AKRON, Ohio, April 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- After receiving nearly 15,000 unique submissions for its national "Name the Blimp" contest, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) has selected 10 finalist names for its newest blimp. The finalist names were chosen based on criteria, including how the name reflects the history of airships, the majesty of lighter-than-air flight and Goodyear's track record of delivering superior performance and innovation.

The new blimp, which took its first test flight one month ago, is an all-new, state-of-the-art version of the tire company's world-famous icon. The new airship is larger, faster, and more maneuverable and builds on the company's legacy as the world's leading builder and operator of airships. 

 The finalists include the following 10 names:

• Adventurer
• Ambassador
• Commitment
• Excursion
• Explorer
• Goodwill
• Inspiration
• Pride of Goodyear
• Resolute
• Wingfoot One

Fans can vote on their favorite name by visiting www.Goodyear.com/NametheBlimp beginning today through May 9.  The individual who originally submitted the winning name will receive the grand prize of access to the blimp for a day. The other nine finalists will each receive a set of Goodyear tires.

Goodyear will christen the new blimp this summer, activating it to continue the company's tradition of providing superior aerial coverage of key events, offering charity opportunities, and serving as one of the world's best-known corporate icons. 

Goodyear Blimp History 
During its long operational history, Goodyear has built more than 300 lighter-than-air vehicles, including two large rigid airships – the U.S.S. Macon and U.S.S. Akron. This is the first semi-rigid airship to be built in the 95-year history of Goodyear's Wingfoot Lake hangar. The new airship model replaces the previous "GZ-20A" model that flew for 45 years.

Since 1925, Goodyear blimps have appeared at the most watched news, entertainment and sporting events around the world. The blimps also heavily support local and national charities, and community emergency response programs.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs approximately 69,000 people and manufactures its products in 51 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/corporate.  

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140417/76233
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company