Based in Japan, Bridgestone Corporation is the world’s largest tyre and rubber company.
MAM Software has developed new e-business links with Bridgestone UK. The manufacturer’s account holders will now be able to order stock directly over the Internet, without the need for faxes, telephones or third-party software.
Runflats are becoming more and more common and not only for high sophisticated models such as the Ferrari 612 Scaglietta, which uses Bridgestone RE 050 RFT – but also for middle class models. However because it is necessary to use a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) when using runflats, these systems are becoming more popular from a lot of companies outside the tyre industry. In the next issue Tyres & Accessories will give an overview of why tyre dealers have to be involved in such a growing market segment.
Bridgestone has officially opened its third tyre plant in Thailand. The newly completed site, situated in the city of Chonburi, is predicted to produce 2,500 radial truck and bus tyres a day by the end of June 2005. What’s more the company estimates a further production capacity of 5,000 tyres a day by the end of 2006.
Bridgestone UK has appointed Andrew Whitehead as business development manager in a move designed to strengthen the company’s Truck Point network of independent truck tyre dealers.
Bridgestone has resumed rubber-rolling operations at its Tochigi refining facility two months ahead of schedule. Production was suspended after the building was destroyed by fire in September 2003.
Bridgestone has become the first tyre manufacturer to actively support Suzuki’s apprentice technician training programme.
Formula 1 tyre producers, Bridgestone and Michelin, provided the all important tyres for an event promoting the possibility of a London Grand Prix. The companies were part of a convoy that drove into London under Police escort on Monday night.
“Something like this takes a minimum of 18 months’ planning, so you’re most probably talking two years away.” London mayor, Ken Livingstone told the BBC. One suggested race route would “centre on Hyde Park Corner and Park Lane” and would involve cornering that would stretch the F1 tyre compounds to the limit.
Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya lent his support saying: “I’ve raced in a lot of street circuits in America and they test the teams and drivers more. To bring Formula One to people would be a really good thing.”
Former world champion, Nigel Mansell and future hope Jenson Button also supported the proposed London Grand Prix.
Bridgestone Motorsport has confirmed that it will be the official tyre supplier of the newly launched GP2 single-seater series when it begins in 2005.
The Bridgestone Potenza equipped Ferraris of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello successfully reclaimed the French Grand Prix crown as they claimed first and third places respectively. Fernando Alonso’s Michelin running Renault took second place.
Bridgestone Corporation is set to make a nine per cent gain in net profit to $891.6 million (£490.3 million) by the end of this fiscal year, according to a Japanese newspaper report.
The 2005 season will see the introduction of new regulations governing competition vehicles. The FIA has assigned experts to ensure that speeds will be reduced in the next Formula 1 season. The decision will also lead to further rules regarding tyres.
Bridgestone UK has made the first in a series of appointments to strengthen its Truck Point network.
Andy Mathias has been appointed Truck Point business development manager for southern England. His role is structured around the initiative taken by Bridgestone to support the independent business’ activities with fleet customers.
Mr Mathias has been working at the company’s European headquarters in Brussels for the past three years. Based in Bristol, Mr Mathias’ main responsibility will now be to improve the lines of communication between Bridgestone UK, and its fleets and dealers.
Truck Point manager, Jon Cottrell, said: “Andy’s dedication to the Truck Point network will bring the additional support to our network to make Truck Point the best truck tyre dealer network in the UK market place
Bridgestone has announced that it has begun supplying Potenza RE050 RFT runflat tyres to Ferrari, for installation on the 612 Scaglietti. This will be the first model that Ferrari has equipped with Bridgestone runflats.
In what is proving to be a bad year for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., the company has announced that it is one of several tyre producers that are under investigation from Japan’s Fair Trade Commission for alleged price rigging.
Bridgestone has invested £250,000 in training and refurbishment within its First Stop network.
The independent tyre dealers have planned a complete upgrade of First Stop outlets in a drive to reinforce the brand across the UK.
The investment will also enable the development of training programmes designed to improve the skills of both tyre technicians and management personnel.
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