WASHINGTON—As of Sept. 1, auto makers no longer will have to provide point-of-sale information about the Uniform Tire Quality Grading standards to vehicle buyers. The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, asking for their UTQG requirement to be rescinded.
New-car buyers have no need for UTQG information or interest in it, the AIAM argued, because the grading system's purpose is to help replacement tire buyers.
NHTSA agreed to the AIAM's request in a final rule published in the May 24 Federal Register. Rescinding the point-of-sale requirement relieves auto makers and dealers of a ``significant burden,'' the agency said.
However, NHTSA will still require UTQG information to be published in vehicle owners' manuals, so it will be available to owners when they shop for replacement tires, the agency said.
During the comment period on the rule, only auto makers and their associations submitted documents to NHTSA, all in favor of rescission.
The Rubber Manufacturers Association and its members chose not to comment, said Steven Butcher, RMA vice president-technical.
Original equipment tire manufacturers routinely include informational brochures—including explanations of UTQG—with tire shipments for distribution to car buyers, Mr. Butcher noted. ``I suspect there will continue to be tire brochures distributed on a voluntary basis,'' he said.