The European Tyre and Rubber manufacturers association published today figures concerning its members’ sales in 2012. After two consecutive positive years – in which the total market expanded despite a decrease of European producers’ market share – the EU producers’ figures dropped in 2012, confirming that the economic crisis is far from being over.
ETRMA’s Secretary General Fazilet Cinaralp states concern in regards to the data and that “this is the lowest market volume since more than 7 years.” The latter emerging trend could have severe consequences on the safety of the vehicles on European roads, as second hand tyres could become over used.
All tyre segments were negatively affected with the biggest fall affecting replacement truck tyres (-19%), followed by consumer replacement tyres (-13%). Furthermore, we noted a saturated demand in winter tyres sales, which recorded a further drop in sales of 20% in 2012.
In this context, ETRMA supports a rapid implementation of the CARS 2020 Action Plan announced by the European Commission in November 2012.
Replacement Market Europe in 000 of tyres
(source: europool ETRMA)