Status quo likely to remain in pcr retreading, says TRIB survey

US-based retreading advocate the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau, or TRIB, has released the results of its passenger car tyre retreading survey. TRIB asked its members around the world several questions on the matter, and the replies it gained indicate that passenger car tyre retreading is viewed as a relatively stagnant business.

Almost half of respondents (48 per cent) expect passenger car tyre retreading to continue at its current level or, in other words, remain a niche market. Only six per cent anticipate massive growth in the business and 29 per cent foresee minimal growth. A further 13 per cent see passenger car tyre retreading going the other way, with ten per cent expecting a massive decline in the business and three per cent minimal decline. 

Most respondents stated that passenger car tyre retreading will play no future role in their business. While 16 per cent said they’d tried it in the past and won’t return to passenger car tyre retreading, a further 35 per cent have never been involved in the business and do not consider it right for them. Six per cent of respondents said plans are already in place to enter the business and 26 per cent indicated they already retread passenger car tyres. Three per cent said they were uncertain about their future intentions and 13 per cent are exploring their options.

TRIB also asked its members what they thought were the main drivers for the future growth of passenger car tyre retreading and the main drivers inhibiting growth. Cost savings compared to new tyres, growing export markets and environmental benefits were identified as the top three drivers, while an abundance of low-cost budget new tyres, public perception/education and the proliferation of available sizes were considered the top three drivers of decline in passenger car tyre retreading.