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The Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM is available in May 2006 for drivers of highperformance touring automobiles.
The sidewall of the Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM describes the tire’s Performance Touring applications.
An icon on the Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM identifies the carbon fiber-reinforced sidewall.
The Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM features “Goodyear Eagle” branding within the groove of the tread.
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This cutaway view of the Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM identifies the carbon fiber in the tire’s sidewall and the layer made with DuPontTM KEVLAR® under the tread.
Here is a straight-on view of the Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM, available in May 2006 for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles.
The Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM is available in May 2006 for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles.
GDYR_AudiFrontTrees_300p4c.jpg The Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM is available in May 2006 for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles.
GDYR_BMWwExec300p4c.jpg The Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM is available in May 2006 for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles.
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The Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM is available in May 2006 for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles.
The Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM is available in May 2006 for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles.
GDYR_CaddyClubhouse300p4c.jpg GDYR_CadillacGolf_A300p4c.jpg The Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM is available in May 2006 for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles.
The Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM is available in May 2006 for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles.
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EagleRE_34_LG_300p4c.jpg The Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM is available in May 2006 for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles.
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The Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM is available in May 2006 for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles.
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The Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM is available in May 2006 for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles.
Here is a close-up view of the tread of the Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM, available in May 2006 for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles.
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The Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM is available in May 2006 for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles.
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The Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM is available in May 2006 for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles.
The Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge TechnologyTM is available in May 2006 for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles.
News Release Corporate Headquarters: 1144 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44316-0001
Media Website: www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com
Contact: Jim Davis 330-796-4114 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Goodyear Adds Fiber to the High-Performance Tire Menu AKRON, Ohio, March 29, 2006 – Carbon fiber comes to tires in the new Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge Technology™, a product announced today and available to consumers in May. With threadlike strands of carbon that are strong and flexible, carbon fiber is a substance that weighs much less than steel of similar strength. As a woven composite fabric, it is increasingly used in high-tech race cars and jet planes. In the new Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology, the outboard sidewall of the tire is reinforced with a high-tech carbon fiber insert that provides stiffness for responsive handling and steering precision. Combined with conventional tire construction on the inboard sidewall, the Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology delivers a smooth, comfortable ride. Over the top of the belt package, the tire also sports a sound- and shock-absorbing InsuLayer™ made with DuPont™ KEVLAR®, to help provide a smooth, quiet ride, along with promoting even treadwear. “The unique construction allows our engineers to develop a product we call a performance tire with manners,” said Bob Toth, Goodyear’s marketing manager, auto tires. In the traction area of the tire is a dual-compound, asymmetric tread design. On the inboard side of the tread, an All Season Zone offers an open tread pattern, Aquachutes™ for water dispersion, and a high number of TredLock™ technology microgrooves. All of these tread features are supported by a new silica tread compound. Combined, the All Season Zone provides all-season traction and handling, which translates into confidence when driving, including in wet and winter conditions. (more)
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On the outboard side of the tread, the Performance Zone consists of performance tread blocks and a solid circumferential rib made with a grip-enhancing compound. This helps provide traction for confident handling and braking. Additionally, the Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology offers a Rim Protector, PermaBlack™ sidewall compound for new-tire appearance throughout the tire’s life, and distinctive on-the-tread branding. “Goodyear Eagle” is stamped in the tread groove as a signature brand styling for the new Eagle tires. Other branding is found on the tire’s sidewall where an icon proclaims the ResponsEdge Technology tire contains carbon fiber. According to Toth, “A high-performance tire with carbon fiber and KEVLAR offers consumers relevant technologies that enhance the total driving experience for high-performance touring sedans. Those drivers are interested in innovative technology, especially if it provides them with responsive handling, a good feel for the road, and a ride that is smooth and quiet.” The new tire includes the Eagle Performance Package, with these features: •
30-day no obligation trial.
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Roadside Assistance Program.
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Nationwide warranty service.
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Online DOT registration.
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Goodyear Garage Program (register vehicles at www.goodyeargarage.com to receive tire rotation reminders, new product announcements, valuable savings and more).
