BRUSSELS—The European tire market saw strong gains in shipments within all segments in the first half of 2014, according to the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association.
Passenger tire shipments increased 8 percent in 2014's first half compared with the same period in 2013, to 98.5 million from 91.3 million, the ETRMA said. Truck and bus tire shipments grew 10 percent during the period, to 4.3 million from 3.9 million, it said.
Agricultural tires rose 4 percent, to 965,000 from 924,000, and motorcycle/scooter tires grow 8 percent, to 5.4 million from 5 million, according to the association.
Germany had a 15 percent increase in truck and bus tire shipments during the first half, but passenger tire shipments in Spain and the United Kingdom fell 1 percent, the ETRMA said.
“The stabilization of the market on a positive trend is very good news, which makes us hope for positive end-of-year results after such a grim 2012 and 2013,” said ETRMA Secretary General Fazilet Cinaralp.
“Furthermore, the sell-in for winter tires continues on a very high level, which hints to a nice picture for the consumer segment,” Cinaralp said. “However, it will be possible to have a ‘real-life check' after the sell-out from September through November.”
ETRMA members include Apollo Vredestein, Bridgestone Europe, Brisa, Cooper Tires, Continental, Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe, Hankook, Marangoni, Michelin, Mitas, Nokian Tires, Pirelli and Trelleborg Wheel Systems, as well as the national tire associations of Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom.