AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 18 – One thing that everyone agrees upon when discussing weather is that it seems to be constantly changing.  For motorists, that can create headaches, due to road surface conditions that can go from dry to wet to icy in a matter of hours.  A new tire from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company helps drivers cope with such changing conditions.

The Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT is the company’s first dedicated winter tire for SUV and light-truck vehicle segments.  Goodyear has long offered winter tire options for passenger cars, mini vans and even high-performance automobiles.

“Coupled with a need to satisfy the performance requirements of drivers of these vehicles, Goodyear developed these new tires to provide enhanced traction in changing winter conditions,” said Gary Medalis, Goodyear brand general manager.

The Ultra Grip Ice WRT offers Winter Reactive Technology, a combination of innovative features that work together to help provide a balance of starting, stopping and turning action in a variety of weather conditions, such as snow, ice, slush, wet and dry.

Further elements of Winter Reactive Technology include 2- and 3-dimensional tread blades, a directional tread design and a Winter Grip Compound.  The Ultra Grip Ice WRT is comprised of two distinctive tread designs – one for light-truck applications, and one for SUV/crossover vehicle applications.

The new tire line is offered in 16 popular sizes – 10 passenger sizes in S speed rating and standard load rating, and six LT sizes in Q speed rating and E load rating.

Popular vehicle applications include Acura MDX, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford 150, Ford F250 Super Duty, Ford Expedition, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Ram, GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban.

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies.  It employs approximately 71,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world.  For more information about Goodyear tires, go to www.goodyeartires.com.

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