Bridgestone Potenza Concept Tires Concepts in Detroit

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 9, 2006) – Bridgestone Corporation has equipped two concept vehicles with custom-made BridgestoneŽ Potenza™ tires that will be displayed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, held January 8-22, 2006 in Detroit. The unique Bridgestone brand tires were built in cooperation with Mazda and Infiniti, the original equipment automotive manufacturers’ vehicles on which they will be featured.

“We’re honored to showcase our design capabilities in tandem with the original equipment manufacturers’ best and brightest vehicle ideas at this premiere automotive show,” said Michael Martini, president, original equipment consumer tire division, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT). “Concept tires are similar to an artist’s blank canvas, allowing us a platform to feature ideas that go beyond current thinking.”

The two concept vehicles on which the Bridgestone brand concept tires are:

Mazda KABURA Compact Sports Coupe Concept – This dynamically styled coupe has the practicality and affordability that youth can yearn for and afford. The rear-wheel drive vehicle will be fitted with 19” front and 20” rear Bridgestone Potenza high performance tires that feature run-flat technology. Working closely with Mazda’s Design team in Calif., the asymmetrical concept tires were designed at the company’s Akron, Ohio Technical Center and were made in Japan.

Infiniti Coupe Concept – This concept vehicle will be fitted with Bridgestone Potenza tires in size 255/35R20 front and 275/35R20 rear. These sophisticated tires with an asymmetrical tread pattern were designed and made in Japan.

“Our participation on these two exciting concept vehicles is the result of our close, on-going OEM customer relationships,” said Martini. “These one-of-a-kind designs provide us a perfect opportunity to show off our creative talents.”