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Next Generation Goodyear RunOnFlat: Showcasing the future of tyre safety technology.

The latest generation Goodyear RunOnFlat tyres, which was officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show 2010, offers numerous benefits to car makers, consumers and the environment, including reduced mass and rolling resistance, improved fuel consumption which translates in reduced CO2 emission levels.

Geneva, Switzerland, March 9, 2010 – Goodyear is proud to announce the introduction of its latest generation RunOnFlat tyre technology. Goodyear has a longstanding reputation as leader in the development of innovative tyre technologies that contribute to road safety. Over the past years, market acceptance of RunOnFlat has grown significantly and the company has continued to focus its research and engineering know-how in refining the technology.

The latest generation Goodyear RunOnFlat tyres, which is officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show 2010, offers numerous benefits to car makers, consumers and the environment, including reduced mass and rolling resistance, improved fuel consumption which translates in reduced CO₂ emission levels. The latest generation also marks another breakthrough for RunOnFlat: the new RunOnFlat tyres offer comfort levels comparable to regular tyres. Car manufacturers therefore do not need to modify the suspension or chassis of their models in order to use the new RunOnFlat tyres – all cars equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System can be equipped with tyres featuring the latest generation RunOnFlat technology.

TÜV SÜD confirms excellent performance of latest generation RunOnFlat.

Independent German testing organization TÜV SÜD Automotive conducted an extensive test program and confirmed the tyres’ excellent comfort and performance characteristics: The latest generation Goodyear RunOnFlat tyres has been certified as delivering the same or better performance levels than tyres from main competitors that are not equipped with such a safety technology. This includes a 4% shorter braking distance on wet roads and 13% lower rolling resistance levels when compared to the average of the tested tyres. TÜV SÜD Automotive also confirmed the extended mobility capability of Goodyear’s safety technology, which enables drivers to continue their journey even after a puncture or complete loss of air pressure for at least 80km at maximum speed of 80km/h.

All objective and subjective TÜV SÜD Automotive tests confirmed that the tested Goodyear tyres with RunOnFlat technology are as comfortable as the tested competitor tyres without this safety technology.

Safety a key priority for all.

Road safety remains a top priority not only for Goodyear but also for European Regulators. In 2009, European decision makers passed the New Safety Regulation 661, which makes a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System mandatory on every new type approved car as of 2012 and for all news cars sold from 2014. In the very near future, all new cars will thus be equipped with such a system and can be fitted with the latest generation of RunOnFlat tyres.

Safety and mobility.

The most important safety benefit of Goodyear’s RunOnFlat tyres is the fact that they minimize the risk of an accident as the driver maintains control over the wheel in the event of a puncture or full loss of tyre air pressure. Goodyear RunOnFlat tyres allow drivers to keep on driving in the event of a puncture and therefore leave them ample time to get home or to a nearby repair shop by providing continued mobility within a distance of at least 80km and at a maximum speed of 80km/h – even on a fully deflated tyre.

Goodyear’s RunOnFlat effectively puts an end to the dangers and hassle of changing a tyre whilst being exposed to passing traffic or unloading the boot in the pouring rain to find the spare tyre. With consumers spending a significant amount of time on increasingly busy roads, active vehicle safety technologies such as RunOnFlat tyres continue to gain popularity.

Considerate to the environment: less fuel and CO2.

Goodyear’s new generation RunOnFlat tyre technology not only provides additional comfort but also ensures less rolling resistance, which leads to lower fuel consumption and less CO₂ emissions. The new generation RunOnFlat tyres support automotive manufacturers to bring to market vehicles that adhere to stricter CO₂ emission guidelines and limits set by European authorities.

With RunOnFlat tyres, there is also no need for a spare wheel or a car jack. This frees up space for luggage, lowers cost and saves weight, which leads to greater fuel economy and has a positive impact on the environment as well.

Over 2 Million RunOnFlat tyres sold in 2009.

Several car manufacturers have decided to complete their vehicle’s safety packages with the industry’s leading tyre technology that protects drivers and their families in case of a sudden air loss – a seldom but risky incident. Goodyear delivers RunOnFlat tyres to leading car makers such as Audi, BMW, Mini, Mercedes-Benz and several others. In 2009 Goodyear sold over 2 million tyres with RunOnFlat Technology in Europe.