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Bridgestone Americas Showcases Tire Technology, Driver Safety Education And Environmental Excellence At The 2008 Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO (Feb. 7, 2008) –Only one tire company has created certified wildlife habitats at its U.S. factories and is working to make our roads safer by empowering students to create award-winning safety videos to influence peers behind the wheel. Those compelling stories are combined with an amazing display of technologically advanced Bridgestone- and Firestone-brand tires and open-wheel race cars to make the Bridgestone Americas booth a must-see attraction for consumers at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show.

“Our company has a fascinating story to tell about our commitment to the community, safety education and environmental performance that we are very proud to share with visitors to the 2008 Chicago Auto Show,” said Christine Karbowiak, Vice President, Public Affairs, Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. “This is a show for people who love to drive, so we’re also very excited to display our wide range of high-technology Bridgestone- and Firestone-brand tires. The auto show is a great place to learn about tires and vehicles. Whether you cruise in an ultra high performance sports car, go off road or drive a big rig, we have the tire to meet your unique needs.”

Throughout the 10-day 2008 Chicago Auto Show, visitors to the Bridgestone Americas booth (NH1) can expect:

Technology: Learn about the Bridgestone brand’s exclusive Run-Flat technology. The booth also features numerous other technological advancements, including the Multicell® compound Bridgestone Blizzak™ dedicated winter tire. The energy-saving Greatec Super Single, used on commercial trucks, will also be displayed along with the tire typically found on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Bridgestone Potenza and Firestone Firehawk race tires and MotoGP motorcycle tires will also be featured in the Bridgestone Americas booth.

NFL® and PGA: Learn more about the Bridgestone brand’s new partnerships with some of the leading properties in the sporting community. The Bridgestone brand is now the Official Tire of the PGA TOUR, the Official Tire of the NFL, and is sponsoring the 2009 Bridgestone Super Bowl Halftime Show (the brand sponsored the 2008 halftime show this past weekend). The Bridgestone and Firestone brands are also the exclusive race tires for the most prestigious open-wheel racing circuits across the globe.

Environment: The company’s environmental efforts — including, “One Team, One Planet” — will be showcased in the booth as well as numerous awards the company has received for its environmental commitment.

Safety: The company’s global driver safety education efforts will be highlighted in this area, including Think Before You Drive, Driver’s Edge and Know your M.A.R.I.O.S. (Mario Andretti’s Real Information on Safety). Student-produced safety videos from the company’s innovative Safety Scholars national video contest will also be shown in the booth along with information about how you can get involved and help make our roads safer.

Other unique guests and features in the Bridgestone Americas both include:

Tuesday, Feb. 12
Acclaimed fitness guru Andrea Metcalf will demonstrate Pilates-type movements you can do in your car during her special program “Leave the Spare Tire to Us.” Metcalf’s presentation during “Women’s Day” at the Chicago Auto Show offers simple isometric-style exercises (held for 10- to 15-second intervals) to do in your vehicle (when it is not in motion). Demonstrations will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will continue throughout the day. Metcalf will also be offering booth visitors a free 20-minute DVD.

Saturday, Feb. 16
From 2-4 p.m., WIND 560 AM Radio personalities Cisco Cotto and John Howell will be appearing in the Bridgestone Americas booth.

About Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc.:
Nashville, Tenn.-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 and associate 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 are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the world and produce air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAH family of companies also operates the world’s largest chain of automotive tire and service centers.