Latest 'Shoe' Fashions Also Displayed at Auto Show

DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2005 -- Covering the expansive floor space of more than a million square feet of exhibits at the North American International Auto Show is quite a task, and it requires footwear that is both sturdy and comfortable. For many, style counts, too.

However, there is another type of footwear on display among the gleaming vehicles and luminescence of the show. The "shoes" in this case are the tires of the auto show.

"At an auto show, you'll find all sorts of tires. This ranges from heavily blocked treads to match an off-road vehicle that's suited for rugged terrain, to wide and low tires that feature sweeping and directional patterns, and some very creative tread designs that are like the concept automobiles to which they're fitted -- strictly conceptual and sort of far-out," said Bill Egan, chief engineer of advanced product technology for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company .

"Like the auto makers displaying their products on the show floor, we use a blend of true production tires along with some concept designs," continued Egan. "In many cases, our 'footwear' helps complete the overall look of a vehicle, just like a pair of good shoes adds to the style package of a well- tailored suit."

But it isn't all style over substance when it comes to this week's tire fitments at the show.

As vehicle technology and styling continue to improve at an unbelievable pace, any auto enthusiast still knows that most important is what provides the grip -- the tires. That is the part of a vehicle that comes in contact with the road, and it is where the energy transfer occurs, according to Egan.

This year, Goodyear's tire rim diameters at the Detroit show range from 17 to 22 inches; treads, in some cases, are more than a foot wide.

Production vehicles reflect the trend of large-diameter concept tires. Larger tires allow vehicle designers to make stylized wheels part of the package. In addition, the larger tire might translate into more rubber -- and more grip potential -- on the road, and there is space for larger brakes, which can be engineered for improved stopping capability.

On the Detroit show floor, Goodyear's considerable presence is evident across several automotive manufacturers. Egan said attention-grabbing concept models such as the Jeep Hurricane, Nissan AZEAL, Ford Shelby GR-1 and Audi Allroad are great showcases for Goodyear tire technology.

Additionally, Goodyear-designed run-flat tires appear this week on various concept and production vehicles, including the new Z06 version of the Chevrolet Corvette.

Goodyear has been the industry leader in run-flat tires, with fitments on a range of vehicles, including the Mini Cooper, Toyota Sienna and various BMW models, in addition to the Corvette.

Seemingly futuristic run-flat tires and wild-looking concept tires from Goodyear aren't just the result of a tire design engineer's wild imagination. They are requested components for some of the most popular concept vehicles displayed at auto shows, and those vehicles often evolve into reality in the form of production models.

The Pontiac Solstice, Dodge Magnum SRT8 and Saturn Sky are all examples of concept designs that garnered praise at past auto shows, clinching enough votes to be given the green light as production vehicles. And like most high- image concept autos, all three have been outfitted with Goodyear "footwear."

"Concept tire development is important, because it allows us to contribute to automotive design trends that soon may be coming down the road. Communication between the automaker and tiremaker is paramount to keeping image and messages consistent through design," Egan said.

For more tire information, go to http://www.goodyeartires.com/ .