General Tire Altimax(TM) Flagship Powerline Changes the Face of Tire-Buying Forever

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 30 -- The new General Tire Altimax(TM) Powerline will forever change the way consumers buy tires, thanks to revolutionary new tire technology that was developed exclusively for this new flagship line.

Two new models, the Altimax HP and Altimax RT, will bow in the second quarter of 2007. The Altimax HP balances technology and design to produce an all-season tire for today's high performance sport coupes and sedans. The Altimax RT is a stylish touring tire that delivers a smooth, comfortable ride and long tread life.

At the heart of these two new models is General Tire's innovative Quad- Tech technology, which provides a combination of reliability, comfort, traction, and long tread life.

Features of Quad-Tech technology include Visual Alignment Indicators (VAI(R)), which help consumers visually identify tire tracking irregularities so tires can be re-aligned to extend the tread life; Acoustic Modulation Sound Technology (AMST), a sound wave suppression technology which substantially reduces road tire noise; and a Twin Cushion Silica Tread Compound, comprised of unique high and low density treads, designed to deliver the ultimate in ride comfort.

And with the Altimax HP, the question of when to replace tires has been rendered obsolete. The company's Replacement Tire Monitor Technology (RTM), available exclusively on the Altimax HP tire, is deceptively simple: a stamp imprinted on the center rib of the tire tread, reads "Replacement Tire Monitor" when new. As the tread wears away, the stamp changes to read "Replace Tire," a bold, graphic indication that it's time to replace the tire.

"The new General Tire Altimax Powerline is targeted to a wide range of today's consumers; those who demand a brand they can trust, and also those who demand the latest technology to ensure the highest level of product performance and quality," said Travis Roffler, CTNA's Director of Marketing.

Both tires are currently available in a wide range of popular 13- through 18-inch sizes. By the end of 2007, the Altimax HP/RT line will include nearly 60 sizes encompassing T, H, and V speed ratings, and aspect ratios from 70 to 40 series.