News Release: Bridgestone/Firestone Introduces Bridgestone-Brand Insignia SE200 With UNI-T Technology

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Media Center

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BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE INTRODUCES

BRIDGESTONE-BRAND INSIGNIA SE200(tm) WITH UNI-T(r) TECHNOLOGY

 

CHICAGO (Feb. 4, 2004) - Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC
(BFNT) today introduced the Bridgestone(r) Insignia SE 200(tm) with
UNI-T(r) technology. The tire is on display in Bridgestone Americas'
booth (Booth #10) at the Chicago Auto Show. The new mass market tire,
available this spring, is an extension of the already popular
Bridgestone Insignia SE200 which is the original equipment fitment on
the Chevrolet Malibu and the Toyota Corolla.  

 

Replacing the Bridgestone Insignia SL, the new Insignia SE200 delivers
the desired attributes of UNI-T(r) technology for the value-conscious
vehicle owner. The new tire offers a wider footprint and improved
silica-based compound for wet traction. The Bridgestone Insignia SE200
will be available in 29 popular 13-, 14-, 15- and 16- inch sizes within
the 80 to 55 series.

 

"The Bridgestone Insignia SE200 offers outstanding wet handling and
performance at an incredible value," said Phil Pacsi, executive
director, North American Consumer Tire Brand Marketing, BFNT.  "The tire
is also backed by our Platinum Pact 3-Year Limited Warranty and 30-Day
Test Drive, further increasing our commitment to value in this
category."  

 

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, CO*CS(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.

 

The Bridgestone Insignia SE200 comes with the Platinum Pact 3-Year
Limited Warranty, which provides replacement at no charge (excluding
taxes and disposal fees) if the tire should become unusable due to
defects in materials or workmanship for up to three years from date of
purchase or four years from date of manufacture, whichever is to the
owner's advantage.

 

The tire also comes with a 30-Day Test Drive, which allows a consumer to
receive a full refund or exchange if he or she is not pleased with the
tire for any reason within 30 days of purchase (proof of purchase date
required). Tires received as original equipment are not covered by the
30-Day Test Drive. On all warranties, certain restrictions and
limitations may apply, so consumers should check with their retailers
for complete details and conditions.

 

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 provide 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. <http://ww.bridgestonetire./> com or 
www.firestonetire.com <http://www.firestonetire.com/> .  Visit 
www.tiresafety.com <http://www.tiresafety.com/> for news and information
about the importance of proper tire inflation and maintenance.

            

 

 

Regards,

 

Tiffany Bryant

Public Relations

Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc.

535 Marriott Drive

Nashville, TN 37214

 

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1.877.201.2373 - media center