Goodyear Ups Ante for Any-Weather Tire Performance on SUVs
AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 21 -- The owners of SUVs know the importance of superb grip on the road, and especially traction in all types of weather conditions -- even when their multi-purpose vehicles feature four- wheel drive capability and traction control.
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Because traction on any type of surface and in any type of weather -- rain, snow, icy or dry -- is dependent, in part, upon the condition of the vehicle's tires, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company continues to focus its innovation efforts on new tires with outstanding grip and traction.
Calling it the "next generation of SUV tire technology," Goodyear is introducing the Fortera(R) featuring TripleTred Technology(TM), a tire that Goodyear believes sets a new standard of traction for SUVs. This premium tire seeks to respond to SUV drivers' demands for confidence and security while driving on rain-soaked, snowy or dry roads, according to Todd Hershberger, Goodyear's marketing manager, light-truck tires.
The new tire incorporates Goodyear's proven TripleTred Technology, which employs three distinct tread zones. Additionally, each zone across the tread face of the tire also has a unique rubber compound that gives the tire performance characteristics to match varying road and weather conditions.
The Water Zone has a new silica-based compound that helps to provide traction in wet conditions while also maximizing treadwear.
The Ice Zone compound is comprised of polymers that help to provide enhanced low-temperature flexibility for excellent winter performance. Traction-enhancing particles and fibers made from volcanic sand and fiberglass create increased micro-textures for supurb traction on icy or slick roads.
The Outer Dry Zone features a rubber compound inspired by the technology used in Goodyear's ultra-high performance and racing tires. This new compound helps provide superb grip on dry surfaces.
The Fortera featuring TripleTred Technology performs so well in snowy weather conditions that it is one of the few all-season tires to earn the prestigious "Mountain-Snowflake Symbol," a severe-snow certification from the Rubber Manufacturers Association that is usually reserved for snow tires.
Along with the three-zone rubber compounding, the new Fortera tire offers tread pattern technology that helps to provide the road grip sought by the drivers of SUVs.
Multiple traction notches and sipe-blades in the tread of the tire increase the level of snow and ice traction. Stiffening the tread for agile handling in wet and dry conditions are continuous "traction fingers" and a one-piece tread rib running down the center of the tire. An optimized tread pattern creates a footprint that achieves even wear throughout the life of the tire.
Because SUV owners want their vehicles to perform in a variety of conditions when needed, but also to look good, the Fortera featuring TripleTred Technology also delivers here. The exciting directional tread pattern and stylish serrated sidewall make this a tire with performance and great looks for today's SUVs. Goodyear's Rugged Rim Guard feature helps protect expensive wheels against accidental curb damage.
The new tire includes the Fortera Premium Utility Package, with these features:
- 60,000-mile/96,000-kilometer tread life limited warranty
- 30-day no obligation trial
- Roadside Assistance Program
- Nationwide warranty service
- Online DOT registration
- Goodyear Garage Program (register vehicles at
http://www.goodyeargarage.com/ to receive tire rotation reminders, new
product announcements, valuable savings and more)
Initially available in 12 sizes to fit the most popular SUVs, the Fortera featuring TripleTred Technology is targeted at SUV drivers who want traction in any weather condition, whether they are driving in wet, snowy, icy or dry weather conditions. This group of drivers consists of 10.6 million vehicles - such as Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer and Lincoln Navigator.
For more information about the new Fortera featuring TripleTred Technology, visit http://www.goodyearfortera.com/. For more information about Goodyear's broad selection of tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs, and more, visit http://www.goodyeartires.com/.
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