Goodyear is one of the world's leading manufacturers of tires and rubber products,
engaging in operations in most regions of the world.
Goodyear's principal business is the development, manufacture, distribution
and sale of tires for most applications. We also:
''manufacture and market''
''several lines of rubber and other products for the transportation industry
and various other industrial and consumer markets; and
''synthetic rubber and rubber-related chemicals for various applications.
''provide automotive repair and other services at retail and commercial outlets.
''sell various other products.
Our principal business is the development, manufacture, distribution and sale
of tires and related products and services worldwide. We manufacture and market
numerous lines of rubber tires for:
''automobiles
''trucks
''buses
''aircraft
''motorcycles
''farm implements
''earthmoving equipment
''industrial equipment
''various other applications
in each case for sale to vehicle manufacturers for mounting as original equipment
('OE') and in replacement markets worldwide. We manufacture and sell tires under
the Goodyear-brand, the Dunlop-brand, the Kelly-brand, the Fulda-brand, the
Debica-brand, the Sava-brand and various other Goodyear owned 'house' brands,
and the brands of certain customers. In certain markets we also:
''retread truck, aircraft and heavy equipment tires.
''manufacture and sell tread rubber and other tire retreading materials.
''provide automotive repair services and miscellaneous other products and services.
''manufacture and sell flaps for truck tires and other types of tires.
Product Launch. On February'6, 2004, we launched our new line of Assurance'
passenger tires. The Goodyear Assurance featuring ComforTred Technology' is
a premium auto tire that promises a quiet ride and high comfort, a choice for
drivers of premium luxury vehicles. Assurance featuring TripleTred Technology'
features all weather performance through three unique tread zones ' Water Zone,
Ice Zone and Dry Zone, and is intended for broad market appeal. In February'
2004, we also launched two new lines of high performance summer passenger tires
in Europe: Goodyear HydraGrip', specially developed for rainy and wet weather
conditions featuring DynamicDrain TRED technology; and Dunlop Sport Maxx', a
tire with outstanding dry handling capability featuring Multi Radius Tread technology.
New tires are sold under highly competitive conditions throughout the world.
On a worldwide basis, Goodyear has two major competitors: Bridgestone (based
in Japan) and Michelin (based in France). Other significant competitors include
Continental, Cooper Tire, Pirelli, Toyo, Yokohama, Kumho, Hankook and various
regional tire manufacturers.