The European Commission is expected to shortly propose tire noise standards which are rumored to include a cut in tire noise of five or six decibels. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association and the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers' Association (ETRMA) have both come out against the proposal. The Commission is also expected to come out momentarily, in the same document, with limits on “rolling resistance” of tires setting maximum levels of friction levels between the tire and the road surface as additional measures to cut carbon emissions.
The ETRMA is on record stating that a reduction of more than two to three decibels is not technically feasible. The association has also said that the Commission has not supplied impact assessments to justify the costs. Following the release of the proposal, it will be considered by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers.
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