ÿþ<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-16LE"?> <rss version="2.0"> <channel> <title>RSS - Bridgestone Europe - Press Releases</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=000000000000000000000000000000001375RCRD</link> <description>This is the rss feed from Press Releases of Bridgestone Europe</description> <lastBuildDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:58:05 CET</lastBuildDate> <language>en_us</language> <item> <title>Business and Financial Results for First Three Quarters of Fiscal 2008</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ad75737b8f25d110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ad75737b8f25d110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Nov 04, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<span class="Text">Bridgestone Corporation (the  Company ) today announced its unaudited consolidated business and financial results for the period January 1 to September 30, 2008, the first three quarters of the current fiscal year (January 1 to December 31, 2008). These results are for the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, collectively referred to below as the  Companies. The Company had 433 consolidated subsidiaries and 177 equity method affiliates at September 30, 2008.<br> <br> <span class="SubTitle">Please download the pdf here below.</span></span> ]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Future Initiatives of the Business Alliance between Bridgestone Corporation and Toyo Tire &amp; Rubber Co., Ltd.</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e5e78681ab73d110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e5e78681ab73d110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Oct 27, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<table style="HEIGHT: 262px" bordercolor="#c0c0c0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="307" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="toyo" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/toyo_alliance_ld.jpg"></td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><span class="Text"><em>Mr.Arakawa, CEO and President of Bridgestone Corporation (left) and Mr. Nakakura, President and CEO of Toyo Tire &amp;amp; Rubber Co., Ltd. (right) at today's press conference</em></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text">Bridgestone Corporation (hereinafter referred to as  Bridgestone ) and Toyo Tire &amp;amp; Rubber Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as  Toyo ), upon conclusion of a basic agreement regarding a business and capital alliance on May 16, 2008, organized joint project teams for respective sectors and held discussions in the areas outlined below aiming to create increased efficiencies and generate synergistic effects through the alliance. The following future initiatives of the business alliance have been agreed by both companies.</span> <p><span class="Text"><span class="SubTitle">1. Objective of Business and Capital Alliance (Excerpt from announcement on May 16, 2008)</span></span></p> <p><span class="Text">In recent years, the tire and the rubber industry has been confronted with unprecedented changes in the business environment, such as structural changes in demand due to segmentation of the market into high performance products and general-purpose products, changes in the structure of competition due to the impact of low-priced products from low-cost manufacturers, and changes in earnings due to the steep rise in raw material costs worldwide. With this environment in mind, and through effective use of the strengths and business resources of Bridgestone and Toyo, this alliance is expected to create a synergy that will bring additional corporate value for both Bridgestone and Toyo.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><span class="SubTitle">2. Future Initiatives of the Business Alliance</span></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>(1) Tire Production Technology Development</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><u>a. Mutually license technology for innovative production systems</u></span></p> <p><span class="Text">" Seek to further enhance the innovative production systems of both companies through advancing ribbon technology and enhancing small-lot production technology<br> *Innovative production systems = Bridgestone s BIRD (Bridgestone Innovative &amp;amp; Rational Development) and Toyo s A.T.O.M. (Advanced Tire Operation Module)</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><u>b. Mutually license technology for existing production methods</u></span></p> <p><span class="Text">" Conduct joint development programs in order to overcome common challenges, such as those encountered in equipment development, increasing design efficiency, and optimizing other aspects of production.<br> " Mutually license unique technologies such as high-precision component preparation technology, small-lot production technology, and overseas plant construction and operating know-how<br> *In terms of medium- to long-term initiatives, the companies will work on the joint development of new production methods based on the technology incorporated in the innovative production systems of each company.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>(2) Procurement of Raw Materials, Other Materials and Equipment</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><u>a. Utilize internal production</u></span></p> <p><span class="Text">" Mutually supply materials produced in-house and equipment for general use<br> " Make the best use of engineering subsidiaries of the companies</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><u>b. Conduct external procurement</u></span></p> <p><span class="Text">" Investigate the possibility of joint procurement of components for equipment<br> ii. Rationalize logistics for procurement<br> *In terms of medium- to long-term initiatives, the companies aim to conduct joint procurement of raw materials and integrate raw material specifications to the greatest extent possible.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>(3) Cross-Production between Bridgestone and Toyo</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><u>a. Utilize production capabilities</u></span></p> <p><span class="Text">" Conduct the cross-production of radial tires for passenger cars at Bridgestone s Latin American plants and Toyo s U.S. plants</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><u>b. Improve distribution cost by cross-production at plants closer to relevant markets around the world</u></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><u>c. Increase flexibility through the creation of complementary production systems</u></span></p> <p><span class="Text">*In terms of medium- to long-term initiatives, the companies will implement the cross-production of radial tires for trucks and buses, integrate manufacturing of certain products such as bias tires and supplementary products, and aim for cross-production at plants built in the future.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>(4) Logistics</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><u>a. Increase efficiency of domestic distribution</u></span></p> <p><span class="Text">" Use round-trip transportation and work to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by increasing transport efficiency in addition to reaping economic benefits</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><u>b. Mutually utilize distribution bases (warehouses)<br> c. Make full use of logistics subsidiaries<br> d. Mutually utilize best practices related to resources and work know-how</u></span></p> <p><span class="Text">*In terms of medium- to long-term initiatives, the companies will employ a joint transport strategy in Japan and overseas, and implement a policy of integration of warehousing sites. Discussions will also be held regarding the construction of new large-scale joint warehouses.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>(5) Business Other than Tires</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><u>a. Urethane Business</u></span></p> <p><span class="Text">" Investigate the possibility of collaboration in development, production, etc.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><u>b. Antivibration Rubber Business</u></span></p> <p><span class="Text">" Conduct joint research into eco-friendly technology and production technology, and investigate the possibility of joint procurement of components<br> *In terms of medium to long-term initiatives, the companies will investigate the possibility of collaboration in other businesses.</span></p> <p><span class="SubTitle"><span class="Text">3. Capital Alliance</span></span></p> <p><span class="Text">Toyo and Bridgestone had earlier agreed to establish a capital alliance in order to create a stable relationship based on mutual trust. Payments between the companies were completed on October 16, 2008 in line with initial plans.<br> For the capital alliance, Toyo issued new ordinary share of 20 million stocks (8.72% of the issued stocks including this issue) and allocated the shares to Bridgestone Corporation. Bridgestone allocated 3.9 million of its treasury stock (0.48% of all issued stocks) to Toyo.<br>  <br> <span class="SubTitle">4. Looking Ahead</span></span></p> <p><span class="Text">The aforementioned initiatives will be executed in respective sectors after the details of the initiatives are determined by the project teams.<br> Any noteworthy items concerning further developments in discussions or implementation of initiatives will be announced as they arise.<br> <br> <br> <strong>Media Contact:</strong>  Gert Meylemans  Bridgestone Europe: +32 2 714 68 40</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><br> Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. Through its subsidiary manufacturing companies it develops and produces top-quality tyres in Europe.  Its 20 subsidiary sales companies and other channels distribute the tyres all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.