NEW YORK (November 12, 2009)—Goodyear Tire & Rubber is raising the price on all consumer replacement tires sold in North America by 6 percent starting Dec, spokesman Jim Davis said.

Davis said higher raw material costs are behind the increase, which is the company's first since September 2008, when it raised prices more than 10 percent.

The company’s dealers and distributors, who buy replacement tires directly from Goodyear, will feel the higher prices.

Davis says it is up to them whether they pass the increase onto consumers.

Goodyear posted a higher third-quarter profit last month, though it is forecasting an operating loss in its key North America market.