AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With the seasonal shift from fall to winter upon us, now marks the time for drivers to actively prepare their vehicles for the colder months ahead. Winter temperatures often bring ever-changing road conditions, which can leave motorists stranded and unable to safely navigate the roadways. A new tire from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: GT) helps deliver enhanced traction in changing winter conditions.

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Goodyear's new Ultra Grip Ice WRT tires feature Winter Reactive Technology, which is a combination of innovative tire features to help drivers react to changing weather conditions with enhanced starting, stopping and turning traction.

"Goodyear developed these new tires to prepare motorists for the changing weather conditions of the winter months," said Brandy Gadd, Goodyear brand manager. "Winter driving experts, such as the ILR Car Control School, located in Mount Albert, Ontario, Canada, choose Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT for superior performance in winter conditions."

The new lineup of Ultra Grip Ice tires feature proprietary 3D TredLock Technology Blades for enhanced wet and winter traction and 2D blades for enhanced starting and stopping power on snow and ice. The light-truck and SUV tires are outfitted for optional metal studs for enhanced traction in winter driving conditions.

The tire line is now offered in 45 popular sizes – for cars, minivans, pickup trucks and SUVs. Ultra Grip Ice WRT winter tires are marked with the Severe Snow Conditions Symbol (Mountain Snowflake Symbol), a designation from the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the Rubber Association of Canada, which distinguishes tires that meet certain performance criteria in winter condition testing.

Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT winter tires are available at select Goodyear retail outlets throughout North America.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies.  It employs approximately 72,000 people and manufactures its products in 55 facilities in 22 countries around the world.  Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry.  For more information about Goodyear or its products, go to www.goodyear.com.

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company