BRUSSELS—Tire sales in Europe were largely flat in 2017, with a strong increase in original equipment truck tire sales but a sharp drop in replacement agricultural tires, according to the latest figures from the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers' Association.
OE truck tire sales increased 7 percent to 6.1 million from 5.7 million. This compares with a slight dip in replacement truck tire sales, to 9.73 million from 9.76 million.
Meanwhile, replacement agricultural tire sales fell 10 percent to 1.28 million from 1.43 million, according to the association, which provided no informationregarding OE agricultural tire sales.
Replacement consumer tire sales inched down 1 percent, to 204.8 million from 206.7 million, while OE consumer tires increased by the same percentage, to 86.8 million from 86.2 million.
Summer consumer tire sales dropped 4 percent, to 112.1 million from 116.3 million, the ETRMA said. Winter car tire sales rose 1 percent, to 57 million from 56.1 million.
Replacement motorcycle and scooter tire sales increased 2 percent, to 9.1 million from 8.9 million.
Agricultural tire imports to Europe increased 13 percent in the first 10 months of 2017, the ETRMA said. The greatest increase in imports came from China and India, with the latter country now holding almost 40 percent of agricultural tire imports to Europe.