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inRoads Firestone North American Tire, LLC O Spring 2006

Executive Spring Your Customers into Action page ...... 2 Edge Feature by Offering These Driving Tips With warm weather your tires, can rob fuel economy and can approaching, drivers are hitting the road for cause excessive or irregular wear or early Where’s page ...... 2,12 Mario trips, gatherings with family removal if tires are not and friends and countless properly inflated or in good condition. errands. Here are a few tips to • Pack an emergency kit - Consumer page ...... 2,3,4,8 provide customers carefree driving and safe travel. Emergency kits prepare drivers for any unexpected • Check tire pressure breakdowns. Suggested items monthly and before big for a vehicle emergency kit OE page ...... 3,6,11 trips - Properly inflate all include jumper cables, four tires, plus the spare, to the vehicle flashlight and batteries, reflector, protective manufacturer's recommended levels. Tires gloves, basic toolkit, flares and matches, can lose up to one pound per square inch gallon of water, nonperishable food, 12- Education page ...... 4,7 (psi) each month under normal conditions. volt portable air compressor and blanket. Use an accurate tire gauge to check tire air An auto club membership and card may pressure monthly and always when the also be helpful. Also, make sure your cell tires are cool—meaning the has been phone is charged. Dealers page ...... 4,10 driven less than one mile or has not moved in at least three hours. • Avoid potholes - In many areas of the country, the snow and ice of winter can • Check tire tread - Tires should have at leave roads in bad shape. Hitting a pothole least 1/16 inch of tread depth. To perform can damage your tire and/or the wheel of page ...... 5 the "penny test," insert a penny in the your vehicle. Drivers should be reminded tread at several points on the tire, with that keeping their tires properly inflated President Lincoln's head will help reduce damage from pointed down. If you can potholes and other road Truck & Bus page ...... 11 see the top of Lincoln's hazards. Drivers should try to head at any of the points, avoid potholes entirely, but a the tire is worn out and good tip to give if drivers do requires replacement. have to hit a pothole is not to brake during impact. Instead, Canada page ...... 11 • Get a complete vehicle inspection - An annual they should try to apply brakes vehicle inspection, including before hitting and release the air-conditioning system, brakes prior to impact. Braking may help drivers avoid during the impact sets up the costly repairs and keep cool on hot tire and wheel assembly for a "solid hit" summer days. A technician can ensure a against the edge of the hole. Less severe vehicle's , battery, damage may occur when a tire is rolling, and cooling system are all in good rather than skidding, over a hole. working order. • Select proper tires - Rainwater that • Check fluids - Fluid levels should be mixes with oil or grime on the streets can checked and filled if necessary, including cause slippery conditions that may result engine oil and coolant, brake, transmission, in unexpected skidding. Consumers should windshield washer and power be reminded that certain tires will deliver fluids. Don't forget to check the gas! the traction or handling that they seek. • Do not overload the vehicle - Just as Following these few easy tips, drivers will lighter loads increase , be better prepared and more confident each overloading creates excessive heat inside time they pull out of the driveway. 2 inRoads Spring2006

