Bridgestone to Supply BMW Driver Training Programme

More than 54,000 drivers have taken part in BMW Driver Training programmes in Europe during the last three years and benefited from its specialised courses to improve individual driver skills, reactions and awareness. In August, Bridgestone announced the signing of a three-year contract to supply tyres to this business group within the German manufacturer’s “M” division. Through the agreement, Bridgestone becomes the exclusive tyre supplier for the BMW Driver Training fleet, which is made up of 1-Series, 3-Series, X5 and X6 vehicles, as well as the BMW M model range.

The move, says Bridgestone, further reinforces its strong partnership with BMW. In addition to supplying the BMW Sauber Formula 1 Team in motor racing’s most demanding championship series, Bridgestone has grown to become BMW’s leading original-equipment tyre supplier. Its share of more than 30 per cent of BMW factory fitments includes the supply of high-performance Potenza and Turanza run-flat tyres across the whole BMW car range.

From Bridgestone’s point of view, the BMW Driver Training programme fits perfectly with the company’s global safety and ecology programmes run in conjunction with the FIA Foundation. Bridgestone’s focus on run-flat tyres and the global objectives of the ‘Think Before You Drive’ and ‘Make Roads Safe’ road safety campaigns’ tie in closely with the BMW training programme’s orientation towards safer driving.

“The strong synergies between the two companies in terms of technology, performance and safety have helped Bridgestone build a strong position with BMW” says Gerry Duffy, vice president Sales & Marketing, Bridgestone Europe. “This deal with BMW Driver Training adds another dimension to our growing partnership.”