---

Goodyear Run-Flat Tires Win PACE Award

2 March 1999

Goodyear Run-Flat Tires Win PACE Award

    DEARBORN, Mich., March 2 -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber
Company received the prestigious 1999 Automotive News PACE Award Monday night
for the benefits of its innovative run-flat tires supplied to automakers
worldwide.
    North America's largest tire company won the award for its run-flat tires
specified as standard equipment on the Chevrolet Corvette and Plymouth
Prowler.  Thanks to the Goodyear Eagle run-flat tires, General Motors and
DaimlerChrysler were able to eliminate the spare tire, wheel and jack in their
sports cars.
    Seven other companies from 20 finalists were awarded a PACE Award.  The
winners represented large and small companies -- ranging from Delphi
Automotive Systems to a privately held research-and-development firm, ASHA
Corp.
    Goodyear's entry, fitted with a low-pressure warning system, can run at
highway speeds when a flat has occurred, without loss of control or the need
for what might prove to be a dangerous tire change, according to Bryan
Kinnamon, vice president of North America original-equipment tire sales.
    "It is truly an honor to receive this prestigious award," Kinnamon said at
the awards ceremony at the Henry Ford Museum.  "I accept the PACE Award on
behalf of all the scientists, engineers and visionaries from Goodyear, General
Motors and DaimlerChrysler who appreciated the safety, convenience and value
aspects of this innovation."
    Goodyear's run-flat tires also fit affordable, conventional automobile
wheels, unlike some competitive products, Kinnamon said.
    Kinnamon said the tiremaker will continue to develop run-flat tires for
their customers -- the automakers and the end consumer.  "Eliminating the
spare tire and vehicle jack opens a new world for vehicle stylists, who
actually added trunk space to the C-5 Corvette.  For the consumer, the run-
flat tire eliminates the annoyance and danger of changing a flat tire along
the road.
    "Critics of run-flat tires say flats are a relatively uncommon occurrence,
but so are automotive accidents.  Despite that, we must prepare for both.  The
rare auto accident didn't stop the development of air bags, traction control
and anti-lock braking systems.  The infrequent flat tire won't stop the
perfection of the run-flat tire as well," he said.
    German automaker BMW recently became the third auto manufacturer to
specify a Goodyear run-flat tire as original equipment on the BMW 540i
"Protection," which will be introduced later this year.
    "Goodyear continues to respond to automaker and consumer concerns about
tire performance capabilities, convenience and safety.  Our commitment to run-
flat capability on affordable, conventional wheels is paramount to the
technology's future," Kinnamon said.