BRUSSELS—All sectors of the European tire industry reported strong increases in shipments in the first quarter of 2014, the European Tire and Rubber Manufacturers Association reported.
Passenger tire shipments rose 10 percent to 51.1 million, up from 46.6 million in the first quarter of 2013, the ETRMA said. Truck tires had an even stronger percentage increase, up 16 percent for the first quarter to 2.2 million from 1.9 million.
Agricultural tire shipments were up 7 percent during the quarter, to 499,000 from 464,000, and motorcycle/scooter tires rose 12 percent to 3 million from 2.7 million.
“A good start is half the battle, and we can expect also in the coming months a positive development of the market,” said ETRMA Secretary General Fazilet Cinaralp. Cinaralp projected a full-year growth rate of between 3 and 4 percent in 2014 compared with 2013.
ETRMA members include Apollo Vredestein, Bridgestone Europe, Brisa, Cooper Tires, Continental, Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe, Hankook, Marangoni, Michelin, Mitas, Nokian Tyres, Pirelli and Trelleborg Wheel Systemse. National tire associations in Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the England also are members of the ETRMA.