Bridgestone Shipments of Runflat Tires Top Three Million
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 2, 2005) - Bridgestone Corporation, parent company of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH), announced last week that it recently shipped its three-millionth runflat tire. Runflat tires continue to function safely at a specified speed for a specified distance after a loss of air pressure.
A pioneer in developing runflat technologies, Bridgestone delivered its first runflat tires in the early 1980s. Its initial runflat tires were for specially manufactured vehicles for physically disabled persons. The tire manufacturer delivered its first runflats for a production vehicle model in 1987. That was for the Porsche 959.
Bridgestone's runflat production has accelerated since 1999 as automakers have adopted runflat specifications on a growing range of vehicle models. The historic three-millionth tire left a Bridgestone plant in September.
After marking one million shipments in February 2004, the following two million shipments were achieved in as little as one year and seven months. Rapid growth in demand for runflats coupled with Bridgestone’s capability in developing runflat technologies and its efforts to strengthen production system are seen as the primary reasons for the fast increase in shipments.
There are two types of runflat systems. The self supporting runflat tire has reinforced sidewalls to support the load of the vehicle even after a loss of tire pressure. With the support ring-type runflat system, a core ring supports the vehicle in case of air loss by fixing the tire bead on the rim. The three million shipments were of self supporting runflat tires, which help retain superior handling and comfort while incorporating runflat assurance.
Runflat tires continue to operate at a specified speed for a specified distance after losing pressure under normal conditions at 0kPa air pressure. This vastly improves safety in the event of a sudden loss of pressure as with a puncture. In addition, runflats eliminate the need for carrying a spare tire. This contributes to fuel economy through weight-savings, and it gives automakers greater latitude in designing vehicles. Eliminating the spare tire also reduces rubber consumption and rubber scrap. Bridgestone's runflat tires are installable on conventional wheels.
About Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc.:
Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH) is the U.S. subsidiary of the Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BSAH and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies also produce air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber and industrial fibers and textiles and operate the world’s largest chain of automotive tire and service centers.
About Bridgestone Corporation:
Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world's largest manufacturer of tires and other rubber products. Tires account for 80 percent of Bridgestone Group sales worldwide. The company also manufactures industrial rubber and chemical products, sporting goods, and other diversified products. It sells its tires and other products in more than 150 nations.