Goodyear popular in mail-order survey
AKRON—Although it doesn't sell directly to the national mail-order and online company Tire Rack, Goodyear recently had two tires ranked by Tire Rack as the best choices in their categories.
Indianapolis-based Tire Rack, which retails tires and wheels, conducted a customer survey in which Goodyear's Aquatred 3 tire received the most kudos in the all-season tire category, while its Regatta 2 was No. 1 in the standard touring tire ranking.
Bob Toth, marketing manager for Goodyear auto tires, said the survey's results were "a bit surprising" since the tire maker doesn't sell direct to Tire Rack, but were a testament to the performance of both tires.
According to Goodyear, survey respondents said the Aquatred 3 was superior to other brands in wet and dry traction, hydroplaning resistance, cornering stability, steering response, ride comfort, noise and treadwear.
On the other hand, the ranking of Goodyear's Regatta 2—the company's highest selling tire line—is remarkable, Mr. Toth said, since the tire isn't advertised or showcased in new product lineups. It ranked highest in dry and wet traction, hydroplaning resistance, snow traction, cornering stability and steering response, Goodyear said.
Toyo has been named the official tire for the 2001 Speedvision World Challenge, marking the return of Toyo Tire (U.S.A. Corp.) to professional road racing.
The Speedvision event consists of two separate classes, for modified high-performance cars and touring/ sports compact cars. Its season opens March 2-4 at Texas Motor Speedway.
Stow, Ohio-based Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels (MT) has become the official tire provider for the Special Events Performance Series, which begins with the "4 Wheel Jamboree" in May in Springfield, Mo., and includes street machine and hot rod shows.
Bruce Hubley, CEO and president of Special Events, said that with its diverse product line, Mickey Thompson "represents a perfect fit," offering "high-quality tires for every aspect of the Special Events performance Series."
For every set of four BFGoodrich Winter Slalom tires sold throughout Canada this season, BFGoodrich Tires Canada donated $5 to the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association.
The company said it launched the effort to raise money for young Canadian freestyle skiers who have the potential to be world- and Olympic-class champions but need financial support to do so.