Goodyear gains market share in N.A. in April

AKRON (May 22)—Goodyear gained back a half-point of market share in the North American consumer tire marketplace in April as it shipped more tires than a year ago while industry shipments slipped 1 percent from last April, the company said is its monthly investor update. But at the same time, Goodyear said its North American Tire unit's operating income fell during April because of higher raw material and conversion costs. The firm said Goodyear-brand shipments accounted for most of the growth in market share. On the other hand, the tire maker lost market share at the original equipment level, where industry shipments were 13 percent below those of a year ago. Goodyear reported strong growth in Dunlop-brand commercial tire shipments, but this was offset by lower Kelly and associate brand sales. Meanwhile, industrywide truck tire shipments were up 7 percent in April over a year earlier. Elsewhere, Goodyear said it gained market share in Western and Eastern Europe, but experienced flat sales in Asia and reduced shipments in Latin America.