<br> </span></p> ]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Bridgestone Inaugurates Carbon Black Plant in Mexico</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=c4f98adce252d110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=c4f98adce252d110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Oct 22, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<span class="Text"><img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="mexico" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/mexico_barrel_thumb.jpg"><br> <br> </span> <table bordercolor="#c0c0c0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="302" align="left" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p align="center"><span class="Text"><em>Opening Ceremony at Mexico Carbon Manufacturing</em></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text">On October 17, Mexico Carbon Manufacturing SA DE CV ( MXCB ), a wholly-owned member of the Bridgestone Group officially opened a plant producing carbon black in Mexico. Carbon black is a raw material used as a reinforcing material in tires. It will be supplied from this new plant to Bridgestone Group s tire plants in North America as well as Central and South America. Production capacity at the plant is forecast to be approximately 35,000 tons a year.<br> <br> The new plant is operated by MXCB and this is the Bridgestone Group s third plant producing and supplying carbon black, joining facilities in Japan and Thailand.<br> <br> The management goal of the Bridgestone Group is to establish the status of being the undisputed world No. 1 tire and rubber company both in name and reality, and to this end, is working to enhance competitiveness throughout the entire supply chain. By making the most effective use of raw materials and equipment manufactured internally, the Bridgestone Group is able to develop and produce high-quality tires while ensuring stable costs and supply over the long term. Going forward, the Bridgestone Group will continue aiming for optimum raw material procurement by combining internal manufacture with procurement from external suppliers.<br> </span><br> <br> <table bordercolor="#c0c0c0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="60%" align="left" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="10"><span class="Text"><strong>  Location</strong></span> </td> <td><span class="Text"> Altamira, Tamaulipas, Mexico</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span class="Text"><strong>  President</strong></span> </td> <td><span class="Text"> Yoichi Shiroki</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span class="Text"><strong>  Start of operation</strong></span></td> <td><span class="Text"> May 2008</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span class="Text"><strong>  Plant site</strong></span></td> <td><span class="Text"> Approximately 430,000m2</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span class="Text"><strong>  Product</strong></span> </td> <td><span class="Text"> Carbon black</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span class="Text"><strong>  Production capacity</strong></span></td> <td><span class="Text"> Approximately 35,000 tons/year</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span class="Text"><strong>  Employees</strong></span> </td> <td><span class="Text"> Approximately 100</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text"><span class="Text"><u>Media information</u>: G.Meylemans/D. Collins: +32 2 714 68 40</span></span> ]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Mid-term Management Plan 2008</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=cb5508c9d5f1d110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=cb5508c9d5f1d110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Oct 21, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<span class="Text">Bridgestone Corporation ( Bridgestone ) has formulated  Mid-term Management Plan 2008 (MTP2008) covering the period 2009 through 2013.</span> <p><span class="Text"><br> An outline of the plan follows.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><span class="SubTitle">1. Basic Approach to MTP2008 Formulation</span></span></p> <p><span class="Text">Bridgestone has formulated MTP2008 which covers the period 2009 through 2013, which is one year further on from MTP2007 (2008~2012).</span></p> <p><span class="Text">In making the revisions, Bridgestone updated and added initiatives in response to recent changes in the business environment, including changes in demand trends and the cost environment, in order to achieve the goals set in MTP2007.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><span class="SubTitle"><span class="Text"><span class="SubTitle">2. Progress from MTP2007</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>(1) Expand tyre strategic products</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text">Bridgestone has positioned various lines as tyre strategic products, namely runflat tyres*1, ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyres, winter tyres for passenger cars, GREATEC*2 and low-profile radial tyres for trucks and buses, and radial tyres for large off-the-road vehicles, aircraft and motorcycles. Contribution to operating income increase by expanding these strategic product groups is projected to exceed that of MTP2007.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>(2) Further enhance eco-friendly products</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text">With regard to tyres, Bridgestone will accelerate development of ECOPIA product lines that are equipped with technology which reduces rolling resistance as a means to provide more fuel-efficient tyres and contribute to reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Additionally, Bridgestone projects ongoing high growth in the market for solar modules, which are gaining attention as a viable alternative energy, and as such, seeks to aggressively invest resources in this area. This includes investment to increase production capacity of EVA film*3 for solar modules, as previously announced.<br> <br> <strong>(3) Develop solutions business utilizing retread business</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text">Bridgestone is working on a strategy to expand retread business globally in line with the degree of maturation of retread in respective markets, utilizing Bandag retread business which was acquired in 2007.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>(4) Reinforce fundamental competencies</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text">The domains of examination in the plan have been increased relative to MTP2007, which focused on product development, to include an in-depth review of procurement and various technologies, such as production technology. Through this, Bridgestone aims to further reinforce its fundamental competencies.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>(5) Optimize Diversified Products business domains</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text">With the objective of establishing optimal business domains, Bridgestone has determined the positioning of each of its businesses in order to address and implement its strategy of  selection and concentration . In businesses marked for  concentration, Bridgestone will vigorously invest management resources and focus on promising product groups with a view towards globalization. Bridgestone will withdraw from  selected businesses at the optimum timing based on a spirit of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), while prioritizing consideration of customers and business partners.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>(6) Further enhance CSR systems</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text">To further enhance CSR, Bridgestone will clarify the targets, and the divisions responsible, for each of 22 specific themes previously identified and convert them to concrete implementation plans.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>(7) Strengthen environmental activities</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text">Based on the five activity areas and three programs announced in MTP2007, Bridgestone will continue to implement comprehensive environmental management activities as a business group.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>(8) Enhance competitiveness throughout supply chain</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text">Bridgestone will promote full utilization of GLC (Global Logistics Center) functions targeting the entire lifecycle, from product release to completion of sale. By advancing procurement activities, making full use of internally manufactured raw materials and equipment, and effectively utilizing production and logistics functions aiming for consistent total optimization at the global level, Bridgestone will further strengthen its ability to exploit its superior competitiveness over other companies throughout the entire supply chain.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><span class="SubTitle"><span class="Text"><br> <span class="SubTitle">3. MTP2008 Targets</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>(1) Achieve ROA of 6% in 2012 in line with the plan</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text">Bridgestone forecasts ROA of 6% in 2012 as planned in MTP2007. Efforts will be made to further elevate this figure to a higher level in 2013.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>(2) Secure net sales of ¥4.3 trillion in 2012</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text">In terms of net sales, Bridgestone aims to exceed its MTP2007 goal of ¥4.0 trillion with ¥4.3 trillion in 2012. Bridgestone will seek to attain an even higher level in 2013.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>(3) Realize operating income of ¥410 billion in 2012</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text">Bridgestone will strive to realize operating income over the ¥400 billion mark set in MTP2007 and achieve ¥410 billion as of 2012. Again, Bridgestone will work toward the higher level in 2013.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Notes:</span></p> <p><span class="Text">*1. Runflat tyres continue to function safely at a specified speed for a specified mileage after losing air pressure under normal conditions at 0kPa air pressure. Runflats have been <span class="Text"> </span>developed for the purpose of ensuring safety in the event of a sudden loss of pressure as with <span class="Text"> </span>a puncture. In addition, runflats eliminate the need for a spare tyre. This can contribute to fuel economy through weight-saving, and it gives automakers greater latitude in designing vehicles. <span class="Text"> </span>Eliminating the spare tyre also reduces rubber consumption and rubber scrap. Bridgestone's runflat tyres are installable on conventional wheels.