WILSON, N.C. (Nov. 10, 2006)- North Carolina—a state that is no stranger to technology with more than 2,000 information technology companies—has something new to be proud of as the Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) Wilson facility sends its first shipment of high-tech Bridgestone Run-Flat (RFT) tires to BMW. The Wilson plant is the first BFNT facility in the United States to produce Bridgestone-brand Run-Flat tires. The 225/45R17 91W Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT tires will be shipped to BMW’s assembly plant in Spartanburg, S.C., (BMW MC) for original equipment application on the BMW Z4.

“The dedication shown to the Run-Flat tire project by so many Wilson teammates and by team members from other BFNT locations has been amazing,” said Jim Pridgen, Wilson Plant Manager. “We could not have accomplished this milestone without the significant support from our colleagues at Bridgestone Japan and Bridgestone Europe.”

The tire was originally developed by the Bridgestone Technical Center in Japan and then re-developed for production in the Wilson plant by Bridgestone Americas’ Akron Technical Center engineers using the latest Bridgestone Run-Flat technology. BFNT manufacturing engineers and Wilson plant engineers were extensively trained in Japan on Run-Flat tire manufacturing processes and procedures. During the tire development process, prototype tires produced in the Wilson plant were rigorously evaluated in the United States, Japan, Germany and France to ensure that they met the stringent BMW tire performance requirements.

In order to qualify as a supplier of these American-made tires to BMW, the Wilson facility had to undergo a thorough evaluation and audit process conducted by the BMW AG Purchasing and BMW MC Supplier Quality Assurance groups. The Wilson plant has now joined a select group of Bridgestone Group plants that are approved to produce tires for BMW.

“The successful production localization to the United States of this Run-Flat tire marks an important milestone in our efforts to increase our North American manufacturing capabilities to meet the increasing global original equipment market demands for high technology tires,” said Michael Martini, President, Bridgestone Firestone North American Consumer Tire Original Equipment Sales. “It demonstrates our continued commitment and investment to incorporate the latest technologies to create better, safer products.”

Bridgestone Run-Flat Tire Technology allows drivers to travel up to 50 miles at 50 mph after a loss of air. The use of Run-Flat tires also eliminates the need for carrying a spare tire, freeing up extra trunk space and reducing vehicle weight for better vehicle fuel efficiency.