Initially available in May 2006 in 24 sizes to fit most popular high-performance touring sedans, the Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology is targeted at drivers who want crisp, responsive handling and a smooth, comfortable ride. This segment includes vehicles such as BMW, Audi, Lexus, Acura and Cadillac. Goodyear is supporting the introduction of the new tire with a range of promotions – national television ads, print advertising, a new website, database marketing for retailers, direct mail, point-of-sale materials and more. For more information about Goodyear’s broad selection of tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs, and more, visit www.goodyeartires.com. -0Note to editors: Downloadable photos are available at Goodyear’s media website, www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com.
News Release Corporate Headquarters: 1144 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44316-0001
Media Website: www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com
Contact: Jim Davis 330-796-4114 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Tires Added to List of Carbon Fiber-Enhanced Products AKRON, Ohio, March 29, 2006 – Consumer tires have been added to the list of applications for carbon fiber with the introduction of the Goodyear Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge Technology™, a tire available in May for drivers of high-performance touring automobiles. Carbon fiber is a substance that is strong and lightweight, is used to help dampen vibrations, and it resists abrasion. As a woven composite fabric, it is increasingly used in hightech race cars and jet planes, even in rockets and satellites. In the new Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology, the outboard sidewall of the tire is reinforced with a high-tech carbon fiber insert that helps provide stiffness for responsive handling and steering precision. Combined with conventional tire construction on the inboard sidewall, the Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology helps deliver a smooth, comfortable ride. By definition, carbon fiber is composed of threadlike strands of pure carbon that are extremely strong in tension and are reasonably flexible. These carbon products are processed into a fibrous state through heat-treating. According to the Japan Carbon Fiber Manufacturers Association (JCFMA), the use of carbon fiber in commercial aircraft began in 1940. Since then, the substance has been used in various forms of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) to reduce total aircraft weight. Aircraft manufacturers plan to expand the use of CFRP, with the new Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner as state-of-the-art examples. (more)
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Sporting goods manufacturers began to use carbon fiber in the 1970s, because of its high tensile strength. Consumers don’t have to search far to find sports items such as fishing rods, tennis rackets, golf club shafts, skis and surfboards that contain some form of carbon fiber. In the automotive industry, carbon fiber has been a key material in racing cars and concept vehicle designs. There now is a tendency to use it for regular production vehicles, although the usage is still confined to exotic sports cars. “Among performance-oriented consumers, carbon fiber is recognized as a substance that raises the product to a higher status,” said Bob Toth, Goodyear’s marketing manager for auto tires. “The integration of carbon fiber in the new Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology tire not only helps stiffen the sidewall, but its use resonates with knowledgeable, performance-savvy consumers.” According to Toth, the new Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology tire is the latest example of Goodyear’s leadership in tire technology and product development. Two years ago, Goodyear introduced its popular Assurance® line of auto tires, with a ComforTred Technology® and TripleTred Technology® version. Using innovative materials such as volcanic sand and glass fibers in the rubber compound, the tires have won numerous awards and high praise from both consumers and the media. Last year, SilentArmor Technology™ was unveiled by Goodyear in its Wrangler® and Fortera® product lines. New tires for pickups and SUVs were rolled out, with a key component in the SilentArmor tires being a layer made with DuPont™ KEVLAR®. Goodyear introduced the famous Aquatred tire in 1992, with its unique, deep-groove aquachannel, effectively creating a new product segment that industry followers labeled as “rain tires.” In the same year, Goodyear introduced the world’s first original-equipment run-flat tire on the Chevrolet Corvette. Even after losing all air pressure, the Goodyear GS-C EMT
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(Extended Mobility Tire) was capable of being driven up to 200 miles at speeds up to 55 mph. Goodyear continues to develop new run-flat tire choices, and has sold more run-flat tires than any other tire manufacturer. Further back, Goodyear offered the first all-season radial tire, the Tiempo, in 1977. Goodyear even made history by developing the first tires on the moon, when Apollo 14’s MET (Modularized Equipment Transporter) was shod with Goodyear’s XLT tires in 1970. “For more than 100 years, Goodyear has focused on providing the best tires possible. That objective continues today, with the application of the latest tire design and development tools, and state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. For consumers looking for innovative products that provide relevant benefits to them and their families, Goodyear’s technologically advanced new products are the answer,” said Toth. For more information about Goodyear’s broad selection of tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs, and more, visit www.goodyeartires.com.
