Which seasonal replacement tire segment grew the most in 2012 compared to 2011? According to the preliminary edition of the Rubber Manufacturers Association's "2013 Factbook," the market continues to have a need for speed.
The numbers, which were released on Feb. 15, were up 5.3% for high performance tires and 1.8% for ultra-high performance tires. All-season replacement tire shipments were down 4.1%, while winter tire shipments (defined as "traction and snow treads") were down 24.2%.
Original equipment shipments in all four categories were up in 2012 vs. 2011. Here is the two-year breakdown of OE passenger tire shipments in the United States (in millions of units):
Tread design 2011 2012 % OE growth
Winter (traction and snow treads): 1.0 1.2 +20%
Summer (V/Z-rated and higher): 5.2 6.9 +32.7%
High performance (H-rated) 7.9 10.6 +34.1%
All-season 29.6 31.8 +7.4%
In 2012, the RMA says there were 191.4 million replacement and 40 million OE passenger tire units shipped in the U.S.
For more statistical information, see "RMA: Total shipments top 284 million units."
