Nashville, Tenn. (April 7, 2005) - Need new tires? Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire (BFNT) is offering an enticing promotion for those who need new tires (or for those who want better tires) beginning in early April. From April 7 through May 7 the Need New Tires™ promotion will offer a rebate of up to $100 with the purchase of four select Bridgestone brand tires.

“At Bridgestone Firestone we understand the difference between wants and needs,” said Phil Pacsi, executive director of consumer tire marketing, BFNT. “Tires are certainly a necessity: they support the load of your vehicle, when properly inflated they offer fuel savings which is critical with today’s skyrocketing gas prices, and tires offer peace of mind when selected with key attributes such as wet traction design, Run-Flat technology or specific compounds or design for better grip in rugged or difficult terrain.

“We also recognize that tires can be a want: to offer better handling, better performance or as a matter of personal style,” added Pacsi. “The concept of the ‘Need New Tires’ promotion was born out of the fact that tires are often critically overlooked and that they should not be taken for granted.”

The Need New Tires campaign begins just as the automotive aftermarket industry celebrates National Car Care Month with a renewed focus on building consumer car care awareness. The Car Care Council spearheads the effort through a consumer education campaign, “Be Car Care Aware,” which promotes the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.

In addition, the Rubber Manufacturers Association highlights tire maintenance and safety issues during National Tire Safety Week, April 24-30, 2005.

More than 10,000 tire and auto service outlets participate in the RMA’s initiative through the distribution of educational brochures and other efforts to promote tire and auto safety. Bridgestone Firestone participates in tire maintenance and safety efforts through its retail tire centers and its Web site www.tiresafety.com. For more information on the Need New Tires campaign, please visit www.bridgestonetire.com, your local Bridgestone or Firestone retailer or call 1-877-TIRE-USA for additional details.