Solid market shares in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America A diverse tire product line, extensive distribution, and strong brand recognition Improved profitability during the past two years The need to further improve profitability of North American operations Intense competition from large mass producers and smaller, more focused domestic and international players Exposure to volatile prices for raw materials and energy On Nov. 18, 2008, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said its ratings on The Goodyear Tire&Rubber Co. remain on CreditWatch with negative implications, where they were placed Nov. 13, 2008 (along with those of a number of other suppliers), as a result of the company's exposure to General Motors Corp. (CCC+/Negative/--), Ford Motor Co. (B-/Watch Neg/--), and