A Note from Mark Emkes Inform Your Executive Where’s Edge Hello! Thanks also reaches the enthusiasts who follow this Mario Customers to all of you, growing . and Your Bridgestone Americas Consumer education, especially through continues to be an industry your efforts, continues to be a major focus, Community leader. From our presence at which we trust will contribute to our mutual Jim Gruetzmacher, a dealer in the Chicago Auto Show, long-term success. It is critical to help the Marshalltown, Ind., took service which gained us great consumer know and understand the to the next level. Gruetzmacher exposure, to your community outreach efforts, importance of good tires, and how to sent Mario Andretti's Real we are proud of our continued joint successes properly maintain them. Our customers also Information On Safety in the face of many business challenges. need to learn about, and understand, tire (M.A.R.I.O.S.) booklets to the In this newsletter, you will see examples technologies and how they impact vehicle superintendents of the local of how our organization and our teammates performance and overall vehicle safety. In schools in his area, providing excel. The accolades we achieve, just like 2006, we will continue to focus on education current and potential customers those you earn, are a result of hard work, and use our inRoads publication as a tool for with ways to stay safe on the determination and diligence in every step of use in your community outreach efforts. Our road. our business operations. Despite the goal is to be "your resource" for superior Les Garrett, of Garrett Tire challenges of escalating raw materials and products and for information regarding and Auto in Springdale, Ark., fuel costs, and competition on a global automotive and tire safety. We want to make also took the program to the scale, it is obvious that we are all committed you the number one consumer resource for next level and will soon be to, and passionate about, serving our tires and automotive safety education in your offering M.A.R.I.O.S. tips via number one customer—the consumer. local communities. community access television Our continued focus this year is on We welcome any ideas you may wish to and at the local community premium products for a premium share with us, as well as examples of your center (at no cost to marketplace. This trend is led by our OE successes to encourage other dealers. participants)! Watch for the next strategy to secure premium fitments on Together we will continue to grow stronger edition of inRoads for more premium vehicles and resulted in the and become a better resource for our about Garrett Tire & Auto and products we recently launched at the customers. its community outreach. Chicago Auto Show. Responding to market Thank you for all you do! You can also reach out to needs and interests has also encouraged us members of your community by to enter the drift market in the United States Best regards, distributing M.A.R.I.O.S. by offering our new Bridgestone Potenza booklets. To request M.A.R.I.O.S. RE-01R tire to select drift teams. This effort booklets, please contact Susan not only showcases our tire technology but Mark A. Emkes Sizemore at (615) 937-1417 or download a PDF version from http://www.tiresafety.com. Need New Tires? Consumer Tire tread low on a company, BFNT is not just trying to hook customer's tire or has a driver consumers with a typical promotion. We are come in with a flat? Bridgestone Firestone committed to the integrity of our North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) has taken and their performance in the real world. the fear out of buying tires by offering a very And, we back that commitment with our special type of guarantee. guarantee." "The ‘Buy & Try 30- So as BFNT makes the Day Guarantee’ puts offer, tell drivers to seize consumers in the driver's the moment and test seat," said Phil Pacsi, new tires their way— executive director, North they are guaranteed! American consumer tire marketing, BFNT. "If The “Buy & Try 30-Day Guarantee” does after 30 days or less you are not satisfied not apply to tires supplied as original with the performance of our tires, we will equipment on new vehicles or a select refund your money." number of performance or Run-Flat specialty Pacsi added, "The ‘Buy & Try 30-Day tires. Consumers should check with their Guarantee’ is evidence that as a tire Bridgestone Firestone retailer for details. Spring2006 inRoads 3

Bridgestone Bridgestone's First Run-FFlat Fitment News Firestone “In OE Found on 2006 Mazda MX-55 Miata the News” The 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata Martini, president, original equipment …More to Come! has been redesigned with drivers getting consumer tire division, Bridgestone Firestone the benefit of choosing a Bridgestone Run- North American Tire, LLC. "Our Run-Flat tire Check out what TEN Flat fitment. Bridgestone®- Potenza™ product fitments continue to grow among Magazine had to say about the RE050A™ RFT performance tires are available the original equipment manufacturers, and new Firestone Destination A/T: as an option on the new 2006 Mazda MX-5 the Potenza RE050A RFT delivers the exact "Bridgestone Firestone has Miata. Bridgestone Corporation supplys the performance requirements demanded by taken the all-terrain tire to new stylish with the Bridgestone Mazda for this redesigned classic." performance levels with the Potenza RE050A RFT Run-Flat tires in size Providing high performance handling for company's Destination A/T. 205/45R17 84W. For winter travel, the third generation MX-5 Miata, the Available in 24 sizes, for 14- to Bridgestone also offers its Blizzak™ winter Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT tires come 17-inch rims, and in two Run-Flat tires as an aftermarket replacement loaded with race-proven technology: the different speed ratings, the for this model. company's exclusive UNI-T® technology for Destination A/T is just what the Since the very first Miata was brought to outstanding wet and dry traction, a tread doctor ordered for those folks the U.S. market in 1990, Bridgestone pattern that promotes rapid water whose rigs see more pavement Corporation has been supplying tires to evacuation, variable dimensions in the tread pounding than hard-core off Mazda. This first-ever Mazda Run-Flat blocks, and a smooth shape to reduce road roading." — Joe Daniels for TEN fitment is the result of the long-term noise. An asymmetrical tread pattern in the Magazine relationship between the two companies. RE050A increases surface contact to "The MX-5 Miata is one of the best-selling enhance acceleration and cornering. (TEN Magazine and The two-seater sports in the world, and it's The Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT Enthusiast Network — Corona, exciting to secure this Run-Flat fitment on carries a UTQG rating of 140 for treadwear, Calif.) such a high-profile vehicle," said Michael ‘A’ for traction and ‘A’ for temperature.

