Initially carbon black was put into motor tyres as a colouring so that one particular make could be distinguished from its competitors. However, these black tyres were found to last considerably longer than the natural coloured ones, due to the presence of the carbon black. Since that discovery, the rubber industry and the carbon black producers have worked closely together. Latest production figures for the tyres produced in Great Britain show a staggering figure of over 700,000 tons, supported by a production of over 200,000 tons of carbon black.