Conti tells dealers US market could return to '08 levels

ERJ staff report (TB)

Nassau, Bahamas -- Continental Tire the Americas (CTA) expects the US tyre market to return to 2008 levels this year, based on shipment increases in the first quarter over 2009, according to executives speaking at the firm's Conti Gold dealer meeting in Nassau.

Preliminary numbers for March show the market actually exceeding the March 2008 numbers, according to CTA Vice President Bill Caldwell.

Getting enough tyres to fill dealers' demands, though, could be challenging since most tyre makers reduced production last year and trimmed inventories, Mr. Caldwell said.

The U.S. industry's inventory levels fell to about 30 million units toward year-end, he said, citing industry data. Inventories traditionally fall in range of 40 million to 50 million tyres, he added.

As the signs of recovery started in the fourth quarter, makers-including CTA-started ramping up production again, Mr. Caldwell said, noting that the company has resumed some capital investments it had suspended in the midst of last year's downturn.

Dealers attending the Gold dealer meeting confirmed fill rates on key products have been a concern and welcomed CTA's efforts to rectify the situation.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)