Goodyear Commercial Tires Star on International's Pickup

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 14 -- International Truck's new pickup truck - standing more than two feet above the formerly large Hummer or Ford F-350 for those who want to make a statement - rides on Goodyear commercial truck tires.

The International CXT - for Commercial Extreme Truck - is the world's largest production pickup truck. And, of course, the tires are equally large. Chuck Yurkovich, general manager of original-equipment commercial tires, said the 22.5-inch wheel diameter tires are "serious traction" for the extreme truck. Goodyear 14-ply Unisteel tires carry the seven-ton pickup in style as well as up to six tons of payload in its truck bed.

The truck rides on Goodyear Unisteel G159A long-wearing rib radial tires up front and G167A high-mileage drive wheel radial tires on the rear.

"Goodyear has been a long-time supplier for International, but this application ranks right up there with the best. We gave them some serious rubber for a truly fun truck.

"Goodyear and International have shared pride in bringing innovation to customers. The CXT on Goodyear commercial tires certainly makes a daring statement that International is intent on driving success in business," Yurkovich said.

According to International Truck and Engine Corp., the CXT stands 9 feet and is more than 21 feet long - more than 4 feet longer than the Hummer H2 pickup. The company plans to introduce the pickup truck Thursday at its plant in Garland, Texas.

Press reports aren't predicting a mass-produced truck, with CXT prices ranging from about $93,000 to $115,000 fully loaded with DVD player and leather upholstery. The truck also won't fit in a standard garage.

But International officials are saying the CXT is unrivaled in capability, size and appearance. It hauls three times the payload of consumer pickup trucks, is all-wheel drive, uses air brakes for unmatched stopping ability and offers towing, dumping and tilt bed capability.

A spacious interior seats five and can be customized to meet owners' specific needs, International officials said.

Goodyear's commercial tires also provide a level of creature comforts, with a quiet, comfortable ride. And yet they are rugged enough to deliver long wear and more miles to removal. The bonus, a robust internal construction that can be retreaded for low cost per mile, Yurkovich said.

The Unisteel G159A and G167A regional service tires are produced in Goodyear's Danville, Va., factory.

Goodyear commercial tire systems offer complete products and services to the trucking industry, including a full range of original equipment and replacement tires. In addition, the company's cradle-to-grave tire and service network includes retreading, tire management tools and business solutions for tomorrow's trucking fleets. For more information on Goodyear's line of commercial tires, go to http://www.goodyear.com/truck .