Bridgestone nominated Volkswagen’s FAST partner for tyres

In July the Volkswagen Group nominated the first 44 suppliers who will collaborate with the vehicle manufacturer under FAST (Future Automotive Supply Tracks), a joint initiative that aims to respond to current automotive sector challenges and the digital transformation occurring within the industry. Bridgestone Corporation is the only tyre maker to have been nominated in this initial batch of suppliers; Bridgestone Europe president and CEO Franco Annunziato states that the company looks forward to participating in the FAST programme to “help provide solutions for the vehicles of tomorrow.”

Volkswagen AG says the 44 suppliers were chosen for their “outstanding performance in their respective field of competence based on a systematic selection process.” The next step of FAST will see Volkswagen deepening its top management level discussions with the nominated partner companies, with the ultimate aim being the successful implementation of joint technical innovations within much shorter timeframes than in the past, and a more efficient and effective realisation of vehicle projects worldwide.

Nomination as a FAST partner follows Bridgestone’s selection in July 2015 for a Volkswagen Group Award. Continental is also a FAST partner, however the company’s selection is based on its expertise with vehicle instrument clusters.