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><span class="Text"> </span>*2. GREATEC tyres have an ultralow aspect ratio and allow for replacing dual-tyre configurations on trucks and buses with single-tyre configurations. The overall weight of the tyre and rim is less than the aggregate weight of two conventional tyres and rims. That improves fuel economy and also helps accommodate heavier loads. It reduces the amount of scrap <span class="Text"> </span>rubber, too, which lessens environmental impact. In addition, a GREATEC tyre occupies less lateral space under a vehicle than two conventional tyres. In a bus, GREATEC's streamlined configuration increases the interior space available for the aisle or seating.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">*3. EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) film is used to fasten the silicon cell (which converts the sun'srays to electricity) to the glass surface through heat-induced molecular binding.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Media contact: Gert Meylemans  Bridgestone Europe: +32 2 714 68 40</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="Text"><br clear="all"> </span> </p> <p> </p>]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Bridgestone presents Safety Award at Paris Motor Show</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=eff83f715000d110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=eff83f715000d110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Oct 15, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<table bordercolor="#c0c0c0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><span class="Text"> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="sabas" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/P.Sabras+B. Raulin_th.jpg"></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span class="Text"> </span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span class="Text"><em>Mr Benoit Raulin, Managing Director of Bridgestone France (right)<br> presenting the  Best Safety Innovation Award to the winner, Mr Pierre Sabas</em></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text"><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> For the third consecutive year, Bridgestone has sponsored the  Best Safety Innovation prize in the international competition for automotive design students organised by Interior Motives magazine.</span> <p><span class="Text">The award was presented by Mr Benoit Raulin, Managing Director Bridgestone France, at the Interior Motives Design Awards 2008 ceremony on the second Press Day at the Paris Motor Show on 3rd October.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">The audience of leading motor industry professionals attending the Paris Motor Show saw the safety award and cash prize presented to French student Pierre Sabas for his design of a futuristic protective shell that wraps around each occupant of the vehicle and protective side panels integrated in the roll bars. This imaginative concept also won him the top Interior Motives Student Designer of the Year award.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"> Bridgestone is totally committed to the safe and sustainable use of vehicles" said Mr Raulin.  We are heavily involved with promoting road safety and are always looking for ways to support young engineers in creating new technologies and designs that help increase the safety of vehicles and their occupants. </span></p> <p><span class="Text">In addition to a strong focus on safety in tyre R&amp;amp;D and production, Bridgestone pursues a number of activities to promote more responsible driving habits and the need for regular routine car maintenance, including tyre care. The Corporation is a signatory to the European Road Safety Charter and partners the FIA Foundation in the global Think Before You Drive campaign. Bridgestone also participates in the  Make Roads Safe initiative, which aims to keep global road safety on the G8 and UN political agendas, and the FIA Foundation s Make Cars Green campaign, aimed at helping to reduce the impact of cars on the environment.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Interior Motives, the leading international magazine for interior car design, set up its awards programme to stimulate the creativity of the next generation of automotive designers. Judges for the 2008 theme  A design for life included some of the world's finest automotive designers and design managers from carmakers and interior suppliers.<br> <br> <br> <br> </span></p> <p></p> <table bordercolor="#c0c0c0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><span class="Text"> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="project" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/Pierre Sabas_th.jpg"></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span class="Text"> </span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span class="Text"><em>The project of M. Pierre Sabas, winner of the  Best Safety Innovation and<br>  Student designer of the year 2008 awards</em></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><br> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text"><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> </span></p> <hr> <br> <br> <strong>Media information</strong>: G.Meylemans/D. Collins: +32 2 714 68 40 <p></p> <p><span class="Text">Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. It develops and manufactures top-quality tyres in Europe which, through its 20 subsidiary sales companies and other channels, are distributed all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.<br> <br> </span></p>]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Bridgestone promotes tyre care for European Road Safety Day</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=b343d8efbe1ec110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=b343d8efbe1ec110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Oct 09, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<span class="Text"><img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="checks1" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/tyre_checks1.jpg"><br> <br> <br> <br> Bridgestone will play an active role in support of the second European Road Safety Day on 13th October 2008, with an extensive programme promoting the importance of good tyre care in road safety. Activities will include thousands of free safety checks for motorists across Europe backed by local safety education initiatives in individual countries.</span> <p><span class="Text">- The free safety check-ups will be conducted by the First Stop tyre dealer network, in more than 1700 of its outlets across Europe. The work will be carried out on First Stop premises, in store car parks and in various public places over a three-week period.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">- Bridgestone will combine these tyre care activities with education on environmental protection, integrating the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l Automobile) campaign  Make Cars Green into the programme. During the safety check-ups, a display will automatically show drivers of cars with under-inflated tyres the quantity of CO2 emissions that could be saved if their tyres were inflated at the correct pressure.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">The second European Road Safety Day, themed on  Road Safety in our Cities , will be led by a major information event in Paris. Senior representatives of national and local governments, the European Commission and road user organisations will present the facts and discuss initiatives and case studies aimed at reducing Europe s urban accident toll. Bridgestone will participate with an official road safety booth.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">The European Union has set the target of halving the number of fatalities on European roads  from 54 000 to 27 000  between 2001 and 2010. In support of this target, the European Safety Day aims to raise awareness, give visibility to best local practices and offer an opportunity to work together for safer roads.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Bridgestone s initiative is an extension of the  Think Before You Drive Campaign that was launched in 2005 in partnership with the FIA Foundation. Designed to help reduce road deaths, globally estimated at 1.2 million a year, the campaign promotes simple road safety messages to drivers and car users, focusing on activities, such as using a seat belt and regularly checking tyres, which can reduce the severity of injuries in a crash and even help to prevent a crash from occurring. Free safety checks are a key part of the campaign and around 70,000 have been conducted by Bridgestone companies since 2005.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Last year, during the first United Nations Global Road Safety Week and the following weeks, Bridgestone conducted more than 31,000 free safety checks  and hopes to do even better in the three-week programme this year.</span></p> <p><strike><img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="gauge2" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/tyre_gauge_small2.jpg"></strike></p> <p><span class="Text"><br> <em>Make Cars Green is an initiative from the FIA aimed at helping to reduce the impact of cars on the environment. It features a 10-point plan to encourage motorists to think green before they drive.</em></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><em>First Stop is a pan-European network of more than 1800 independent tyre and car service dealers, dedicated to providing a superior standard of service to customers.