NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) March 7, 2000ùStandard&Poor's today lowered its corporate credit rating and its senior unsecured debt rating on Goodyear Tire&Rubber Co. to triple-'B'-plus from single-'A'-minus. In addition, the 'A-2' commercial paper rating and the 'A-2' short-term corporate credit rating on the company were affirmed. The outlook is now stable. The rating actions reflect Goodyear's higher-than-expected debt usage and weaker-than-expected cash flow protection measures, and Standard&Poor's expectation that challenging and competitive industry conditions will continue to depress debt protection measures in the near to intermediate term. Goodyear is the world's largest tire manufacturer, supplying both the replacement and original equipment segments of the industry. The company also produces rubber-related industrial and
