The Union Of Durability And Strength Continues With New Bridgestone Duravis™ Tire

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 22, 2008) – The Bridgestone-brand Duravis M700 HD with exclusive UNI-T® technology is the latest addition to the Bridgestone Duravis family of heavy-duty light truck and commercial tires that deliver strength, durability and reliable performance for tackling the toughest tasks.

A commercial-grade light truck all-terrain tire, the Bridgestone Duravis M700 HD is intended for those who venture off-highway in the line of duty.

“Ambulances, construction trucks, land management fleets – even delivery vans,” noted Phil Pacsi, Vice President Consumer Marketing, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT). “The Bridgestone Duravis M700 HD helps the hardest working drivers get the job done and avoid costly downtime.”

The tire delivers solid traction in snow and mud thanks to an aggressive off-shoulder design and zigzag grooves with stepped block edges while dual sidewall protectors resist cuts and abrasions caused by common hazards such as rocks and debris. In addition, its tread design promotes stone ejection to help prevent “drilling” that can damage the tire’s belts and casing.

Special compounds, typically used to manufacture heavy-duty commercial truck tires, contribute to the high casing durability of the Bridgestone Duravis M700 HD and – in concert with its closed shoulder slots – allow the tire to endure demanding service for long periods of time, reducing irregular wear and ultimately extending useful life.

The Bridgestone Duravis M700 HD is also well-suited for full-size light trucks used to haul heavy loads or to tow boat or camper trailers. The Load Range E tire is currently available in several popular light truck sizes including:

Introduced in 2007, the Bridgestone Duravis family of tires draws upon the strength of existing Bridgestone-brand commercial tire offerings. It is a comprehensive line for heavy-duty light truck operators that accommodates a full range of vehicle fitments and uses in steer and drive positions.

Also available are the Bridgestone Duravis R500 HD – a full highway-depth tire featuring UNI-T technology for excellent wet and dry handling, designed specifically for trucks driven on-highway – and the Bridgestone Duravis R250, a Q-speed-rated highway tire that features an all-steel casing designed for higher torque vehicles used in pick-up/delivery and regional service.

UNI-T is an acronym for “Ultimate Network of Intelligent Tire Technology” found only in Bridgestone, Firestone and select associate brand tires. One of its core technologies is a CS·Computer Optimized Component System, CO™, which uses a super computer to help determine an ideal combination of tread design, casing shape, materials and construction for a particular application.

For downloadable images of Bridgestone Duravis tires please visit: www.bridgestonetire.com/media.