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Note to editors: Downloadable photos are available at Goodyear’s media website, www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com.
News Release Corporate Headquarters: 1144 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44316-0001
Media Website: www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com
Contact: Jim Davis 330-796-4114 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Goodyear Technology Dispels View of Tires as Simply Round, Black AKRON, Ohio, March 29, 2006 – An unsung consumer product is being raised beyond “commodity status” by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, with a series of recent offerings that incorporate unique technologies and performance attributes to match. The newest tire from Goodyear is the Eagle® featuring ResponsEdge Technology™, which features a sidewall that is reinforced with carbon fiber – the same substance used in hightech race cars and jet planes. This new high-performance touring tire, available to consumers in May, also uses DuPont™ KEVLAR® as a noise-absorbing agent under the tread. The Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology tire follows on the heels of recent Goodyear successes – technologies and tires that are badged with descriptions such as TripleTred Technology®, ComforTred Technology® and SilentArmor Technology®.
The Goodyear Assurance® featuring TripleTred Technology® (for cars and minivans) and the Fortera® featuring TripleTred Technology® (for SUVs) are tires containing volcanic sand and glass fibers in the “Ice Zone” area of the tread compound.
Goodyear Assurance® featuring ComforTred Technology® has a super-absorbent layer between the tread and belt, designed to provide additional cushion to soften road vibrations.
For pickup trucks, the Goodyear Wrangler® featuring SilentArmor Technology™ uses an added layer made with DuPont™ KEVLAR® in its Armor Zone, helping to provide rugged toughness. A Goodyear-exclusive Durawall™ rubber compound in the tire helps resist cuts and punctures in the sidewall area of the tire. (more)
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“Our engineers are using the most creative technology in the industry to develop this new generation of products that take tire performance to a higher level,” said Larry Mason, Goodyear’s North American president of consumer tires. “The application of relevant technology allows these tires not only to gain credit as true innovations, but also to translate into the kind of driving performance benefits that consumers really want.” Goodyear’s marketing team identified the consumer “wants” represented in the segment filled by the new Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology tire. They determined that highperformance touring drivers want to experience a “feel for the road,” usually defined as responsiveness and handling. However, they do not want to sacrifice a smooth, comfortable ride. In addition, it is important to them that the tire has a sporty appearance and is high-tech, but they still want the practicality of all-season traction. In the tire, the carbon fiber is used primarily as reinforcement in the outboard sidewall. This helps provide stiffness for responsive handling and steering precision. Combined with conventional tire construction on the inboard sidewall, the Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology tire delivers a smooth, comfortable ride. Over the top of the belt package, the tire also sports a sound- and shock-absorbing InsuLayer™ made with DuPont™ KEVLAR®, to help provide a smooth, quiet ride, along with promoting even treadwear. Not all of the technology is hidden inside the tire. The tread design is asymmetric with two distinct zones that help enhance the performance of the tire. An outer High-Performance Zone features a solid rib and another with aggressive shoulder blocks. These combine to help provide confident handling during cornering. An inner All-Season Zone has three differently designed tread ribs that incorporate Aquachutes™ and lateral grooves with a new silica compound. Combined, these tread elements help promote ride comfort and the evacuation of water from the road surface. As the carbon fiber-reinforced Goodyear tire takes its place beside other recent high-tech offerings in the company’s lineup, Goodyear officials hope it will also attain the third-party accolades and positive consumer acceptance similar to the TripleTred, ComforTred and SilentArmor products. (more)
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“A tire is a product that is expected to perform consistently in all types of weather conditions, carry people to appointments and enhance the performance of the vehicle on which it’s mounted,” said Mason. “Perhaps drivers are beginning to recognize the incredible quality and value that go into these tires.” For more information about Goodyear’s broad selection of tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs, and more, visit www.goodyeartires.com.
