U.S. Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) recently predicted that 2011 U.S. tire shipments will grow by 3%, or 8 million or so.

    RMA said that as high energy prices, economic uncertainty still exists, passenger tire replacement market slowing, an increase from last year's 6% to 2%, shipments of approximately 203.5 million; light truck tire replacement market out of volume of 4.4% last year, this year remained at around 28.7 million; truck tire replacement market shipments to double-digit growth last year, this year will grow by 5%, or 800,000 or so.

    RMA also predicted that passenger tires Original shipments will grow by 12% to 36.9 million; light truck original equipment tire shipments surge 29.6% last year, based on the flat this year; truck original equipment tire shipments market will increase by 30%.