Michelin has released its December 2009 and full year figures for tire sales, and the data offer a continued sense of optimism that the worst of the recession is past. The data show continued recovery in passenger and light truck tires, as well as a slightly more positive outlook for truck tires.
In original equipment passenger car and light truck tire markets, December sales were up strongly in all three of Michelin’s reported regions (Europe, North America, China) compared to December 2008, with Europe up 40.7%, North America up 15.6%, and China up 128.6%. Replacement sales were also up solidly over December 2008 in all regions. Full year (January to December) PC/LT sales are still down for both the OE and replacement segments in Europe and North America, though China’s market is up 65.1% in OE and 16.9% in replacement for full year 2009.
Among Michelin’s reported regions, December’s replacement truck tire sales were up compared to December 2008 in Europe excl. CIS (20.1%), North America (1.7%), Brazil (28.2%), and japan (21.0%), but were down 3.3% in China. December’s original equipment radial truck tire sales were up strongly in Brazil (140.9%) and Japan (25.1%) compared to December 2008, but were flat in North America and declined in Europe excl. CIS and China.
Reflecting the deep and prolonged downturn in this segment, truck tire full year figures were down sharply nearly across the board in both the OE and replacement segments. The lone exception was China’s replacement sales, which were up 2.3%.
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