2006 to be Down 4.5 per cent: RMA
(Akron/Tire Review) No one doubts that 2006 has been a very tough year for tyre dealers and manufacturers alike. The RMA revealed yesterday just how tough the year will finish: tyre shipments will be down 4.5 per cent overall compared to the record-setting results of 2005. RMA said the decrease in tire shipments “reflects the overall slowdown in the U.S. economy during 2006,” driven by a shrinking GDP, higher energy costs, and a declining housing market. OE and replacement segments combined in all categories shows shipments will be down some 14 million units to a total of 306 million tyres.