The impacts of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine on the global tire supply will be felt as early as next fall.
With tire changing season in full swing, consumers are faced with limited choices when it comes to tire purchases. Due to the conflict in Eastern Europe, some tire ranges are experiencing or are expected to experience supply disruptions.
“In Russia, there are a lot of tire manufacturers who have factories. Currently, what is happening is that it is difficult to get tires from those countries. In addition, with the government which has added a surcharge for all the tires that will arrive from Russia, it may also complicate the supply a little, ”explained Bobby Hamel, account manager for Distribution Stox.
Suppliers will therefore not be able to offer a full range of wheels and tyres, especially for the upcoming winter season. It will mainly be the low and mid-range tires that will be more difficult to find.
“All car dealerships have agreements with all tire manufacturers who currently receive information internally about certain types of tires that they should not order. There will be no supplies for the next season. Above all, entry-level and mid-range products will be harder to get,” added Mr. Hamel.
The situation is slightly felt at some dealerships in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. There are shortages at some manufacturers and there is less availability at some suppliers.
“It’s really one of the first times we’ve seen delays like this. Since the fall orders for the spring, we see very long delays. It fits, but drop by drop,” noted Dominic Blackburn, technical advisor at Pneu et Mécanique Labrecque and Villeneuve.
“We are going to receive about 30% of our European orders,” said Luc Bouchard, director of the Pneus et Mécanique Talbot Inc. dealership.
The best solution so far is to deal with other brands and broaden your horizons.
“The range of choices is less extensive,” continued Mr. Bouchard.
Bobby Hamel, however, wants to be reassuring despite the context: “We will be able to fit all cars, but probably not with the product that people want to have.”
However, increases are to be expected. According to the account manager at Distribution Stox, we can easily expect a price increase of 8 to 12%.
“It is certain that the prices of arrivals increase in relation to deadlines and manufacturing,” admitted Dominic Blackburn.
Delays also for changing tires
There is also the lack of manpower which poses a problem. At Pneus et Mécanique Talbot, ideally, there should be double the staff in place to be able to meet demand.
“Two other mechanics, four other tire fitters. We are obliged to make appointments accordingly,” admitted the director.
Currently, the wait for a tire change appointment at dealerships in the region varies between one and three weeks.
Car dealerships will have to prepare for the winter tire sales season in order to be ready to meet the demand. Delays are to be expected.
“There are about four or five release programs in the whole market right now, so that’s not half [programme de réservation des roues et des pneus d’hiver 2022]. It is certain that, for the next season, it may be even harder than the spring we have here and the last fall season because of the cost of the containers, “said the account manager at Distribution stox.
Reference-www.tvanouvelles.ca