In 2025, tyre sales to the distributor market posted solid growth across most segments. In the largest category—passenger car tyres—sales rose by 2%, and within that, SUV tyres surged by as much as 18.8%. Higher sales were also recorded in the van/light commercial segment (+7.9%), agricultural tyres (+8.4%), and motorcycle tyres (+13.4%). Declines, however, were still visible in industrial tyres (-6.4%) and truck tyres (-12.5%).
In the fourth quarter of 2025, total tyre sales fell by 4%. Passenger car tyre sales dropped by 9.8%, while the SUV segment grew sharply (+18.6%). Sales also increased for van/light commercial tyres (+15.1%), industrial tyres (+15.4%), and agricultural tyres (+4.4%). Motorcycle tyre sales declined by 24.5%—a standard seasonal pattern—while truck tyre sales fell by 11.7%.
Across the European market, sales declined in most segments.
“Tyre sales results for 2025 illustrate the complex, segment-driven nature of demand in conditions of moderate economic growth and gradually easing inflationary pressure in Poland. Across the market as a whole, total sales recorded a slight decline (-0.7%), indicating relative stability accompanied by a shift in the structure of demand toward specific segments—above all SUVs, as well as agricultural and motorcycle tyres. This differentiation is typical of mature consumer economies, where households and businesses optimize spending in response to cost and demand factors. Looking at private consumption and investment demand, GDP growth is translating into increased economic activity in areas linked to lighter transport and recreation—hence the strong increases in SUV tyre sales (+18.8%) and motorcycle tyres (+13.4%). This suggests that households and small businesses maintain relatively positive consumer sentiment and real spending capacity. At the same time, weaker results in the truck (-12.5%) and industrial (-6.4%) segments may reflect investment caution among commercial and logistics companies amid global uncertainty and potential demand barriers in exports or industrial production,” said Marcin Bardecki, President of the Management Board of the Polish Tyre Industry Association (PZPO).
PZPO members include the largest tyre manufacturers in Poland and globally. Every day, more than 140,000 tyres marked “made in Poland” leave their factories in Poland—for passenger cars, trucks, buses, as well as agricultural and industrial machinery.
“Tyre sales results for 2025 reflect a changing structure of demand in Poland’s automotive market. The data point to particularly strong momentum in the SUV segment, which is growing at double-digit rates (+18.8% for the full year and +18.6% in Q4). This is consistent with an observable market trend: demand for SUVs and crossovers remains high, and both private customers and companies are increasingly choosing vehicles in these body styles. This phenomenon stems from several factors: consumer preferences tied to comfort and the perception of SUVs as more spacious and versatile for both urban and non-urban use, as well as the competitiveness of manufacturers’ offerings, as SUVs are being more broadly embedded across model line-ups. Growth in passenger car tyres (+2% year-on-year) and van/light commercial tyres (+7.9%) also confirms a rebound in demand across the light and commercial vehicle market. It is increasingly clear that demand for new passenger and light commercial vehicles is resilient despite the economic slowdown and some consumer caution. In most cases, customers continue to make purchasing decisions—especially where financing availability is attractive and vehicle running costs remain competitive,” added Piotr Sarnecki, Director General of PZPO.
The European tyre market
Tyre demand in Europe declined. Sales of consumer tyres (passenger cars, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles) fell by 5% in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared with Q4 2024, ending the full year 2% lower. Summer tyres recorded the steepest drop (-7%), as they continued to lose share to all-season tyres. Meanwhile, winter tyre sales decreased by 2% over the full year 2025. The sharp decline in Q4 was driven by milder weather—unlike Q4 2024, when early, heavy snowfall in some parts of Europe boosted demand.
Volumes for truck and bus tyres also weakened, falling by 2% in Q4 and by 4% across 2025 as a whole. This is consistent with limited freight activity—sales remain sensitive to industrial production, which stayed subdued. Once again, volumes were also affected by rising imports. Agricultural tyres were broadly flat in the fourth quarter, but finished the year with sales down 4%, reflecting continued caution in agricultural investment.
“The decline in tyre sales in Europe reflects ongoing macro pressure: low consumer confidence, limited growth in miles driven, and rising import penetration throughout the year,” said Adam McCarthy, Secretary General of Tyres Europe.
Tyres Europe is an association representing the tyre industry in Europe, promoting safe, smart, and sustainable mobility. Tyres Europe represents 13 corporate members whose global sales account for 70% of the world tyre market, including 8 of the 10 largest industry leaders. Collectively, these manufacturers maintain a strong presence in the European Union (EU) and candidate countries, operating more than 70 production plants and over 20 research and development centers. In total, the tyre sector provides nearly 500,000 jobs across the EU.
