Bridgestone Firestone Keeps An Eye On DesignFive “Bridgestone Awards” to be presented at 2008 EyesOn Design Automotive Design Show
DETROIT, Mich. (June 5, 2008) – Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT), through its Consumer OE Tire Sales division, is a sponsor of the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology’s (DIO) 2008 EyesOn Design Automotive Design Show.
The fundraising event – held on Father’s Day, June 15 on the grounds of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich. – benefits the DIO’s programs in research, education and support for the visually impaired and blind. The design show is recognized as one of the largest and most complete vehicle displays assembled each year, attracting automotive designers, automotive decision-makers and consumers from around the world. Historically, the exhibit has showcased more than 200 vehicles, including Indy 500 speedsters, stock cars, Formula One racers and hot rods.
“That we’re able to enjoy the striking lines and elegant contours of the world’s finest automobiles is a privilege we take for granted,” said Michael Martini, President, Consumer OE Tire Sales, BFNT. “The DIO is a remarkable organization that makes a difference in so many lives. We are proud champions of their cause.”
Martini explained that 2008 marks the seventh consecutive year BFNT has been a sponsor of the EyesOn Design fundraiser. Furthermore, it is the first of a new five-year commitment in which the company will increase its support for and presence at the annual Automotive Design Show.
Five awards – collectively “The Bridgestone Awards” – will be presented at this year’s event. Originally crafted by distinguished American crystal designer Steven V. Correia, the awards are crystal sculptures that capture the precision, clarity and reflectivity of the relationship between automotive design and the gift of sight. Judging is accomplished by automotive designers and/or teams of active and retired designers from leading automotive and supplier companies.
Individually, the awards are:
- The Bridgestone Best of Show Award – Best example of design from among the more than 200 outstanding and diverse vehicles exhibited in the categories of design competition.
- The Bridgestone Honorary Chairman’s Award – Presented by the Honorary Chair to the vehicle he/she chooses as the most outstanding in the show.
- The Bridgestone Visionaries Award – “Seeing” the vehicles with their hands, a team of visually impaired or blind judges will select a vehicle based on their “hands-on” perception of the most interesting sculptural shape from among vehicles in a specifically designated category.
- The Bridgestone Preserving the Vision Award – Presented to a museum, business or an individual collector who by acquiring, restoring and preserving vehicles is conserving for future generations significant examples of classic automotive design.
- The Bridgestone Eye of the Artist Award – Awarded to one of the participating artists during the event.
As well, Bridgestone Firestone signage will be prominently displayed at this year’s benefit and special Bridgestone-brand lanyards will be worn by VIPs, volunteers and DIO staff members. For more information about the 2008 EyesOn Design Automotive Design Show, visit www.eyesondesigncarshow.com.
EyesOn Design is one of many Detroit community outreach initiatives embraced by BFNT’s original equipment tire division. The company’s charitable endeavors extend to Habitat for Humanity® Oakland County and Belle Isle where, in 2007, Bridgestone Firestone funded the revitalization of a 2,700 square foot playground on the southeast corner of the island park.
Sponsorship of the 2008 EyesOn Design Automotive Design Show is made possible by a contribution from the Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund, the philanthropic arm of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH).
Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund
The Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund, the philanthropic arm of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH), is a charitable trust established in 1952 by The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, a predecessor to BSAH. It contributes millions annually to 501(c)(3) organizations in support of causes which champion children’s issues, education, and the environment and conservation.
About Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) 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. In addition, through its industry-leading Bandag brand, BFNT develops, manufactures, markets and sells retreading materials and equipment.