Next-Generation Corvette Again Rides on Goodyear Eagles

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2004 -- For more than 20 years, General Motors has chosen Goodyear tires for every Corvette that has rolled out of the Bowling Green, KY, assembly plant.

At this week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the two reliable American brand names -- Corvette and Goodyear -- again are paired on the next-generation model of "America's Sports Car." The 2005 Chevrolet Corvette will ride on high-performance Goodyear Eagle tires when it hits the streets later this year.

The new Corvette is slightly smaller than the current C5 model, and it will feature a new 6-liter V-8 engine that generates 400 horsepower, creating a combination that should make it the most powerful production Corvette ever.

"Being chosen to supply the tires for this fabulous car is a demonstration in Goodyear's ability to provide tires for virtually any type of vehicle. Providing the traction that can convert that kind of power to the pavement is no small feat, but our engineers and designers always can meet the challenge," said Kevin Kramer, Goodyear's vice president, original equipment tires.

For the 2005 Corvette, Goodyear will supply Eagle F1 GS-2 EMT (Extended Mobility Technology) tires in a P245/40ZR18 size for the front, and P285/35ZR19 in the rear wheel positions. On the optional Z51 Performance Package version of the new Corvette, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT tires will be the fitment. The run-flat tires allow the driver to safely continue to a destination for repair or replacement, even if the tire is deflated by a puncture. In addition, a spare tire is not required on the Corvettes equipped with Goodyear EMT tires.

"Goodyear's aim is to support our auto maker customers by providing them design and manufacturing know-how that fits hand-in-glove with their requirements. While our goal is to capture tire fitment selections on the best high-image vehicles, like the Corvette, we know that achievement is possible only through a dedication to providing innovation and quality in our products," Kramer said.

Goodyear is the world's largest tire company. The company manufactures tires, engineered rubber products and chemicals in more than 85 facilities in 28 countries around the world. Goodyear employs about 88,000 people worldwide. Additional information about the company and its products is available at www.goodyear.com .