Taking a Closer Look at the Size of the Run-Flat Tyre Market in Europe and North America and the Reasons For Growth

DUBLIN, Ireland--Nov. 2, 20052, 2005--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c28153) has announced the addition of Global market review of tyres - forecasts to 2011 3rd edition to their offering.

It is estimated that the global tyre market for passenger cars, light, medium and heavy duty truck applications accounted for nearly 1.2 billion tyres sold in 2004, of which 857 million (72%) were replacement tyres. Although the world tyre market is essentially a replacement market in terms of volume and value, and the vehicle makers buy only one-quarter of road tyres, this segment of the market is significant as it drives technical development and significantly influences the aftermarket.

The increasing sophistication in the global car parc has led to changes in the type and size of tyre that now dominates the market place. The trends are now towards larger rims, wider tyres and higher speed ratings. Increasingly heavy platforms and powerful engines are pushing tyre speed indices upwards.

One of the main reasons for changes in tyre dimensions is appearance; people like the highly styled wheels with low profile tyres. "It used to be that the standard wheel diameter was14- or 15-inch," said an auto executive. "But now that has risen dramatically to 16- or 17-inch. We're getting quite a lot of 18-inch wheel business. We're also getting more and more requests for future business with 20-inch wheels. And were seeing those larger diameter wheels being fitted right across the board." Another executive perceived this trend occurring in Europe, too. He said: "Wheels are definitely going to larger diameters on the higher end vehicles or on the higher end option packages on mid-level vehicles. We see aluminium wheel fitment gradually increasing alongside larger diameter, low profile tyres."

This third edition report is 25% larger than the second edition, providing extended analysis with detailed market volume fitment forecasts for both OE and replacement tyres for passenger cars, light, medium and heavy duty trucks covering eight countries/ regions through 2011. It takes a closer look at the size of the run-flat tyre market in Europe and North America and the reasons for growth. In addition to highlighting the main market trends in tyres chapter two identifies the main players and OE and replacement market shares and considers a number of issues, including:

What should a tyre makers brands sum up in the eyes of the consumer?

How is the market for run-flats shaping up?

Who leads the global tyre market?

How have those market share positions changed over the last 15 years?

What is Kumhos share in the Korean replacement tyre market?

What are the market positions for the North American replacement tyre market?

How is the Chinese tyre market performing?

Exactly how does Cooper Tire & Rubber plan to grow its business?

What is the value of the European tyre market?

What will be the size of the Asian replacement tyre market for medium and heavy duty trucks by 2011?

How fast is the South American truck replacement tyres market growing?

Which tyre segments are the fastest growing?

What are the main drivers of innovation in the tyre market?

Are there any special considerations driving the commercial tyre segment?

Have there been any changes in The European car parc that has led to changes in the tyre market?

Chapter three reviews the technical advances in tyres. Chapter four provides brief profiles of the major tyre manufacturers, namely, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper Tire & Rubber, Goodyear, Hankook Tires, Kumho, Michelin, Pirelli, Sumitomo, Toyo Tires and Yokohama.

Manufacturers Mentioned:

Bridgestone

Continental

Cooper Tire & Rubber

Exclusive interview with Cooper Tire & Rubber

Goodyear

Hankook Tires

Kumho Tires

Michelin

Pirelli

Sumitomo

Toyo Tire & Rubber Co Ltd

Yokohama Rubber

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c28153