AMHERST, Mass. (Feb. 23) — Demand for run-flat tires is predicted to grow 17 percent per year to 30 million units by 2015, according to the report "Prospects for run-flat tires."
Demand showed dramatic increases in the past few years, jumping from 500,000 units in 2000 to 7.4 million units in 2006. During that time, average price on the tires fell 3.2 percent, reflecting broader product mix and increase in production, according to the report, published by Notch Consulting Group.
As of 2006, run-flats accounted for about 0.5 percent of total tire demand and 0.7 percent of passenger tire demand. By 2015, the report forecasts the tires to account for 1.4 percent of total demand and 2 percent for passenger tires.
The increase is attributed to BMW, which adopted run-flats for many vehicle lines, with other major auto makers following close behind, the report said.