-0Note to editors: Downloadable photos are available at Goodyear’s media website, www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com.
News Release Corporate Headquarters: 1144 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44316-0001
Media Website: www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com
Contact: Jim Davis 330-796-4114 (cell) 330-697-1118 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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No Time to Rest; Goodyear Engineers Continue to Upgrade DALLAS, January 27, 2005 – In the past few months, Goodyear’s Fortera and Wrangler tires for SUVs and light trucks have been recognized for scoring the highest in a pair of high-level tire comparison tests. One would think that might be cause for celebration at North America’s largest tire company, and perhaps reason for the tire development team to take a break. Half of that assumption would be correct. “Yes, we’re thrilled with our recent momentum in product performance,” said Jeanne Sherman, Goodyear’s director of new products. “But we really don’t have the desire to sit back and enjoy the glow of success. Our customers and our retailers expect more from today’s tires, and we make it our duty to continue raising the bar. We are consumed with that goal.” Goodyear’s original equipment tires for pickups and full-size vans received the highest customer satisfaction ranking among buyers in the United States, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Original Equipment Tire Satisfaction StudySM, released in September 2004. Those fitments are primarily in Goodyear’s Wrangler line. Additionally, the Goodyear Fortera HL tire for SUVs was rated the best in an annual tire test conducted by a leading consumer products magazine. The tire finished ahead of 21 other tires in the segment. Still, Goodyear’s development team is announcing two new entries in these product areas – the Goodyear Wrangler featuring SilentArmor TechnologyTM, and the Fortera featuring SilentArmor Technology. (more)
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“While some may look at a situation and say ‘If it’s not broken, don’t fix it,’ we believe in the challenge of taking great products and making them even better,” Sherman said. To achieve even higher levels of performance through smart engineering, the company conducted extensive research among truck and SUV owners. This resulted in identifying a need for a tire that provides a quiet, comfortable ride, along with the rugged toughness to take on the everyday unexpected hassles of the road. A key technological feature in both tires to deliver this benefit is the addition of a layer made with KEVLAR, the strong fiber developed by DuPont. Goodyear marketers work with engineers and scientists in the company’s technical group to jointly create new product ideas that use the latest technology, but in relevant, meaningful ways to the consumer. This same team and approach was utilized last year in the highly touted Assurance line of passenger tires, the most successful product launch in the company’s history. For details about Goodyear and its products, or to find the nearest Goodyear retailer, go to www.goodyeartires.com.
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Note to editors: News releases and downloadable photos are available at Goodyear’s media website, www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com.
News Release Corporate Headquarters: 1144 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44316-0001
Media Website: www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com
Contact: Jim Davis 330-796-4114 (cell) 330-697-1118 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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New Goodyear Tire Offers SUV Solutions for Choosy Drivers DALLAS, Jan. 27, 2005 – “Choosy” consumers have a new offering – the Goodyear Fortera featuring SilentArmor TechnologyTM, which fits their needs for a tire on their nocompromise vehicles. Research shows that SUV owners select their vehicles for a reason – they want the quiet comfort of a luxury passenger car, but also the utility of a minivan. The Goodyear Fortera featuring SilentArmor Technology was created with the demands of an SUV driver in mind, allowing them to select a tire that is strong enough to take on the everyday unexpected, while not compromising the quiet and comfort of a passenger car. “The Fortera featuring SilentArmor Technology is a perfect blend of utility, strength and style,” said Todd Hershberger, Goodyear marketing manager for light-truck tires. “SUV owners choose an SUV over a passenger car because the SUV gives them an extra edge in versatility. This new tire mirrors that kind of versatility. It matches the demanding needs of the SUV driver.” To achieve its no-compromise performance, the Fortera featuring SilentArmor Technology offers a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride, but also employs an Armor Zone. Three key features make up the Armor Zone:
A layer made with KEVLAR, a fiber which is, pound for pound, five times stronger than steel.
Goodyear’s exclusive DurawallTM rubber compound, which reinforces the sidewall to help resist punctures and cuts.
