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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Firestone’s flagship high-speed tractor tyre – the R9000 Evolution (launched in March 2002) now has two more sizes in the range. Initially launched in the popular 540/65 R30 size, it was joined by 440/65 R 24, 440/65 R 28, 540/65 R 34 and 600/65 R 34 early in 2005. There is now a 540/65R34 and a high speed version of the biggest size, 650/65R38. These have been launched to accommodate the new 248 hp Fastrac8250. Rarely for a Fastrac, that means there are smaller tyres on the front, like a conventional tractor. The new JCB is capable of lifting 10,000 kilograms on the rear linkage. The larger tyre sizes are said to allow for an increased load rating whilst minimising soil compaction thanks to the larger footprint.
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.
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.
(Akron/Tire Review) In 1958 Craig Anderson sold his first set of Goodyear Double Eagles while working at his uncle’s tyre store in New York state. Now, after 40-plus years in the tyre and rubber industry, Craig has stepped down as president and chief executive officer of Hercules Tire & Rubber Co.
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.
(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.
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.
(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc. (BFCA) has presented this year’s Bridgestone/Firestone Canadian Truck Hero Award to Kevin Harris, a truck driver in Kamloops, British Columbia.
Harris “fought off flames and defied danger so that he could provide comfort to a dying fellow driver he had met only 10 minutes earlier,” said the manufacturer. He received a $3,000 check and trophy today at the Ontario Trucking Association’s annual meeting. BFCA is also donating a matching amount in Harris’ name to a memorial trust fund.
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