The UK Winter Tyre Market Debate Continues

The industry has been debating the possibility of a substantial UK winter tyre market for years. The technical benefits and commercial advantages are well documented. If consumers are fully aware of the reasons why they should fit winter tyres – then why don’t they? At a time when winter tyre sales should begin to take off, Tyres & Accessories compares the success of some existing markets, to determine what the UK winter tyre industry is lacking. But more importantly asks market representatives what they predict for the future of the UK winter tyre segment.

Winter tyres are a mere three percent of the UK’s total tyre market. This poor statistic compares with 10 per cent in the Netherlands, and 50 per cent in Germany. However, both countries began with a similar market share as the UK. The Netherlands’ winter tyre market rose from three per cent in the late 90s, to its current 10 per cent, while Germany’s market share has climbed to almost 50 per cent in the last 10 years. How is it that countries which share similar winter conditions to the UK, have achieved such a comparatively strong hold in the winter tyre market? And can the UK look to them as a working model?