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Bridgestone and Topy Industries Unveil Next-Generation Wheel

18 April 2000

Bridgestone and Topy Industries Unveil Next-Generation Wheel for Automobiles

    NASHVILLE, Tenn.--April 17, 2000--

Layer of Special Rubber Between Wheel Rim and Disk
Will Reduce Noise and Increase Comfort

    Bridgestone Corporation, the parent company of Bridgestone/Firestone Europe and Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. in the Americas, and Topy Industries have developed a prototype wheel for automobiles that contains a layer of special rubber between the wheel's rim and disk. Installing rubber between the rim -- which secures the tire to the wheel -- and the disk -- which secures the wheel to the hub -- helps achieve a quieter, more-comfortable ride. It also improves vehicle handling.
    With conventional wheels, manufacturers weld the rim to the disk. The wheels therefore convey road-surface bumps directly to the vehicle as noise and vibration. They also convey ruts and other imperfections in the road-surface contour directly to the steering system as lateral tugging.
    The rubber layer in the special wheel absorbs vibration. That reduces noise inside the vehicle and provides a smoother ride. It also adds stability to the vehicle's handling since the rubber reduces tug on the steering system on rutted roads.
    Along with supporting general improvements in comfort and handling, the newly developed wheel offers especially interesting possibilities in combination with special-characteristic tires. Combining the wheel with low-rolling-resistance tires, for example, would allow for improved fuel economy while maintaining satisfactory comfort.
    Bridgestone brought to the development project its expertise in bonding rubber and metal and its advanced technology for absorbing vibration. Topy Industries contributed technology for engineering precision wheels. The business associates are pushing ahead with work on developing a commercial version of their wheel. They also will explore additional kinds of tire-wheel systems for further enhancing performance.
    Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world's largest manufacturer of tires and other rubber products. Tires account for 79 percent of Bridgestone Group sales worldwide. The company also manufactures industrial rubber and chemical products, sporting goods, and other diversified products. It sells its tires and other products in more than 150 nations.
    Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. is the largest subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation of Japan, the world's largest manufacturer of tires and other rubber products. Bridgestone/Firestone develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires. The company also produces Firestone air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles.