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Next Generation Wants Run-Flats, Traction on Slippery Roads

27 April 1999

Goodyear: Next Generation Wants Run-Flats, Traction on Slippery Roads

    AKRON, Ohio, April 27 -- The next generation of drivers wants
tires that won't go flat and vehicles that grip the road through rain, snow
and ice.
    At least that's the advice from a group of eighth graders, members of
Junior Achievement, from Twinsburg, Ohio.  Goodyear marketers and engineers
say they've worked on these and other projects to satisfy drivers' needs.
    However, even a bit of unscientific research can't hurt.  Joe Campo, a
business development manager at Goodyear, asked the students what they would
"look for in the next generation of Goodyear?"  Campo said he was surprised by
their answers.
    In many cases, they reflect the desires of another generation -- their
parents.  Nearly 60 percent of 98,000 vehicle buyers said they wanted run-flat
tires on their next car, according to a very scientific J.D. Power and
Associates study.
    Both surveys point to a desire for safety.  One boy, Brent, said he'd like
"tires where you never have to worry about a flat."  Goodyear has that handled
with a bevy of run-flat tire lines to fit several applications, including the
affordable Eagle Aquasteel EMT run-flat tire on the family car.
    Ebonie dreamed of "smart" tires for the family car.  "We need tires that
adjust to the weather so that when it's winter and it starts to snow, the
tires can prevent sliding and also when it's raining.  And tires that adjust
to conditions like mud, sand, wind, dirt and spills on the road."
    More than a few sought tires with excellent winter traction on ice and
snow.  Goodyear recently introduced four new lines of winter tires for the
family car, the sports utility vehicle and the sports car.
    The students also said they want tires that are long wearing and a good
value.
    Then there's Kelly, who apparently wants tires that make a fashion
statement.  "We need different colors of tires instead of black.  Maybe purple
or blue, something to match the car color."