For the first time in recent memory, the number of new replacement truck tires shipped in the United States was greater than truck tire retreads produced, according to Modern Tire Dealer's 2006 Facts Issue.
Replacement medium truck tire shipments totaled a record 17.2 million units last year. Heavy truck tire shipments totaled 270,000 units.
An estimated 13.68 million truck tire retreads were produced in 2005,
significantly less than the nearly 17.5 million new truck tires shipped.
New tire shipments almost surpassed the number of retreaded tires produced the year before. In 2004, there were 16.56 million new truck tires shipped and 16.6 million truck tire retreads produced. One reason for the drop in truck tire retreads was a lack of available tread rubber, as demand for OTR tires led to a 13% increase in the number of OTR tire retreads produced.
The most in-depth and comprehensive statistics covering every facet of the tire industry can be found in MTD's 40th annual Facts Issue. Check it out!
