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Goodyear Takes Lead on Severe Snow Conditions

2 February 1999

Goodyear Takes Lead on Severe Snow Conditions

    AKRON, Ohio, Feb. 1 -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
announced today that it would take the industry lead in designating its new
winter tire lines for use in severe snow conditions.
    The tire manufacturer was in St. Moritz, Switzerland, last week with
automotive media to showcase its new line of winter tires that will feature
the "severe snow" designation.
    According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, which established
guidelines for passenger and light-truck tires to receive this special use
designation, tires designed for severe snow conditions "generally have tread
patterns, structure and materials to give superior performance in snow over
tires meeting the RMA Snow Tire Definition."
    Goodyear said it would begin immediately to mark its new Ultra Grip tire
lines with the specialized mountain/snowflake symbol.  RMA announced the new
designation earlier today.
    The RMA will continue to define tires stamped with the M+S (mud and snow)
designation by physical characteristics.  For example, for a tire to receive
M+S certification, it must have a tread pattern with angled slots and grooves
that are a minimum 25 percent of the footprint.
    The severe snow designation is based on traction performance, a more
stringent requirement, according to Jean-Jacques Wiroth, Goodyear marketing
director for consumer tires.  RMA said full implementation of the designation
is not expected before the winter of 2000-2001.
    "We want to be the first to assure consumers that our winter tires meet
this stringent requirement," Wiroth said.  "Our emphasis on superior snow
performance and safety fits perfectly with this new industry standard."
    The mountain/snowflake symbol will be stamped on the sidewall adjacent to
the M+S designation.  "Together, the two definitions will make it easier for
consumers to distinguish between all-season 'M&S' snow tires and tires
designed for use in severe snow conditions," according to the RMA.
    Test results show Goodyear's Ultra Grip family of winter tires is
certified for severe snow conditions.