This is being well received by dealers who are eager to boost their profitability with aftermarket sales to compensate for falling margins on new car sales. The survey, called 'European Tyre Distribution,' reveals that much of the momentum has come from manufacturer owned leasing and contract hire companies looking to offer their own value added services in a bid to compete with specialist leasing and fleet management companies.

It also exposes the massive differences in market share of the replacement tyre market enjoyed by dealers in different countries. In Switzerland, for example, 45% of replacement tyres are supplied by vehicle dealers, and 42% in Belgium, but this figure drops to just 7.2% in the UK.

The report signals the UK fast fit sector as the most developed in Europe, and sees the rise of manufacturer backed chains such as Ford Rapid Fit and Vauxhall Masterfit as gaining market share. Across Europe it predicts increased business for both manufacturer and independent fast fit chains at the expense of fringe suppliers such as supermarkets and fuel stations.