</em></span></p> <p><br> <span class="Text"><strong>Media information:</strong> G.Meylemans/D. Collins: +32 2 714 68 40</span></p> <p><span class="Text"> For broadcast-standard video and pictures supporting this press release, please visit</span> <a href="http://www.thenewsmarket.com/bridgestone"><span class="Text">www.thenewsmarket.com/bridgestone</span></a><span class="Text">. If you are a first-time user, please take a moment to register. In case you have any questions, please email</span> <a href="mailto:journalisthelp@thenewsmarket.com"><span class="Text">journalisthelp@thenewsmarket.com</span></a><span class="Text">. </span></p> <p><br> <span class="Text"><em>Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. It develops and manufactures top-quality tyres in Europe which, through its 20 subsidiary sales companies and other channels, are distributed all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.</em></span></p> <p><strike><br> </strike> </p>]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Extension of Bridgestone European Logistic Center in Zeebrugge, Belgium</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=21618faf2ccdc110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=21618faf2ccdc110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Oct 08, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<span class="Text"><img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" height="212" alt="zeebrugge" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/Zeebrugge_extension_thumb.jpg" width="267"><br> <br> <br> Bridgestone took the decision to further extend its supply chain operations in the North European Logistic Centre in Zeebrugge in order to support the growth of Bridgestone Europe and to further improve the service to its pan-European customers. The extension also includes the plan to provide valued added services such as tyre mounting in the future.</span> <p><span class="Text">The extension will be realised in two phases.<br> "  Phase 1 involves the construction of a 18,000 m2 warehouse on 3 hectares of land with an investment of ¬ 7 million.<br> Depending on building permits and administrational procedures, the plan could be finalised as early as the third quarter of 2009.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">"  Phase 2, for which an option was taken on an area of 3.68 hectares of land, will involve the construction of an additional 20,000 m2 warehouse and an investment of around ¬ 7 million.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">On completion of both phases, and when operations are working to full capacity, the extension project will create 40 additional jobs at Bridgestone s ELC in Zeebrugge.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">The Bridgestone facility has already been extended twice since its opening in 1998, in a continuous effort to streamline distribution to dealer networks in the Benelux, Germany, France, the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia.  The growing Zeebrugge shortsea network of both RoRo and LoLo services has been instrumental in Bridgestone s achievement of its growth ambitions.<br> The Bridgestone ELC in Zeebrugge currently employs 140 people and has a maximum storage capacity of 1.1 million tyres in the existing 9 hectares of warehouses.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">In 2007, incoming and outgoing volumes represented 32,740 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) from and to overseas and shortsea destinations, and 7,200 road haulage units from and to the European network.</span></p> <p><br> <span class="Text"><strong>Media Contacts: G. Meylemans/D.Collins +32 2 714 68 40</strong></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><em>Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. It develops and manufactures top-quality tyres in Europe which, through its 20 subsidiary sales companies and other channels, are distributed all over Europe including Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.</em></span></p> <p> </p>]]></description> </item> <item> <title>10 Years of Bridgestone in Poznan, Poland</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=299d817ee2ebc110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=299d817ee2ebc110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Oct 03, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<span class="Text"><img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="group" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/Poznan_group_thumb.jpg"><br> <br> On 26th September, the staff of Bridgestone Poznan celebrated the 10th anniversary of the plant. With over 1300 employees, the Bridgestone tyre factory is one of the city s biggest employers.</span> <p><span class="Text">The ceremony was attended by over 140 guests, among them the Japanese Ambassador to Poland, Mr. Ryuichi Tanabe, the Chief Executive Officer of Bridgestone Europe, Mr Toru Tsuda, members of the press and representatives of local authorities.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">The first part of the event started with the projection of a short film of the plant s history, prepared especially for the occasion. After the film, there was an opening speech by Mr Masayuki Sorioka, President and Managing Director of Bridgestone Poznan, who thanked the guests for attending and expressed his great respect for all plant employees, without whose efforts growth would not be possible.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">The Japanese Ambassador stated how delighted he was to see how much success can be achieved by Polish and Japanese people working together:</span></p> <p><span class="Text"> Japanese companies bring to Poland all the best of the Japanese corporate culture. Cooperation between Polish and Japanese workers benefits all of them. Together, they work their way to success. </span></p> <p><span class="Text">For Mr Sorioka, President and Managing Director of Bridgestone Poznan, the event was especially important:</span></p> <p><span class="Text"> I am extremely happy to celebrate this occasion today.  Bridgestone and Poznan are very closely linked and this event is a sign of Bridgestone s commitment to the people and city of Poznan for the future .</span></p> <p><span class="Text">On the occasion of the anniversary, all members of the staff who had worked in the factory since its launch in 1998 received a diploma and souvenir.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">After the speeches, guests were taken on a tour of the advanced plant. Over the last decade, the Poznan plant has produced more than 40 million Bridgestone high-performance tyres for passenger cars and commercial vehicles and was the first plant outside Japan to produce run flat tyres. If it was possible to put all these tyres together, in a row, they would connect Poznan with Kurume  the city in Japan where Bridgestone Corporation was founded.<br> <br> <br> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="sorioka_san" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/sorioka_thumb.jpg"><br> </span></p> <p></p> <table style="HEIGHT: 29px" bordercolor="#c0c0c0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="245" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><span class="Text"><em>Mr. Masayuki Sorioka, President and<br> Managing Director of Bridgestone Poznan</em></span><br> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text">Media information: G.Meylemans/D. Collins: +32 2 714 68 40</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. Through its subsidiary manufacturing companies it develops and produces top-quality tyres in Europe.  Its 20 subsidiary sales companies and other channels distribute the tyres all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan</span></p> <p><br>  </p> ]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Bridgestone to Increase Production Capacity of Adhesive Film for Solar Modules</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=51ae55434bdac110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=51ae55434bdac110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Sep 29, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<span class="SubTitle"><span class="Text">Promoting Further Enhancement of Eco- friendly Products and About threefold increase Production Capacity</span></span> <p><span class="Text">Tokyo (Sept 29, 2008)  Bridgestone Corporation announced today that it will strengthen production capacity of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) film at its Iwata Plant in Iwata City, Shizuoka. This move is in response to growing demand for EVA film used as an adhesive film for solar modules. Bridgestone has earmarked approximately ¥5.4 billion for investment in the project, with plans to begin increasing production in early 2011. Combined with the previously announced expansion plan in April, 2008 which will begin increasing production in late 2010, Bridgestone will have boosted production capacity by roughly 3 times relative to current levels, once underway. Total monthly production of EVA film will be around 3,000 tons.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Amid rising concerns over global warming caused by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, photovoltaic power generation is becoming increasingly important from the perspective of environmental protection. This is because it is a clean energy system that does not release any waste emissions during the power generation process. In recent years, demand for solar modules has skyrocketed worldwide, and in line with this, demand for EVA film for use as an adhesive for solar modules has also grown dramatically.<br> EVA film is used to fasten the silicon cell (which converts the sun's rays to electricity) to the glass surface through heat-induced molecular binding. EVA film becomes transparent and colorless upon heating, while its waterproof nature and strength against ultraviolet rays makes it an ideal adhesive film for solar modules outdoors.</span></p> <p><br> <span class="Text">At Bridgestone, environmental activities are one of management s top priorities, and are viewed as indispensable in achieving the management goal to  establish the status of being the undisputed world No. 1 tire and rubber company both in name and reality . EVA film is one product borne from such activities. Bridgestone considers increasing production capacity of this product further as the need arises in line with projected growth in demand for solar modules.