Date: 29 Aug 1999 15:35:38 GMT From: magic2626nopsamcom (Magic2626) Subject: New Snow Tire Symbol
www.nokiantyres.com THE RUBBER ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NORTH AMERICAN TIRE INDUSTRY TAKES LEAD IN DEVELOPING PERFORMANCE BASED SNOW TIRE STANDARD OTTAWA, February 01, 1999 - North American tire manufacturers who are members of the national industry trade associations, The Rubber Association of Canada and The Rubber Manufacturers' Association of the United States, today officially announced the implementation of an industry performance-based definition for passenger and light-truck tires for use in severe snow conditions. Founded in 1920, under the Dominion Companies Act, The Rubber Association of Canada is the national trade association representing Canadian manufacturers of products made from rubber. The new standard was developed as a result of a request to the industry by Transport Canada, and will be adhered to by all member companies of the two associations. Tires that meet its performance-based criteria will feature tread patterns, construction elements and materials which give them superior snow performance over tires meeting the existing RMA snow tire definition. The new performance-based tires designed for use in severe snow conditions will not replace, but complement, the present North American industry-accepted RMA snow tire definition, which uses the symbols "M and S" on the tire sidewall. The new standard will make it easier for consumers to distinguish between all season tires and those specifically designed for use in severe winter snow conditions. During the next two years, tire manufacturers will test their winter tire lines to determine which tires will meet the new industry-developed standard. Tires that meet the new severe snow-use criteria will be marked o at least one sidewall with the letters "M" and "S" plus a pictograph of a mountain with a snowflake inside it. An example of the mountain/snowflake pictograph is shown below. Canadian motorists, having clearly identified a tire marked with the mountain/snowflake pictograph, will therefore have assurance that they have chosen a true snow tire. Road safety officials of both Transport Canada and the tire industry strongly recommend that Canadians facing severe winter driving conditions choose tires marked with the severe snow performance pictograph. Full implementation of the mountain/snowflake pictograph on the sidewalls of performance based snow tires sold in North America is not expected before the winter of 2000/2001. However, consumers may expect to see some tires marked with the pictograph later this year, once manufacturers have the test data available and are able to modify moulds and begin to add these tires to their inventory pipelines. It is expected to take two full manufacturing seasons to totally complete the switch to the new markings.
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