Tyres and Vehicle accessories

16.4

million tyres sold in France in 2022

5.6

% down compared with 2021

13.3

% average price increase in 2022

168

euros inc tax: price of an SUV tyre in 2022

The tyre market remains attractive for the aftersales sector

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In 2022, the replacement tyre market was impacted by a number of factors: a fall in volumes sold, and a sharp rise in prices that sustained revenues for maintenance professionals and tyre specialists. It reflects a number of trends: the rise of 'Budget' brands, in response to cost-of-living imperatives; the growing popularity of 'all-season' tyres; and the increasing size and technical sophistication of tyres, requiring greater technical expertise and better advice from fitting centres.

Shrinking volumes

The market for light vehicle tyres, known in France as the 'TC4' market, for Passenger Cars, Vans and 4x4s (+ SUVs) totalled 16.4 million casings sold last year, down 5.6% on 2021 (17 million tyres). The passenger car segment (which accounts for almost 80% of the total) fell by 4.9%, the van segment by 7.3% and the 4x4 segment (including SUVs) by 12.4%. Price rises, which are widespread in the tyre market, were largely responsible for this fall in domestic volumes.

Soaring prices

The average increase in the price of tyres for light vehicles amounted to 13.3% in 2022, an unprecedented hike that affected all market segments. Passenger car tyres rose by 13.8%, commercial vehicle tyres by 14.9%, and tyres for 4x4s and SUVs by 11.2%. The average retail price of a summer touring tyre was €96 including tax in 2022, compared with €83 in 2021. The average price of an SUV tyre was €168 including VAT in 2022.

Growing momentum for all-season tyres

All-season' or 'four-season', or 'M + S' (Mud + Snow) tyres, are enjoying rapid growth. By 2022, they will have captured 27% of the replacement market. Sales have picked up significantly since 2021, when the 'Mountain Act' came into force in France. These tyres comply with the regulations and allow drivers to drive everywhere in the country, all year round, without having to switch from summer to winter tyres.

Demand shifting to 'budget' brands

The cost-of-living crisis that France has been experiencing since 2022 has led to much greater scrutiny of the price of replacement tyres. The sharp price rise has led to increased demand for 'budget' brands, which tyre professionals must also provide as part of their range. This is the only segment where volumes rose last year (+12.4%). Volumes of premium brands (e.g. Michelin, Bridgestone) fell by 9.6%, 'B' brands (e.g. Firestone, Falken) were down by 4.8%, while private labels remained virtually flat (-2%).

Tyre & Innovation Village

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SPECIAL FEATURE AT THE SHOW: The sector's continuous innovation will be showcased at EQUIP AUTO Lyon through the "Tyre and Innovation Village", in partnership with the French Tyre Association, which will recount the exciting saga of the tyre over its 100-year history, from its past to its future, during the three days of the show.

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