Commercial Tire Sales Expected to be Flat This Year
Even though an increase in demand for commercial trucks and trailers in 2012 boosted commercial OE tire shipments, the Rubber Manufacturers Association is expecting shipments of both OE and replacement truck tires to remain largely flat in 2013 from 2012.
The Rubber Manufacturers Association is expecting shipments of both OE and replacement truck tires to remain largely flat in 2013 from 2012.
An increase in demand for commercial trucks and trailers in 2012 boosted commercial OE tire shipments by 2.6%, and reached approximately 5.1 million units. However, demand for new trucks is expected to level off in 2013, and little or no change in the total OE tire units is anticipated.
This matches up with predictions from analysts and truck makers that the number of Class 8 commercial trucks sold in 2013 will be about the same as were sold in 2012.
When it comes to peplacement medium/wide-base/heavy on-highway commercial truck tires, the RMA reports that in 2012, this market declined by 4%, or 700,000 units, to 15.8 million units. There were two reasons for this: Fleets opted for new equipment and the economy remained sluggish. No increase is forecast for 2013 owing to a sluggish commercial sector.
More Equipment
Autonomous Truck Testing Moves Ahead in California as Teamsters Challenge Rules
California has begun permitting heavy-duty autonomous truck testing, with Aurora and Kodiak among the first to receive approval, as the Teamsters sue the DMV over the new regulations.
Read More →
Behind the Wheel of the New Mack Anthem [Video]
HDT takes the new Mack Anthem around Mack’s Pennsylvania test track to see how its driver-focused design, technology, visibility and handling perform from behind the wheel.
Read More →
DTNA Plans New U.S. Truck Plant as Manufacturing Footprint Shifts
Daimler Truck North America is evaluating sites for a new assembly plant expected to open in 2029 while winding down operations at its longtime Portland manufacturing facility.
Read More →
Great Dane Flatbed Trailer Offers Light Weight and Strength
Freedom Ultra is designed for a wide range of open-deck applications, including building materials, lumber, machinery, steel products, industrial freight, and coil hauling.
Read More →
What It's Like Inside this Custom 2025 Peterbilt 589?
Take a driver's-eye tour of this customized 2025 Peterbilt 589 in this video, as longtime driver Ingrid Brown explains its features, compares it to previous models, and shares plenty of personality along the way.
Read More →
Drivers Put Western Star Trucks to the Test at Star Nation Experience
Watch to get an inside look at the Western Star trucks, technology, and community behind the Star Nation Experience 2026!
Read More →
Atlas Expands Kodiak Driverless Truck Fleet in Permian Basin
Atlas Energy Solutions is expanding autonomous frac sand hauling in the Permian Basin with a second load-out location and plans for 100 driverless trucks by mid-2027.
Read More →
Putting Mack’s Command Steer to the Test
A test drive of Mack’s Command Steer active steering system evaluates how it can make truck driving easier and less tiring.
Read More →
Mack, Volvo Expand DEF Derate Software Updates
The updated software gives Mack and Volvo truck owners more time to address DEF-related issues before the engine derates or the vehicle goes into reduced-speed inducement, following new EPA guidance.
Read More →
Rush, MCT Team Up to Grow Refrigeration Service Network
The joint venture will operate MCT's network of Carrier Transicold dealerships and mobile service locations, with the companies promising greater service capacity and uptime for refrigerated fleets.
Read More →