Goodyear to raise commercial tire prices

April 19, 2005

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is increasing the price of its Goodyear, Dunlop and Kelly brand commercial tires by up to 6% effective May 15. Private brand prices also will be affected.

The rising cost of raw materials, higher energy charges and growing transportation costs are the reasons for the increase, the company says. It last increased prices for commercial tires on Feb. 15, 2005.

Other tire companies that have previously announced price hikes are Yokohama Tire Corp., Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC (BFNT) and Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc.

Yokohama will increase prices "across the board" on its TBS and commercial light truck tires effective June 1, 2005. Tire prices will be increased by 5% to 6%. Additional in-line adjustments will be made. Detailed pricing will be provided to dealers prior to the actual increase.

BFNT and Bridgestone/Firestone Canada will raise their truck and bus tire prices up to 8% on May 1. The companies will raise passenger, light truck, farm and OTR tire prices up to 8% on June 1.