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Goodyear Improves Its Most Popular Tire Line

19 January 1999

Goodyear Improves Its Most Popular Tire Line

    AKRON, Ohio, Jan. 18 -- A new tire that outperforms
Goodyear's best-selling Regatta touring tire and does it for more miles is on
its way to retailers.
    The Regatta 2, the newest member of the Integrity family of all-season
radial tires, is backed by a 75,000-mile limited treadlife warranty. Goodyear
announced the replacement tire to its dealers today. The new tire features an
improved tread pattern that evacuates water more efficiently and a tread
compound that lasts longer than its predecessor, said John Tomin, marketing
manager for Goodyear auto tires.
    The mid-priced replacement tire in 24 whitewall and blackwall touring tire
sizes is targeted at value shoppers, who represent about 14 percent of the
total auto tire market.  Initial sizes will be available in April.
    Regatta 2 replaces the popular Regatta Touring tire, which was introduced
in 1993 with a 60,000-mile treadlife warranty.  A new wider, flatter tire
shape for Regatta 2 delivers improved wear and durability as well as an
aggressive appearance on the road, Tomin said.
    Four wide circumferential tread grooves in the new tire offer a 7 percent
increase in wet traction and a stunning 17 percent improvement in hydroplaning
resistance compared to the Regatta, Tomin said.
    The wide, flatter tire shape also improves the tread footprint on the road
for excellent handling and steering performance.  Regatta 2 delivers a quiet,
comfortable ride and responsive handling to retain its "touring" heritage, he
said.
    "Regatta 2 is for drivers who want to put performance in their family
vehicles without paying a performance price.  Normally, driving the family car
is a fairly neutral experience; responsive handling usually isn't an option.
Regatta 2, however, shifts driving to another gear by offering a comfortable
ride at a good price."
    Although the original Regatta Touring tire still performs exceptionally
well, rising consumer expectations on safety and traction, a greater emphasis
on buying the best tire value and rapidly changing technology prompted
Goodyear marketers to improve its best-selling tire, Tomin said.
    Goodyear manufactures the new tire at its plants in Lawton, Okla., and
Union City, Tenn.