Tread Rubber Up in 2007: RMA

(Akron/Tire Review) RMA predicts that 2007 tread rubber shipments will be up 2.3 per cent from 2006.

Sales of retreaded medium truck tyres fell some 4 per cent in 2006 versus the year prior, a decline driven primarily by heavy purchases of new tractors ahead of implementation of new diesel emissions regulations.

RMA said the predicted increase represents some 230,000 retreaded tyres, covering all market segments, and said the anticipated increases will come primarily in the OTR and truck tyre segments, where replacement market sales are expected to be up slightly.