Bridgestone Now Supplying All Major European Manufacturers

Following recent original equipment deals Bridgestone claims to be a supplier to every one of Europe’s major car companies and main market segments. These agreements include the first non-Michelin Citroën OEM contract in more than 70 years, the new Potenza S001 and a rash of Ecopia fitments.

The fitment agreements for the Ecopia range of eco-friendly tyres now covers all car segments, from large luxury models to small city cars. Recent agreements include Ecopia fitment to Mercedes-Benz models, including the C- Class, SLK-Class and E-Class – the Turanza ER300 Ecopia is available as an option for each of these models. This latest OEM deal adds to existing fitment of the Turanza ER300 Ecopia and Potenza RE050 Ecopia to some Mercedes S-Class, including Hybrid versions. New Ecopia fitments with other manufacturers include the Turanza ER300 Ecopia on the Skoda Octavia (15-inch), Toyota Avensis and Vauxhall/Opel Insignia (17-inch); B250 Ecopia on the Toyota IQ and Prius; and Potenza RE050A RFT Ecopia (Bridgestone’s first Ecopia run-flat tyre) on the BMW Z4.

“All car manufacturers are reducing the CO2 emissions from their models, and one of the ways to do it is by fitting low rolling resistance tyres. Bridgestone tyres with ECOPIA technology are an important contribution to a sustainable environment,” comments Didier Schneider, vice president of Original Equipment sales at Bridgestone Europe.

Bridgestone’s new flagship UHP tyre, the Potenza S001, has already been selected as factory fitment for the Aston Martin Rapide and Ferrari 458 Italia. The tyre, comments the manufacturer, is designed with high-stiffness blocks to give maximum sports performance.

Bragging rights for breaking Michelin’s dominance in Citroën OEM fitment have been granted to the Japanese tyre major. Following an unbroken line of European OE supply dating back to pre-war times when Michelin controlled the financially troubled vehicle manufacturer, a rival suitor for  Citroën’s original equipment affections has emerged: “Expanding our business with French car manufacturers and a top European player like Citroën strengthens our position as a global player,” notes Schneider. Bridgestone has started delivering Turanza ER300 tyres for the new C3 5-door hatchback and Potenza RE050A tyres for the stylish DS3 3-door hatch, the first model in Citroën’s new premium DS line.