2010 Up 9 Points, But 2011 a Downer, RMA Says

The RMA is projecting a huge overall increase in tire shipments this year – by more than 9 per cent – thanks to sharp jumps in both the OE and replacement markets, reports Tire Review. But it will be more of the same in 2011, as growth projections fall to just 2 per cent for next year. According to its year-end projection, the RMA is calling for an increase of some 24 million tyres in total or a 9 per cent increase versus 2009 shipment results. Looking forward, the RMA sees a small 2 per cent year-to-year increase for 2011 thanks to continuing economic uncertainty.

Segment by segment, here is how the RMA sees 2010 finishing: 

OE P-Metric: Up approximately 11 million units, or nearly 44 per cent.

OE LT-Metric: A 31 per cent increase, or 900,000 units, in 2010 to nearly 3.7 million units.

OE Medium Truck: A nearly 24 per cent increase to approximately 3 million units.

Replacement P-Metric: Increase of approximately 9 million units in 2010 to nearly 199 million units, representing a growth rate of approximately 5 per cent. Non-China imports are expected to increase by 6 per cent, as well.

Replacement LT-Metric: An increase of 300,000 units to approximately 28 million units total, a gain of nearly 1 per cent.

Replacement Medium Truck: Up approximately 2.6 million units to nearly 15.5 million tyres.