The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA) recently released figures of its members’ sales in the first quarter of 2014.
Compared to the very low start of 2013, ETRMA members garnered a double digit growth almost in all tyre segments; and the first quarter saw consumer segment growing by 10% and the truck and bus sector by 16%, according to the association’s report, adding that agricultural tyres also showed a 7% growth, while motorcycle and scooter tyres grew by 12%.
While all member countries reported increased sales; in particular, the high sales posted by the DACH region, which includes Germany, Switzerland and Austria, boosted total European sales.
Fazilet Cinaralp, Secretary General of ETRMA stated, “A good start is half the battle and we can expect also in the coming months a positive development of the market, with a growth between 3 to 4% at the end of the year, compared to 2013”.
ETRMA’s membership includes tyre manufacturers Apollo Vredestein, Bridgestons Europe, Brisa, Cooper Tires, Continental, Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe, Hankook, maranguni, Michelin, Mitas, Nokian Tyres, Pirelli, and, Trelleborg Wheel Systems. Furthermore, members include Associations in Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the UK. The industry provides direct employment for more than 360,000 people in the EU and supports another 800000 jobs in related sectors. ETRMA members’ turnover in 2012 is estimated ta EUR46 billion, of which up to 5% continues to be invested in R&D, annually.
