Wheels, Inc. Partners With Just Tires Outlets to Offer On-the-Go Tire Installation For Fleets

Chicago Area Fleets First to Benefit from Innovative Tire Valet Service

DES PLAINES, Ill., May 6 -- Wheels, Inc., a leader in the multi-billion-dollar fleet-leasing industry, today announced that on June 6, 2005 the industry's first on-the-go tire installation program designed for fleets will be available to Wheels' clients with drivers in the Chicago area.

The Tire Valet service offering for fleets is made possible through a partnership with Just Tires retail outlets. Owned and operated by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Just Tires currently has 28 outlets in the Chicagoland area. Recognized as "The Tire Store that Comes to You", its Tire Valet service features specialized trucks that will come to the fleet driver's home or office to install and balance new tires, typically in less than 30 minutes.

"Wheels, Inc. recognizes the high worth of fleet driver time and we are always looking for ways that help drivers minimize downtime through their extremely busy work schedules," said Vince Sommer, Director of Vendor Management. "The innovative Tire Valet service is one more way of adding value to Wheels' services by eliminating the need for fleet drivers to disrupt their working day by going to another location to get replacement tires installed and balanced.

"Until now, the convenient Tire Valet service has been available only to retail consumers," Sommer added. "We are proud to be leading the fleet management industry with this new offering as part of our Maintenance Assistance Program. And, we are happy to be partnering with Just Tires to provide this service to our clients' Chicago-area drivers."

Tire Valet service trucks are fitted with the latest tire installation equipment with the mobile units using the same equipment as is offered in Just Tires outlets to ensure safe tire installation.

"The new service is focused solely on inspecting and installing new tires," Sommer said. "It is an option for fleet drivers who prefer quick, on- site tire installation rather than going to a retail store location. Routine inspections and standard automotive maintenance still require a visit to service facilities," Sommer noted.

About Wheels, Inc.

Wheels, Inc. (http://www.wheels.com/), which pioneered the concept of auto leasing in 1939, provides a full range of specialized services to help corporations manage their vehicle fleets. Wheels has 550 employees and manages more than 240,000 vehicles. Its holding company, Frank Consolidated Enterprises, currently ranks as one of the largest private companies in the United States, with nearly $2 billion in annual sales. For additional information, please contact info@wheels.com.

About Just Tires

Operating since 1991 in Chicago, Just Tires (http://www.justtires.com/) is a retailer with emphasis on 30-minute tire installation, guaranteed low prices and a full selection of major brands. A network of 140 Just Tires outlets across the country is owned by Goodyear, the world's largest tire company. Goodyear manufactures tires, engineered rubber products and chemicals in more than 80 facilities in 28 countries. It has marketing operations in almost every country around the world, and employs more than 80,000 people worldwide. More information can be found at http://www.goodyear.com/.