Goodyear is launching a new tire called Aquatred designed to provide improved traction in wet conditions. The vice president of marketing is analyzing key issues for the launch, including whether Aquatred meets consumer needs, the appropriate timing for launch, whether to expand distribution channels, and pricing and promotion strategies. Consumer surveys found wet traction is important to buyers and they may accept a higher price for Aquatred. However, competitors plan lower-priced, longer-warranty tires. A full-scale launch is estimated to cost $21 million and targeting the quality buyer segment through existing channels could attract nearly 3 million tire sales.