NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 4, 2005) – Car enthusiasts everywhere will have the chance to check out the newest Fuzion-equipped Scion tC project car, which revs up its cross-country tour on March 5 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Thanks to an extensive sponsorship between Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) and Hot Import Nights, one of the country’s largest and most popular custom car shows, the tour will allow people across the nation to enjoy the project car. The sponsorship kicks off just in time to highlight the release of the new Fuzion HRi tire line to the enthusiast and youth markets.

“We are excited about this sponsorship opportunity to help us promote the Fuzion HRi tire, which represents our commitment to deliver exciting new options to a wider demographic market,” said Michael Fluck, advertising and Internet manager. “Fuzion is not just a ‘tuner’ tire anymore. You don’t have to invest thousands of dollars in your vehicle just to make a statement with it. The Fuzion HRi is a great choice for the casual car enthusiast.”

To highlight the energy of this specialty market, “FUZ” and “NOIZ”, tuner twins who serve as company spokes-creatures for the Fuzion product line, will make their debut appearance at the LA show. As part of the sponsorship, the Scion tC project car will make 12 appearances from Los Angeles to Atlantic City, NJ, and BFNT will be giving away thousands of cool and unique promotional items at every event -- from custom designed Fuzion lanyards to distinctive headgear that glows in the dark on command.

The new Fuzion HRi product line was introduced to the market during the 2004 SEMA, Specialty Equipment Market Association, Show. The new Fuzion HRi continues to be promoted with a bright orange color scheme. With this in mind, the Scion tC project car features orange sherbet pearl paint from BASF along with interior orange accents, including an imprint of the Fuzion HRi tread pattern across the door panels.

The Fuzion HRi is a high-performance tire that features an asymmetrical tread pattern for great looks and optimizes handling. It carries an H speed rating and a UTQG rating of 400 for treadwear, A for traction and A for temperature. Engineered with the company’s exclusive UNI-T® technology, it is available in 24 popular 14- to 17-inch sizes with aspect ratios ranging from 40- to 65-series.

Another product in the Fuzion line is the ZRi, a revolutionary tire designed specifically for the automotive enthusiast and tuner markets. Launched in March 2004, the popular Fuzion ZRi incorporates UNI-T technology (www.TheFuzionZone.com) that puts you in charge of the road, whether it’s wet or dry. The ZRi is available in 37, 15- to 20-inch, 30- to 60- series sizes with a UTQG of 320 A A.