Rim Guard, a design that further protects expensive wheels from accidental curb damage. (more)
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In addition, a super absorbent layer between the tire’s tread and underlying belts provides, on average, 20 percent more cushion than average tires designed for SUVs and light trucks (based on comparisons of standard SUV/LT tires in Smithers Scientific Inc. TDS Reports of 1999-2004). This feature helps the new tire deliver a ride that feels more like a passenger car. The Fortera featuring SilentArmor Technology also carries a consumer-friendly after-sale package to extend the feeling of total customer confidence and added peace of mind. The “Fortera Premium Utility Package” offers:
70,000-mile treadlife limited warranty
30-day no obligation trial period
Roadside Assistance Program
Nationwide warranty service
Online product registration
Tire rotation reminder service
“The 70,000-mile treadlife limited warranty backs up the Goodyear claim of long-lasting tires, and the proven tread pattern provides excellent performance in wet conditions,” said David Griffin, Goodyear’s lead project engineer. “Additionally, our engineering team made several adjustments in the inner tread design … the tread pattern that becomes visible after the tire is worn. Within the inner tread area, we increased the tread stiffness to improve wear and reduce noise.” The SilentArmor Technology icon on the tire’s sidewall calls out the benefit of the breakthrough technology specifically added to this tire. Fitting the most popular luxury and mid-value SUVs, the new Fortera featuring SilentArmor Technology is initially available in March in 25 sizes, ranging from 15- to 20-inch rim diameters. This vehicle segment consists of more than 10 million vehicles, with familiar examples such as Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Envoy and Lincoln Navigator. For more information about the new Fortera featuring SilentArmor Technology, visit www.goodyearfortera.com. For other details about Goodyear, or to find the nearest Goodyear retailer, go to www.goodyeartires.com. -0Note to editors: News releases and downloadable photos are available at Goodyear’s media website, www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com.
News Release Corporate Headquarters: 1144 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44316-0001
Media Website: www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com
Contact: Jim Davis 330-796-4114 (cell) 330-697-1118 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Searching for the Strong, Silent Type? Look for the Shield DALLAS, Jan. 27, 2005 – In the world of reality dating shows and bachelor/bachelorettedriven contests, more people are talking about their “type” and the image that fits their perfectpartner profile. For some, it’s the “tall, dark and handsome” description. Others yearn for one who is “short, sweet and caring.” For those who want a “strong, silent type,” that’s dependable in any weather, Goodyear has the answer … actually, two. North America’s largest tire company has announced a new Wrangler tire, and Fortera tire, both with the Goodyear-exclusive SilentArmor TechnologyTM. The Goodyear Fortera featuring SilentArmor Technology, with SUV drivers in mind, offers the perfect blend of utility, toughness and style. A complementary Wrangler featuring Silent Armor Technology is an on/off-road tire that offers toughness and comfort for those who drive pickup trucks. Both of the SilentArmor tires feature an Armor Zone that is comprised of a layer made with DuPont KEVLAR, a DurawallTM sidewall that helps resist punctures and cuts, and a rugged Rim Guard that protects wheels from curb damage. On the comfort side, the Fortera tires feature a layer that soaks up road noise for a smooth and quiet ride. (more)
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For those who wander through life looking for their dream match – at least in truck or SUV tires – the search can be as simple as looking for the shield icon that appears on the sidewall of the newest Goodyear Wrangler and Fortera tires. It easily identifies the SilentArmor Technology that is found within the skin of these new tires. According to Jeanne Sherman, Goodyear’s director of new products, “Now, when it comes to recommending our best match for both toughness and comfort, we can simply tell consumers to look for the Silent Armor shield on the side of the tires.” If only the challenge of finding the perfect date was that easy. For other details about Goodyear, or to find the nearest Goodyear retailer, go to www.goodyeartires.com.
-0Note to editors: News releases and downloadable photos are available at Goodyear’s media website, www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com.
