2000 Figures From Michelin

Michelin has released sales figures and market information for the year 2000. Consolidated net sales for the group rose 11.9% to 15.

396 billion Euro (1999: 13.763 bn). Sales for the fourth quarter were slower than for the previous nine months, at 4.

104 million Euro. There were improvements in most sectors, with the exception of winter tyres in both Europe and Japan, due to the lack of snow. Details of Michelin’s performance in the various markets are given below.

Europe:Passenger car tyres: Michelin’s sales in the high performance V/Z speed rated sector increased by 41.6% in a market which grew by 13.3% in 2000.

World-wide sales of Michelin V/Z tyres grew by 16%. Winter tyre sales were disappointing, due to lack of snow. Truck tyre sales rose 1.

7% in a flat market, with OE sales doing well. Overall, Michelin’s European sales grew by 5% on a tonnage basis. OE sales rose 5.

7% and replacement sales 4.5%. North America:4×4 and light truck: Replacement market sales were up 27.

7% in a market growing at 15.4%. High performance tyres (H, V and Z) increased 18.

4% against market growth of 7.8%. Michelin estimates that the group picked up two million additional sales as a result of the Firestone recall.

Truck tyre sales rose 6% overall, but there was a sharp decline in OE. This was not confined to Michelin, as the OE truck tyre market fell 18% over the year (34% in the second half). Michelin’s OE sales fell by 15.

8%, which resulted in a market share gain. Overall, North American sales for Michelin grew 4.8% (expressed in tonnage terms).

OE sales fell 10.2%, due to a decrease in sales of cars and trucks, while replacement market sales rose by 11.8%.

South America:Group sales (tonnage basis) rose 23.8%, with all sectors showing an increase. Asia:Sales for this region were up slightly, by 1.

9%. There was a sharp growth in replacement truck tyre sales and a more focussed approach on the large and luxury cars and 4×4 segments. Lack of snow had a depressing effect on winter tyre sales.