<br> <br> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="eva" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/solar_panels_thumb.jpg"><br> <br> Solar Module which used EVA Film<br> <br> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="eva_film_sample" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/eva_sample.JPG"><br> <br> Sample Module<br> <br> </span></p> <br> <br> <p></p> <table bordercolor="#c0c0c0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="80%" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" height="71" alt="eco" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2007/eco-activities.jpg" width="90"></td> <td width="5%"></td> <td><span class="Text">This mark expresses the environmental management activities promoted by Bridgestone. The  e represents the first letter of the word  Ecology , the cornerstone of these activities. The mark also symbolizes the seeds borne from our eco foundations in the form of a clear sky and growing trees.</span> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text"><strong>Media information:</strong>  G.Meylemans/D. Collins: +32 2 714 68 40</span> <p><span class="Text">Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. It develops and manufactures top-quality tyres in Europe which, through its 20 subsidiary sales companies and other channels, are distributed all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><br>  </span></p> ]]></description> </item> <item> <title>First UK Bus Awards Bridgestone UK Two-Year Tyre Contract</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ac54ea376b97c110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ac54ea376b97c110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Sep 19, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<table bordercolor="#000000" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="60%" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p align="center"> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="uk_team" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/UK_team_thumb.jpg"></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <table bordercolor="#c0c0c0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="60%" align="left" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td><span class="Text"> <span class="Text"><em><span class="Text">From left to right : M. Greg Ward, Commercial Director Bridgestone UK,  M. Glen Lovett, UK commodity manager of First UK Bus and M. John McNaught, Managing Director of BSUK</span></em></span></span> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text">First UK Bus has awarded Bridgestone UK a two-year contract worth £5m to supply new and remould tyres for 3,500 vehicles across the First UK Bus fleet.<br> <br> Bridgestone UK started supplying tyres and service provision to sites across Yorkshire from July, followed by the Midlands and East Anglia in August and is due to commence supply to sites in Bristol, Somerset and Avon at the end of this month. The new arrangement is directly supported by 35 Bridgestone staff, of which 29 were transferred from the previous supplier under the TUPE employment regulations.<br> <br> John McNaught Bridgestone UK managing director, said:  We are looking forward to working with First UK Bus over the contract term. The deal establishes Bridgestone as a key player within the UK public service vehicle market and going forward, we hope to build a long term partnership with the First UK Bus team . <br> <br> Greg Ward, Bridgestone UK, commercial director, said:  We are very happy that First UK Bus has chosen Bridgestone to be one of its supply and service partners. We have been working closely with First for some time to identify the best opportunity to work together .<br> <br> Glen Lovett, UK commodity manager of First UK Bus said:  The deal evolved after Bridgestone undertook a successful single depot trial at First in Leicester at the end of 2007. We are delighted to award the contract to Bridgestone. The company has demonstrated a fresh approach to our business by proactively focusing on innovative tyre management solutions .<br> <br> <strong>Media information</strong>:  G.Meylemans/D. Collins: +32 2 714 68 40<br> <br> <em>Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. Through its subsidiary manufacturing companies it develops and produces top-quality tyres in Europe.  Its 20 subsidiary sales companies and other channels distribute the tyres all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.</em></span> <p><span class="Text"><br> <br>  </span></p> ]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Bridgestone at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2008</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=b0205f855125c110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=b0205f855125c110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Sep 12, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<span class="Text"><br> </span> <table style="HEIGHT: 152px" bordercolor="#808080" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="122" align="left" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <span class="Text"><img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" height="152" alt="greatec2" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/BS_Greatec_M709_web1.jpg" width="113"></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <table style="HEIGHT: 23px" bordercolor="#808080" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="175" align="left" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td><em> <span class="Text">GREATEC Mega Drive  M709 </span></em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text">The largest manufacturer of rubber products in the world also offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services for commercial vehicles</span>. <p><span class="Text">Bridgestone is presenting current commercial vehicle tyres on 265 square meters of exhibition space in hall 12, booth C09 at IAA Commercial Vehicles from September 25 to October 2, 2008.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">This includes the proven  M749 for the drive axle, which is particularly economical thanks to high mileage, low rolling resistance and ideal prerequisites for retreading.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">The product innovation GREATEC Mega Drive  M709 will be introduced at the show. It is an enhancement of its predecessor  M729 , a super-wide tyre that functions as a replacement for dual tyres on the drive axle of trucks and buses. The handling of the  M709 has been optimised so that a single tyre performs just as well as dual tyres. It also features significantly better mileage while retaining very low rolling resistance and the corresponding lower fuel consumption compared to dual tyres. </span></p> <p><span class="Text">In addition to its product portfolio, Bridgestone will present current concepts and services to visitors of the most important mobility trade show in the world in Hanover, including  Total Fleet Management for efficient fleet operation or the  T2i interactive service tool used by Bridgestone to record and evaluate tyre and vehicle data as part of fleet management in order to optimise tyre deployment.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>Media information</strong>:  G.Meylemans/D. Collins: +32 2 714 68 40</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><em>Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. Through its subsidiary manufacturing companies it develops and produces top-quality tyres in Europe.  Its 20 subsidiary sales companies and other channels distribute the tyres all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.</em></span></p> <p> </p>]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Bridgestone Europe wins Ford Q1 Award</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=297386cf5315c110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=297386cf5315c110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Sep 11, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<span class="Text"><span class="SubTitle">Poznan and Béthune plants recognised for consistent supply of high quality tyres</span></span> <p></p> <table bordercolor="#000000" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="80%" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="bethune_award" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/Q1_FORD_Bethune_web.jpg"></td> <td>              </td> <td> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="poznan" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/Q1_Ford_ Poznan_web.jpg"></td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <table style="HEIGHT: 18px" bordercolor="#000000" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="661" align="left" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p align="center"><span class="Text"><em>M. Bruno Capron, Managing Director of Bridgestone Béthune (left picture) and M. Masayuki Sorioka, Managing Director and President of Bridgestone Poznan (right picture), receiving the award from M. Sven Wunstorf, STA Commodity Senior Engineer, Ford Europe</em></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text"><br> Bridgestone Poznan, Poland, manufacturing plant has received the prestigious Ford Q1 Award for the outstanding and consistent quality of its tyres. Since it was opened in 2000, Bridgestone Poznan has produced more than 3 million tyres as original equipment for Ford, including high-performance Turanza ER300 touring tyres and run-flat Turanza tyres.</span> <p><span class="Text">Ford s European Quality and Procurement Division awards Q1 certification of « preferred quality status » only to suppliers that achieve a sustained level of excellence in customer satisfaction over a period of time, while meeting agreed requirements in quality, productivity and service.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">The Ford Q1 plaque and flag were received by Mr Masayuki Sorioka, (Managing Director and President of Bridgestone Poznan) from Mr Sven Wunstorf, STA Commodity Senior Engineer Ford Motor Company Europe, at a ceremony attended by staff in the Poznan plant on 27th August 2008.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">« We are proud to receive Q1 certification in recognition of the quality and consistency of our tyres and service » said Mr Sorioka. « I thank all the Bridgestone teams who have contributed to this success. We hope this will enable us to continue our long and successful partnership with Ford ».