An Economic Outlook for the Tire Industry and the U.S. Economy
A recovery phase from the corona virus-induced recession is imminent for 2021 in the US economy. But how will the timing and magnitude of this particular recovery affect us? Rates of growth will vary by region and also by sector of the economy. What is the data indicating about the industrial sector? How severe was the recession in the industrial sector? Are there segments of the industrial sector that will recover more rapidly than others? What have we learned about the risks to this sector and how to manage these risks? I will examine these questions using as much recent data and input from the audience as possible in an effort to develop and present an informed outlook for the coming year.
SPEAKER: Bill Wood, Founder & President, Mountaintop Economics and Research
Cure Profit Engine
Introduction to critical Tire Curing concepts and an approach to increase tire profits thru Cure Efficiency. The paper includes a discussion the tire Blow Point which is the key concept both for cure safety and cure reduction. Factors important to measure in order to reduce cure time safety margins are presented.
SPEAKER: Leighton Spadone, Ph. D., President, DAAS Inc.
Historic Turmoil: Trends in the Petrochemical and Synthetic Rubber Markets
It is impossible to overstate the impact of recent events on the Petrochemical Value Chain that includes Synthetic Rubber. Different segments of the chain have experienced very different supply/demand and cost impacts. Much of this has been driven by trends at both ends of the chain: base energy and mobility. In this paper we will briefly consider what has happened to put it into perspective. However, the more important considerations are what is likely to happen next. Market balances and cost positions will not magically return to pre-COVID conditions instantly. We will examine the key market drivers that tire manufacturers will face from this value chain that will eventually result in reaching equilibrium. We will also present our view of what that equilibrium will look like.
SPEAKER: William Hyde, Executive Director, Olefins and Elastomers, IHS Markit
Plenary Session: The Automotive Industry in a Time of Pandemic – What Comes Next?
This presentation will provide a synopsis of the current state of the automotive industry before moving on to CAR’s latest forecasts of vehicle sales and production for the United States and North America. Topics will include the latest vehicle sales and investment trends, as well as the latest outlook for electrified and automated vehicles.
SPEAKER: Bernard Swiecki, Director, Automotive Communities Partnership, Center for Automotive Research