Bridgestone Brand Potenza Tires To Be OE On Subaru Impreza WRX-STI

NASHVILLE , Tenn. (August 15, 2003) - Bridgestone brand Potenza(tm) RE070 tires have been chosen as original equipment on the new ultra-high performance 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX-STi debuting in U.S. Subaru showrooms this summer. The company will provide its Potenza RE070, an ultra-high performance max-traction summer tire in size 225/45R17. "We are very pleased to have been named an original equipment supplier for this performance flagship of the Subaru line-up," said Michael Martini, president, OE Consumer Tire, Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC. "Our Potenza RE070 is a perfect complement to the ultra-high performance specifications of this new vehicle." Martini added that the Potenza RE070 is a new product, developed specifically for sport performance original equipment applications. "Our engineers worked with Subaru to design an asymmetrical tread pattern, which was specially tuned to this application," he said. The Potenza RE070 is W-speed rated and provides ultimate high grip, accurate response and maximum cornering capabilities. It carries a UTQG rating of 140 for treadwear, and an A each for traction and temperature. The Bridgestone Potenza RE070 in size 225/45R17 for the Subaru Impreza WRX-STi has also been developed for use in the Japanese market. The all-wheel drive Subaru Impreza WRX-STi is designed to appeal to the serious driving enthusiast and incorporates motorsports technology drawn directly from Subaru's experience in World Rally Championship racing. It is engineered to deliver world-class sports car levels of acceleration, handling and braking, and will serve as the performance flagship of the Subaru line. STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International, the automaker's high performance and motorsports subsidiary. Subaru is the only car company that offers symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line. Subaru has been the best-selling import wagon in America for the past 20 years, based on R.L. Polk & Company new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2002. 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. # # #