My 2 cents.... I used to have a family member at board room level in a major automotive company. We discussed cars all the time, when we spoke. Without getting into specifics, while the rating / etc might be a factor in the decision to select a standard tire for the vehicle, cost is the major factor. Tire manufacturers compete for this "privilege" because they know most people will continue with them when they need to be replaced. But, the manufacturers pay pennies on the dollar.... That said, the only blowout I've ever had was a sidewall fail on a Goodyear tire... I've always put Michelin's on my cars.... Consider this...it's the only thing keeping you on the road. No, it's not a class thing about Goodyears...I'd put on whatever I thought was going to keep me safe... Good luck