Global auto giants compete in the Chinese tire market

The China tire makers weighed in on this year's Tire Business Global Tire Company Rankings. A total of 21auto enterprises have entered the global top 75 tire makers positions.While Bridge, followed by Michelin,d Goodyear-retained the top spot in the rankings, based on 2006 sales.

In 2006 tire output in China have increased by 11.4% to 190 million, and sales income were 89.83 billion yuan, up 23.4% year on year. Auto analysts predict that tire sales in China will top 300 million by 2010.

Currently nine of the top ten tire companies worldwide, including Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear, and Hankook, have established manufacturing plants in China while Continental, though without one plant in China for the present, is busy making investment plans currently.  Experts say these auto companies are not only adding capacities but also focusing on explore wider sales channel to compete effectively with local tire makers.