New report details U.S. tire segments, analyzes demographic trends and provides selling tips

Research and Markets has released its Tires in the United States 2008 report covering the aftermarket tire industry. According to the company, the publication goes beyond a discussion of market trends, segment performance and brand sales to include the following insights:

• How offerings vary among competitors and which ones stand a better chance in capturing consumer loyalty
• Why and how market innovators are pushing this market forward in regards to product needs or novelty
• The rise of the retread market and why it is important for the top three industry leaders
• Where growth areas remain for passenger car and light truck tire
• Prevalent trends in television spots for tires, and how to make marketing more distinct
• Building brand loyalty among younger tire buyers
• What households purchase tires the most and who is the decision maker for purchases
• How women can be drawn further into tire purchasing
• Knowing which ethnic groups purchase what tires and why

A number of elements are addressed, such as the tire market is driven by price hikes, not volume; the retread market allows for a new source of revenue; competition from China puts U.S. tire makers at disadvantage; tire manufacturers are turning to premium, value-added tires; and tire consumers prefer independent dealers.

Other issues discussed include revelations that bigger tire sizes are most popular with young buyers; MS tires are predicted to rebound to coincide with HP/UP tire growth; high performance tires are gaining sales momentum; lighter P-metric tires are replacing traditional, heavier tires; auto dealerships are increasing their market share; and Wal-Mart sells one-third of all mass merchant tires.

For more information, visit www.researchandmarkets.com/research/4a73b1/tires_in_the_unite.