Mr H. Morinaga, Manager, Bridgestone Corp. Research Department, accepts the “2012 Tire Technology of the Year Award” on behalf of Bridgestone.

On February 15th at the « Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence » in Cologne, Bridgestone Corporation won the « Tire Technology of the Year Award » for its Contact Area Information Sensing technology (CAIS).
The system provides real-time road surface condition information to the driver by way of the tyres. This exciting future technology collects and evaluates road surface condition information via a sensor located inside the tyre tread which wirelessly sends the information to the vehicle’s analytical equipment. Capable of sensing instantaneous vibration input data and digitising it using in-vehicle analysis equipment, this new technology classifies the current state of the road surface into seven conditions of dry, semi-dry, wet, slush, fresh snow, compact snow, and ice. This information is then transmitted directly to the driver through an in-car display.

“This technology from Bridgestone really impressed us”, said Adam Gavine, Editor of Tire Technology International magazine. “It’s an ultra high-technology development which can potentially make a genuine contribution to road safety”.

“We are extremely proud to have won the 2012 award for « Tire Technology of the Year »” commented Mr Morimoto, Vice President and Senior Officer Bridgestone Corporation. “We are now collaborating with the Japanese Highway Administrating Company who plan to use CAIS for road maintenance in wintry conditions.  This is clearly another example of how Bridgestone promotes and invests in the safety and peace of mind of motorists.”
The Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence are organised by Tire Technology International magazine, the world’s only publication dedicated to tyre technology, design and manufacturing.

An independent, international jury of 21 tyre professionals, engineers and academics evaluated each nomination and attributed awards in five categories: Tire manufacturing and design innovation; Environmental achievement; Tire technology of the year; Tire industry supplier of the year; and Tire manufacturer of the year.

Media information: G. Meylemans +32 2 714 68 40

Bridgestone Europe (BSEU), with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, is a key regional subsidiary of Tokyo-based Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of tyres and other rubber products. Bridgestone Europe operates an R&D center, 8 plants and offices in more than 30 European countries, with over 13,000 employees. BSEU’s premium tyres are sold both within Europe and globally.