AKRON, Sept. 12, 2005 — In the blockbuster novel, "The DaVinci Code," the primary character, Robert Langdon, is a world-renowned symbologist who uses his expertise to untangle a series of complex codes on the way to solving an ages-old secret.

For tire shoppers, the experience can be equally perplexing. Yet, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is using symbols on the sidewalls of a new tire to solve another ages-old secret – how to select the right tires for your vehicle.

The new Goodyear Fortera featuring TripleTred Technology has two distinctive icons molded into the rubber of the tire.

One is a "weather" icon on its sidewall, depicting sun, rain and snow, and indicating to consumers that they can drive with peace of mind in these weather conditions.

And, because the Fortera featuring TripleTred Technology performs so well in winter weather conditions, 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.

Calling it the "next generation of SUV tire technology," Goodyear is introducing the Fortera featuring TripleTred Technology, a tire that sets what Goodyear believes is a new standard of traction for SUVs. This premium tire responds 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 superb 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 to provide superb grip on dry surfaces.

"Now when it comes to recommending our best choice in a tire for SUV drivers who want any-weather traction, whether they are driving in wet, snowy, icy or dry weather conditions, we can simply tell consumers to look for the sidewall symbols that lead the way to unlocking the tire selection mystery," Hershberger said.

"Some might call that a novel approach in tire marketing."

For more information about the new Fortera featuring TripleTred Technology, visit www.goodyearfortera.com. For other details about Goodyear, or to find the nearest Goodyear retailer, go to www.goodyeartires.com.

 
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