By contrast, the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association said winter tire shipments fell 36.2 percent last year to 4.4 million units, or just 2.1 percent of overall aftermarket passenger tire shipments.
Double-digit growth
Nokian Tyres Inc., a specialist in winter tires, has enjoyed double-digit growth in winter tire sales over the past few years, according to Steve Bourassa, passenger and light truck products, business manager, North America.
"The 2017-18 winter season has been strong, the best in recent years," Mr. Bourassa said. "In eastern areas, winter hit hard and early, effectively offsetting any lack of winter weather experienced in some central or western areas."
Sales of winter tires in North America by Michelin North America Inc. have been strong across the firm's three brands — Michelin, BFGoodrich and Uniroyal — with shipments up 2.7 percent in general and 6.3 percent in Canada, a spokesman said.
As for Bridgestone, the company historically has had a strong position in the winter tire segment, according to Will Robbins, product manager, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO).
"We continue to see this trend, thanks to our extensive portfolio," Mr. Robbins said. "Products like our premium Blizzak WS80 and Blizzak DM-V2 tires provide class-leading levels of performance, and the Winterforce 2 tire from our Firestone brand provides an excellent balance of performance and value."
While Triangle Tire U.S.A. understands the overall winter tire market is down from last year, Triangle itself is doing very well, according to Rick Phillips, Triangle vice president of sales.
"We are actually seeing substantial year-over-year increases," Mr. Phillips said. "However, we are a fairly new company in the U.S., with very little history."
Giti Tire (U.S.A.) Ltd. also has seen steady winter tire sales over the past few years, with provincial requirements and insurance incentives in Canada helping, as well as a hard winter cycle, according to David Shelton, Giti director of industry relations and communications.
Changing winter weather patterns are a major factor in winter tire sales, according to the tire makers.
"Good snowfall will always help to remind consumers about the need for winter tires," Mr. Bourassa said.
"What we've noticed with the changing weather patterns are how some consumers will delay their purchase until after New Year's if they don't see any snow prior to the holidays, some even purchasing in late January or February," he said.
"In previous years, if winter tires weren't sold by Christmas, they were on the shelves until the next fall," Mr. Bourassa said.
Despite climate change, the regions that traditionally have seen harsh winters continue to do so, according to Mr. Robbins.
"Consumers in these regions tend to have a better understanding of the benefits of winter tires, both in snow and colder temperatures, that helps drive winter tire purchases," he said.
As the weather goes, so go winter tire sales, according to Mr. Phillips.