AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 12 - The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is introducing the economical Wingfoot APR, an all position rib tire for medium commercial trucks.

For highway service, the Wingfoot APR combines strong performance and exceptional value in either the steer or trail positions. The new tire also provides greater durability and more even wear in applications that expose it to significant side scrubbing - such as spread axle trailers, triple axle trailers and local delivery service.

"We designed this tire for the cost-conscious customer who wants a durable and dependable tire for multiple positions," said Mike Thomann, Goodyear's marketing director for commercial tires. "In addition, unlike some lower cost medium truck tires, the Wingfoot is guaranteed to be retreadable."

The Wingfoot APR has a five-rib design with a tread depth of 16/32nds. Its all-steel casing and belt package enhance the tire's durability and retreadability.

Goodyear testing indicates that the new tire provides greater miles-to-removal and more even wear than its predecessors. Tests also show that the Wingfoot APR matches its predecessors' proven performance in terms of handling, traction, rolling resistance, damage resistance and retreadability.

The Wingfoot APR will be offered as the original equipment successor to both the G132 and G114.

The Wingfoot APR is currently available in 295/75R22.5. Three other sizes - 285/75R24.5, 11R22.5 and 11R24.5 - will be available by the second quarter of 2000. All of the tires are designed for load range G.

Goodyear supplies original equipment commercial tires to leading truck manufacturers, offers a wide range of replacement tires to meet the needs of commercial carriers and independent drivers, and is one of North America's largest retreaders of medium radial commercial truck tires.

Additional information on Goodyear's medium truck tires, along with its agricultural and passenger tires, can be found by visiting the company's home page on the World Wide Web at www.goodyear.com.