Domestic Tyre Output Up in August

The Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association (JATMA) has reported that domestic tyre production grew to 13.5 million units in August, up 1.1 per cent year-on-year. The 13th successive month is significant because output levels are generally down in August, when factories shut down for summer holidays.

Deutsche Bank analysts interviewed four major Japanese tyre manufacturers and found that daily production is at an all-time high. Tyres for automobile use climbed 1.1 per cent year-on-year to 9.78 million for a sixth straight rise, while bus and truck tyres (including light trucks) were up 1.7 per cent year-on-year to 2.98 million for a 12th consecutive rise. Others including motorcycle tyres were said to have slipped 0.5 per cent year-on-year to 741,000 units.