BRUSSELS—The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers' Association published its latest update of the European Tyre Industry facts and figures earlier this month, when it highlighted growing competition against European Union tire makers.
According to the document, European tire manufacturers are losing their market share to their competition, as the share of top 10 manufacturers in the EU is declining from 83 percent in 2000 to 63 percent today.
“Since 2007, tire production has declined by 9.1 percent. This poses a major threat to the EU's future growth and job prospects,” the report said.
“Imports have grown steadily in a higher proportion since 2013. At the same time, several major export destination countries have raised significant trade barriers through technical regulations making European exports increasingly difficult.”
In addition, the industry is facing extra costs because of the EU Emissions Trading System, said ETRMA, adding that the costs have put another burden on competitiveness.
In terms of technology, the EU tire market invests about 3.5 percent of its annual sales in innovation every year, said the document.
“Each of the major companies holds approximately 5,000 patents (in products, processes and equipment),” it added.
Some 300 million passenger car tires are produced in European plants. With 263 million tires sold in the region, the EU represents 20 percent of the global tire market.