Larger sizes a UHP segment highlight
Big appears to be beautiful when it comes to ultra high performance tyres. Continental shares that falling European demand for 18-inch rim diameter and lower UHP tyres over the last couple of years has been compensated for by growing demand in the larger sizes.
While demand for 17-inch UHP tyres in Europe grew almost 13 per cent in 2010, this growth slowed to just over one per cent in 2011 and declined by more than six per cent last year. The story for 18-inch rim diameter UHP fitments was much the same. Following a more than 15 per cent increase in demand in 2010, growth rates in 2011 reduced to ten per cent in 2011 and to just under two per cent last year.
In contrast, 19-inch and 20-inch rim diameter sizes recorded growth of just under two per cent in 2009 but increased by around 27 per cent in 2011 and 29 per cent in 2012. Continental notes that market experts assume this shift in favour of the larger dimensions will continue. For the current year, the tyre maker’s sales management forecast above-average growth rates, particularly in the following 19-inch sizes: 255/35 R 19Y, suitable for Audi models from A4 upwards, BMW 3 series, Mercedes-Benz CLS, E-Class and SL; 235/35 R 19Y for Audi R8 Coupé, R8 Spyder, Mercedes-Benz C- and E-Class, Porsche Boxster, Cayman as well as VW Scirocco; 225/35 R 19Y for BMW 3 series and others. With regard to 20-inch tyres, Continental believes size 255/35 R 20Y has particular potential. This is used for Audi A6, Jaguar XF and XK, Mercedes-Benz Cl- and S-Class as well as the VW Phaeton.
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