RMA: Tires are built for more speed

Feb. 17, 2014

When it comes to tires with higher speed ratings, 2013 was a year of growth across the board, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).

In the domestic replacement segment, H-rated tire shipments were up 6.3%, while V-rated shipments were up 10%. Tires Z-rated and higher were up 3%. Here is the breakdown of the passenger tire shipments by speed rating, in millions (2012 shipments are in parentheses).

H-rated: 33.8 (31.8)

V-rated: 16.4 (14.9)

Z, Y- and W-rated: 13.5 (13.1).

In the original equipment segment, H-rated tire shipments were up 18.8%, while V-rated shipments were up 18.6%. Tires Z-rated and higher were up 70%.

The RMA, through its Market Information Services department, released its preliminary results on Feb. 14. For more information on the RMA's latest numbers, check out these links:

"RMA: Tire shipments close in on 300 million."

"RMA: No surprises in truck tire sizes."

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