AKRON, OHIO -- In a move to fortify its commercial tire and service network, Goodyear Tire & Rubber's Wingfoot Commercial Tire Systems subsidiary has signed an exclusive agreement to develop and operate truck service centers at Pilot Travel Centers LLC locations.

With eight Pilot Truck Care Centers already in operation, the development agreement provides a springboard for continued growth along major highways. Service centers will be developed not only at existing Pilot travel centers, but will grow in concert with new travel centers where trucking companies require a servicing presence to minimize equipment downtime and freight delays, Goodyear officials said.

Pilot Travel Centers LLC, the nation's largest retail operator of travel centers, operates 268 travel centers in 40 states.

Wingfoot-operated Pilot Truck Care Centers will provide trucking fleets with new tires, retread tires, limited mechanical service and preventive maintenance at convenient locations as well as roadside assistance.

The companies said the next 13 Pilot Truck Care Center locations have been identified and will begin operation by year-end.

For more information on Pilot Travel Centers, go to: www.pilottravelcenters.com .

For more information on Goodyear's line of commercial tires and services, go to: www.goodyear.com/truck .

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