Sales of Michelin Winter Tyres Increase by 50% to the Delight of Van Insurance Companies
Thursday 26 January 2012 Back to Blog
Winter tyre sales are up by 50% report tyre manufacturer Michelin.
Despite a relatively mild winter and unfavourable economic conditions, tyre sales in 2011 for the company reached 500,000 according to company estimates.
This has surprised the company who thought they would see a decline in sales when compared to 2010. Undoubtedly, this surprise is a welcome one.
Winter tyres are a good idea for drivers of commercial vehicles as they provide superior grip and traction in cold weather months where driving conditions can and do lead to an increase in motoring accidents.
They are also welcomed by van insurers, though whether or not lower premiums will ensue for using cold weather tyres is not clear.
Jianni Geras, head of marketing for Michelin felt the increase in sales was largely down to a change of attitude among UK drivers, who had witnessed the affects of cold weather conditions such as ice and snow from winters in the years 2009 and 2010.
He said: "Drivers appear determined to avoid the chaos of losing grip on icy or snow-covered winter roads."
It is not known whether the increase in winter tyre sales has led to a corresponding decrease in accidents, given that not all accidents are down to weather conditions but other factors as well.
If you are a commercial driver, or fleet manger, ensuring vehicles are fitted with winter tyres are a sensible move to help keep vehicles on the road.