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Goodyear Introduces Specialty Performance Tire Sizes

7 April 1999

Goodyear Introduces Specialty Performance Tire Sizes

    AKRON, Ohio, April 7 -- North America's largest high-
performance tire manufacturer is expanding its tire lines for consumers who
actually enjoy buying tires.
    That's right, there's a niche market of specialty equipment customers who
actually enjoy purchasing tires that enhance vehicle performance and
appearance.  In fact, according to the Specialty Equipment Marketing
Association, this market continues to grow more than twice as fast as the
total automotive aftermarket.
    Goodyear announced that it will expand its Eagle GT II performance line
with four new 16- and 17-inch sizes and its Eagle F1 GS-D2 ultra-high-
performance line with six new sizes.
    Bob Toth, marketing manager for Goodyear high-performance tires, said the
specialty "tuner" market is a dramatic departure from the traditional consumer
tire-buying experience.  "Most people consider the tire an unglamorous
purchase; it's akin to having a tooth filled."
    In fact, today's tire buyers don't fall into the "shop till you drop"
category; half select their tires in a day.  Ten years ago, more than half
said they spent a week or more shopping for tires, according to Goodyear
research.
    "Time-pressed consumers feel they don't have the luxury to delay tire
purchases," Toth said.  "However, with so many tire options available, they
can make hasty decisions that result in the wrong tire for a driver's needs."
    Specialty equipment consumers recognize the importance of tires for their
capability to offer improved handling, traction and ride, as well as adding to
vehicle aesthetics.  "They take the time to ask questions and evaluate what
they really want out of a set of tires," Toth said.
    Retail sales of specialty automotive products climbed to $19.3 billion
last year, according to SEMA.  Since 1988, the market has grown nearly
8 percent annually, compared to 3.4 percent for the overall automotive
aftermarket.
    Toth said Goodyear would continue to expand its popular Eagle line,
focusing on this growing "tuner" market.
    The Eagle GT II tire will come in four new larger diameter sizes ideal for
light-truck and sport-utility-vehicle owners interested in making their
vehicles look sporty.  Sizes P285/60R16, P295/65R16 and P255/60R17 are in
production; size P285/65R17 will begin production in June.
    The Eagle GT II all-season tire features a high traction/treadlife
compound and solid shoulder tread elements for aggressive handling maneuvers.
The tire is T speed-rated up to 118 mph.
    The Z speed-rated Eagle F1 GS-D2 ultra performance tire, popular in the
European replacement market, fits ultra performance vehicles and can be used
in tire-wheel upgrades.  Sizes include 205/50ZR15, 225/50ZR16, 245/40ZR17,
245/40ZR18, 265/35ZR18 and 255/40ZR19.
    "The Eagle F1 line is for the extreme tuner, who wants maximum traction,
cornering power and stopping capability.  These new sizes bring our total
offering to 19 sizes," Toth said.  "Our objective is to provide comprehensive
size coverage for this ultra-performance-oriented market."