Bridgestone Establishes Proving Ground in China

Bridgestone has been granted approval to establish a new $25 million proving ground in China follwoing a period of negotiation with Chinese authorities. Bridgestone aims to use this testing and research facility to develop a system that enables the swift provision of tyres for original equipment and replacement in the Chinese market.

Covering roughly 84 hectares, the new proving ground boasts a 900m straight track for high-speed performance tests and a curved track for handling and stability tests. Plans are in place to open the facility in June 2007. It will be capitalised at $20 million while a total of $25 million has been earmarked for investment in the project. The Chinese site will be Bridgestone’s 11th proving ground worldwide.

By establishing the facility in China, Bridgestone aims to test tyres for original equipment and replacement specifically for the Chinese market, while enhancing the speed and efficiency of development assessment and performance verification there. The facility will also be used for local sales promotion activities and training exercises for people both inside and outside the company.

In the future, Bridgestone aims to strengthen its local research and development capabilities in line with the advancements in motorisation in China.