AKRON, Ohio, January 19, 2009 – The Dunlop SP Sport Signature and SP 60 tires are recognized in the February 2009 issue of Consumers Digest as among the best products in their categories, both earning a Consumers Digest “Best Buy” designation.

The current issue of the magazine showcases the best tires on the market, as rated by the magazine’s editors.  For the “Performance Car Tires” category, the Dunlop SP Sport Signature – a popular sport performance tire with agile handling and all-season traction – is the leading Midrange selection.  In addition, the Dunlop SP 60 – offering confident all-season traction and a 65,000-mile tread life limited warranty – is the Economy choice in the “All-Season Car Tires” category.  The Consumers Digest comparison list shows top-rated tires in Premium, Midrange and Economy segments.

“This is another great recognition for Dunlop’s outstanding product line.  We are pleased when independent sources and consumers recognize the performance of our tires,” said Todd Hershberger, Dunlop brand director.  “Dunlop’s prestige and passion are evident in the continued high level of our products, including the industry-leading original equipment fitments on some of the world’s best automobiles.”

The SP Sport Signature tire is touted by the Consumers Digest editors: “This tire delivers lap and braking times that compare with those of higher priced summer-only models, and its stiff center rib – think of it as a small band of racing tire – helps to make steering predictable.”

The magazine editors described the Dunlop SP 60 as “an excellent entry-level all-season tire that nearly matches the performance of higher price competition.  You can’t find a better tire for less.”

According to the magazine, a Consumers Digest Best Buy is defined as a product that offers the most value for a given amount of money.  The magazine editors have defined such products as those that merit special attention from consumers based on a combination of performance, ease of use, features, warranty, efficiency, styling, and maintenance and service requirements.

The Consumers Digest Best Buy recommendations are based on criteria derived from at least three of the following: 1. Personal (hands-on) product evaluations by the authors and researchers; 2. Independent testing and researching facilities; 3. Reports from federal, state and other government agencies; 4. Other independent technical experts; 5. Retail establishments; 6. Service outlets; 7. Consumers Digest reader and other consumer surveys; 8. Previously published evaluations in books, magazines, newspapers, websites, etc.

Of the thousands of products that are evaluated by Consumers Digest, fewer than 3 percent meet the quality and value standards required by the magazine’s editors to receive a Best Buy designation.  The magazine claims a circulation of 1.25 million.

Dunlop is a global tire brand with an excellent reputation among performance car enthusiasts.  Well known for its prestigious original-equipment fitments and sports car racing heritage, Dunlop is also a key supplier to sport compact enthusiasts featuring “tuner” tire sizes and race series sponsorships.

For more on Dunlop performance tires, go to www.dunloptires.com.