Yokohama's New ADVAN Sport ZPS® Runflat Tire to Debut at SEMA

SEMA BOOTH #40709

Media Contacts: Bill Groak, PCGCampbell, 310/224-4940, Cell: 310/849-3676; bgroak@pcgcampbell.com
Michael F. Hollander, PCGCampbell, 310/224-4981, Cell: 310/963-1656; mhollander@pcgcampbell.com

LAS VEGAS, NEV. - (Oct. 30, 2007) - Performance. Perfection. Peace of mind. That's what drivers have come to expect from Yokohama Tire Corporation's iconic ultra-high-performance ADVAN® brand. Now they can get something new - security - as Yokohama debuts its first ADVAN runflat tire, the ZPS, in booth #40709 at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Oct. 30-Nov. 2.

According to Jim Mayfield, director of ADVAN Brand, "the ADVAN ZPS (Zero Pressure System) can be driven up to 50 miles at 55 miles per hour after the loss of air."

The ADVAN ZPS will be available in 2008 in 13 sizes to fit such popular high-performance vehicles as BMW 3 Series/Z4, 5 Series and 7 Series, as well Lexus GS, SC and Mini Cooper and Cooper S.

Mayfield explained that the ADVAN ZPS offers strength from the inside. On the inside it uses rigid sidewall reinforcement with a low heat-generating compound that's designed to support the weight of the vehicle during loss of air pressure. An exclusive bead-filler delivers a comfortable ride during normal operations and high-rigidity under zero-pressure conditions, and an extra-thick bead wire placed in a hexagonal arrangement allows for easier fitting to the rim and reduces the risk of bead unseating after loss of air pressure.

Yokohama's latest nanotechnology tread compound offers additional grip from the outside. It bonds super-fine, high-grade silica and polymers at the molecular level to increase flexibility, durability and contact area by approximately 10 percent for better wet and dry traction through an array of temperatures. Variable round grooves - cut in round shapes at different widths and angles - prevent one-sided abrasion and maximize performance on wet surfaces. Additionally, four wide circumferential grooves quickly and efficiently evacuate water for enhanced wet traction and groove-in-groove configuration controls stress to improve handling and promote even wear.

Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global producer and distributor of premium tires since 1917. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation offers a complete line of tires, including high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, as well as off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama's extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com. For details on Yokohama's environmental efforts, go to www.ecotreadsetters.com.

Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the "Taking Care of Your Tires" section at www.yokohamatire.com.