AKRON, Ohio, January 19, 2009 – The February 2009 issue of Consumers Digest showcases the best tires on the market, as rated by the magazine’s editors, and products from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company take top billing in two of the rated segments.

For the “All-Season Car Tires” category, Goodyear’s Assurance TripleTred is the Premium selection.  The Consumers Digest comparison list shows top-rated tires in Premium, Midrange and Economy segments.

In addition, the Goodyear Fortera TripleTred is the Premium choice in the “All-Season SUV/Truck Tires” category.

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.

“We are pleased that yet another independent source has recognized the tremendous value of our tires,” said Joey Viselli, Goodyear brand director.  “Goodyear’s product development efforts have focused on an application of relevant technology – advancements that are technologically innovative, but which also offer discernible benefits to those who drive on our tires.”

Of the Goodyear Assurance TripleTred, the magazine editors commented: “The standout all-season tire.  Its three specialized zones, for water, ice and dry, use different compounds – a unique touch – to help keep your car firmly on the road, regardless of the conditions.”

The Fortera TripleTred tire is touted as “the Godzilla of the SUV/truck tire segment,” according to Consumers Digest.  The editors stated, “It plows through any weather that gets in its way, thanks to the same technology that powers Goodyear’s top-flight all-season car tires.  This model is one of the few all-season SUV/truck tires to bear the industry’s mountain/snowflake symbol.”

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.

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies.  The company employs about 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 26 countries around the world.  For more information on Goodyear’s full line of consumer tires, visit www.goodyeartires.com.