50 Years of Statistics, Courtesy of Modern Tire Dealer!

Jan. 26, 2016

Although demand was good, domestic replacement passenger tire shipments dropped 1% last year compared to the year before, when a record 206.6 million tires were shipped. The final tally was 204.5 million tires.

One of the main reasons for the 2.1 million unit drop was the inventory correction of Chinese imports. Still, the total was the second highest since 2007.

Shipments have had their ups and downs over the years. In the latest Modern Tire Dealer Facts Issue, a new chart shows the trending of passenger tire shipments since 1929, when 43.9 million units were shipped.

As you might expect, the number of units has steadily moved upward during that time, thanks to the ever-growing population and the subsequent increase in vehicle registrations. However, that doesn’t mean there haven’t been severe drops in shipments. They actually dropped to 2.7 million units one year during World War II.

To view passenger tire shipments in an historical context, check out either the digital version of our January issue or the printed version, which should be on your desk this week.

This year’s Facts Section was divided into two parts. Because this is the 50th anniversary of our first Facts Issue, we open with a 10-page historical look at not only the magazine but also the industry. Immediately following our “blast from the past,” we analyze the year that just was: 2015. Our 13-page section breaks down the consumer and commercial markets, and features our popular brand share charts. There is even a listing of North American tire plants and their capacities.

Check out the special 2016 Modern Tire Dealer Facts Issue when you get the chance. We celebrate our anniversary, and you receive the gift!