AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In many parts of North America, the cold is coming, along with the prospects of ice, snow, slush and generally sloppy weather for driving. According to the tire experts at Goodyear (NASDAQ: GT), now marks the time for drivers to actively prepare their vehicles for what lies ahead.

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A new tool to help combat winter temperatures and the ever-changing road conditions is the Goodyear Ultra Grip 8 Performance, inspiring confidence for icy twists and turns. While some owners of high-performance vehicles elect to park such cars for the winter, the application of the right type of tires may make that practice unnecessary.

Developed in Europe, where the use of winter tires on high-performance vehicles is routine, the Ultra Grip 8 Performance is available in the North American market this winter in 11 key sizes, for automobiles such as Audi A6, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS, Lexus IS250, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and many more.

Because winter temperatures often bring ever-changing road conditions, the Ultra Grip 8 Performance features a tread design with multiple biting edges to help enhance traction on slippery surfaces. Consistent grip at low temperatures is possible due to an optimized polymer blend and silica tread compound that helps maintain flexibility in the cold.

Confident grip on wet, slushy roads is provided by the tire's directional tread pattern that helps channel water away from the tread surface. The Ultra Grip 8 Performance also features a specially designed deep groove running around the tire's tread to help provide excellent lateral grip.

When braking, the saw-shaped center area of the tire helps push snow aside, while a variable-edged angle of the saw shape delivers enhanced snow traction and grip.

"Goodyear developed this innovative tire to help performance drivers prepare for the changing weather conditions of the winter months. Rather than keeping their fun-to-drive cars in the garage during the cold season, they have the opportunity to enjoy them, even in the middle of winter," said Brandy Gadd, Goodyear brand manager. The Goodyear Ultra Grip 8 Performance and other Goodyear Ultra Grip winter tires are available at select Goodyear retail outlets throughout North America.

Ultra Grip 8 Performance 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 is one of the world's largest tire companies.  It employs about 69,000 people and manufactures its products in 53 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 and its products, go to www.goodyear.com.

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company