Goodyear launches new UltraGrip 8 winter tyre.

The first directional tyre with 3D-BIS Technology throughout the entire tread pattern for more grip and shorter braking distances

Seville, Spain, February 7th, 2011 – Goodyear, one of the world’s leading tyre companies, is proud to introduce the new UltraGrip 8 – the first directional tyre with Goodyear’s patented 3D-BIS (Block Interlocking System) Technology throughout the entire tread pattern. Goodyear’s innovative technology ensures the new UltraGrip 8 answers the most pressing needs of drivers in a winter tyre: more grip and shorter braking distances, as well as improved braking and handling.

Performance tests run by German TÜV SÜD Automotive1, one of Europe’s leading testing and certification organisations, prove that the new Goodyear UltraGrip 8 provides 3% better snow and 3% better wet performance, with

• 4% shorter braking distance on wet roads (on low friction asphalt)1

• 16% more resistance to aquaplaning on curved wet roads,1

• 3% shorter braking distance on snow,1

• 5% more traction grip on snow.

“4% shorter braking distance on wet roads versus leading competitors in the market translated into metres means 1.6 metres which is a significant advantage. Being able to stop with your car more than one metre earlier is an enormous safety benefit in an emergency braking situation,” explains Hugues Despres, Goodyear Consumer Brand Director, Europe Middle East and Africa.

UltraGrip 8: standing on the shoulder of giants

The new Goodyear UltraGrip 8 builds on the outstanding performance results of its predecessor, the UltraGrip 7+, which received high praise for its performance from many leading international testing organisations and auto magazines including ADAC, Autobild, Auto Motor und Sport and Auto Express, Britain’s biggest selling car magazine, which declared the tyre “the safest tyre for the coming months” last winter. Goodyear’s UltraGrip winter tyres are one of the most successful winter tyre families ever, with excellent results in dozens of winter tyre tests since the introduction of the first UltraGrip.

Excellent performance in all winter weather conditions

Winter is one of the most challenging times for drivers. Temperatures are low and road conditions can vary greatly, with swift changes from dry to wet and snow or unexpected icy conditions. A winter tyre needs to perform well under all these conditions. The new UltraGrip 8 combines a number of innovative technologies that enable it to deliver top performance under a wide variety of winter conditions.