Bridgestone to Increase Production Capacity at Thai Plant

Tokyo (January 21, 2008) –Bridgestone Corporation announced today that Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd., a subsidiary, will increase its production capacity of radial passenger tires at its plant in Nong Khae by 6,000 units by the end of 2010. The increase in capacity is necessary in order to meet sales growth in Thailand and export markets. Approximately ¥10.0 billion has been earmarked for the project. Once the project is complete, the total daily production capacity at the Nong Khae plant will be roughly 36,500 units.

The Nong Khae Plant produces radial tires for passenger cars, which are supplied to original equipment manufacturers as well as for the replacement market in Thailand. These tires are also exported to Asia, Europe and North America. The decision was made to increase production capacity at the plant in order to meet forecasted growth in the demand of radial tires for passenger cars in the Thai market as well as in the export market. Bridgestone will also boost production capacity of UHP (ultrahigh performance) tires and winter tires, which are positioned as strategic products in the company’s passenger car radial tire line. These products will mainly be supplied to the export market.

With tire demand expected to continue its growth worldwide, the Bridgestone Group intends to create an optimal global production and logistics system designed to support its overall strategy.

Outline of Subsidiary in Thailand
Company name: Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd.
Location: 16th Floor, Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama IV Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Representative: Shinichi Sato (Managing Director)

Nong Khae Plant
Start of operation: 1995
Plant site: Approximately 480,000m2
Product: Passenger car radial tires