Look at those shoes: Goodyear picked for standard Flex fitment
They're not very glamorous, but tires make or break our driving enjoyment. Ford wants to soothe drivers of its new Family Truckster Flex, so Goodyear's Assurance ComforTred tires have been specified as the original fitment for the big crossover. The Assurance ComforTred uses a special cushion layer to smooth out road imperfections, the last thing anyone wants with a Flex loaded for bear with the kids, the dog, and a fully stocked refrigerator. The Flex is obviously designed to devour large stretches of interstate without a whimper, and Goodyear seems to think their ComforTred tires share the same appetite for asphalt, backing them with an 80,000 mile warranty and calling the Assurance Goodyear's very best tires. To make the Flex a success, the entire program needs to encompass multiple "very bests;" here's hoping. Press release after the jump
Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Ford Flex
[Source: Goodyear]
Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Tires Selected for Ford Flex
AKRON, Ohio, June 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The 2009 Ford Flex is one of the most anticipated new vehicles in years, and it arrives in dealer showrooms this summer riding on Goodyear tires.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE:GT) has been chosen to supply the standard tire fitment for the 2009 Ford Flex, providing the popular Assurance ComforTred tires in size P235/60R18. It is a premium passenger tire made with a special cushion layer to help provide a smooth, comfortable and quiet ride.
With seating for up to seven, a refrigerated console, multi-panel Vista roof, grooved door panels, rearview camera, all-wheel drive and many other innovative features, the 2009 Ford Flex is expected to become available this summer.
Goodyear tires are original equipment on many vehicles from Acura, Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Hummer, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan and Toyota. Traditionally, more new vehicles in North America are equipped with Goodyear tires than any other brand.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
MJK 9:43AM (6/26/2008)
This is a good change being that every one of these I have seen so far (all be it with manufacture plates) has had Hankook tires.
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SPG 9:16AM (6/26/2008)
I imagine to hear a lot of complaining from people who buy these used with cheaper tires.
Or those who swap the original wheels and tires for aftermarket ones.
That is if these "Comfortread" tires are as good as they sound.
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Vintage 9:16AM (6/26/2008)
How much did Goodyear pay for this bit of "news"?
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Josiah 10:15AM (6/26/2008)
Modern PR in action my friend. They practically write the articles themselves.
Michael 11:35AM (6/26/2008)
I was just about to say this story is not news worthy
Xcountryflyer 12:45PM (6/26/2008)
Product pimping at its very worst.
Randy 4:57PM (6/26/2008)
This article is very newsworthy:
Let's do some history! Firestone tires on SUV historically cause said a company's SUV to flip, crash and roll after tire defects cause incidents. At no fault of the SUV but SUV takes brunt of legal action. (still wondering how anyone could blame the suv when it was the tire).
So anyway! Same car company offers new CUV. The CUV will likely be replacing the current best selling SUV as the best seller in the CUV category! Similar usage type, lower to the ground! Heck it's the SUV replacement by any well-learned eye!
Thus, the car company wants to make certain that anyone learning of the new CUV also knows that Firestone will not be present this time around and that the Ford Flex is very safe! (i.e. Using the best tires!) Among utilizing highest quality manufacturing and no holds barred state of the art design processes.
Ford's is actually respectable since the design of the press release is to assure consumers and media outlets that Ford has built a high quality machine and uses high quality tires as to completely swat down anyone saying "is it safe?".
It's responsible, brilliant and something people will be asking! Why not answer it right away!
That's what I infer,
Randy
DCragtop 9:19AM (6/26/2008)
80k? wow
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AngeloD 9:21AM (6/26/2008)
The article really could have done without the snide "family truckster" dig at Ford.
The Flex looks to be a very competent design by all accounts.
If you hate Fords that badly why present any news about them at all?
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DCragtop 9:36AM (6/26/2008)
I think Dan is just trying to 'fit in'....I agree with you, this car..ur...wagon....ur...PUV(?) is going to be a huge hit. But until that happens, people have to trash anything that can't lap the 'Ring in under 8mins. Be patient, Ford will be able to serve crow later.
baffledu2 9:40AM (6/26/2008)
Agreed ... If this vehicle did not have the
Blue Oval on it the praise would be unending. Unique design ... creature comforts to nemerous to mention ... drives well etc. Why the "common wisdom" (usually wrong )that Ford can not build a GREAT vehicle is allowed to always sneak into every auto pudits comments is ludicrous.
BlackCanary 10:17AM (6/26/2008)
Notice there was no "Family Truckster" dig on the Sooby 7 passenger
wagon the other day. Well, no dig other than the one I laid down on
it. I actually dont think "Family Truckster" was meant as a
pejorative as much as a descriptive term refering to a large family
wagon. The Sooby would also be a Family Truckster in that sense, as
would the now defunct Pacifica.
GMeister 10:31AM (6/26/2008)
Nothing wrong with a Family truckster. Its honest. Clark W Griswold is something of a personal hero of mine.
Dan Roth 10:46AM (6/26/2008)
What the heck are you two talking about? Calling the Flex a Family Truckster is *not* a dig. The vehicle is huge, good looking, way more sensible than an SUV - you know, three rows of seats, tons of features for family hauling - it's a family truckster. It's a modern day interpretation of the Country Squire, and there ain't nothin wrong with that.
Dan Roth 10:59AM (6/26/2008)
"Why the "common wisdom" (usually wrong )that Ford can not build a GREAT vehicle is allowed to always sneak into every auto pudits comments is ludicrous."
Give me a break - do you listen to our podcasts? We had a veritable love-fest over Ford vehicles a few back. For crying out loud you guys are sensitive. I was not trying to insult Ford, the Flex looks great, I'm excitedly anticipating getting one to drive
ML 11:14AM (6/26/2008)
Naw man . . . I totally agree with the 'dig'. The Flex is about as good looking as the Family Truckster. Ford's designers are some of the worst in the industry. They're probably (secretly) responsible for the equally-as-ugly Ferrari California. That car LOOKS like something Ford would design if given the chance to style a Ferrari(!).
brn 9:24AM (6/26/2008)
Good tires (I have them).
Slow news day.
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Alex 9:25AM (6/26/2008)
what? no Firestone?
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That One Person 4:06PM (6/26/2008)
Does ANYONE use Firestones anymore? My dad had a 98 Ranger with them and two days after he got it, he switched over to Goodyears (I believe).
Shadooky 9:34AM (6/26/2008)
Serious Freedom! Goodyear! Goodyear!
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