Goodyear shipments mirror industry downturn in November

AKRON (Dec. 26)—Industry shipments of consumer replacement tires in North America during November were 6 percent below last year's levels, according to Goodyear´s monthly operations report. While the Goodyear brand outperformed the industry in the category, total Goodyear company shipments were down below the industry standard, the Akron tire maker said. Industry shipments for the month in the commercial replacement category were also down 6 percent from 2000, with Goodyear shipments declining more than the industry, the report said. In the original equipment category, industry shipments fell 5 percent from last year for consumer tires and 32 percent for commercial tires. Goodyear´s shipments were better than the industry for consumer but reflected industry levels for commercial. Also, Goodyear continued its yearlong production cutbacks during November to offset the weak tire markets and meet demand levels, and is doing so in December as well, the firm said.