</span></p> <p><br> <span class="Text">The Bridgestone Béthune, France, manufacturing plant also received the Ford Q1 Award in March 2008 for the quality of tyres and service provided. The Béthune relationship with Ford goes back a long way  the plant won the first ever Ford Q1 Award in Europe in 1989. Since then, Ford s evaluation criteria have changed and this new Q1 award reflects the latest assessment.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">« With around half a million tyres a year, Ford is one of our major customers and has been for 20 years. All Béthune employees are very proud to receive this prestigious award for the second time. They will do their best to maintain and improve our reliability in quality and deliveries » said Mr Bruno Capron (Managing Director Bridgestone Béthune).<br> <br> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" height="237" alt="award" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/Q1_FORD_ AWARD_WEB.jpg" width="161"><br> <br> <strong>Media information:</strong>  G.Meylemans/D. Collins: +32 2 714 68 40</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><em>Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. Through its subsidiary manufacturing companies it develops and produces top-quality tyres in Europe.  Its 20 subsidiary sales companies and other channels distribute the tyres all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.</em><br> </span></p> ]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Bridgestone Establishes Sales Company for Off-the-road Tires in Peru</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2afd59226582c110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2afd59226582c110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Sep 03, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<span class="Text"><span class="SubTitle"><span class="Text">Further Strengthens Sales and Service System</span></span><br> <br> On September 1, Bridgestone Corporation ( Bridgestone ) officially opened a newly established sales company  Bridgestone Off-The-Road Tire Peru S.A.C. , which specializes in tyres for mining and construction equipment in Peru.</span> <p><span class="Text">Bridgestone has previously established a sales company in Chile specifically to handle sales and services for off-the-road tyres for use at the numerous mines in Central and South America, specifically in Peru, Chile and Mexico. Peru has been positioned as a key market for the sale of off-the-road tyres in recent times, however, due to continuing large-scale investment projects in that country s mining industry. In accordance with plans to increase the capacity of large and ultra-large off-the-road radial tyres at the new Kitakyushu Plant, which will begin production in 2009, Bridgestone has established the new sales company as a means to further strengthen the sales and service system for off-the-road tyres in Peru.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">The Bridgestone Group has created a comprehensive business model for off-the-road tyres. Besides providing quality tyres in this area, efforts are made to supply the most appropriate tyres to customers based on an analysis of usage conditions and vehicle characteristics in order to respond to demanding conditions. In addition, tyre repairs and consulting services on the proper use and maintenance of these tyres are provided on-site.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">The Bridgestone Group views large and ultra-large off-the-road radial tyres as areas of growth. As such, these products have been positioned as strategic products with a strong competitive advantage in the market. Bridgestone aims to be the undisputed world No. 1 tyre and rubber company both in name and reality by satisfying customer needs with quality products, a global sales network, strong service capabilities and excellent technological development competency.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><u><strong>Outline of Bridgestone Off-The-Road tyre Peru S.A.C.<br> </strong><br> </u><strong>Location</strong>: Lima (capital of Peru)<br> <strong>Representative</strong>: Takashi Ono<br> <strong>Established</strong>: September 2007<br> <strong>Capital</strong>: US$1 million*<br> <strong>Employees</strong>: 10<br> <strong>Business</strong>: Sale of off-the-road tyres and peripheral services<br> <br> <br> </span></p> <table bordercolor="#000000" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="75%" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="otr_peru" src="/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/OTR_in_Peru_group_thumb.jpg"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <table bordercolor="#000000" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="75%" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><span class="Text"><em>Official opening of Bridgestone Off-The-Road Tire Peru S.A.C.</em></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text"><em>*<span class="Text">The sales company in Peru is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Off-The-Road Tire Latin America S.A., a sales company in Chile that specializes in Off-the-road tires. The sales company in Chile is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation.<br> </span></em></span> <hr> <br> <strong>Media contacts:</strong> Gert Meylemans/Des Collins: +32 2 714 68 40<br> <br> <hr> <br> <em><strong>Bridgestone Corporation,</strong> headquartered in Tokyo, is the world s largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.</em> ]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Bridgestone looks back on action-packed 200th Formula 1 Grand Prix at Valencia</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=58bf6be78ce0c110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=58bf6be78ce0c110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Aug 29, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<table bordercolor="#000000" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="75%" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="pilots" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/pilots_valencia_200thsign.JPG"></td> <td width="25"></td> <td width="25" colspan="25"> </td> <td> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="beaming" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/beaming_video.jpg"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text">As Formula 1 cars raced the new street circuit in Valencia for the first time on 24th August, there was another landmark achievement being written in Formula 1 history: Bridgestone s 200th Grand Prix. Watching how successfully the Potenza super-soft compounds took on 46°C track temperatures   well enough even to allow one-stop strategies  was a perfect illustration of the great achievements Bridgestone has accomplished since entering the world s top motor sport in 1997.</span> <p><span class="Text">Millions of TV viewers around the world were reminded of Bridgestone s commitment to Formula 1 by the large  Bridgestone 200 banners around the Grand Prix of Europe Valencia track. Spectators inside the circuit were able to see the  golden tyres  specially made for this memorable weekend  displayed in the VIP Paddock and F1 Village. Two more golden Bridgestone Potenza tyres were signed by the F1 drivers, providing a unique photo opportunity in front of the Bridgestone motor-home.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">There were also plenty of activities to mark the occasion outside the track. Dramatic video beaming of the  Bridgestone 200 logo lit up the Mediterranean night sky, special decorations were displayed in selected shops, media activities ran throughout the weekend, and fans were invited to test their driving skills in the  Racer contest on the <a href="http://www.bridgestone.eu/">www.bridgestone.eu</a> website.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Now it s back to business as usual for the Official Tyre Supplier to the FIA Formula One World Championship. There s work to be done for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa on 7th September where the fast, hilly circuit creates unusual down forces and punishing loads over the entire lap& </span><br> <br> <br> </p> <br> <table bordercolor="#000000" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="75%" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="signed_tyre" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/signed_tyre_yasukawa+Hamashima.JPG"></td> <td></td> <td colspan="25"></td> <td colspan="25"> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="F1_village" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/F1__village_golden_tyre.JPG"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <table style="HEIGHT: 60px" bordercolor="#000000" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="306" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p align="left"><span class="Text"><em><span class="Text"><span class="Text">Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Motorsport (left) and Hirohide Hamashima, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport Tyre Development (right) with the golden tyre, signed by F1 drivers</span></span></em></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <table bordercolor="#000000" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="75%" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="track_signage" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/track signage.jpg"></td> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <p align="left"><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text"> For broadcast-standard video and pictures supporting this press release, please visit <a href="http://www.thenewsmarket.com/bridgestone">www.thenewsmarket.com/bridgestone</a><span class="Text"><em><span class="Text">. If you are a first-time user, please take a moment to register. In case you have any questions, please email <a href="mailto:journalisthelp@thenewsmarket.com">journalisthelp@thenewsmarket.com</a>  </span></em></span><span class="Text"><em><span class="Text"> </span></em></span></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><span class="Text"><strong>Media information</strong>: G.Meylemans/D. Collins: +32 2 714 68 40</span></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><em>Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. It develops and manufactures top-quality tyres in Europe which, through its 20 subsidiary sales companies and other channels, are distributed all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.