Goodyear Goes Volcanic with New Tire

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 5, 2004 -- For the breakthrough technology built into its latest tire, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company went to the earth's core.

One of the key elements in the new Goodyear Assurance featuring TripleTred Technology(TM) is the use of volcanic sand in the tire's "winter formulated compound," which allows the tire to maintain flexibility in cold weather. This kind of breakthrough engineering gives the new tire exceptional traction in ANY weather condition.

The new tire is the culmination of decades of Goodyear research into the design, engineering and physics of all-weather tire technology. The Assurance featuring TripleTred Technology lets drivers confidently take on rain-drenched highways, icy or snowy roads, or unanticipated situations on dry pavement, due to its three distinct tread zones -- Water Zone, Ice Zone and Dry Zone.

Volcanic sand is used in the tire's Ice Zone, which has a high-tech rubber compound to create a rough surface on the treadface. As the tire is used, the volcanic sand "grit" creates microscopic cavities that work as tiny traction edges for better grip on slick surfaces.

"The volcanic sand is added to the tire as a ground pumice material," said Michael Crawford, Goodyear's technical team leader for light tire materials. "The pumice creates a constantly rough and textured surface that proves very effective in delivering the kind of grip that drivers demand."

The volcanic sand in the tire's "winter formulated compound" is complemented by the use of glass fibers. These tiny fibers are designed to create a pitted surface in the tread that "resembles a textured lunar surface," according to Crawford.

The unique rubber compounding of the Goodyear Assurance featuring TripleTred Technology is complemented by tread design in the three zones that promotes superior traction in any kind of weather.

The Water Zone, consisting of deeply carved Aquachutes, propels water away from the tire's tread on rain-drenched roads.

An interlocking tread pattern in the Ice Zone translates into more gripping power on icy or snow-covered roads.

A Dry Zone features reinforced tire shoulders for confident maneuvering around curves, potholes and unexpected road debris on dry pavement.

Every Assurance tire also comes standard with built-in PermaBlack compound additive. This is a Goodyear-exclusive element that uses a rubber compound additive to maintain new-tire appearance throughout the life of the tire.

Further consumer satisfaction is created with the new Driver Assurance Package, which includes the following:

   * 80,000-mile treadlife limited warranty
   * 30-Day No Obligation Trial Period
   * Roadside assistance program
   * Nationwide warranty service
   * On-line product registration
   * Tire rotation reminder service

In addition, every Goodyear Assurance(TM) tire is hand-inspected at the factory and screened to ensure product uniformity and consistent quality.

"Goodyear engineers have brought consumers many 'firsts' in tire technology, including the famous Aquatred tire and the original all-season tires," said Jeanne Sherman, Goodyear's director, new products, North American Tire.

"Our scientists and engineers constantly search for new technology, even in volcanic sand, to allow Goodyear to provide any possible breakthroughs that deliver real performance advantages to our customers."

Available to consumers in April, the Goodyear Assurance featuring TripleTred Technology will be offered in 13 initial sizes, ranging from 14- to 16-inch wheel diameters.

For more information about Goodyear Assurance tires, visit www.GoodyearAssurance.com . For other details about Goodyear, or to find the nearest Goodyear retailer, go to Goodyear's Web Site.