RMA predicts moderate rate of growth for tires

WASHINGTON (March 10)—U.S. tire demand will show an average annual growth rate of about 2.2 percent through 2005, following the banner 1999 performance, predicts the Rubber Manufacturers Association. For 2000, the RMA´s Tire Market Analysis Committee forecasts total tire shipments will rise about 2.2 percent to 325 million units, compared with a 5.3-percent increase to 316 million units last year. Shipment records were set in 1999 for passenger, light truck and commercial truck tire deliveries in both original equipment and replacement segments.