Solid market shares in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America; Diverse tire product line, extensive distribution, and strong brand recognition; and Successful new-product introductions. Need to further improve profitability of North American operations; Still-large, underfunded pension obligations; Intense competition from large mass producers and smaller, more focused domestic and international players; and Exposure to volatile prices for raw materials and energy. The ratings on Akron, Ohio-based The Goodyear Tire&Rubber Co. reflect Standard&Poor's Ratings Services' expectation that the company's credit measures will continue to show steady, but gradual, improvement into 2012. In its latest quarter, Goodyear made progress toward its goal of segment operating income of 5% in North America. Consequently, we expect leverage to fall to
