Goodyear Tires Named Consumers Digest 'Best Buys'

AKRON, Ohio, Jan. 25, 2006 -- The February 2006 issue of Consumers Digest showcases the best tires on the market, as rated by the magazine's editors, and products from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company take top billing in three of the five rated segments.

For the "Passenger Car Tires, All-Season" category, Goodyear's Assurance featuring TripleTred Technology was the Premium selection. The Consumers Digest comparison list shows top-rated tires in Premium, Midrange and Economy segments.

In addition, the Goodyear Fortera featuring SilentArmor Technology was the Premium choice in the "Light Truck/SUV Tires, All-Purpose" category, and the Goodyear Eagle GT-HR was the Premium selection in "Performance" tires.

According to the magazine, a Consumers Digest Best Buy is defined as a product that offers the most value for a given amount of money. The magazine editors have defined such products as those that merit special attention from consumers based on a combination of performance, ease of use, features, durability, warranty, efficiency, styling, and maintenance and service requirements.

"We are pleased that yet another independent source has recognized the tremendous value of our tires," said Bob Toth, Goodyear's marketing manager, auto tires. "Goodyear's product development efforts have focused on an application of relevant technology - advancements that are technologically innovative, but which also offer discernable benefits to those who drive on our tires."

Of the Assurance featuring TripleTred Technology, the magazine editors commented: "We found the tire offered an exceptional improvement in dry handling and wet traction over traditional all-season tires." Also included in the magazine's remarks about the TripleTred tire were such product features as the three-zone technology, Permablack and Aquachute tread grooves.

The Fortera SilentArmor tire is touted as being made with a layer of DuPont Kevlar, a Comfort Zone and Rim Guard. "It's the best tire we've seen for light trucks and SUVs," according to the magazine. Additionally, Consumers Digest reported, "This tire uses Kevlar. That's right - Kevlar, the same stuff found in bulletproof vests. Now, these can't withstand a shot from a gun, but we believe the manufacturer's claim of stronger performance to be warranted."

The Consumers Digest Best Buy recommendations are based on criteria derived from at least three of the following: 1. Personal (hands-on) product evaluations by the authors and researchers; 2. Independent testing and researching facilities; 3. Reports from federal, state and other government agencies; 4. Other independent technical experts; 5. Retail establishments; 6. Service outlets; 7. Consumers Digest reader and other consumer surveys; 8. Previously published evaluations in books, magazines, newspapers, websites, etc.

Of the thousands of products that are evaluated by Consumers Digest, fewer than 3 percent meet the quality and value standards required by the magazine's editors to receive a Best Buy designation. The magazine claims a circulation of 1.25 million.

Goodyear is the world's largest tire company. The company manufactures tires, engineered rubber products and chemicals in more than 90 facilities in 28 countries around the world. Goodyear employs more than 80,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit www.goodyeartires.com.