Most Popular Tires of 2006?

According to SEMA, Bridgestone dominated new tire sales worldwide in 2006, eclipsing Michelin by posting (U.S.) $19.7 billion in sales, according to recent data from Modern Tire Dealer magazine. The magazine’s 2007 Fact Book issue shows the Japanese tire manufacturer vaulting past its French rival with an additional $2.5 billion (U.S.) in sales compared to 2005, when Michelin topped the list at $18.1 billion (U.S.).

Hankook also led an impressive market charge, recording a $5 billion (U.S.) sales increase from 2005 to pull even with Yokohama, its nearest competitor in seventh place.

World Leaders in New Tire Sales
(figures are in USD billions)

1: Bridgestone Corp.    $19.7  
2: Groupe Michelin    $19.0
3: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. $17.8  
4: Continental Automotive Systems (AG)     $7.5  
5: Pirelli & Cie SpA    $5.0  
6: Sumitomo Rubber Industries $3.5  
7: Hankook Tire Co.    $3.0  
8: Yokohama Rubber Co.    $3.0  
9: Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.   $2.4  
10: Kumho Tire Co. Inc.   $1.8  
11: Toyo Tire & Rubber    ***