NEW SIZES ANNOUNCED FOR FIRESTONE FIREHAWK INDY 500 TIRE IN CONJUNCTION WITH MAY'S LEGENDARY RACE

  	BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE NORTH AMERICAN TIRE, LLC


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NEW SIZES ANNOUNCED FOR FIRESTONE FIREHAWK INDY 500 TIRE
IN CONJUNCTION WITH MAY'S LEGENDARY RACE


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 5, 2003) - In conjunction with Firestone's product promotions in May and in anticipation of the legendary Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) has announced the addition of 18 new sizes to the Firestone Firehawk* Indy 500* tire.

"The Firehawk Indy 500 tire, launched May of 2002, is the first and only functional automotive component to wear the Indy 500 logo," said Mark Emkes, chairman, CEO and president of BFNT.  "Last year's sales of this tire were very encouraging, and with a full size compliment, we anticipate strong sales of the Firehawk Indy 500 this year.  With these additional sizes, we're able to offer this unique tire to a broader segment of the consumer market."

Listed below are the new size additions to the Firehawk Indy 500.

50 Series			55 Series			60 Series
P195/50R15 81S		P205/55R15 87T		P185/60R14 82T
P205/50R15 90S		P205/55R16 89T		P195/60R14 85T
P245/50R16 96T		P235/55R16 96T		P195/60R15 87T
								P205/60R15 90T
								P225/60R15 95T
								P275/60R17 110S

65 Series			70 Series
P205/65R15 92T		P235/70R16 104S
				P245/70R16106S
				P255/70R16 109S
				P265/70R16 111S
				P265/70R17 113S


The Firehawk Indy 500 pays tribute to the performance of the Firehawk Indy Racing* Slick, which was originally developed for professional drivers racing at speeds higher than 200 mph.  The Firehawk Indy 500 street tire is a T- and S-speed rated tire that provides all-season performance with excellent wet and improved dry handling.  With its attractive tread and sidewall design, the Firehawk Indy 500 looks like it performs - like a champion.

The Firehawk Indy 500 also employs UNI-T* (an acronym for Ultimate Network of Intelligent Tire Technologies).  UNI-T is a combination of advanced technologies that work together to create the most advanced tire available.  Firestone tires featuring UNI-T offer drivers precise handling, reduced noise, a smooth ride and outstanding control.
	
Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC, 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, Dayton and associate and private brand tires.  The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, agricultural and other tires to its customers in North America.

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Digital, high-resolution images of these tires are available at www.Indy500tire.com.

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