Yokohama Introduces Yokohama's AVID TRZ All-Season Radial Touring Tires

FULLERTON, Calif.FULLERTON, Calif.--Nov. 2, 2004--The bar has been raised in the all-season passenger touring tire category with the launch of Yokohama's all-new AVID TRZ. The AVID TRZ has set new standards in its category by having an 80,000-mile treadwear warranty, a 700 A/B UTQG rating and uncompromised dry, wet and snow performance packaged with a size line-up that fits many of the most popular sedans and minivans on the road today.

The AVID TRZ's asymmetrical tread design provides the benefits of uniquely long mileage, amazing all-season performance and a comfortable ride. TRZ stands for Three Ride Zones(TM) which enables the TRZ's performance. The Three Ride Zones(TM) consists of an inner zone to provide winter traction, a middle zone to provide water evacuation, and an outer zone for dry grip and cornering.

The AVID TRZ winter traction zone was developed and tested in the snow and ice of North America, Japan and New Zealand. The tests proved the new silica tread compound remained pliable for added traction in lower temperatures. Another unique feature of the AVID TRZ is its cross grooves and Adaptive Sipes(TM) that change shape as the tread wears. This unique patented design changes from a 2-D sipe into a 3-D sipe over the life of the tire.

The water evacuation zone also benefits from the silica tread compound as it provides a higher level of wet traction to go along with water evacuation tread design. The design of the

tread face has sipes and grooves that sweep water into four deep circumferential grooves which expel water quickly.

The performance for which Yokohama is famous comes into play with the dry grip/cornering zone. Two continuous circumferential ribs ensure constant contact with the road and provide outstanding traction. When cornering, the shoulder and second row blocks act as one continuous block which provide more grip in turns. In addition, the solid outside area gives extra stability that improves performance on sedans and minivans.

"This tire, with its asymmetrical design, will set new standards for all-season touring performance. Yokohama has clearly shown its advance technology with the AVID TRZ and we're excited to offer it to the public," said Art Michalik, director of marketing communications for Yokohama Tire Corporation. "The AVID TRZ offers the consumer a comfortable ride and a level of performance that has become expected of our products."

The Yokohama AVID brand, which includes tires for passenger cars, ranges from all-season, touring, sport truck and high-performance tires. The AVID TRZ will be available in 23 sizes starting January 2005. It will join the AVID family consisting of the AVID H4s/V4s, AVID T4, AVID Touring and AVID S/T.

Yokohama Tire Corporation manufactures, markets and distributes a complete line of products for high performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, as well as off-the-road mining and construction applications. Yokohama supports the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA). For more information on these guidelines check "Taking Care of Your Tires" information at www.yokohamatire.com.