Tire makers hope for better Some major manufacturers are performing better than others amid continuing challenges in global markets.Patrick Raleigh reviews

摘要

UK-While very few tire manufacturers will be sorry to see the back of 2019,not too many of the major players are overly optimistic about prospects for this year.For 2019,Bridgestone reported lower unit sales of passenger car tires(PCRs)and light truck tires and truck & bus tires(TBRs)almost everywhere except Japan,where volumes remained flat.Even there,the world's largest producer said the operating environment was"clouded"by uncertainty over the global economy and other issues,despite gradual recovery in Japan's economy.But,defying the general trend,Michelin reported strong sales for 2019,with net PCR sales up 5% to €11.8 billion,despite volume declines in"steeply falling markets."Global OE demand volume for PCR and light truck tires fell 6%,although signs of improvement were observed in China where the French group noted 1% growth in the fourth quarter.