Chicago Auto Show and Bridgestone Americas Forge Alliance to Assist Media

The Chicago Auto Show, North America's largest, and Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., the American arm of the world's largest tire and rubber manufacturer, have announced a multi-year joint program to bring the industry's leading automotive journalists and analysts to the media preview of the Windy City exposition, Feb. 4, 2004-5, 2004.

"With Bridgestone America's sponsorship, the industry's most important journalists and analysts will be invited to cover Chicago's media preview and enjoy a world-class city as our guests," said Mike McGrath, chairman of the 96th Chicago Auto Show. "We realize that budgets are stretched for everyone these days, so this program will be welcomed by journalists and manufacturers alike."

"We recognize the Chicago Auto Show as an event that provides an unsurpassed stage for manufacturers to showcase their product," said Vice President of Public Affairs for Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. Christine Karbowiak. "Chicago's show is the level playing field that provides all exhibitors an excellent opportunity to present their offerings in an environment of freedom and flexibility, with access to the largest and most loyal consumer audience of any auto show. Additionally, the unparalleled combination of the nation's premier exposition center in a city as international as Chicago is exactly where Bridgestone Americas and our brands want to shine."

First produced in 1901 with only a handful of cars on exhibit, the Chicago Auto Show now exhibits more than 1,000 vehicles and is staged in the colossal McCormick Place center, just two miles south of the famous "Loop." More than 39,000 Class A hotel rooms are available within a ten-minute drive of the show. O'Hare, the world's busiest airport, is only 30 minutes from the show by car with Midway Airport only 12 minutes away.

"America's largest show built by America's most efficient and experienced labor force make Chicago and Bridgestone Americas a natural alliance," said Jerry Cizek, general manager of the Chicago Auto Show and president of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA). "As we are sensitive and reactive to the costs incurred by our exhibitors, this new relationship will help media and analysts to keep their costs in line, as well. We're also excited to see the initial plans for the beautiful two-story display our media travel partner will be constructing to showcase their products and technology to America's largest audience of car lovers."

Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. The CATA is comprised of more than 600 franchised new car dealers and allied members, employing 56,000 people in metropolitan Chicago. CATA dealerships contribute to the state, county and city tax base with gross receipts of $16.5 billion in new vehicle sales alone; $26 billion in new- and pre-owned vehicles, parts and service.

The media preview of the 2004 Chicago Auto Show will be held Feb. 4-5, followed by its public show, Feb. 6-15. The show's black-tie preview, First Look at Charity, will be held Thursday evening, Feb. 5 from 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Additional information about the 2004 Chicago Auto Show, including all releases and high resolution photography, is available on the Internet at www.ChicagoAutoShow.com/ Online media registration for the show will open Nov. 15, 2003.

Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSAH, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies also produce Firestone air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber and industrial fibers and textiles and operate the world's largest chain of automotive tire and services centers.

PRNewswire -- Oct. 22