Goodyear EMT Runflat Tires are #1 Worldwide

    FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 10 Goodyear, with nearly 50
original equipment runflat tire fitments sourced, about to begin or under
evaluation, has become the world leader in runflat tires.

    "Eight major automakers worldwide are using or evaluating Goodyear
Extended Mobility Tires," said Goodyear Chairman and CEO Sam Gibara here on
the eve of the Frankfurt auto show. "There are more Goodyear EMT runflat tires
on the road than any other brand," Gibara said.

    The latest EMT fitment is on the MINI, a new product of the BMW Group
which will have Goodyear Eagle NCT 5 EMT runflat tires as an option.

    Consumer desire for runflat tires is at an all-time high, Gibara said.  In
the U.S., for example a recent J.D. Power study found that nearly seven out of
eight consumers place run-flat tires at the top of their list of features
desired on new automobiles.  Goodyear data show similar consumer preferences
in Europe.

    "Runflat tires and low-tire-inflation monitoring systems are top-of-mind
for consumers, and Goodyear is well-positioned to take full advantage of this
trend," Gibara said.  The company has runflat tire manufacturing capability in
Fulda, Germany, and at plants in the U.S.  "Given the renewed consumer and
media attention to tire safety, it's not surprising to see run-flat tires and
low-pressure warning systems continue to gain acceptance," Gibara said.

    "Specifically tuning run-flat tires on new and exciting cars is the best
way to increase runflat applications and expose consumers to the advantages of
runflat tires," Gibara said.  "We will be announcing more OE fitments down the
road."

    Goodyear's EMT runflat tires are developed at the company's technical
centers in Luxembourg and Akron, Ohio.  The company also is working with
inflation-pressure sensor firms and industry standards groups worldwide to
implement runflat tire performance guidelines and standards for the global
automotive industry.

    First used as an option on the 1994 Corvette, Goodyear's EMT became
standard on that car in the 1997 model year -- the world's first standard OE
fitment of a true runflat tire.  Another factory fitment of Goodyear EMTs is
on DaimlerChrysler's Prowler.

    Goodyear's other safety and mobility initiatives include a joint venture
with Michelin to further develop the PAX system.  Additional joint development
liaisons are being evaluated, both in Europe and the U.S., Gibara said.