NASHVILLE, Tenn. January 26, 2006 - Bridgestone® brand Potenza™ RE050A™ RFT performance tires will be optionally available as original equipment on the completely redesigned 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Bridgestone Corporation will supply the stylish roadster with the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT Run-Flat tires in size 205/45R17 84W. Bridgestone also offers its Blizzak™ winter Run-Flat tires as an aftermarket replacement for this model.

Bridgestone Corporation has been supplying tires to Mazda since the first Miata was brought to the U.S. market in 1990, and this first-ever run-flat fitment is a result of the long-term relationship between the two companies.

“The MX-5 Miata is one of the best-selling two-seater sports cars in the world, and it’s exciting to secure this Run-Flat fitment on such a high-profile vehicle,” said Michael Martini, president, original equipment consumer tire division, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT). “Our Run-Flat Tire product fitments continue to grow among the original equipment manufacturers, and the Potenza RE050A delivers the exacting performance requirements demanded by Mazda for this redesigned classic.”

Providing high performance handling for the third generation MX-5 Miata, the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT tires come loaded with race-proven technology: the company’s exclusive UNI-T® technology for outstanding wet and dry traction, a tread pattern that promotes rapid water evacuation, variable dimensions in the tread blocks, and a smooth shape to reduce road noise. An asymmetrical pattern in the RE050A tread increases surface contact to enhance acceleration and cornering.

The Bridgestone Potenza RE050A carries a UTQG rating of 140 for treadwear, A for traction and A for temperature.

First introduced in 1989, the redesigned 2006 MX-5 Miata features a bigger interior and exterior and a new 2.0-liter DOHC aluminum 4-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower.