Research and Markets: 2012 Report on the $25 US Billion Tire Wholesalers Industry

DUBLIN--January 30, 2012: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Tire Wholesalers" report to their offering.

The US tire wholesaler industry includes about 1,200 companies with combined annual revenue of about $25 billion. Major companies include American Tire Distributors and TBC Corporation. The industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 70 percent of revenue.

Competitive Landscape:

Demand depends on consumer income and driving volume. The profitability of individual companies is linked to merchandising and marketing. Large wholesalers have economies of scale in distribution, support of national accounts, and advertising and promotion. Small companies can compete by specializing in types of tires or applications (such as for farm equipment or motorcycles) or by offering superior service and support. The industry is capital-intensive: annual revenue per employee is $775,000.

Products, Operations & Technology:

Tire wholesalers sell new replacement automobile tires (66 percent of revenue); new replacement truck, bus, and industrial tires (22 percent); and used or retreaded tires (less than 10 percent). (Original tires for new cars are sold directly to car companies, called OEMs, by tire manufacturers.) Some wholesalers also sell wheels and associated parts. About 70 percent of consumer tire sales are "flag" brands (premium manufacturer brands); 15 percent are "associate" brands (economy manufacturer); and 15 percent are private-label.

Product is bought from US manufacturers such as Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Cooper Tire, and is also imported from foreign producers. Tire imports, largely from China, Canada, and Japan, account for more than 40 percent of the US market.

Key Topics Covered:

Industry Overview

Quarterly Industry Update

Business Challenges

Business Trends

Industry Opportunities

Call Preparation Questions

Financial Information

Industry Forecast

Web Links and Acronyms

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