National Press Release

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- General Tire, fresh off a stellar inaugural season in its return to off-road competition, is unleashing the fury at a whole new level for 2009, with the signing of off-road racing champion "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090120/CLTU066 )

BJ Baldwin is a very talented driver with impressive racing record, including two SCORE championships and numerous race wins. BJ will be able to take General Tire to the next level in 2009 with the General Grabber Competition tire. He will leap into the season on General Grabber Competition tires at the SCORE Laughlin Leap and Desert Challenge January 25-27 in Laughlin, NV. General Tire is signing a three-year deal with Baldwin Motorsports, which will include all SCORE races, Mint 400 and a short course schedule.

"We had an unbelievable first season in our return to off-road competition, and with BJ on General Tire, we are expecting an incredible 2009 season," said Travis Roffler, director of marketing, General Tire. "BJ's image, aggressive driving technique and style are a perfect fit for General Tire. BJ has had a consistent winning record since he started desert racing, and we're proud to have him on our team. We're looking forward to a long and winning partnership!"

"I was impressed with the way General Tire came back into off-road competition in 2008. I have tested with the tires and I am thoroughly impressed with their performance," Baldwin said. "I'm pumped to join the General Tire racing team; we'll see you on the podium!"

Designed with a tough, three-ply Duragen(TM)-reinforced body construction to stand up to the rigors of off-road conditions, the Grabber also features a newly-developed competition-specific tread compound. In addition, the Grabber name and General Tire logo are prominently featured on the sidewall in red and white letters. The Grabber competition tires are designed in size 37x12.50R17 for class 8 and trophy truck/trick truck and 35x12.50R17 for class 1, 6, 7, 7S, stock mini and protruck.

General Tire also has a complete line of Grabber tires for the passenger and light truck market (available later this year), including the new Grabber DOT-approved off-road tire; the Grabber HTS, which delivers the perfect synergy of comfort, durability and performance; the Grabber UHP, which sets a whole new standard in performance and ride quality for SUVs, light trucks and crossover vehicles; and Grabber AT2, designed for aggressive all-terrain traction in all weather conditions.

For additional media information, visit www.ctnamedia.com.

General Tire is part of Continental Tire North America, Inc. (www.generaltire.com). CTNA, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With targeted annual sales of more than euro 26.4 billion ($40 billion US) for 2008, the Continental Corporation is one of the top automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for the powertrain and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, the corporation contributes towards enhanced driving safety and protection of the global climate. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Today, the corporation employs approximately 150,000 people at nearly 200 locations in 36 countries.

SOURCE Continental Tire North America, Inc.