Charlotte, NC (October 30, 2006) –  Continental Tire North America, Inc. (CTNA) will premier the Altimax series, the new flagship powerline for the General Tire brand, during the 2006 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. The debut is part of CTNA’s revitalization efforts for the General Tire brand which entails the brand’s steadfast commitment to meeting the needs of a broad range of consumers. "This General Tire line will focus on a wide range of today’s consumers. Consumers that not only demand a brand they can trust, but also one that remains proactive in technology to ensure the highest level of product performance and quality," said Travis Roffler, CTNA’s Director of Marketing.

The revitalization of the General Tire brand stems from an evolution of both mindset and technology that has yielded a re-engineered, redesigned, and re-energized brand geared toward today’s consumers with varying needs. To meet those varying needs General Tire’s engineers developed the new Altimax powerline to address the many challenges of today’s drivers. The innovative Quad-Tech technology of the Altimax powerline provides a combination of reliability, comfort, traction, and tread life. Features of Quad-Tech technology include: Visual Alignment Indicators (VAI®), a feature that permits consumers to visually identify tire tracking irregularities so that they can make mechanical vehicle corrections in order to extend the life of the tire; Acoustic Modulation Sound Technology (AMST), a sound wave suppression technology, works to substantially reduce road tire noise; and Twin Cushion Silica Tread Compound, which is comprised of unique high and low density tread, delivers the ultimate in ride comfort. Also, available exclusively on the Altimax HP tire is Replacement Tire Monitor Technology (RTM). RTM, a stamp imprinted on the center rib of the tire, reads "Replacement Tire Monitor" when new. As the tread of the tire wears away the stamp changes to read "Replace Tire" and is designed to visually indicate to consumers that a tire change is needed based on tread wear.

During the SEMA show, held October 31 – November 3, 2006, the Altimax RT and Altimax HP tires, the first of a series introduced under the Altimax name, will make their official debut. Also, during the event invited guests will have the opportunity to drive on the new Altimax tires and experience the benefits of the Quad-Tech Technology first hand. The initial launch of the Altimax HP/RT marketing line will occur in second quarter 2007. By the end of 2007 the Altimax HP/RT line will include nearly 60 sizes encompassing T, H, and V speed ratings, and aspect ratios from 70 to 40 series.

Continental Tire North America, Inc. (www.continentaltire.com), based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a group company of Germany-based Continental Corporation, a leading supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers. In 2005 the corporation realized sales of EUR 13.8 billion (USD 17.2 billion). At present it has a worldwide workforce of about 80,000.