Projected worldwide tire market volume 2014-2018

Tire sales across the globe are expected to reach 3.66 billion units in 2018. Passenger cars accounted for about one third of total tire demand in 2017. Worldwide demand for car and light commercial vehicle tires is expected to have reached 1.6 billion units in 2018. The largest region for tire sales is the Asia-Pacific market: 1.38 billion units are sold here, according to the forecast.

Tire companies

The Asia-Pacific region is also home to the largest tire producer in the world, Bridgestone. One of the oldest tire brands in the world is Dunlop, dating back to 1889. Today, the Dunlop brand is owned by the world's third largest tire producer.

About tires

Tires are found on most road and terrestrial vehicles but may vary in tread or size to suit the vehicle and surface they are used for. Air is often used to inflate pneumatic tires which provides shock absorption from the surface roughness. The pneumatic tire was invented by Scotsman Robert Williams Thomson in the mid-19th century. The biggest tires in the world are typically used in agriculture and mining industries, where they are attached to heavy duty vehicles and stand up to 14 feet tall.