TA And Bridgestone Firestone Sign Exclusive Tire Sales Agreement
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 11, 2008) – Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) has signed a seven-year agreement with TravelCenters of America LLC (TA) to sell Bridgestone and Firestone brand commercial tires at sites operated by TravelCenters of America and Petro Stopping Centers. This agreement also makes Bridgestone the exclusive premium commercial tire offered by both TravelCenters of America and Petro:Lube truck maintenance and repair centers.
“We are thrilled to announce such an unprecedented partnership among Bridgestone Firestone, TravelCenters of America and Petro Stopping Centers,” said Singh Ahluwalia, President, truck and bus tires, BFNT. “The truck maintenance and repair shops of both brands are vital to our customer service and growth strategy. The TravelCenters of America and Petro:Lube truckstop network helps us fulfill our promise to our national fleet and owner-operator customers by being more accessible than any other truck tire brand. This exclusive agreement with TA is a real triumph.”
“Our companies have made commitments to serve our mutual customers while helping each other grow,” said Art Campagnoni, Vice President, truck and bus tire sales, BFNT. “Fleets can be sure that Bridgestone tires will be offered at more truckstop locations than any other brand. With the help of TravelCenters of America and Petro:Lube, we can service our customers quickly and efficiently – so they can stay on the road hauling America’s freight.”
TA operates and franchises TravelCenters of America and Petro Stopping Centers in 41 states in the U.S. and in Canada. The combined TravelCenters of America and Petro:Lube replacement tire network boasts over 230 locations, over 950 service bays, nearly 2,800 technicians and 400 road service vehicles. The TA and Bridgestone Firestone agreement affects company-owned TravelCenters of America Truck Repair Centers and Petro:Lube Shop locations only; however, wide franchise participation for both brands is anticipated.
About Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC:
Nashville-based Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, motorcycle, agricultural and other tires to its customers in North America.
About Bridgestone Firestone Truck & Bus Tire Group:
Bridgestone Firestone Truck & Bus Tire Group, a division of Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC, produces medium and heavy duty truck tires for the original equipment and replacement markets. Bridgestone and Firestone brand truck tires are available through more than 2,500 dealers and truck stops across America. Around the world, top truck fleets and original equipment manufacturers rely on Bridgestone and Firestone brand tires for long tread life and low cost per mile.
About TravelCenters of America LLC:
TravelCenters of America (TA), headquartered in Westlake, Ohio is a leading national chain of travel centers in 41 states and Canada that operate under the TravelCenters of America and Petro brands. With convenient locations on interstate exits, TA offers its customers diesel and gasoline fueling services, full and quick service restaurants, heavy truck maintenance services, 24-hour convenience stores, entertainment and other services --- all within large, high-traffic facilities.
TravelCenters of America and Petro:Lube offer truck maintenance, tire replacement, lubrication, light repair services and roadside assistance at over 230 locations nationwide. With over 950 service bays, nearly 2,800 highly-skilled technicians and 400 service vehicles, TravelCenters of America and Petro:Lube are leading service providers to fleet and owner operator customers. TravelCenters of America locations are also exclusive Freightliner ServicePoint providers.
For more information on TA, please visit www.tatravelcenters.com. For more information on Petro:Lube Shops, please visit www.petrotruckstops.com.