Yokohama Releases S.drive™ High Performance Tire

Nanotechnology Compounds Conform to the Road Surface

Contact: Michael F. Hollander, PCGCampbell, 310/224-4981 mhollander@pcgcampbell.com

FULLERTON, Calif. (July 2, 2007) - Yokohama Tire Corporation's all-new S.drive™ tire begins shipping the first week of July from the company's three distribution centers throughout the United States.

S.drive with nanotechnology provides extraordinary grip and handling in sizes to fit the broad range of sport sedans and coupes like BMW 3-series, Honda Civic and the Ford Mustang. The S.drive is available in sizes to fit 15-20 inch wheels, in aspect ratios from 30-55 and in sizes up to 285/30R20 99Y. The initial rollout will feature over 70 sizes and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2007.

"Extensive testing shows the S.drive performs better in both wet and dry conditions than the AVS ES100™ it replaces", ," said Dan King, Yokohama's vice-president of sales. "The S.drive is quieter, features more even wear and is available in a much greater range of sizes than the ES100 and others in its class."

Yokohama engineers created a silica-based compound, using nanotechnology, to conform to the road surface, maximizing grip in wet and dry conditions. Tiny scores within the tire groove walls, similar to sipes on the tire's surface, effectively distribute stress loads and further reduce uneven wear.

"Yokohama pioneered the use of nanotechnology and the S.drive is the result of our developments using that innovation," said King.

S.drive is equipped with four, wide circumferential grooves for enhanced wet traction, while angled groove walls optimize road surface contact and provide enhanced cornering traction.

An unbroken center rib maintains continuous road contact, improves lateral stability and minimizes uneven wear while enhancing comfort.

S.drive carries Yokohama's 30-day Performance Promise.

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.

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.