In the first half of 2024, tire sales to distributors finally began to rebound: overall sales increased by +1%, with the largest segment, passenger car tires, also rising by +0.4%. Increases were also recorded in the segments of SUV tires (+10%), agricultural tires (+12%), motorcycle tires (+1%), while sales of industrial tires grew by as much as +24%. Declines were only maintained in the segments of delivery van tires (-9%) and truck tires (-2%).
In the second quarter of 2024, these upward trends became even more pronounced: overall tire sales increased by +3%, passenger car tires by +4%, SUV tires by +6%, agricultural machinery tires by +53%, and motorcycle tires by +1%. Sales of industrial tires grew by a remarkable +34%, while truck tires increased by +17%. The only decline was observed in the segment of delivery van tires (-7%).
In Europe, there was also an increase in sales in the consumer segment, with only the truck segment maintaining a negative dynamic. The largest increases were observed in the all-season tire segment.
“The decline in tire sales to distributors has slowed, and in the second half of the year, almost all sectors recorded growth. This is a positive signal, offering hope for a strong finish to 2024 and the continuation of upward trends in 2025. In this optimism, only delivery van tires have been slower to respond to the market rebound, but we hope to see improvement in the coming quarters. This is an important segment, especially in the context of the proper quality of delivery van tires, which cover thousands of kilometers each month. This greatly impacts road safety and simultaneously contributes to fuel savings for the companies that operate them,” emphasizes Anna Burakowska, CEO of the Polish Tire Industry Association (PZPO).
PZPO members represent the largest tire manufacturers in Poland and globally. Every day, over 140,000 tires marked “Made in Poland” are produced in their factories for passenger cars, trucks, buses, as well as agricultural and industrial machinery.
“The market is returning to standard tire purchases, indicating an expected improvement in the economy. As usual, SUV tires are on the rise – in this segment, drivers take exceptional care of their vehicles, which is reflected in consistently positive readings over the past few years. The significant growth in the agricultural segment is a characteristic trend of the first half of the year, resulting from seasonality, while stability in the motorcycle sector reflects the fact that motorcyclists purchase quality tires regardless of economic conditions. We saw growth in this segment even when other segments were in decline,” adds Piotr Sarnecki, General Director of PZPO.
European Tire Market
“After a negative trend throughout 2023 – with a -8% decline in the consumer segment and a -17% decline in the truck segment (compared to 2022), volumes increased in the first half of 2024, mainly due to the all-season tire segment. The negative dynamic remained in the truck segment. The second quarter was better than the first, even though the inflationary and geopolitical context led to a drop in demand and a reduction in inventory levels. Agricultural tire sales were supported by rainy weather,” said Adam McCarthy, Secretary General of the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA).
Source: https://managerplus.pl/pzpo-rosnie-sprzedaz-opon-w-2024-roku-76889
