Global tire sales in May slow, Goodyear investor report says

AKRON (June 22)—Goodyear's monthly investor update for May hinted at sluggish tire sales, compared to the year-earlier. For the month, North American unit sales for consumer replacement tires were up 4 percent from May 2000 while commercial replacements fell 6 percent, the company reported. Original equipment sales faltered in both categories, plummeting 10 percent and 43 percent, respectively. Replacement sales in all categories were down in European Union markets in May while OE sales were relatively flat from the year-earlier. In eastern Europe, replacement sales were stagnant from May 2000 and OE unit sales were down about 20 percent. In Asia and Latin America, replacement sales were down from last year while OE activity showed a slight rise. In other sectors, weak demand for automotive hoses and power transmission products negatively impacted sales volumes for engineered products and rubber chemicals in May, according to data.