Freightliner LLC Selects Goodyear as Standard Supplier

AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 15, 2003 -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announces that Freightliner LLC, North America's largest manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks, has named Goodyear as its standard tire supplier.

Officials of Goodyear and Freightliner recently signed the agreement, and Freightliner has begun communicating this decision to its network of truck dealers.

"Being awarded new business is a testament to what Goodyear offers, in terms of products, service and a network of commercial outlets. And having a customer like Freightliner choose Goodyear to be its standard tire supplier really makes us proud," said Steve McClellan, Goodyear's vice president of commercial tire systems.

"Freightliner is a company that is committed to technological innovation and premium quality in commercial vehicles, and we are pleased to play a larger role in that continuing commitment."

"Goodyear has been a supplier to Freightliner for many years, and has now committed additional resources to address our needs for competitiveness and quality in a very competitive tire market," said Roger Nielsen, Freightliner LLC chief operating officer.

Goodyear is supplying a variety of truck tires for Freightliner LLC's various commercial vehicle needs. This includes supply to the company's commercial vehicle brands Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, American LaFrance and Thomas Built Buses.

"Being chosen as the standard supplier of key components to industry- leading new vehicles underscores Goodyear's position as a trusted supplier to the leading manufacturers in the industry. Selection as the standard tire supplier rolls over into additional benefits, including being the likely choice when it comes time to replace those original equipment tires," McClellan said.

Freightliner LLC, headquartered in Portland, OR, is the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America. Freightliner produces and markets Class 3-8 vehicles under the Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, American LaFrance and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Freightliner is a company of DaimlerChrysler, the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturer.

Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems offers complete products and services to the trucking industry, including a full range of original equipment and replacement tires, and the industry's most extensive sales, retreading and commercial services network.

Additional information about Goodyear, North America's largest tire company, can be found at www.goodyear.com .