Next Generation Wants Run-Flats, Traction on Slippery Roads
27 April 1999
Goodyear: Next Generation Wants Run-Flats, Traction on Slippery RoadsAKRON, Ohio, April 27 -- The next generation of drivers wants tires that won't go flat and vehicles that grip the road through rain, snow and ice. At least that's the advice from a group of eighth graders, members of Junior Achievement, from Twinsburg, Ohio. Goodyear marketers and engineers say they've worked on these and other projects to satisfy drivers' needs. However, even a bit of unscientific research can't hurt. Joe Campo, a business development manager at Goodyear, asked the students what they would "look for in the next generation of Goodyear?" Campo said he was surprised by their answers. In many cases, they reflect the desires of another generation -- their parents. Nearly 60 percent of 98,000 vehicle buyers said they wanted run-flat tires on their next car, according to a very scientific J.D. Power and Associates study. Both surveys point to a desire for safety. One boy, Brent, said he'd like "tires where you never have to worry about a flat." Goodyear has that handled with a bevy of run-flat tire lines to fit several applications, including the affordable Eagle Aquasteel EMT run-flat tire on the family car. Ebonie dreamed of "smart" tires for the family car. "We need tires that adjust to the weather so that when it's winter and it starts to snow, the tires can prevent sliding and also when it's raining. And tires that adjust to conditions like mud, sand, wind, dirt and spills on the road." More than a few sought tires with excellent winter traction on ice and snow. Goodyear recently introduced four new lines of winter tires for the family car, the sports utility vehicle and the sports car. The students also said they want tires that are long wearing and a good value. Then there's Kelly, who apparently wants tires that make a fashion statement. "We need different colors of tires instead of black. Maybe purple or blue, something to match the car color."