U.S. tire shipments rebound in January

WASHINGTON (April 22)—Tire shipments showed strong signs of growth for 2002, with January's total tire shipment numbers climbing 1.2 percent to 27.6 million units, according to data gathered by the Rubber Manufacturers Association. Canadian replacement figures boasted a 15.7-percent increase to 1.25 million units for the month, while passenger shipments increased 14.5 percent, according to Rubber Association of Canada members. U.S. passenger tires shipments climbed 9.7 percent to 22.6 million units. Replacement shipments grew 9.4 percent and original equipment numbers gained 16.7 percent in the category. The light truck tire segment had a 5.5-percent jump to 3.52 million units and medium truck tire figures grew 9.2 percent to 1.41 million units for the month. The replacement medium truck tire category posted the largest increase, jumping 23.8 percent jump to 988,000 from 793,000 units.