Fuel Efficient Tires Roundtable
Selling the Fuel-Efficient Tire
A Roundtable for Retailers and Consumers
November 17, 2008
Putah Creek Lodge
University of California, Davis
Overview
Recent
legislation and aggressive initiatives focused on reductions in
greenhouse gas emissions will require new and better ways of conserving
energy. Consumer choice around purchase of energy efficient
technologies will be an essential part of this new equation and must be
based upon sound and clear information. One area ripe for consideration
is the improvement of fuel efficiency through reductions in rolling
resistance in tires. The purchase of tires is unique because it always
involves a salesperson; for that reason the information delivery system
must complement the procedure in which tires are sold.
On November 17, the Energy Efficiency Center convened over 40 representatives from tire retailers, tire manufacturers, government agencies, NGOs, and universities who participated in a roundtable discussion to examine in detail the tire purchase-transaction, that is, how consumers buy and how retailers sell, tires. Roundtable participants considered the problems of inserting new information--rolling resistance--into this purchase-transaction. Participants explored answers to: How information on rolling resistance/efficiency of tires should be delivered to consumers? What format would be most effective?
All participants gained an appreciation of the diversity of possible approaches as well as the impact of small changes. The regulatory agency representatives received valuable advice on how to shape future rules and voices not typically consulted were heard through an active dialogue and discussion process.