Continental General Tire's GEN*SEAL Technology Provides 1999 Ford Windstar With Safe, Secure Drive

30 July 1998
Continental General Tire's GEN*SEAL Technology Provides 1999 Ford Windstar With Safe, Secure Drive
    CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 30 -- Continental General Tire (CGT)
has announced it will supply its Ameri*GS60 GEN*SEAL tire as an original
equipment option for the new 1999 Ford Windstar.
    With the public demanding greater safety and security, drivers are seeking
features like anti-lock brakes and tires that will withstand punctures and
eliminate roadside tire changes.  CGT's GEN*SEAL technology offers such
features and has been chosen by Ford to enhance Windstar's already superb
reputation for reliability.  The Windstar is built in Canada for worldwide
markets at Ford's plant in Oakville, Ontario, just outside Toronto.
    "We are extremely pleased to be supplying the Ameri*GS60 GEN*SEAL tire for
the new Windstar, and see it as a perfect fit," said Jim Mayfield, CGT's vice
president, Original Equipment.  "Self-sealing tires provide families with
still another level of safety and security that they're looking for in a
Windstar."
    GEN*SEAL tires repair themselves and eliminate the need to change them due
to tread-area punctures.  When a nail or other object penetrates the tread, a
thick, viscous sealant surrounds the puncturing object and minimizes air loss
in the tire.  When the puncturing object is removed or thrown from the tire,
the still-tacky sealant is drawn into the hole, forming a tight seal.
GEN*SEAL can close any hole in the tread area up to 3/16 inches in diameter.
In addition, the tire is S-rated for speeds up to 112 mph with Uniform Tire
Quality Grading (UTQG) ratings that are among the industry's best.
    A product of CGT's most sophisticated technology and experience, GEN*SEAL
represents years of research and innovation.  The tire provides excellent all-
season traction, top-quality ride characteristics and outstanding mileage and
is crafted using the company's latest design technology and manufacturing
facilities.
    GEN*SEAL is the name of the patented sealant used in this tire.  CGT also
owns patents on the process of applying this sealant to the inside of the
tire.  After the curing process, GEN*SEAL is sprayed in liquid form to the
inside of a rolling tire -- from shoulder to shoulder.
    The tire continues rolling until the liquid spray sets and forms GEN*SEAL,
which maintains even consistency and distribution in all weather.  The result
is an even application of this soft, pliable sealant, for superior balance and
ride quality.
    Continental General Tire Inc. is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Continental AG of Germany.  It is a major supplier
to the original equipment and replacement tire markets, marketing Continental
and General brands in the United States.  With annual sales of approximately
US$1.4 billion, the company has 6,800 employees in Bryan, Ohio; Charlotte,
N.C.; Mayfield, Ky. and Mt. Vernon, Ill.