Yokohama Tire Corporation's Commercial Truck Tires Receive EPA SmartWay® Approval

Media Contact: Bill Groak, PCGCampbell, 310/224-4940, bgroak@pcgcampbell.com

FULLERTON, CA (Jan. 15, 2009) - Three commercial truck tires produced by Yokohama Tire Corporation have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) SmartWay(R) program, which promotes cleaner, more efficient truck technologies.

According to the EPA, Yokohama's RY617^TM steer tire, 703ZL^TM drive tire and RY587MC2^TM trailer tire met the SmartWay program's criteria regarding low rolling resistance, which makes the tires run cooler. It also helps reduce fuel consumption, which in turn cuts costs and benefits the environment. Because of the EPA's approval, the tires can be used on trucks that are SmartWay-certified.

"Yokohama is honored to be recognized by the EPA for our efforts to produce truck tires that help save fuel and protect the environment," said John Cooney, Yokohama director, commercial sales. "Receiving approval into the SmartWay program reinforces our pledge to our commercial customers to produce the most technologically-advanced tires on the market."

Launched in 2004, EPA's SmartWay program identifies products and services that reduce transportation-related emissions. All of EPA SmartWay transportation programs result in significant, measurable air quality and/or greenhouse gas improvements while maintaining or improving current levels of other emissions and/or pollutants.

The RY617 is a high-value, highway line/haul all-position tire incorporating a five rib tread design with more than 6,000 sipes. It features long, even wear, enhanced water traction and durability. The 703ZL is the first tire developed using Yokohama's Zenvironment^TM technology, which utilizes high-technology to produce tires that are more fuel-efficient and help protect the environment. It features the deepest tread in the industry at one full inch - with the lowest rolling resistance in its category. The RY587MC2, which offers premium performance for long-haul trailer applications, features a combination of long, even original tread mileage, lower fuel consumption and excellent durability.

Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global producer and distributor of premium tires since 1917. Yokohama offers a complete line of truck tires which lead the way in performance and durability. Yokohama's technologically-advanced commercial tires offer maximum original tread life, long even wear, and low rolling resistance. These advantages help to ensure that the over-road trucking customer minimizes fuel consumption, achieves overall low cost per mile and maximizes their tire investment.

For more information on Yokohama's extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.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.