CHICAGO, February 10, 2009 – With uncertainty around fluctuating fuel prices, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company offers tire technology that helps provide drivers with an opportunity to save at the pump – or, in the case of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt – added driving efficiency even before they get to a gas pump.

As the chosen exclusive tire on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max offers a breakthrough in efficiency combined with all-season driving confidence.

Goodyear’s Fuel Max Technology was first developed for use in large truck tires, where fuel savings and overall driving efficiency are critical for fleets and individual truck operators. The technology is now being applied to automobile tires, with the usage on the Volt recognized as the first-announced original equipment usage of this breakthrough product.

Compared to the original Goodyear Assurance tire, the newly announced Assurance Fuel Max provides 27 percent less rolling resistance, which equates to a 4 percent improvement in highway fuel economy.  In essence, this greater fuel efficiency means drivers can potentially save 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of the tire on a conventional vehicle.**

“In response to today’s economic environment and uncertain gas prices, drivers everywhere are trying to use less gas.  It’s all part of a larger consumer trend toward spending money more wisely,” said Joey Viselli, Goodyear brand director.  “With Fuel Max Technology being used on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, Goodyear is working with General Motors to offer a fuel-efficient solution, with great wet and dry traction.”

A key element is a fuel-saving tread compound that helps reduce energy loss as the tire rolls, so less effort is required to keep the tire rolling.  This proprietary tread compound helps reduce energy loss as the tire rotates.

The Assurance Fuel Max features a Wet Tread Zone with Dual AquaChannel Grooves.  It helps evacuate water away from the treadface for great wet traction. Plus, Zig-Zagging Micro Grooves and Center Tread Notches help grip the road in rain or light snow.  The Dry Zone, with strong shoulder blocks, helps enhance handling and grip for confident maneuvering on dry pavement.

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 about Goodyear consumer tires, go to www.goodyeartires.com.

**(Note: This savings is 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 on a 2008 Honda Civic.)

Note to editors: For downloadable images, go to www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com … keywords: ASSURANCE FUEL MAX.