Tire makers taking it on the chin;dealers say customers taking increases in stride

摘要

WASHINGTON-Higher costs,caused primarily by sharp increases in raw material and transportation expenses,have led nearly all tire makers to raise prices repeatedly during 2006.And there may not be much respite in sight.Mostly,the price hikes are sticking,according to tire manufacturers,while tire dealers report consumers generally aren't rebelling over the higher prices.And as the cost of business continues to rise,the tire makers expect to initiate further price increases every few months.