Algeria Retreads Global TyreIndustry and Trade

Algeria, in the Mediterranean region of northern Africa, is the largest country in the
continent and also the tenth in the world. Although it attained freedom from French
colonial rule way back in 1962, the World Bank still rates this oil-rich Algeria as upper
middle income country. This is because a major portion of the entire nation is the
SaharaDesert. Hence developmental work here in different spheres is in progress that also
involves infrastructure of roads and transportation.
In this scenario, the heavy vehicles transport men and material to various construction
sites and locations. As a result heavy duty truck tyres suppliers in Algeria are playing
a pivotal role in the countrys development while the network of road here is considered
to be the densest in Africa. This network estimated to be over 180,000 kmwith more than
3,756 structures does boast of paving rate that is beyond 85%. It is considered better than
what exists elsewhere in the world. However, in this vast network, the lions share of
transport-based economy is confined to the northern region.
Two routes in the Trans-African highway network, including the Trans-Sahara highway,
could be termed as the veins of the nations economy alongside the newly laid East-West
highway. Over a total length of over 1155 km the East-West highway links Ain El Assel
along the Tunisian border withZoujBeghal on the Moroccan border. Important cities
likeConstantine, Stif, Alger, Blida, Chlef, Sidi Bel Abbes and Tlemcen are located on
this mega road. The Trans-Sahara Highway also caters to the neighbouring and other
countries like Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Tunisia.
Among the heavy truck tyre (spelt tires in the US English) variants, the ones in the range
of 17.5-25 20.5-25 23.5-25 for tyre LS 556 as DOT,ECE,GCC and ISO specifications are
in great demand. The tyre trade in Algeria is also engaged in importing tyres from
manufactures in Asian countries like India, China and Malaysia which they later export to
destinations in South America, Europe, the Americas and Africa.
Even light vehicles have made their presence felt in Algerias hectic developmental
activities. Thus light truck tyres manufacturer companies have captialised by meeting
the ever increasing needs in the countrys automobiles market. Reportedly, Indian tyres
have made their mark in Algeria for their apex quality of international standards.
As per the statistics compiled by the Paris-based International Organization of Motor
Vehicle Manufacturers (OrganisationInternationale des ConstructeursdAutomobiles OICA), the figures (in thousands) at the end of 2011 for Algeria were as follows:
Number of commercial vehicles
Number of passenger cars
Total number of vehicles in use

- 1,592.00
- 2,957.00
- 4,549.00

In terms of vehicles sales, as in 2012, the score card read:

Commercial vehicles sales
- 56,600

 Passenger car sales

Total vehicle sales

- 93,000
- 149,600

Considering these facts and the future prospects, the tyre trade has vast potential in
Algeria and other African countries. As such the tyre manufacturers too have to gear up
and meet the ever increasing demands.
The manufacture of tyres involves a complex series of processes that call for precision in
petrochemical technology, heat treatment know-how and also perfection in timing. This
technical know-how is a must since the base materials and other compounds range from
natural and synthetic rubber to carbon black, antioxidants and dozens of otheringredients.