Truck tire shipments are off to a great start in 2015. Compared to last year, replacement shipments are up between 4% and 5%, while original equipment shipments are up 20%.
With close to half a year gone, Modern Tire Dealer estimates the replacement truck tire market will finish the year at 18 million units. That compares to 17.3 million last year.
If increased demand isn’t exciting enough, Michelin North America Inc. will introduce the Uniroyal truck tire brand into the U.S. market later this year. Michelin launched its Uniroyal commercial truck tire lineup in October 2014 in Mexico, and then showcased it in April at Expocam, Canada’s National Truck Show in Montreal.
One of the six tread patterns, the RS20 regional steer/all-position tire, is already SmartWay-verified. The LS24 long haul steer/all-position tire soon will be on the list. ■
To see the 2015 U.S. Replacement Medium/Heavy Truck Tire Brand Shares Chart, click here.