</em><br> <br> </span></p> ]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Enhanced safety and driving comfort with the Firestone Winterhawk 2</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e7994f68a4f0c110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e7994f68a4f0c110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Aug 29, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<span class="SubTitle">The new and improved high performance winter tyre gives you the reassurance of superior control of your vehicle. Comfort and economy create the perfect package.</span><br> <br> <table style="HEIGHT: 206px" bordercolor="#000000" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="139" align="left" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" height="198" alt="winterhawk_2" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/WINTERHAWK-2_thumb.jpg" width="124"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <p align="center"> </p> <p><br> </p> <p align="center"><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>  </p> <p><span class="Text">Just in time for the cold part of the year, Bridgestone is bringing a new Firestone winter specialist to market. Not only does the  Winterhawk 2 offer excellent grip on snow, it also features enhanced performance characteristics on dry and wet pavement, ultimate driving comfort and economic advantages thanks to an optimised lifespan.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Putting winter tyres on a vehicle shouldn t wait until the first snow flies. Changing tyres with the seasons is highly recommended when temperatures begin to fall. The  O to E rule of thumb is still a good estimate for our climate: Winter tyres from October to Easter. Certified winter tyres  identified by the snowflake symbol on the sidewall  are made of rubber compounds adapted to lower temperatures, offering optimum grip and secure handling even on pavement that is free of snow.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Just like its predecessor  Winterhawk , the  Winterhawk 2 features a tread with a fixed rolling direction; the new tyre focuses on safety and driving comfort.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">A special rubber compound with a high proportion of silica ensures good performance characteristics in snow and balance in wet conditions. Numerous sipes and grip edges in the tread pattern provide optimum traction and braking on snow-covered pavement and ice, while extended side lugs on the tread ensure excellent handling on snow and maximum stability in curves.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">The 3D sipe profile on the shoulder of the tyre helps the  Winterhawk 2 when cornering on dry pavement: It stiffens the tread for secure handling characteristics. Tread connectors in the centre of the tyre tread improve stability and result in optimised braking and driving characteristics in dry conditions. They also improve mileage, making the tyre more economical.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Special aquaplaning characteristics also enhance comfort and safety. Among other things, the  Winterhawk 2 scores points with three large circumferential grooves in the tyre tread, which drain water and slush away quickly.<br>  <br> The  Winterhawk 2 has been available in 21 sizes for 13 to 17-inch rims of the 45 to 70 series with speed indexes T and H since June 2008.</span></p> <p><br> <span class="Text"><strong>Media contacts:</strong> Gert Meylemans/Des Collins: +32 2 714 68 40</span></p> <p><br> <span class="Text">Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. Through its subsidiary manufacturing companies it develops and produces top-quality tyres in Europe.  Its 20 subsidiary sales companies and other channels distribute the tyres all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.<br> </span></p> ]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Bridgestone Begins Production of Radial Tyres for Aircraft at Tokyo Plant</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=3e7b36f26130c110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=3e7b36f26130c110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Aug 26, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<span class="Text"><span class="SubTitle"><span class="Text">Further Strengthens Company s Focus on Strategic Products</span></span><br> <br> Tokyo (August 26, 2008)  Bridgestone Corporation ( Bridgestone ) started production of new radial aircraft tyres at its Tokyo Plant this month after completing the initial phase of the project which began with the announcement of the initiative in September 2006. Once the Tokyo Plant project is fully completed by the end of 2011, Bridgestone plans to boost overall production capacity of new aircraft tyres by around 2.5 times relative to the current level.</span> <br> <br> <br> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="aircraft" src="/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/aircraft tyre_ld.jpg"><br> <br> <br> <p><span class="Text"><br> Historically, Bridgestone has produced new radial yires for aircraft only at its Kurume Plant, but Bridgestone decided to commence production at its Tokyo Plant in order to meet the growth in global demand.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Bridgestone s radial aircraft tyres have been fitted on the giant, state-of-the-art Airbus A380, and are also standard equipment on all next-generation Boeing 787 airplanes. The Tokyo Plant will produce and supply radial tires for both of these aircraft.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Aircraft tyres are subjected to harsh operating conditions imposed by repeated takeoffs and landings, while supporting heavy passenger airliners traveling at high speeds. As such, the development of aircraft tyres requires a tyre manufacturer to apply advanced technologies across the board. The Bridgestone Group also recognizes the supply of retread tyres and services as a crucial part of aircraft tyre business. The Bridgestone Group has retread aircraft tyre plants in North America, Europe, Asia and Japan and offers comprehensive products and services combining support for both new and retread tyres.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">The Bridgestone Group considers radial aircraft tyres as strategic products and will focus on aggressively increasing its presence in this growing market and expanding its business by leveraging the company s strong competitive advantages.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong><u>Media information</u>:</strong> G.Meylemans/D. Collins: +32 2 714 68 40</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><em>Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. It develops and manufactures top-quality tyres in Europe which, through its 20 subsidiary sales companies and other channels, are distributed all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.</em></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><em>Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world s largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.</em></span></p> <p> </p> ]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Bridgestone races to new Formula One landmark</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=08c38cbaf06db110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=08c38cbaf06db110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Aug 19, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="logo_valencia" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/logo_valencia_thumb.jpg"> <br> <br> <br> <br> <span class="SubTitle">GP of Europe in Valencia will be 200th Grand Prix on Bridgestone tyres</span> <p></p> <p><span class="Text"><span class="Text"><span class="Text">When the Grand Prix of Europe is raced on Valencia s spectacular new street track on 24 August, it will be Bridgestone s 200th Formula One Grand Prix. For the first time, Formula 1 cars will race the streets of Valencia  a dramatic 5.44km track through avenues, docks, marinas and bridges. It will break new ground and set new standards, just as Bridgestone did when it entered F1 with five teams in 1997 and won points in its very first race.</span></span></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><span class="Text"><span class="Text">Since then Bridgestone has gone from strength to strength in Formula One, developing high-performance Potenza tyres that consistently meet the evolving requirements of the world s most demanding motor sport. From 1997 until today, Bridgestone teams have won eight Driver and eight Constructor F1 World Championship titles  with 132 race victories, 125 pole positions and 127 fastest laps  beating some strong tyre competitors on the way.</span></span><br> </span></p> <p></p> <p><span class="SubTitle"><span class="Text">Golden tyre</span></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" height="221" alt="golden_tyre" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/golden_tyre_thumb.jpg" width="229"><br> <br> Echoing its commitment to Formula 1 racing, Bridgestone will celebrate 200 Grand Prix races at the Valencia race weekend. A specially-made  golden tyre will be displayed at the track, supported by a variety of activities in the VIP Paddock and F1 Village.<br> <br> On top of that, on the circuit two special  Bridgestone 200 signage boards will be installed.<br> Outside the track, the achievement will be highlighted by nightly video beaming, special decoration in a selection of shops, media activities and a <a onclick="window.open('http://bridgestone.adartists-online.net/bridgestone_adracer_eu/?s=uk','popup', 'width=800,height=600,location=yes,menubar=yes,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,status=yes,toolbar=yes'); return false;" href="http://bridgestone.adartists-online.net/bridgestone_adracer_eu/?s=uk">racing game</a>  on the bridgestone.eu website.