News Release Corporate Headquarters: 1144 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44316-0001
Media Website: www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com
Contact: Jim Davis 330-796-4114 (cell) 330-697-1118 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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New Goodyear Tires Reflect Market Direction DALLAS, Jan. 27, 2005 – As vehicle design has become more specialized over the years, it’s no secret that the creation of the various components that make up those vehicles also has been more targeted for specific needs. That explains the introduction of two new tires from Goodyear, which specifically target the SUV and pickup truck consumer desires for “strength” combined with a “comfortable ride.” The tires, available this spring, are the Goodyear Fortera featuring SilentArmor TechnologyTM and the Wrangler featuring SilentArmor Technology. “In essence, the owners of pickup trucks and SUVs told us what they wanted in the ideal tire,” said Jeanne Sherman, Goodyear’s director of new products. “Working from the market back, we challenged our design engineers to build tires that reflect the needs of this burgeoning market segment. “In recent years, the trend in vehicles has been toward pickup trucks and SUVs replacing cars in the family garage. These vehicles give the driver the best of both worlds, the ability to drive from the paved road to the soccer field to the work site, while delivering a smooth, quiet ride. At Goodyear, we believe tires are an integral part of the vehicle and can help provide this experience.” In terms of growth, the on/off-road truck tire segment is growing at 15.7 percent, compared to 2002 figures. This is a trend that shows no immediate signs of slowing down, according to projections from the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). The growth rate in the SUV tire segment is even more dramatic since 2002.
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“These are vehicle segments that are increasingly popular, primarily because the buyers have made lifestyle statements about what they want. In trucks, they are straightforward about their desire to go where they want, when they want. SUV owners choose their vehicles because they want a perfect combination of style and utility,” explained Sherman. “When it comes to tires, neither group will settle for compromise. They expect their tires to provide the quiet comfort and luxury of a car, with the go-anywhere/anytime ruggedness of a truck.” Both of the Silent Armor tires feature an Armor Zone that is comprised of a layer made with DuPont KEVLAR, a DurawallTM sidewall to help withstand cuts, and a rugged Rim Guard that protects wheels from curb damage. On the comfort side, the tires are built to soak up road noise for a smooth and quiet ride. The new tires are available this spring. For other details about Goodyear, or to find the nearest Goodyear retailer, go to www.goodyeartires.com.
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Note to editors: News releases and downloadable photos are available at Goodyear’s media website, www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com.
News Release Corporate Headquarters: 1144 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44316-0001
Media Website: www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com
Contact: Jim Davis 330-796-4114 (cell) 330-697-1118 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Drive-Time is All-the-Time at Goodyear’s Mammoth Tire Test Site DALLAS, Jan. 27, 2005 – While the average motorist in North America logs about 12,000 driving miles per year, it isn’t unusual for some employees of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to tally more than 100,000 annual miles driven. Even more surprising, some of those miles might be driven in a variety of vehicles – from cars to pickups, tractors, heavy construction trucks and more. Much of that kind of mileage is logged at Goodyear’s largest test facility in San Angelo, Texas, where the company has more than 11 square miles of paved highways, off-the-road courses and test laboratories. Despite recent leaps in predictive computer tire-testing capability, virtual reality still needs a dose of the real world, and much of that occurs at the Goodyear Proving Grounds. Actual tire testing still is vital to engineering products that match consumer desires, according to Randy Brayer, manager of the proving grounds. “We employ extremely high-tech and powerful computer models to develop and test our newest products, like the Goodyear Wrangler and Fortera tires with SilentArmor TechnologyTM. Without the software, these incredible tires might not make it off the drawing board. Still, the human touch continues to hold a place in validating the results,” Brayer said. In modern tire development, the performance of a new product can be precisely measured as it goes through the testing phase. However, a test driver similarly judges how a tire responds to steering inputs and talks about how it “feels.”
