ETRMA: European replacement tire market stabilizes

BRUSSELS—The European replacement tire market stabilized at the end of 2013 after significant decreases in shipments earlier that year, the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association reported.

The worst numbers were in the consumer tire sector, which fell 1 percent in 2013 to 192.7 million units, compared with 194.6 million in 2012, the ETRMA said.

On the other hand, agricultural tire shipments ended up growing 1 percent, to 1.675 million from 1.652 million, and motorcycle tire shipments increased 2 percent to 7.73 million from 7.61 million.

Truck tire shipments saw the biggest increase in 2013 over 2012—up 8 percent to 8.85 million units, from 8.23 million.

ETRMA member companies include Apollo Vredestein, Bridgestone Europe, Brisa, Cooper Tires, Continental, Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe, Hankook, Marangoni, Michelin, Mitas, Nokian Tyres, Pirelli and Trelleborg Wheel Systems.

Member associations are in Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom, with association headquarters in Brussels.