A case of too little
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THE Retread Manufacturers' Association is concerned over the lack of retreadable casings coming on to the market.
Although new tyres are all retreadable and most find their way back for a second or third life, the demand outstrips supply, according to RMA.
A spokesman for the Association said in London last week that if operators were forced to buy only new tyres, transport costs would rise substantially.
CM challenged the statement and asked the RMA consultant to quote a tyre cost per mile figure for an eight-wheel rigid running on remoulds.
He was unable to do so, and said an eight-wheeler was a particularly difficult vehicle to cost.
An invitation to quote figures for any size of vehicle was similarly treated. Under pressure, the RMA said that its member companies were in competition with each other and would not publicly d.vulge their costings.
It was claimed that a retreaded casing would give 80 per cent of the mileage for 50 per cent of the cost.