<br> </span></p> <p><span class="SubTitle"><span class="Text">From track to street</span></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><span class="Text">Bridgestone entered Formula 1 to increase awareness of its brand name and showcase the company s advanced tyre technologies. The move was a perfect fit for Bridgestone s European strategy focused on premium products with high added value, transferring experience from the race circuit to the design and manufacture of high-performance passenger-car tyres. Working closely with Formula 1 car teams has also helped Bridgestone build a strong position as a supplier of original equipment tyres to car manufacturers.</span></span></p> <p><span class="Text"><span class="Text">Bridgestone looks forward to many more challenges, achievements and exciting races at the pinnacle of motor sport: the current Formula 1 contract runs through until 2010.</span><br> </span></p> <p></p> <p><span class="Text"><strong>Media information:</strong> G.Meylemans/D. Collins: +32 2 714 68 40</span></p> <p><span class="Text"><em>Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. It develops and manufactures top-quality tyres in Europe which, through its 17 subsidiary sales companies and other channels, are distributed all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.<br> </em></span></p>]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Bridgestone Corporation Announces Business and Financial Results for First Half of Fiscal 2008</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e9558f849079b110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e9558f849079b110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Aug 08, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[Please download the press release below.]]></description> </item> <item> <title>Bridgestone increases tyre production capacity in France</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=1f2513aa5780b110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=1f2513aa5780b110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Jul 10, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p align="center"> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="bethune_1" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/bethune2_LD.jpg"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p align="center"><span class="Text"> <em>M<span class="Text">r Remi Caron, Prefect of Pas-de-Calais and Mr Hiroshi Hasegawa, Senior Vice<br> President Bridgestone Europe Manufacturing cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony</span></em></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text">Bridgestone Europe has expanded production capacity at its Béthune, France, passenger-car tyre plant. The ¬ 32 million investment will produce an additional 1,000 high-performance tyres a day from 2009 and create 50 new jobs.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">The 4,400 m² building extension was officially opened on 4th July 2008 in a ceremony attended by Mr Remi Caron, Prefect of Pas-de-Calais, and other representatives of regional and local authorities. Bridgestone was represented by Mr Hiroshi Hasegawa, Senior Vice President Bridgestone Europe Manufacturing.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">The new production facilities will manufacture Bridgestone s latest generation passenger-car tyres including ultra high-performance tyres and winter tyres. Bridgestone focuses on premium products in Europe, capitalising on the demand shift to lower profile, larger rim-sized tyres while providing motorists with added value in the areas of safety and performance.</span></p> <p><span class="Text"> Today s high-performance tyres are state-of-the-art products manufactured with advanced technology says Mr Bruno Capron, Managing Director Bridgestone Béthune.  Many of these tyres will be supplied to Bridgestone s growing number of original equipment customers, including top French car manufacturers. </span></p> <p><span class="Text"><br> The Bridgestone Béthune plant currently produces around 25,000 passenger-car tyres a day and employs more than 1,250 people. Bridgestone Europe operates 7 manufacturing plants  in France, Spain, Italy, Poland and Hungary  producing a wide range of tyres for many types of vehicles.<br> <br> </span></p> <p></p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p align="center"> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="bethune_2" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/bethune1_LD.jpg"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p align="center"><i><span class="Text">Mr Bruno Capron, Managing Director of Bridgestone Bethune,<br> explaining the manual tyre inspection process</span></i></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text"><strong>Media information:</strong>  G.Meylemans/D. Collins: +32 2 714 68 40</span><br> <br> <p><i><span class="Text"><span class="Text">Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. It develops and manufactures top-quality tyres in Europe which, through its 17 subsidiary sales companies and other channels, are distributed all overEurope including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.</span></span></i></p> <p><br> <br>  </p>]]></description> </item> <item> <title>New push for road safety in Europe</title> <link>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=c9a9c28197c0b110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</link> <guid>http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=c9a9c28197c0b110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=d755240f90072110VgnVCM1000005101a10aRCRD</guid> <pubDate>Jul 10, 2008</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[<span class="SubTitle">Bridgestone actively involved with eSafety and Make Roads Safe campaigns</span> <p></p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p align="center"> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="reding" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/hodac_reding_gurmai_LD.jpg"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p align="center"><span class="Text"><em>From left to right : M. Ivan Hodac, Secretary-General of ACEA, Mrs Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for Information Society and Media, Mrs Zita Gurmai,  MEP</em></span> </p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <span class="Text">More than 200 international road and vehicle safety experts attended the  ChooseESC Symposium in Brussels on 1 July, aiming to give new impetus to the deployment of ESC (Electronic Stability Control) on cars in Europe. It is estimated that ESC - a safety technology that automatically identifies the risk of a skid and uses the vehicle s brakes to steer it safely back on track  could save up to 4,000 lives a year in Europe.</span> <p><span class="Text">The  ChooseESC campaign was launched in May 2007 with a demonstration event at the Bridgestone European Proving Ground in Italy. A year later, the symposium in Brussels is calling for new action to accelerate European adoption of ESC, which had reached 50% of new car registrations  and around 20% of all cars on the road  by the end 2007.</span></p> <p>ESC is the first intelligent vehicle safety system to be promoted by  eSafetyAware! , a non-profit public/private partnership whose members include Bridgestone and the FIA Foundation. Under the patronage of the European Commission,  eSafetyAware! aims to promote the use of life-saving vehicle technologies in the fight to reduce the EU s 40,000 annual road deaths by 50% by the year 2010.<br> <br> <br> <br> </p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p align="center"> <img id="StaticFileURLPrefix~~" alt="ward" src="/filelibrary/English/Global/FILES/LEGACY/PR/Corporate/2008/ward_LD.jpg"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p align="center"><span class="Text"> <em>David Ward, Chairman of eSafetyAware! and the 'Choose ESC' campaign </em></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Bridgestone is also a member of the international Commission for Global Road Safety and helped develop the action plan for putting road safety on the UN and G8 political agenda. Through Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends and other activities with the motoring public, Bridgestone has provided more than 70,000 petitions in support of the Make Roads Safe global campaign led by the FIA Foundation.</p> <p><span class="Text">In March 2008, the United Nations General Assembly approved the first ever global UN Conference on road safety, to be held in 2009; a major step towards developing a strategy to reduce the worldwide annual road accident toll of more than 1.2 million deaths.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Bridgestone has made road safety a top priority. As the world s largest manufacturer of tyres and other rubber products, Bridgestone is keenly aware of its responsibility to do everything possible to maximise road safety. The platform for Bridgestone s global road safety activities is the  Think Before You Drive campaign; a joint initiative with the FIA Foundation and national motoring clubs worldwide.</span></p> <p><span class="Text">The campaign, which features yellow crash test dummies as road safety experts, promotes simple safety actions  such as using a seat belt and regularly checking tyres  which can reduce the severity of injuries in a crash and even help to prevent a crash from occurring.</span></p> <p><a href="http://www.chooseesc.eu/"><span class="Text">www.chooseESC.eu</span></a><br> <a href="http://www.makeroadssafe.org/"><span class="Text">www.makeroadssafe.org</span></a><br> <a href="http://www.thinkbeforeyoudrive.com/"><span class="Text">www.thinkbeforeyoudrive.com</span></a><br> <a href="http://www.esafetyaware.eu/"><span class="Text">www.esafetyaware.eu</span></a></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="Text">Media information: G.Meylemans/D. Collins: +32 2 714 68 40</span></p> <p><span class="Text">Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. It develops and manufactures top-quality tyres in Europe which, through its 17 subsidiary sales companies and other channels, are distributed all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.</span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p>]]></description> </item> </channel> </rss>