AKRON, Ohio, July 8, 2015 – The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company teamed up with Volkswagen of America, Inc. to help the car company set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® achievement for the "lowest fuel consumption—48 U.S. contiguous States for a non-hybrid car" with an impressive 81.17 mpg. Goodyear and Volkswagen bested the previous record of 77.99 mpg by more than 3 mpg, and also beat the hybrid vehicle record of 74.34 mpg by more than 6 mpg. The record-setting Volkswagen Golf TDI^® was equipped with Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires, a tire designed with an innovative fuel-saving tread compound that can save drivers up to 2,600* miles of gas over the life of the tires.

 “Working with an industry leader like Volkswagen to set this record was a great opportunity for us to showcase the superior performance of our low rolling resistance Assurance Fuel Max tires,” said Paul Raymondo, Goodyear brand manager. “Many consumers want their tires to offer confident handling in changing weather conditions, but also want to save money at the pump. This record drive has proven that our Fuel Max tires excel at both.”

Automotive journalist and founder of Cleanmpg.com, Wayne Gerdes, and co-driver, Bob Winger hit the road from Herndon, Va., Volkswagen of America’s headquarters, on Monday, June 22 to visit all 48 contiguous states and returned on Tuesday, July 7, having covered 8,233.5 miles on just 101.43 gallons of fuel.

During their cross-country drive, the duo encountered a wide range of terrain and changing weather conditions—including extreme heat and heavy rains.

“In my experience, the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max has some of the best wet weather traction of any fuel efficient tire,” said Gerdes. “It’s why I’ve chosen them for all my personal vehicles.”

The Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max is available in more than 60 sizes, fitting many of today’s most popular sedans, coupes, minivans and crossover vehicles. Goodyear’s fuel-saving tread compound helps reduce energy-loss over the tire's lifetime and offers year-round confidence in wet, dry and wintry weather conditions.

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs approximately 67,000 people and manufactures its products in 50 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.

*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 P195/65R15 size tire tested on 2008 Honda Civic. Actual results may vary depending on when tires are replaced, driving and road conditions, and proper tire maintenance.