Textile alternative to snow chains: AutoSock first product worldwide certified according to new European Standard

AutoSock will be a regulatory approved alternative to snow chains in all countries of the European Union with effect from 1st December 2020. The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published the new European Standard EN16662-1:2020 for supplementary grip devices on 27th May 2020, covering not only metal snow chains but also devices made from other materials. AutoSock for cars and light commercial vehicles to 3.5 tons is the only product worldwide which is currently approved and certified according to the new European Standard.

Even winter tires may not provide sufficient safety for driving in winter, which is why snow chains are an important driving safety accessory. Metal chains are mandatory in most alpine regions of Austria, Germany and Italy. The new European Standard EN16662-1 initiates a fundamental change to existing regulations. It imposes a pan-European acceptance of alternatives to metal snow chains if they comply with the new standard.

“We are very pleased to be able to offer AutoSock as an alternative to snow chains in all EU countries”, says Odd Christian Krohn, CEO of AutoSock Operations AS, when asked about the certification. “We have worked for 10 years towards this goal and have worked with CEN to define the minimum requirements and standards.”

The new Standard EN16662-1 defines requirements for the safety, quality and performance of supplementary grip devices, independent of their manufacturing material or technology. Consequently, textile devices (e.g. AutoSock) as well as rubber and metal chains will from now on be certified against the same standard and must fulfil the same minimum requirements. All EU member states must publish an equivalent national standard by 30th November 2020 at the latest, and any existing, conflicting standards must be withdrawn at the same time.

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AutoSock in the UK is distributed by:
John Jordan Limited, Unit 1A Toll Bar Estate, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5HA.
http://www.autosock.co.uk/ 

About AutoSock

AutoSock Operations AS manufactures and distributes AutoSock textile traction devices. Since its invention by Norwegian tire expert Bård Løtveit in 1996, AutoSock has invested in more than 20 years of continuous research and development. In cooperation with German car manufacturers and certification services, the product was finally launched on the European market in 2000. AutoSock is mounted like a “sock” over the tires of passenger cars, vans, trucks, buses and forklifts and delivers significantly increased traction on snowy and icy roads. AutoSock is one of the safest, best performing and most reliable traction devices on the market and is sold through a worldwide distribution network in more than 60 countries.

Press Contact (AutoSock Operations AS)
Stefan Muche 
Director Sales & Marketing
Phone: +47 22341000
Mail: info@autosock.com


Press Contact (John Jordan Limited)
Andy Greensmith
Business Development Manager
Phone: +44 (0)15396 21884
Mail: info@autosock.co.uk

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