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The new WLTP vehicle testing regime is set to influence fleet wheel and tyre choices, according to Kwik Fit.
The new tests for fuel economy and CO2 emissions are expected to result in worsening figures, and although WLTP emissions are not set to be used for taxation until 2020, correlated figures to be used in the interim are already showing increases, potentially affecting vehicle excise duty and company car benefit in kind (BIK) tax bands.
Kwik Fit says the size of vehicle wheels, and consequently tyres, has a major impact on CO2 emissions and fuel economy.
In recent years there has been a trend among car manufacturers to fit larger wheels.
Kwik Fit GB fleet sales director Andy Fern said: "Wheel rim size and width of a tyre have a direct correlation on a vehicle's rolling resistance and therefore CO2 emissions.
"As a result, we may see vehicle manufacturers end the trend for larger wheels, or company car drivers may think twice about ticking the larger rim size option when specifying a vehicle as it will ultimately hit them in the pocket."
Fern said WLTP may also lead to an end to the trend towards SUVs, with the official CO2 gap between them and conventional hatchbacks and saloons predicted to increase.
He added: "Businesses like certainty to make investment decisions. But fleet uncertainty exists as manufacturers' review and change vehicle line-ups, equipment levels and option choices influenced by WLTP CO2 figures, and the industry waits for the government to announce its motoring tax plans, and specifically the company car BIK tax regime.
"Post-2020, fleet and company car drivers' choice of vehicles and wheel and tyre configurations may be very different from today."
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