Ford Introduces 2005 Mustang With BFGoodrich Tires; The Perfect Combination of Performance Car and Performance Tire

DETROIT, Jan. 5, 2004 -- When the new 2005 Ford Mustang GT took to the stage for its world premier at Detroit's North American International Auto Show, it rolled out on a set of BFGoodrich g-Force T/A (R)KDW tires.

"We are honored that Ford has chosen to outfit their icon vehicle, the 2005 Mustang with BFGoodrich tires," said Tom Chubb, vice president of marketing, Michelin Automotive Industry Division. "Without a doubt, BFGoodrich tires are the perfect performance tire for one of the most popular performance sports cars of all time."

The combination of the Ford Mustang and BFGoodrich tires results in an excellent technical match, but more importantly represents the high standards, image and heritage of American performance.

Designing the newest tires for an American automotive icon is no easy matter. Mustang is the most popular vehicle in its segment and also the nation's best selling convertible. The new 2005 Mustang is clearly retro in design theme, but with contemporary, smoothed styling and advanced production techniques.

Chosen to provide tires for the 18-inch and 16-inch tire fitments for the 2005 Mustang, BFGoodrich designers have developed the new tires to provide customers with the outstanding performance and handling that has been associated with the Ford Mustang for nearly 40 years.

The 18-inch BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW tire brings together the experience and knowledge that the brand has gained at the race track coupled with input from tuners and dealers around the country. Noted for its incredible dry traction and wet weather control, the g-Force T/A KDW has gained a reputation for excellent handling, long treadlife and a smooth ride. Carrying a Y-speed rating (up to 186 mph), g-Force T/A KDW is the perfect fit for many of today's high-performance automobiles.

BFGoodrich will also provide its new Traction T/A tire for the 16-inch fitment. The Traction T/A was developed to provide year-round performance, while offering the ideal combination of performance and traction to meet customer expectations in any driving condition.

The Traction T/A was originally introduced in 2000 as the spec tire for the American Speed Association (ASA) stock car racing series. Since then, BFGoodrich Tires has continued to engineer the street-ready version of this race-proven tire. Until the 2005 Mustang launches, the Traction T/A will only be available as an upgraded performance replacement tire.

The launch of the 2005 Ford Mustang on BFGoodrich tires is not the first time the two companies have teamed up for a new vehicle.

BFGoodrich Tires got its start in the automotive industry in 1896 when company engineers began manufacturing pneumatic tires for horseless carriages. BFGoodrich was the first tire maker to produce and sell pneumatic tires for cars in America. It was natural then that in 1903 Henry Ford selected BFGoodrich Tires to outfit his first Model A.

"We are proud to continue our heritage as a technology developer and supplier to Ford," said Chubb. "The combination of these two quintessential brands is no accident and we're looking forward to this new chapter in American sports car history."

BFGoodrich Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering high-performance tires for every type of vehicle from ultra-high performance tuner vehicles, sports cars and SUVs to the hottest sport trucks, pick-ups and rock-crawling rigs in the world.

For more than 30 years, BFGoodrich has used motorsports as a proving ground. Success on the street begins with winning on the track and BFGoodrich is involved in every type of racing, including oval, road, drag, desert and extreme rock-crawling. With 18 consecutive Baja 1000 wins, the most rock- crawling wins in history and an unmatched record on pavement, BFGoodrich Tires has proven the only records it breaks are its own. Visit BFGoodrich Tires online at www.bfgoodrichtires.com .