European passenger tire sales decline in first quarter

Brussels – Sales of passenger car tires fell 3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2019, according to figures published by European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA).

Sales of replacement truck tires performed more strongly, posting an increase of 9% to 2.6 million units.

The improvement reconfirmed the 2018 full-year trend, as did a positive trend in agricultural tire sales, ETRMA said 16 April.

Moto and scooter tire replacement sales built on prior-quarter gains, with a 5% year-on-year improvement for the first three months of the year.

Overall, the trend seems to follow a similar pattern to 2018, which saw low sales in the first quarter and recovery in the following months, the association noted.

“It remains uncertain whether the recovery in second quarter will balance out the decline registered in the first quarter,” ETRMA concluded.