Despite facing significant headwinds in the global automotive sector, French tyre manufacturer Michelin has reported a smaller-than-anticipated decline in first-quarter sales, showcasing the company’s resilience and strategic adaptability.
The Clermont-Ferrand-based group announced a 1.9% drop in sales year-on-year, totalling €6.52 billion ($7.40 billion), surpassing analyst forecasts of €6.43 billion. This performance is particularly noteworthy given a 7.3% decrease in volumes, primarily attributed to reduced original equipment (OE) sales across all segments, a continuation of the downturn observed in the latter half of 2024.
“Volumes were down 7.3% due to lower original equipment sales in all segments, prolonging the trend observed in the second half of 2024,” the company stated.
However, the company’s core Automotive and Two-Wheel segment bucked the trend, registering a 1.2% increase in sales. This uptick was driven by robust demand for replacement tyres, highlighting a shift in consumer behaviour towards maintaining existing vehicles amid economic uncertainty.
Chief Financial Officer Yves Chapot expressed cautious optimism, stating, “We are expecting the original equipment market to improve slightly in the second half of the year for our core Automobile and Two-wheel segment.”
Segment performance overview
The Road Transportation segment experienced a 3.5% decline, while Speciality Businesses, including mining and agricultural tyres, saw a 7.3% drop. These figures reflect broader challenges in the global automotive and industrial sectors.
Michelin
Navigating Tariffs and Trade Tensions
Michelin’s operations in North America, accounting for approximately 30% of its global sales, have been impacted by recent U.S. tariffs. Notably, 70% of Michelin products sold in the U.S. are manufactured domestically, a figure that rises to 85% when including Canadian production.
“We have already made sure that some flows, either raw material or some components, between some countries have been redirected… to protect ourselves,” Chapot noted, emphasising the company’s proactive measures to mitigate tariff effects.
Consumer behaviour and market dynamics
The company observed a global shift towards more affordable vehicles with fewer features, coupled with an influx of low-cost tyre imports, particularly in North America. Despite these challenges, Michelin reported only a limited increase in dealer inventories, suggesting effective inventory management and sustained demand for its products.
Outlook and strategic focus
Michelin has maintained its full-year guidance, anticipating slight growth in the tyre market over the year, despite a projected decline in the first half due to lower OE demand. The company continues to focus on high-value segments, such as 18-inch and larger passenger car tyres, which now represent 65% of Michelin-branded passenger car tyre sales.
“Our strategy continues to deliver positive outcomes; our Group resilience is further strengthening,” said Managing Chairman Florent Menegaux. “Yet, over the past few months, Michelin has faced increasing contextual adverse factors, whether economic, climate-related, or geopolitical.”
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