Bridgestone/Firestone Introduces Ultra-High Performance Bridgestone Potenza RE050

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 4, 2003 -- Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) introduces the latest addition to its performance tire family: the Bridgestone(R) Potenza(TM) RE050. The tire is on display this week in the Bridgestone booth (#41917) at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show.

With a tread design that combines racing-inspired technology with a rain tire, the new W- and Y-speed rated Potenza RE050 delivers excellent dry and wet handling, sporty responsiveness and a comfortable, quiet ride.

In developing the Potenza RE050, Bridgestone turned to its motorsports heritage: six consecutive World Championships in Formula One racing have been claimed by Bridgestone equipped teams. By combining technology derived from the grooved tread design of the Potenza Formula One dry tire and the renowned Potenza F1 rain tire, the Potenza RE050 delivers both excellent grip on dry roads and surefooted traction in the wet.

The tire will be available in February 2004, and has been selected as original equipment for such premium vehicles including the BMW 5- and 6- Series, the BMW Z4; the Porsche 997; the Mercedes Benz C-, E- and S-Class; the Audi C6 and the super-high performance Enzo Ferrari.

"The Bridgestone Potenza RE050 features our exclusive UNI-T(R) technology for outstanding performance and handling, and follows in the sure-footed steps of the Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position," said Phil Pacsi, executive director, North American Consumer Tire Brand Marketing, BFNT.

The new tire line carries a UTQG rating of 140 for treadwear, 'A' for traction, and 'A' for temperature. It will be available in 25 popular 17-, 18- and 19-inch sizes. The company also is offering a companion Potenza RE050 run flat tire in 8 popular 16- through 18-inch sizes for vehicles specifically designed to use run flat tires.

Bridgestone also is introducing a companion Potenza RE050A, with an asymmetrical tread pattern, which combines large, outside elements for improved handling with smaller, inside elements for water evacuation. The asymmetric tread also allows for easy tire rotation, to help prevent irregular wear.

UNI-T(R) is an acronym for "Ultimate Network of Intelligent Tire Technology" found only in Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and select associate brand tires. One of its core technologies is a Computer Optimized Component System, COˇCS(R), which uses a super computer to help determine an ideal combination of tread design, casing shape, materials and construction for a particular application.

Tires with UNI-T(R) have an O-Bead(R) that eliminates overlapped joints in the bead assembly, improving the way a tire interacts with the rim, and providing a rounder assembly for improved stability.

The use of L.L. Carbon(R), or Long Link Carbon, an advanced form of carbon black, produces a stronger tire, better able to resist cracking, chipping, tearing and excessive wear.

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.

For a listing of available sizes, as well as features and benefits of this tire and other Bridgestone and Firestone tires, please visit www.bridgestonetire.com or www.firestonetire.com. Visit www.tiresafety.com for news and information about the importance of proper tire inflation and maintenance.