GOODYEAR’S EFFICIENTGRIP TYRE CHALLENGES WITH IMPROVED FUEL CONSUMPTION

The role tyres play in the environmental performance of a vehicle has been exemplified as Goodyear participated in the Brighton to London Future Car Challenge (BLFCC).

Entering the challenge with a Ford Fiesta Econetic 1.6 Diesel, equipped with EfficientGrip tyres and driven by the UK’s thriftiest resident, the leading tyre firm clocked up an impressive 53 miles to the gallon.

Using fuel efficient driving techniques and benefiting from the low rolling resistance of EfficientGrip, Clare Selwood from Nottingham crossed the finish line in Pall Mall, London having completed the 60 mile route from Maderia Drive, Brighton.

Clare’s performance clearly demonstrated the fuel saving benefits of the EfficientGrip tyre having increased the mile per gallon ratio by 12 miles compared to a vehicle travelling the same route on competitor premium tyres.

“Our participation in the BLFCC underlines our commitment to develop innovative solutions that reduce the environmental impact of vehicles,” said James Bailey, corporate communications manager for Goodyear Dunlop.

“The Goodyear EfficientGrip tyre is a perfect example of this commitment. The tyre not only cuts fuel consumption, but doesn’t compromise on wet grip or road safety.”

For further information and tips on how to drive more efficiently, visit www.goodyear.co.uk.

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NOTE TO EDITORS

Clare Selwood from Nottingham was crowned the UK’s thriftiest resident by Goodyear in October 2010. She beat over 300 entries by stating over 100 money saving reasons as to why she should to win the nationwide search. Clare won £1,000, four EfficientGrip tyres and the opportunity to drive Goodyear’s vehicle in the BLFCC.

Photo caption: Michelle Fisher, Goodyear brand manager (centre), alongside the UK’s thriftiest family (going clockwise) Clare Selwood, Scott Riggans, Lenny Riggans and Barry Selwood.

News release issued on behalf of Goodyear by Connect PR

For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714 957 or email lee@connect-group.com

MOTORISTS WARNED TO TREAD CAREFULLY THIS WINTER

As the UK braces itself for more treacherous driving conditions this winter, motorists remain unsure whether or not to equip cold weather tyres.

According to research carried out by leading tyre manufacturer Goodyear, 71% said they would have trouble telling one type of tyre from another without assistance, 26% believe it’s safe to drive with summer tyres as long as the roads have less than 10cm of snow on them and 29% feel the sale of cold weather tyres is simply a marketing gimmick.

The survey amongst 500 drivers suggested that widely-held misunderstandings about tyres, particularly the role of cold weather tyres, still threatened road safety.

“Road Safety is a major concern, and the confusion surrounding cold weather tyres needs to be resolved in order to make motoring safer,” said James Bailey, corporate communications manager for Goodyear Dunlop.

“When nearly a third of drivers think it is OK to drive on snow with summer tyres if you’re careful, that’s a serious safety hazard. We have to increase people’s awareness, not just on winter tyres, but about how the right tyres for the right conditions can contribute to road safety generally.”

Goodyear’s award winning UltraGrip 7+ cold weather tyre delivers unparalleled control in hazardous winter conditions. Voted best cold weather tyre by weekly car magazine Auto Express, the tyre was tested and proven to stop six car lengths shorter than a conventional tyre on snow. The tyre was also a remarkable performer in the wet as well. In two tests that measured aquaplaning, the tyre dominated with a score 18% higher than a rival all-season tyre in the type of road conditions that the UK experiences every season.

For further information and tips on how to stay safe this winter, visit www.goodyear.co.uk.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

Survey Methodology

• The study was carried out by APCO Insight on behalf of “Goodyear Dunlop Europe” to better understand licensed drivers’ road safety awareness, beliefs and practices.
• Fieldwork was carried out from 31 August to 9 September 2010.
• Respondents had to: Have a valid driver’s license, be older than 18, and be an active driver (drive more than 1km per year).

About Goodyear Dunlop

• Goodyear has 111 years’ worth of experience in developing a vital part of any vehicle - the tyre. We believe that we have a responsibility be involved in the tyre safety debate, and we want to contribute to safer mobility.
• Goodyear Dunlop is a signatory to The European Road Safety Charter (ERSC).
• Goodyear Dunlop supported the idea of an EU Tyre Label that makes it easier for consumers to judge tyre performance from an environmental and safety perspective.
• Goodyear Dunlop has supported the mandatory introduction of the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System – an electronic system designed to monitor the air pressure inside a tyre – in all new passenger cars from 2012, and all cars from 2014.
• Goodyear Dunlop also supports the idea of member states bringing in laws around winter tyres to improve road safety in winter conditions.
• Goodyear Dunlop is engaging with stakeholders to demonstrate the importance of road safety.
• Goodyear Dunlop commissioned the Goodyear Road Safety Survey 2010, in order to raise awareness of the importance of basic tyre maintenance.

News release issued on behalf of Goodyear by Connect PR

For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714 957 or email lee@connect-group.com

GOODYEAR SHORTLISTED FOR TWO FLEET NEWS AWARDS

Global tyre manufacturer Goodyear has been nominated for two top awards at the prestigious Fleet News Awards.

The company will be fighting it out to take home both the Environmental Award and Best Technical Innovation Award at a ceremony to be held at Grosvenor House, London on March 17th.

James Bailey, corporate communications manager for Goodyear, said: “It is fantastic news that we have been nominated for these two awards that recognise the research and effort that goes into the development of our tyres and environmental policies.”

The Environmental Award recognises successful programmes that have helped drive green innovation in the automotive industry. Goodyear has impressed within this category with its Ultra-Low Rolling Resistance tyres, zero solvent use, environmental management and recycling scheme. The focus for Goodyear’s application was based on the fuel saving advantages of EfficientGrip that had gained notable praise from environmentalists and the fleet industry.

The new Technical Innovation Award celebrates the latest innovations that make a real difference to the vehicles that they are fitted to. Goodyear’s OptiGrip is a shining example of an innovation that meets this description. The tyre, which incorporates SmartWear Technology, offers drivers excellent performance in wet handling, aquaplaning resistance and braking even when the tyre is worn.

For further information visit www.eu.goodyear.com/uk_en

THE SEARCH IS ON TO FIND THE UK'S SNOW SAVIOUR

Has someone come to your rescue during the UK’s big freeze? Maybe they helped shovel snow from your drive, gave you a push up a steep hill or simply shared a flask of tea in gridlocked traffic. Whatever the reason, leading tyre specialists Goodyear, want to hear from you.

To acknowledge the best story of a saviour in these snowy conditions, a set of Goodyear cold weather tyres will be given to the winning ‘snow angel’ to reward them for their act of selflessness.

Providing better traction, grip and handling on the snow, the tyres offer excellent control in winter conditions. Making sure you get from A to B safely, the tyres have undergone stringent testing to ensure that they are the leading cold weather tyres on the market.

James Bailey, Corporate Communications Manager for Goodyear, said: “By going out of our way to help others in distress we are preventing winter driving from becoming a stressful experience. By sending in your stories, we want to acknowledge the spirit that exists within the driving community to ensure we are kept safe during these treacherous driving conditions.”

People are encouraged to send in their nominations via snowangel@connect-group.com or via ‘I got stuck in the snow 2010’ on Facebook. Closing date for entries is Friday 5th February 2010.

For more information about Goodyear please visit www.eu.goodyear.com/uk

ENDS

News release issued on behalf of Goodyear by Connect PR

For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714 957 or email lee@connect-group.com