Tire makers review the market.

Tire makers review the market

Last year's replacement passenger tire market was a record setter. Major tire manufacturers look toward the market's horizon.

In 1988, passenger tire sales in the replacement market broke all records. 155 million tires were sold, and it's expected that brisk, record-setting years will continue.

Tire Review talked with tire manufacturers to find out their views on the replacement market. Here's what they had to say.

"It's expected that sales in 1989 will reach an all-time record high of 157 million units. Have sales so far this year met your expectations?"

"Goodyear projected 1989 replacement auto tires at 156 million units, not the 157 million you quote," begins Howard Macdonald, marketing manager, auto tires. "And that's the way they've run over the last twelve months. For the first six months of the year, shipments are up 1 percent."

The figure of 157 million was compiled by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) from member projections. The exact number is, of course, open for speculation, but all of the tire makers contacted say the year has been positive.

"Our projections for the 1989 replacement market are for it to approach 157 million units," says Barry Robbins, vice president of sales and marketing with Kelly-Springfield. "Sales through the first six months are about where they should be to take the annual figure at least to last year's level."

Ed Marohn, national manager dealer sales for General Tire looks for a strong finish to a somewhat fitful year. "Sales have been …