Based in Japan, Bridgestone Corporation is the world’s largest tyre and rubber company.
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.
(Akron/Tire Review) Feuding factions of the labour union representing workers at Bridgestone/Firestone’s tyre plant in Valencia, Venezuela, caused the three-day shutdown of the facility, according to a statement issued by the company.
(Akron/Tire Review) Unconfirmed news reports out of Venezuela indicate that operations at Bridgestone/Firestone’s tyre plant in Valencia have been suspended since last Friday due to a disturbance that apparently involve trade unions seeking to represent workers at the plant.
Bridgestone, Goodyear and Michelin products all feature in Construction Equipment magazine’s ranking of 100 new construction related products. Goodyear’s DuraSeal commercial tyre technology was named editor’s choice in the ranking’s ancillary products division. Rod Sutton, editor in chief at the magazine, said editors considered about 700 product introductions before picking DuraSeal technology for the award.
Bridgestone UK has renewed its contract with PR specialists Nexnet for the sixth consecutive year. The Leeds-based agency has been retained by the tyre company to continue handling all its UK corporate, business-to-business and consumer PR throughout 2006.
Chester-based Allan Morris Transport, established in 1893 and one of the oldest transport companies in the UK, has switched to Bridgestone and its independent Truck Point dealer network for its tyres and tyre management services.
The new Renault Clio, which uses Bridgestone B250 tyres as original equipment, has been named Car of the Year 2006, beating-off stiff competition to win the prestigious title. The supermini has been redesigned with the striking new shape, a range of responsive engines and the comfortable, spacious and stylish interior clearly impressing the Europe-wide panel of judges.
A 33 per cent increase in the number of UK First Stop dealerships reaching Bridgestone’s highest customer service standard has topped a memorable year for the thriving network, the company has reported. Eight outlets across the country are now proudly operating as five star dealerships, with an equally impressive 37 having reached the very respectable four star grade.
After a four-way agency pitch, Bridgestone UK has appointed Gloucestershire-based Clear Communications to provide above- and below-the-line marketing support. The agency’s remit includes helping to build Bridgestone’s brand equity in the UK and providing tactical initiatives and support for dealers, including the First Stop network. In addition, Clear Communications will help Bridgestone to promote a road safety campaign in the UK, in conjunction with the FIA Foundation (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile). The campaign is entitled “Think Before You Drive.”
According to market research conducted by steel manufacturer Corus, the automotive industry is demanding premium quality steel at an unprecedented rate. Much of this demand comes from the Far East and Central and Eastern Europe, where tyre production is increasing at a rapid pace. In China alone, consumption of steel tyre cord has increased by 30 per cent a year since 2001. This year, the market is expected to grow to more than 300,000 tonnes. In response Corus has invested £14 million in rod mill enhancements to boost its ability to produce, handle and distribute these premium steels.
The Washington-based International Labor Rights Fund has filed a Federal lawsuit alleging that Bridgestone Corp uses slave and child labour on its rubber plantation in Harbel, Liberia, news agencies have reported.
The suit seeks class action on behalf of 12 adult workers and 23 children and claims the plaintiffs could not bring similar court actions in Liberia because of fear of retribution and a corrupt court system. The suit requests a jury trial and unspecified damages, according to the Associated Press.
More than 200 dealerships across the country are now certified to replace run-flat tyres, as part of Bridgestone’s comprehensive Run-Flat Certificate Programme.
The scheme comprises of free training for tyre dealers and fitters. To date 203 dealerships and in excess of 600 UK fitters and store managers have attained certification, and more than 400 machines have already been inspected and accredited by Bridgestone.
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