92000E1397

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1397/00

by Bernd Lange (PSE) to the Commission

(4 May 2000)

Subject: Implementation of Directive 92/61/EEC in Germany specified types of tyre

The Commission's original proposal that tyre types be specified as part of the type-approval of motorcycles was not included in Directive 92/61/EEC(1), as the European Parliament considered that the specification of tyre types by vehicle manufacturers in the context of the European type-approval procedure for motorcycles would place tyre manufacturers who had perhaps not been taken into account at a competitive disadvantage.

In Germany, however, it seems that vehicle manufacturers are still managing to specify particular types of tyre in vehicle documentation, even after the Directive's entry into force, by using vehicle type-testing procedures.

Is the Commission aware of such practices? Does it consider German implementation of the Directive to be at odds with European legislation?

(1) OJ L 225, 10.8.1992, p. 72.

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(16 June 2000)

The legislative provisions governing technical requirements for tyres and their fitting are contained in Directive 97/24/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 1997 on certain components and characteristics of two or three-wheel motor vehicles(1).

The Commission was informed of tyre brand restrictions attaching to certain passenger cars manufactured in Germany. Following exchanges of correspondence with the Commission, the German authorities addressed a communication dated 29 February 2000 to the Commission in which type-approval authorities have been instructed not to include in the future any such brand restrictions in vehicle documents. The communication also states that any existing brand restrictions contained in vehicle documentation are devoid of legal effect.

The Commission is of the view that tyre brand specifications for motorcycles are similarly unacceptable. The Commission will contact the German authorities in order to clarify the situation.

(1) OJ L 226, 18.8.1997.