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“Often, our drivers can tell us how they believe the product is likely to perform before we get the quantitative test data back from the lab,” Brayer said. “If some performance feature of a tire ‘feels’ a certain way to the tire testers, it may send the engineers back to their computers.” Before the real-world testing at San Angelo and other sites, Goodyear engineers first use computer modeling. Thanks to computer modeling, “we’re running fewer road miles, but with more confidence. We’re able to bring new and better designs to market in less time, since we require fewer prototypes to deliver a tire that meets desired product goals,” he said. Still, the miles pile up at Goodyear’s giant Texas proving grounds. For Goodyear’s new premium SUV tire, Fortera featuring SilentArmor Technology, the combined mileage from lab and road tests equates to 139 trips around the world, or seven trips to the moon and back, Brayer said. “The test drivers loved this product, as it was specifically developed to provide a smooth, quiet ride. When you drive as many miles as these guys do, you really do feel the difference.” At the facility last year, drivers logged 11.5 million vehicle miles — or 55 million tiremiles — on 53 test surfaces and on surrounding highways, Brayer said. The proving grounds, located northeast of San Angelo, are on 7,250 acres. Goodyear began testing tires in San Angelo in 1944 from a storefront base downtown. In 1957, the current site was leased and building began; the land was purchased in the late 1970s. Goodyear drivers test tires of all sizes — from small tires for cars and ATVs, to earthmover and mining tires up to 12 feet tall, Brayer said. Developmental tires can be subjected to more than 100 indoor and outdoor tests, including braking, handling, treadwear, strength and ride comfort. The grounds include an eight-mile L-shaped track that carries cars, pickup trucks and tractor-trailer rigs on a two-lane road to nowhere; mud and rough terrain courses for trucks and sport utilities; a glass plate for tread footprint testing; a vehicle dynamics area for noise, vibration and handling evaluations; tire-punishing earthmover areas; and outdoor dynamometer wheels spinning year-round to test tire strength. A number of trucks, Brayer said, roll out the front gate twice a day to pile on miles on surrounding highways — as if 58 miles of roadway inside the gate weren’t enough. For details about Goodyear and its products, or to find the nearest Goodyear retailer, go to www.goodyeartires.com. -0-
News Release Corporate Headquarters: 1144 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44316-0001
Media Website: www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com
Contact: Jim Davis 330-796-4114 (cell) 330-697-1118 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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‘Wrangler Man’ Still Provides Verification of Toughest Goodyear Products DALLAS, Jan. 27, 2005 – Since 1977, Goodyear has introduced many new tires in the light-truck line, primarily under the well-known Wrangler brand name. While those tires go through exhaustive testing in the lab and in the real world prior to commercial availability, there is often one step in the testing process that is unique. Legendary off-road racer Walker Evans, a Baja 1000 winner nine times, has often served as an unofficial test driver when new Wranglers roll off the drawing boards at Goodyear’s Akron, Ohio technical center. “For as many races as he has competed and won on Goodyear tires, it is appropriate that Walker should know quite a lot about what it takes to be a good, tough, smooth-riding, hightraction truck tire,” said Todd Hershberger, Goodyear’s marketing manager, light-truck tires. This week, Evans is in Texas to help launch Goodyear’s newest tire, the Wrangler featuring SilentArmor TechnologyTM. A premium on/off-road tire for today’s pickups, the new Wrangler is designed to provide the toughness of a truck tire and the quiet ride of a passenger tire,” according to Hershberger. It features a unique Armor Zone, made with a layer of DuPont KEVLAR, as well as a reinforced sidewall made with DurawallTM, a proprietary Goodyear rubber to help resist sidewall scuffing and abrasions. Around Goodyear, Evans is known as “Wrangler Man” — for good reason. He has had a major influence on the development of Goodyear’s Wrangler product line, according to company officials. (more)
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He has dished out the punishment to the Wranglers on the most demanding proving grounds in the world — the off-road race track — and has hammered many Wranglers, from the first radial to the MT, AT, Aquatred, AT/S and MT/R. Evans has tested tires for Goodyear around the world, at racetracks and at various Goodyear proving grounds. Now retired from competitive off-road racing, Evans competes on the rock-crawling circuit. “I don’t care if you’re going 1 mph straight up over huge rocks, 60 mph down a sandwash or 120 mph on a Baja dry lake bed. Your performance depends on the tires,” said Evans. “And when it comes to building a tough truck tire, nobody builds ‘em like Goodyear Wrangler.” With 142 victories and 21 championship titles to his name, he is one of the most accomplished racers in off-road history. In addition to the nine wins in the Baja 1000, his other multiple desert victories include the Mint 400, the Baja 500, the Parker 400 and the Fireworks 250. For more information about the new Goodyear tires with SilentArmor Technology, visit www.goodyearwrangler.com. For other details about Goodyear, or to find the nearest Goodyear retailer, go to www.goodyeartires.com.
