Bridgestone Launches Next-Generation Fuel-Saving Tire

Ecopia EP422 Plus tire designed to appeal to budget-minded drivers seeking more miles between trips to the pump

NASHVILLE, TN -- March 30, 2015: Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) today announced the launch of the latest tire in its fuel-efficient Ecopia tire line, the Ecopia EP422 Plus tire. The Ecopia EP422 Plus tire is engineered with a combination of light and strong materials for greater fuel efficiency, giving consumers an extra 20 miles per tank.*

A recent online survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults, commissioned by Bridgestone and conducted by Harris Poll in March 2015** indicates that 94 percent of Americans are looking for ways to stretch their dollars. This trend extends directly to their habits on the road, as 74 percent of drivers who own a vehicle made changes to their driving habits and performed vehicle maintenance in the past 12 months to increase their gas mileage.

"Americans continue to look for ways to achieve better fuel efficiency because that translates to more money in their pockets," said Robert Saul, senior product manager, Bridgestone Americas. "Choosing the right fuel-efficient tire can result in savings. The Ecopia EP422 Plus tire from Bridgestone is designed to make cars more fuel-efficient, while still providing dependable all-season performance."

The survey from Bridgestone revealed the top three ways drivers who own a vehicle save fuel. Half of all Americans (50 percent) combine errands, while 40 percent maintain their tires by checking air pressure and tread. More than a third of consumers (38 percent) avoid sudden acceleration and stopping.

The fuel savings offered by the Ecopia EP422 Plus tire contribute to the company's global goal to improve tire rolling resistance by 25 percent by 2020. The Ecopia tire line also moves Bridgestone closer to its long-term environmental vision of achieving a 50 percent reduction in CO2 emissions by the year 2050 and beyond.

The Ecopia EP422 Plus tire from Bridgestone is backed by a 70,000 mile treadwear limited warranty. It is available in 43 sizes, ranging from 15" to 18" rim diameters, and is designed to fit many of the most popular coupes, sedans and wagons on the road today. The Ecopia EP422 Plus tire also fits select minivans.

To learn more about the fuel-efficient Ecopia tire line from Bridgestone, go to BridgestoneTire.com/Ecopia.

*Based on rolling resistance in lab testing comparing Ecopia EP422 Plus (215/60R16) to Firestone FR710 (215/60R16) when new. Extra 20 miles based on 400 miles per tank. Actual results may vary based on proper tire maintenance, vehicle, driving style and road conditions.

**Methodology: This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Bridgestone from March 5-9, 2015, among 2,009 adults ages 18 and older, among which 1,838 are drivers and 1,761 are drivers who own a vehicle. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.