Crunching the Competition: Consumer Bridgestone Firestone and Team Bigfoot Members of the Bigfoot vehicle then went on to win the inaugural monster truck family will continue to gear championship of the ISC/Truxpo-Professional up with Firestone®-brand tires through 2010 Monster Truck (ProMT) Racing Series. thanks to a sponsorship agreement recently "Firestone tires have played a huge role in announced by Bridgestone Firestone North helping Bigfoot win more than 10 American Tire, LLC. championships in monster truck racing," Since 1991, Team Bigfoot has said Bob Trent, vice president of been using Firestone-brand tires sponsorships and events for Bigfoot 4X4, exclusively on its fleet of Inc. "Firestone tires help us win!" monster trucks. "The tires' With the launch of the Firestone construction and tread pattern Destination-brand of tires in 2003, provide unmatched traction and Bigfoot unveiled a Firestone Destination paint durability," says Jim Kramer, vice schemed monster truck (pictured at left), president of operations for which continues to tour the country today. Bigfoot 4X4, Inc. "We can't Aside from the Firestone Destination race imagine running our trucks on vehicle, Bigfoot also maintains a dedicated anything else." Firestone Destination display truck that visits In addition to running on Firestone retail stores throughout the year to Firestone tires since 1991, Team Bigfoot has promote the Bigfoot/Firestone relationship. used Firestone-themed monster truck bodies In 2004 alone, the Bigfoot fleet logged 517 since 1997, starting with the introduction of display days at Firestone dealerships, with the Firestone Wilderness Bigfoot truck. another 505 days in 2005. Do you want As part of Firestone's 100th anniversary in Bigfoot to help you promote your event? 2000, Bigfoot unveiled the Firestone Call John Robinson at (615) 937-3545 for Centennial paint scheme on Bigfoot 15. The details. 4 inRoads Spring2006

Four Bridgestone-BBrand Tires Named Happy Consumer Consumers Digest "Best Buys" Dealers Anniversary Consumers Digest editors facilities, government It was a festive added Bridgestone®-brand products to their agencies, consumer atmosphere in Blair, Neb., when list of tire "Best Buys" more times and in surveys, service outlets, Roger Howland, owner of more product segments than they did any independent technical Country Tire in Blair, invited his other tire brand. experts, as well as their own hands-on community out to celebrate The "Best Buys" list that appears in the examinations. Country Tire's grand re- magazine's February 2006 issue lists a The Bridgestone-brand tires that earned opening—expanding from one Bridgestone-brand tire in four tire spots on the list, and what Consumers Digest service bay to five—and categories: touring, performance, light had to say about them, included: commemorating his dealership's truck/SUV tires all-purpose and sport. The • Bridgestone Turanza™ LS-H (touring 20th anniversary as a Firestone "Best Buy" designation indicates these tire category) dealer. products offer the best value for their "packs every punch that Bridgestone price—a designation awarded, on average, offers" to fewer than 3 percent of competing • Bridgestone Potenza™ G009 models in any given product category. (performance tire category) "We're thrilled to have so many of our "Bridgestone's venerable Potenza is tires in such a broad selection of categories more than a brand; it's tire science from singled out for special attention as 'Best the racing world" Buys'," said Phil Pacsi, executive director, • Bridgestone Dueler™ H/L Alenza North American consumer tire marketing, (light truck/SUV all-purpose tire category) Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, "offers great value in a modern, proven LLC. "Having them recognized by an and capable package" independent source speaks volumes about • Bridgestone Dueler H/P (sport tire the superior quality of our products." category) The editors collect information from "offers great highway performance as it many sources to reach their conclusions, delivers -like handling" including independent testing and research