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Note to editors: News releases and downloadable photos are available at Goodyear’s media website, www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com.
News Release Corporate Headquarters: 1144 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44316-0001
Media Website: www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com
Contact: Jim Davis 330-796-4114 (cell) 330-697-1118 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Goodyear Says Tough Tires Rule … On or Off the Trail DALLAS, Jan. 27, 2005 – With a major product satisfaction award fresh on the trophy mantle, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announces an addition to its line of Wrangler premium tires for consumers who desire on/off-road performance for their trucks and SUVs. The on/off-road capability of the Goodyear Wrangler featuring SilentArmor TechnologyTM is sure to merit a “two thumbs-up” rating from truck owners who are looking for hard-working performance. The new tire becomes available to consumers in May, in 24 sizes with rim diameters ranging from 15-17 inches. Goodyear officials announced the new Wrangler today, adding it to the popular brand line that has been a leader in the light-truck/SUV segment for nearly 30 years. In the 2004 J.D. Power and Associates study, Goodyear tires were ranked “Highest in Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction for Pickup/Full-Size Van Vehicles.” “Although most of their driving is on the road, truck owners want the capability to drive on any terrain,” said Todd Hershberger, Goodyear marketing manager for light-truck tires. “They expect their tires to emulate the performance of their trucks. They have to be tough to get the job done, and they also have to be comfortable and quiet like a passenger car.” The Wrangler featuring SilentArmor Technology is a tire designed with the on/off-road pickup truck driver in mind. It can handle tough off-road conditions, while providing a smooth, quiet ride when driving around town, said Hershberger. (more)
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Rugged toughness is a focal point of this product. Features of the tire include:
Two high-tensile steel belts and a layer made with DuPont KEVLAR.
Goodyear’s exclusive DurawallTM rubber compound, which reinforces the sidewall to help resist punctures and cuts.
Rim Guard, a design that further protects expensive wheels from accidental curb damage.
The Durawall feature is a technology borrowed from Goodyear’s tire for severe off-road use, the Wrangler MT/R. The Durawall compound in the sidewall helps with puncture resistance in an area that takes a beating when off the road or at a work site. The layer made with KEVLAR also soaks up road noise for a smooth and quiet ride. The Wrangler Featuring SilentArmor Technology also carries a consumer-friendly aftersale package to extend the feeling of total confidence in the product. The “Wrangler Utility Package” offers:
50,000-mile treadlife limited warranty
30-day no obligation trial period
Nationwide warranty service
Online product registration
Tire rotation reminder service
Off-road assistance
The new Wrangler also contains unique traction ridges designed between the tread of the tire. These aggressive ridges provide superb traction in wet or muddy conditions. The tire is certified for “severe snow” usage with the industry’s mountain-snowflake symbol, able to take on snowy conditions, as well. The tread compound is a new Goodyear silica blend that maximizes wet traction without sacrificing treadwear. “Truck owners want a tire that can get them through the tough terrain they sometimes face, yet still be mannerly during highway driving. This new Wrangler is a unique combination of toughness and low-noise. We call it the ‘Strong, Silent Type,’” said Hershberger.
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The SilentArmor Technology icon, an iron shield with the Goodyear wingfoot design inside, appears on the tire’s sidewall to call out the benefit of the breakthrough technology specifically added to this tire. Fitting the most popular truck sizes on the road, this vehicle segment consists of some of the hottest-selling trucks today, such as Chevrolet Silverado and Avalanche, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra and others. For more information about Goodyear tires with SilentArmor Technology, visit www.goodyearwrangler.com. For other details about Goodyear, or to find the nearest Goodyear retailer, go to www.goodyeartires.com.
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Note to editors: News releases and downloadable photos are available at Goodyear’s media website, www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com