Based in Japan, Bridgestone Corporation is the world’s largest tyre and rubber company.
Vauxhall has launched a new version of its user-friendly Zafira, which fits Bridgestone tyres as original equipment. Featuring the versatile Flex7 seating design that first appeared on the original car in 1999, a wide range of engines, and a choice of Bridgestone’s Potenza or Turanza tyres, the new Zafira is expected to become a popular choice for UK drivers.
Bridgestone Corporation has equipped two concept vehicles with custom-made Bridgestone Potenza tyres for an exhibition stand at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The one-off Bridgestone brand tyres were built in cooperation with Mazda and Infiniti, the original equipment automotive manufacturers’ vehicles on which they will be featured.
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Reports in the Shanghai Daily say that Bridgestone has opened a 1.6 million Yuan (US$ 198,270) “Car Wing” store in Shanghai. The store covers 789 square metres and is Bridgestone’s largest in China. It is also the first built by the tyre manufacturer, as its other stores were built by dealers.
The next president and chief executive of the Bridgestone Corporation will be Shoshi Arakawa (61), the former head of the company’s European operations. His appointment will become effective on 30th March.
(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone Americas Holding said that the Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund donated more than $3 million to nearly 700 US charities and non-profits in 2005, including more than $800,000 to charities in Middle Tennessee. The donations included relief funds for victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone Corp plans to spend some $100 million to build a synthetic rubber factory in China, which the company said is necessary to meet growing demand worldwide.
Michelin is to end its Formula One involvement after the 2006 season, the French manufacturer has reported. Explaining its decision, Michelin said it would not supply a single supplier Formula 1 series and was not happy with F1’s new direction, but did not rule out rejoining the series, if the rules were modified.
For many motorsport observers this is a somewhat understated way of describing the rift that has emerged between the manufacturer and the sport’s governing bodies. The manufacturer also complained of “constant changes to racing regulations without warning.” Following a disastrous US Grand Prix, and public disagreements with the FIA chief, Max Mosely, Michelin have obvious decided to leave the Formula 1 circus to the only other act on the scene – Bridgestone.
Tyre manufacturer Firestone has reported that more farmers are demanding 65 series tyres, instead of 70 series or standard 85 series. Tyres & Accessories magazine asked to Barry Coleman, Firestone’s marketing manager about the swing.
(Akron/Tire Review) The union feud that forced Bridgestone/Firestone to twice close its Valencia, Venezuela, plant has apparently ended and the plant has restarted production. Tyres were rolling off the line late on 6 December, according to a company spokesman.
Bridgestone is planning to open a European distribution centre in the Czech Republic in July 2006, Gert Meylemans, senior manager corporate PR at Bridgestone Europe NV/SA told Czech Business Weekly.
Bridgestone has announced the results of its pan-European competition to win an Actros truck. The competition, which attracted entries from hundreds of feet operators from 14 countries, was won by German logistics company Aug. W. Bode GmbH, based at Bad Salzuflen.
Sensor Products LLC has produced a “next generation” tyre tread footprint profiling system, which is already in use by manufacturers like Kumho. Capable of thousands of uses with consistent repeatability, the Tactilus is reportedly able to detect a wider range of pressures and offers greater advantages to engineers than its predecessor in the areas of adaptability and customisation.
Bridgestone Australia Ltd has unveiled a new Tyre Assembly Machine (TAM) at its Salisbury, Australia facility. According to the company, the new TAM represents a “significant investment” and will be used to manufacture 17 inch tyres, which are currently sourced from outside Australia.
Bridgestone has launched what the company calls its “most technologically advanced general use tyre to date.” The new tyre will replace the original equipment B391 and B390 tyres, and the B330 Evo, which is sold purely in the replacement market. The move is designed to simplify the company’s range of general use tyres, increase brand recognition, and make the ordering process easier for dealers, the company said in a statement.
(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT) announced that its Bridgestone-brand Potenza RE92A tyre has been selected for OE fitment on the 2006 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 luxury sport sedans.
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