US Tyre Shipments Increase 2.2 per cent

US tyre shipments for 2005 are expected to increase by more than 2 per cent compared to 2004 due to continued economic growth in the consumer and commercial sectors.

Steady growth in tyre shipments is expected to continue over the next 18 months as the US economy continues its moderate growth, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association.

Overall, the combined original equipment (OE) and replacement shipments for 2005 car and truck categories are anticipated to increase by 7 million units, or 2.2 per cent to over 325 million units.