Growth in the truck and agricultural segments
According to the data of the Polish Tire Industry Association (PTIA), in the first quarter of 2018, tire manufacturers and importers in Poland recorded an increase in sales in the truck (+16%) and agricultural segments (+29%). In other categories, sales dynamics slightly decelerated, which was related to the prolonged winter - and thus the shift of new orders to the second quarter of 2018.
– A significant increase in the truck segment is very good news. The size of the road fleet used in road transport is estimated at over 600,000 vehicles. The purchase of new tyres is an expanse, which every driver should treat as an investment – tyres are the only element of the vehicle in contact with the road. They, mainly because of their rolling resistance, account for up to 30 percent of the fuel consumption of vehicles. The use of brand name tyres allows for fuel savings of more than 2 litres per 100 km, that is approximately 5000 litres in a year. Tyres make up only about 3-5 percent of total expenses, but have a bearing on 40 percent of all operating costs. That is why the condition and the quality of tyres affect efficiency of businesses and have an impact on road safety – says Piotr Sarnecki, Director General of Polish Tyre Industry Association (PTIA).
– In turn, increases in the agricultural tyres segment are related to the upcoming season – however, the dynamics were much higher last year, which was a positive phenomenon after so many quarters of decline. We can see that farmers are slowly starting to appreciate good brand tyres for their machines. It is worth noting that brand tyres guarantee better performance, longer tyre life and better crop economy on farms. In the segment of passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles, we have noted a clear shift in orders for the second quarter, due to the longer winter. We assume that all-year upward growth will be maintained here at the level of that of 2017 – adds Piotr Sarnecki.
Source: Polish Tyre Industry Association