Goodyear Hopes New Products Will Fuel Turnaround

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 5, 2004 -- The achievement of a financial turnaround of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is tied to a sound executable strategy of many elements. One of those elements, new products, was brought into focus today with the introduction of the company's newest line of passenger tires for the North American market.

The Goodyear Assurance(TM) line of tires represents further evidence that Goodyear is driving its turnaround efforts in the right direction, according to company officials.

Goodyear Assurance featuring ComforTred Technology(TM) and the Assurance featuring TripleTred Technology(TM) are being introduced to the retail network of North America's largest tire company this week during the Goodyear Dealer Conference. The tires become available to consumers this spring.

The ComforTred is a premium auto tire that promises low-noise and high- comfort, a choice for drivers of premium luxury vehicles. TripleTred features "ANY weather conditions" performance through three unique tread zones - Water Zone, Ice Zone and Dry Zone.

The designation for the new tire line also introduces a new family name for Goodyear auto tires -- Assurance. The intent of Goodyear marketing officials is to eventually add other choices within the Assurance line.

"Market launches of bold new Goodyear products have been true difference- makers in the past," said Robert J. Keegan, Goodyear chairman and CEO. "This has included Tiempo, the industry's first all-season radial in 1977, and Aquatred, the famous wet-weather tire introduced in 1992.

"Now, our scientists, engineers and marketers again have applied cutting- edge technology to create a product line that is revolutionary. These are premium tires that offer real consumer advantages."

Goodyear is introducing the new Assurance brand tires that are formulated with leading technology and built to exacting standards on the company's state-of-the-art tire manufacturing equipment. Each Assurance tire is hand- inspected at the factory and screened to ensure product uniformity and consistent quality.

The Assurance line will play an important role in Goodyear's efforts to turn around its financial performance, especially that of its North American operating division. Keegan has talked of his strategic outlook for the company, specifically "seven reasons to believe" that Goodyear's turnaround course is well planned, and is being effectively executed. Two of the seven elements, "Building Brand Strength" and "Product Leadership," are being reflected with the introduction of the innovative Assurance tires.

"These are premium, industry-leading products that really make a difference -- for Goodyear, its retailers and the consumers who will have the pleasure of selecting them and experiencing the difference," Keegan said.

For more information about Goodyear Assurance tires, visit www.GoodyearAssurance.com. For other details about Goodyear, or to find the nearest Goodyear retailer CLICK HERE