Yokohama Tire Introduces ADVAN Neova to the US

FULLERTON, Calif.--April 1, 2005--Instantly setting a new benchmark for street performance, the new ADVAN Neova was introduced in the US today as the first tire from Yokohama Rubber Company's ADVAN ultra-high performance brand. The ADVAN Neova is a maximum performance radial tire designed and developed for driving enthusiasts who demand the highest levels of grip and control. Along with the new tire, Yokohama introduced an all-new Web site that will highlight information exclusive to the ADVAN brand in the US.

For more than 25 years, ADVAN tires have proven themselves on the toughest racetracks and rally stages around the world. Track experience was combined with diligent, sophisticated computer simulation and extensive testing to produce the ADVAN Neova.

The unrivaled performance of the ADVAN Neova comes from its unmatched construction. One of the tire's unique features is the shape of its casing. By optimizing the contact patch shape, the tire delivers improved overall feel and drivability. The unique micro silica compound adds a different level of performance to the ADVAN Neova. Smaller silica particles and high-grip carbon in the compound allow the tire to obtain maximum grip - equally - in dry, hot, wet and cold road conditions.

Technological advancements in the ADVAN Neova are seen in the serrated groove walls, dimples, groove position and rounded block design of the tire. The serrated groove walls are vertical grooves located along the inner and outer circumferential grooves, which lessen stress on the tire block edges to provide greater durability. The dimples located on the side of the treadwall allow heat to escape during extreme cornering. The optimum positioning of the three circumferential grooves is another key feature of the ADVAN Neova. The placements of the grooves promote proper water drainage without compromising cornering performance.

Significantly, the design of the rounded block keeps maximum rubber to the ground. As the tread strikes the surface, the rounded blocks allow for a more stable contact area that envelops the road. This uniforming ground-contact pressure greatly improves dry weather grip making the ADVAN Neova one of the most versatile ultra-high performance tires ever created. Lotus Cars Ltd proved that point when they chose the ADVAN Neova when searching for the ultimate tire for the company's all-new 2004 Elise.

New ADVAN Web Site

Yokohama also unveiled a dedicated ADVAN Web site today, www.advan.com/USA, giving US driving enthusiasts a first-time opportunity to track ADVAN-related developments. The site will include the history of ADVAN, product and motorsports information and news, TV commercials and a link to an ADVAN tire owner's registration site. At purchase, owners will receive an ADVAN Neova owner's manual with information on the tire's capabilities, tire construction, proper care, the ADVAN brand, Yokohama and the ADVAN Web site.

"This tire is everything that an ADVAN product is supposed to be," said Art Michalik, director of marketing communications for Yokohama Tire Corporation. "The ADVAN Neova will soon be known as the ultimate maximum performance tire."

The ADVAN Neova will be followed by the introduction of the ADVAN Sport and the ADVAN S/T. The ADVAN Neova is available in 14 sizes to fit ultra-high performance vehicles such as the Porsche 911 and BMW M3.

Yokohama Tire Corporation manufactures, markets and distributes a complete line of products for high performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, as well as off-the-road mining and construction applications. Yokohama supports the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA). For more information on these guidelines check "Taking Care of Your Tires" information at www.yokohamatire.com.