Demand for cold weather tyres increased by 14% in 2012 and is on track for further double-digit growth in 2013, according to ATS Euromaster.
Several meteorologists have warned of record-breaking snowfall in November and a harsh winter ahead.
ATS Euromaster suggests take-up of cold weather tyres could climb sharply and the country’s stock be quickly depleted if long-range weather predictions come true.
Peter Fairlie, group sales director of ATS Euromaster, said that rising sales highlights the growing appetite for high-grip seasonal tyres among UK fleets, with around two-thirds of the winter tyres sold by ATS Euromaster being fitted to light commercials.
“In percentage terms, our own cold weather tyre sales are accelerating at a faster rate than nearly every other European country where Euromaster is present.
"The only exception is Spain, albeit Euromaster’s winter tyre sales on the Iberian Peninsula accounts for just 10% of the volumes we sold in the UK last year.”
ATS Euromaster expects its total cold weather tyre sales to exceed £10million in 2013, as the number of motorists and fleets fitting winter tyres continues to grow.
The company is currently stocking its shelves with tens of thousands of budget, mid-range and premium cold weather fitments to ensure its centres are ready to meet demand from fleets preparing for winter 2013/2014.
“With the UK suffering one of the coldest winters last year, road conditions were treacherous for many drivers over a prolonged period of time," said Fairlie.
"The importance of keeping safe in adverse weather conditions will be at the forefront of many fleet manager’s minds as soon as the temperatures start to dip, and so too should fitting cold weather tyres.”
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