Bridgestone Concludes Joint Venture Agreement in Anti-vibration Rubber for Automobiles with India-based TVS GroupReinforces business foundations in India, where automobile demand is growing

Tokyo (December 4, 2008) — Bridgestone Corporation (“Bridgestone”) announced today that it has concluded an agreement to establish a joint venture in anti-vibration rubber for automobiles with Sundaram Industries Ltd., which has headquarters in Tamil Nadu, India, on December 3, 2008.

As a member of the TVS Group, a prominent business group in India, Sundaram Industries Ltd. is a leading company of anti-vibration rubber for automobiles in India, where it has a high presence. Bridgestone concluded a technical assistance agreement in anti-vibration rubber for automobiles business with Sundaram Industries Ltd. in 1996, and the two companies have built a close relationship over the years. Bridgestone believes the joint venture will enable the production and sale of high-quality products boasting technical superiority at a competitive cost in the expanding Indian market, and lead to an enhanced global supply chain.

Anti-vibration rubber for automobiles is used in the engine and chassis of an automobile to suppress noise and vibration, and thus contribute to a quieter, more comfortable driving experience. Bridgestone has production and sales sites in Japan, the United States, China and Thailand, and supplies anti-vibration rubber for automobiles to automakers with global operations.

The management goal of the Bridgestone Group is to establish the status of being the undisputed No. 1 tire and rubber company both in name and reality. Anti-vibration rubber for automobiles is one area that the Bridgestone Group has positioned for “concentration” business, which means that it will aggressively invest management resources into the business based on the key concept of globalization in order to reinforce business foundations.

Outline of New Joint Venture

Company name:	Bridgestone TVS India Limited
Representative:	Shigeo Ooki
Planned establishment:	2009 Spring
Location:	Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Capital:	358 million rupees (approx. ¥823million (1 rupee = ¥2.3)
Number of employees:	Approx. 700
Ownership:	Bridgestone Corporation 51%, Sundaram Industries Ltd. 49%