European PCR market stagnant in May

In its latest market figures, published 13 June, Michelin reports that Europe’s original equipment and replacement passenger car tyre markets were stable in May, with demand approximately the same as in May 2012. Year to date, original equipment and replacement market demand is down four and five per cent year-on-year respectively.

Replacement demand for heavy truck tyres in Europe surged 14 per cent year-on-year in May, while original equipment demand also showed a one per cent improvement on a year earlier. Year to date, demand in the original equipment segment is stable while replacement heavy truck tyre demand has risen nine per cent. 

Market movement outside Europe included a six per cent growth in demand for the North American original equipment passenger car tyre market, while replacement market demand declined one per cent. Year to date, these markets are up five per cent and down one per cent respectively. Original equipment heavy truck tyre demand continued to suffer in North America, declining 14 per cent year-on-year, however replacement demand jumped 15 per cent over the previous year result. Year to date, the original equipment and replacement markets are respectively down 12 per cent and one per cent.

Growth was the order of the day in China, with its passenger car tyre markets up in both the original equipment and replacement sectors; in May, demand grew by 11 per cent and five per cent. Year to date, the original equipment market is up 14 per cent and the replacement market 12 per cent. 

Brazil is also enjoying demand growth. Original equipment passenger car tyre demand increased 20 per cent year-on-year in May, while replacement demand rose 15 per cent during the month. Year to date, these two sectors are up 14 per cent and 12 per cent respectively. Original equipment heavy truck tyre demand increased a whopping 48 per cent over May 2012 figures, while the replacement market was 11 per cent higher. Year to date, original equipment demand is up 34 per cent and replacement market demand up eight per cent.