Tyre production, exports rise in April

Boosted by higher offtake of car and motorcycle tyres, production of tyres in the domestic market jumped 15% in April at 58,78,614 units against 50,90,272 units in the same month last year.

According to figures released by Automotive Tyres Manufacturers Association (ATMA), exports of tyres saw a 4% jump at 4,67,205 units against 4,49,412 units in April 2005.

In the domestic market, the highest growth was witnessed by motorcycle tyres where production jumped as much as 35% at 20,71,620 units against 15,31,120 units in April 2005.

On the other hand, the growth for passenger car tyres was 20% at 2,43,559 units against 10,37,296 units.

Truck/bus tyre segment was, however, flat as production grew a meagre 0.2% at 9,77,510 units in April this year as against 9,75,404 units in the same period last year.

Production of industrial tyres was up 28% at 51,954 units against 40,451 units in April last year while light truck tyre production was up 4% at 3,74,547 units (3,61,499), ATMA said.

Jeep tyre production was down 17% at  95,383 units (1,15,032) while scooter tyre production fell by 0.2% at 7,30,537 units (7,32,364), ATMA said.

On the other hand, moped tyre production in April was Nil as against 10,475 units produced in April 2005.

On the exports side, a 39% growth in scooter tyres pushed up overall numbers. Scooter tyre exports stood at 33,998 units.

However, truck/bus tyre exports declined by 1% at 2,00,632 units while passenger car tyre shipments fell by 3% at 90,460 units, ATMA said.