Statement by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Regarding Recall of LTR Tires

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2007; The following is a statement by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. regarding the recall of LTR tires:

Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. (HZR) has a long record of producing high- quality, safe and reliable products. HZR has fully cooperated with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) to provide information on the scope of the recall and the design history of the products involved. While HZR has not found any evidence that the LTR tires at issue contain any structural defects or are missing any safety features, because FTS has initiated a recall, consumers who own tires within its scope should bring them into their dealer to have them checked.

Above all, HZR is committed to providing all of our customers with safe products and outstanding service. We are communicating with our U.S. distributors and are grateful for their support and business. We look forward to continuing to provide our partners in the U.S. the same high quality products they have come to expect from us.