Goodyear may change tire prices

AKRON (Oct. 31)—Goodyear will make an announcement Nov. 1 regarding tire prices in North America. Company executives did not indicate whether it would be an increase or other type of adjustment, but they told financial analysts recently the company anticipates 5- to 7-percent higher raw materials costs in the coming months. At the same time, though, Goodyear President Bob Keegan told analysts in a conference call that Goodyear wants to "sell more tires profitably by increasing productivity within our existing dealer channels. We've taken a fresh look at where our products compete," he said, "and we have 'right-priced' our products for the (appropriate) market segment. That may mean higher prices on some products, and lower prices on others. We will be competitively positioned."