AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 20, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the most successful and recognized product lines in the automotive passenger tire segment – the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max – has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, after evaluation by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO )

Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires will carry the familiar Good Housekeeping Seal on product packaging, in brochures and advertisements, and various displays. The Seal is an emblem of Good Housekeeping's consumer policy, which offers a two-year, money-back limited warranty within two years of purchase. See warranty for full details.

"This is just another reason to select Assurance Fuel Max, on top of the already well-recognized consumer benefits. The Good Housekeeping Seal offers high recognition and influence for products that have earned it," said Gary Medalis, Goodyear brand general manager. "Research shows consumers feel more comfortable purchasing a product with the Good Housekeeping Seal."

Among companies that have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal are Bosch, Panasonic, Sherwin-Williams and others.

An innovative tire, Goodyear's Assurance Fuel Max helps drivers save gas and spend less money getting to their destination. It features a proprietary fuel-saving tread compound that helps reduce energy loss as the tire rolls, so less gas is required to keep the tire rolling.  The 4 percent improvement in highway fuel economy delivered by the Fuel Max tires means, in essence, drivers can save up to 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of a set of 4 tires.*

The Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tire has contributed to high-profile fuel economy exercises to showcase the advantages of the technology.

In late August, Craig Henderson, of Bellingham, WA, drove his custom-built car more than 1,400 miles – from the U.S.-Canada border to the U.S.-Mexico border on one tank of fuel. With Assurance Fuel Max tires providing the traction, the car achieved more than 119 miles per gallon during the journey.

In 2009, in an impressive display of fuel economy, two drivers from Australia broke the "48 Contiguous U.S. States Fuel Economy Guinness World Record," driving a standard Volkswagen Jetta TDI equipped with Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires.  This three-week, 9,000+ mile drive through all 48 contiguous states in the U.S., showcased the potential fuel savings from the breakthrough fuel-efficient tread compound found in the new tires. Helen and John Taylor had set the previous record in 2008 with a mark of 58.82 miles per gallon. With the 2009 journey, the Taylors achieved a significant improvement in fuel economy with a strong final average of 67.90 miles per gallon.

The Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max also was named one of the "100 Most Innovative Products of the Year" by Popular Science magazine. The tire made the Popular Science "Best of What's New" 2009 list of products in the Automotive Technology category.

Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires also have been selected as original equipment fitments for recognized fuel-efficient vehicles, such as the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco, 2010 Ford Fusion S, and 2010 Toyota Prius.

As a replacement tire, the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max is available to consumers now, and offers all-season traction with a full range of 32 sizes, fitting more than 80 percent of the passenger tire segment. Additionally, Assurance(CS) Fuel Max is a tire with the same fuel-saving benefits, available in 21 sizes for SUVs and crossover vehicles. **

See www.goodyeartires.com for more details on the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires.

Goodyear (NYSE: GT) is one of the world's largest tire companies.  It employs approximately 69,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 57 facilities in 23 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, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

* Up to 2,600 miles based on a 4% fuel economy improvement, on 65,000 Mile Tread Life Limited Warranty, as compared to the standard Goodyear Assurance tire tested on P195/65R15 size – 2008 Honda Civic.  Actual results may vary based on when tires are replaced, driving and road conditions, and proper tire maintenance.

**Up to 2,600 miles based on a 4% fuel economy improvement on 65,000 Mile Tread Life Limited Warranty, 245/65R17 size as compared to the Goodyear Fortera SilentArmor tire tested on P245/65R17 size - 2005 Honda Pilot EX. Actual results may vary based on when tires are replaced driving and road conditions, and proper tire maintenance.

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company