Yokohama's New ADVAN Sport ZPS (Zero Pressure System) Runflat Tire Goes on Sale Aug. 1

FULLERTON, July 30, 2009: Yokohama Tire Corporation now offers drivers ultra high-performance and security with the debut of its all-new runflat tire, the ADVAN Sport ZPSŪ (Zero Pressure System), which goes on sale August 1, according to Shawn Denlein, Yokohama director of sales, Consumer Products.

“Consumers won’t have to worry about being stranded on the road because of a flat tire,” said Denlein. “The ADVAN Sport ZPS can be driven up to 50 miles at 50 miles per hour after the loss of air.” “And because the ZPS draws from the heritage of ADVAN Sport – Yokohama’s flagship ultra high-performance tire – consumers can rest assured their safety comes at no expense of handling and comfort.”

The ADVAN ZPS offers strength from the inside where it uses rigid sidewall reinforcement with a low heat-generating compound that is 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 as well. 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 at an array of temperatures. Variable round grooves – cut in circular shapes at different widths and angles – prevent one-sided abrasion. Additionally, four wide circumferential grooves quickly evacuate water for enhanced wet traction and a groove-in-groove configuration controls stress to improve handling and promote even wear.

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

Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global manufacturing and sales company 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 “Tire Safety” section at www.yokohamatire.com.