Buying a tire in Argentina can become an almost impossible mission and, at best, the process can take several weeks. dealers they have fewer and fewer stocks available and the few remaining units are being sold at overvalued prices. And the solution seems far away, at least for now, from a difficult and tense situation between producers, trade unions and the government.
The crisis began with the difficulties in importing some products, aggravated by the conflict between the main tire manufacturers in the country, Fate, Firestone and Pirelliwith the Single Union of Argentine Pneumatic Workers (SUTNA), which since March has taken vigorous measures in the demand for better wages.
The conflict increased in intensity until, after successive strikes by the workers, the managers decided to close the factories: today tires are no longer produced in Argentina. The closure of the plants generates not only collateral damage, such as the paralysis of the assembly lines of the car manufacturers due to lack of coverage, but also new increases in domestic market prices.
Without tires, the vehicle cannot leave the manufacturing plant. Consequentially, Ford has already suspended both rounds for the manufacture of the Ranger at its General Pacheco plant, Toyota did the same to Zárateand it is estimated that Renault and Stellantis can follow the same path.
The prices for replacing the tires of the best-selling models in the country (from January to September), for their part, continue to rise and, even in the most accessible 0 km, should it be necessary to replace all four tires the required investment no longer falls below $ 220,000.
How much does it cost to change the tires of the best-selling models
For example him Fiat chrono, a leader in patents in the local market, offers its two cheapest versions equipped with factory 185/55 R15 tires: the so-called Attractive ($ 3,176,800) and Drive (from $ 3,473,000). Renewal of all four covers for those models starts at $ 222,600, when you factor in the value of the Firestone Firehawk GTs, which are listed as available at various supply centers.
For the more equipped versions of the range, which adapt to another size, the prices skyrocket. Four Pirelli P7 Cinturato (205/45 R17) for the automatic Cronos Precision cost $ 365,960.
The peugeot 208 produced at the El Palomar plant, it comes out with 185/65 R15 tires. Four tires of that size from the Fate brand (model Felt AR 360 88H) cost $ 213,560. If the option is Pirelli, the Scorpion ATR 88Hs are worth $ 74,390 each. In the case of the top of the range, the 208GTEquipping 205/40 R17 tires, the Cinturato Pirelli P1 costs $ 350,800.
For the toyota hilux, third in the 0 kilometer sale in Argentina, four Pirelli Scorpion ATR 112T (265/65 R17) prepared for both tarmac and off-road driving, cost from $ 403,000. Likewise, Fate Eximia Pininfarina’s cheaper TL 112T SUV is worth $ 63,000 each.
The second best-selling pickup in Argentina, the Volkswagen Amarok, which is produced in General Pacheco, leaves the factory, depending on the version, with different wheels. For example, entry-level options fit 245/70 R16 – four Pirelli Scorpion ATR 111Ts cost $ 361,160. For its part, four Pirelli ATR XL (245/65 R17) for Comfortline versions go up to $ 427,960.
The more equipped versions of the Amarok, and with a V6 engine, are equipped with tires up to 20 inches. In that case, a Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV 110Y costs $ 250,000, so replacing all four tires will require a $ 1 million investment.
The Toyota Etios and the Yaris, both in the top ten best-selling cars, are fitted with 185/60 R15 tires. The Fate Eximia Pininfarina 84 H fetches around $ 215,000 should all four need to be replaced. Similar value is offered by the Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 P ($ 53,800 each).
On the other hand, for the chevrolet cruz made in Rosario, and fitted with 205/60 R16 tires, four Fate Eximia Pininfarina 92 Hs are priced at $ 299,000.
The Renault Kangoo, usually used for work, is equipped with 185/65 R15 tires (in the Life version). The Fate Felt AR 360 88 H is priced at $ 213,560. The Kangoo Stepway Zen, on the other hand, has 195/55 R16: four Pirelli P7 Cinturato 87Vs cost $ 292,000.
For its part, the withdrawal forest ranger, equips its XLT versions with 265/65 R17 tires. For this model Pirelli is offering the Scorpion ATR112T at $ 403,160 for four units. And Bridgestone has the Dueler H / T at $ 476,000 for four.
The Ford F-150 Raptor, great exponent of the Strong Race of the Oval, uses four BF Goodrich All Terrain tires, size 315/70 R17. In virtual commerce stores they appear priced at $ 229,000 each, with which changing the four would mean paying $ 996,000.
Finally, the Toyota Corolla Cross, the first SUV of the Japanese brand produced in the region, has a 215/60 R17 (XLI) tire. Changing the four tires for Pirelli Scorpion Verde requires an outlay of $ 676,000.
All the values expressed in this note correspond to reference prices published online by the most important tire sales companies.
Source: Clarin
