According to the latest research by Continental, they reckon that due to the current economic climate and all that - car owners are downsizing to smaller 'city cars', and also keeping them much longer.
This is having a direct effect on the tyre industry. They say that the most popular sizes are now on 13" and 14" rims, in the T and H speed ratings, and they are seeing a decline in tyres with a higher speed rating, which are needed on performance cars (such as the GTI). And although the 205/55 R16 V was the top size in 2007, they predict a rapid tail off, and the smaller 'fuel saving' tyres will really become popular.
So is this bad news for W/Z/Y tyres?
A slow down in development? Who knows?
