance tires that enhance energy efficiency and reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions.

70 percent of respondents replied that they would buy “Green Tires”

Of the 500 motorists nationwide surveyed, it emerged that some 68 percent of respondents have tried to reduce fuel consumption. For better fuel economy, 85 percent said that they are adopting energy-efficient driving habits. But, only 15 percent said that they have replaced tires with higher performance ones.

Only 32 percent of motorists said that they have heard about fuel-efficient Green Tires. But 70 percent of respondents replied that they would buy Green Tire when its benefits such as fuel efficiency and safety were previously given to respondents. Among those who don’t want to buy Green Tires, 40 percent replied that they have a high perceived price, while 36 percent said that they are not aware of the benefits of Green Tires.

Meanwhile, 61 percent of respondents said that they have little or no knowledge of the upcoming tire labeling system. Also, 78 percent said that tire labels will be a useful tool for choosing a tire.

A recent study by the Technical University of Munich conducted on behalf of LANXESS showed that Green Tires can reduce fuel consumption by 5 to 7 percent. Supposing that a car provides a gas mileage of 16.6 km per liter and travels 12,500 km a year, users could save about KRW140,000 a year and reduce CO2 emissions by 4.7 kg per car, thanks for Green Tires. In addition, the study found that additional costs spent for Green Tires are recouped faster – meaning that Green Tires pay for themselves after just 20,000 km on average, or within one or two years.

“Although awareness for Green Tires is in its infancy, we are confident that Korea as a high-tech nation will quickly embrace the introduction of tire-labeling and its benefits.,” said Joosang Kim, regional Head of Performance Butadiene Rubbers (PBR) business unit for LANXESS APAC.

New tire labelling effective in Europe since November 1, 2012

The Tire Energy Efficiency System is designed to help consumers make an informed decision when purchasing fuel-efficient tires in a similar way when they buy energy-efficient home appliances. It also encourages businesses to produce and import energy-saving products. The distinctive label grades all tires from 1 to 5 for rolling resistance and wet grip. Generally, lower rolling resistance helps reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Better wet grip can reduce rolling resistance but helps to maintain braking performance, ensuring safer driving. In Europe, the new tire labeling regulation came into force in November 1, 2012.