The Tyre Extinguishers Conclude SUV Vandalism Campaign
The climate activist group announced the end of its five-year campaign targeting sport utility vehicles.
The Tyre Extinguishers, a climate activist group known for deflating the tires of sport utility vehicles (SUVs), has announced the conclusion of its nearly five-year campaign. The group, which targeted vehicles it described as 'gas-guzzling' and 'death machines,' stated that its members will continue their activism through other means.
The Tyre Extinguishers claimed to have deflated over 5,000 tires in 22 countries since March 2022, when it began providing guides on how to carry out such actions. The group targeted vehicles in urban areas, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as cities in the UK such as Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, and London. They often left leaflets on vehicles to explain their actions and admonish drivers.
The group’s stated aim was to make owning an SUV in urban areas impossible. They did not exempt electric or hybrid SUVs, arguing that these vehicles also contribute to pollution and congestion. The Tyre Extinguishers noted that while their organized campaign is ending, the fight against large vehicles in cities continues, and they encouraged others to take similar actions.
"We are happy to have inspired hundreds of people across the globe to disarm thousands of SUVs in 22 countries. We urge you to continue!" the group stated on social media. "The people behind The Tyre Extinguishers continue their work, in other struggles. In the face of spineless governments, sabotage is a legitimate tool to advance climate action."
Critics, such as the Alliance of British Drivers, condemned the group's actions, with a spokesperson stating that those involved should face the "full consequence of the law" and calling the vandalism "monstrous."
In one instance in 2023, the group damaged tires at a Jaguar dealership in Exeter, using a drill rather than simply deflating them. In another incident in 2024, activists targeted Range Rovers, a Bentley, and a Porsche in London. However, one owner of a targeted vehicle, who identified as using his car infrequently for travel and preferring an electric bike for local journeys, expressed frustration, suggesting a dialogue would be more productive than vandalism.
The Tyre Extinguishers’ campaign emerged amidst a significant global increase in SUV ownership. Between 2010 and the present, the number of SUVs worldwide grew from under 50 million to more than 320 million. According to the International Energy Agency, SUVs are major contributors to the rise in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, consuming approximately a quarter more energy than medium-sized cars. Their size also raises concerns about increased danger in accidents.
The group announced that its social media accounts will remain online, but its website will be taken down.