2006 Drive & Learn Program: A Great Education 2006 Upcoming Education The 2006 Drive & Learn performance/high performance tires will Drive & Learn program is off to a great be compared to a competitive tire on a Regional Events* start, and Bridgestone Firestone North wet autocross course. City Date American Tire, LLC, hopes to see you soon! • Also on BMW 325i sedans, the ultra- Atlanta April 27, 28 New tires from the Bridgestone®-brand tire high performance Bridgestone Potenza Charlotte, N.C. May 16, 17 line will be featured and put to the test on RE050A Pole Position with UNI-T Rochester/ various courses, including wet handling. Technology will be featured in a LeMans Syracuse, N.Y June 1, 2 Dealers, media and Bridgestone Americas competition. Boston June 7, 8 teammates will be guided through a series Philadelphia July 27, 28 of performance evaluations by professional • Bridgestone Turanza™ EL 400 with Columbus, Ohio August 3, 4 driving instructors, as participants learn how UNI-T Technology. Fitted on 2006 Pontiac Chicago August 24, 25 each tire's attributes compare with G6 models, these Bridgestone tires will St. Louis August 30, 31 competitive tires in the marketplace. be evaluated against competitive tires on Denver September As part of its ongoing educational efforts, a wet autocross course. 21, 22 BFNT this year will have staff-trained October 4, 5 technical experts present at the Drive & Dallas October 26, 27 Learn events to better serve the dealers. Participants will evaluate: *Subject to change • Bridgestone Potenza™ RE960AS Pole Position with UNI-T® AQII ™ Technology. On 2006 BMW 325i sedans, Bridgestone's all-season ultra-high Spring2006 inRoads 5

Aiken County Facility Celebrates 50 Millionth Tire News In a celebration attended by and systems in order to meet the needs of South Carolina Gov. Mark our consumers," Emkes said. Sanford and Mark Emkes, Bridgestone In November 2005, the Aiken County Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH) and facility celebrated two million hours worked Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, without a "lost time" injury and has been LLC chairman and CEO, the team at BFNT's recognized as an Occupational Safety and Aiken County plant celebrated the Health Administration (OSHA) Voluntary manufacture of its 50 millionth tire. The Protection Program (VPP) STAR (Safety team also announced a multimillion dollar Through Accountability and Recognition) capital investment in the facility, located in facility for its outstanding safety and health Graniteville, S.C. management. Since it opened in 1998, the Pictured (l-r) are Mike Rose, BFNT Aiken "We are committed to improving the soil facility has earned the South Carolina County plant manager; Duke Nishiyama, conditions for businesses in South Carolina Governor's Quality Award, the South BSAH and BFNT vice chairman and president; Mark Emkes, BSAH and BFNT so companies like Bridgestone Firestone can Carolina Large Manufacturer of the Year chairman and CEO; South Carolina Gov. thrive and grow," said Gov. Sanford. "This is Award and was honored as one of Industry Mark Sanford; and John Stewart, Aiken all a part of continuing to build on our Week's Top Ten Plants in North America. County plant operations manager. efforts to make the state more attractive to businesses as well as focusing on raising income levels for all South Carolinians." With this capital investment of nearly $17 million, the plant will add a fourth rubber mixer to the facility and modify five tire assembly systems to increase the plant's ability to meet the market demand for world-class tires with larger rim sizes. "This multimillion dollar investment is an exciting step for our company. It is also evidence of our strong commitment to the Aiken County community and our promise South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford signs Aiken to continue to improve quality, processes County's 50 millionth tire.

BFNT Supports American Honda’s Motorsports Launch of New Street Bike More than 20 journalists got Corporation and a BFNT service crew a chance to see and learn about the newest prepped 136 tires for use on the Honda ultra-high performance street bike fitted with CBR1000RR. The bike generates a Bridgestone®- approximately 160 horsepower and weighs brand tire. a mere 400 pounds. American Honda's At the event, Honda made a presentation division to showcase the technical aspects of the asked Bridgestone new model. Shortly thereafter, Graham gave Firestone North a presentation about Bridgestone, its racing American Tire, LLC success and the new tires that come as to attend the event original equipment on the new model. The and help showcase morning session was run on the Bridgestone the 2006 Honda Battlax™ BT015 original equipment tire, and CBR1000RR bike. the afternoon session was run on an During the optional Bridgestone Battlax BT002 tire. event at a race Journalists from a variety of national and track near regional publications attended the event. Bakersfield, Calif., The Speed Channel also attended, filming 2006 Honda CBR1000RR with BFNT teammates Bob Graham and Steve for their motorcycle show "Two Wheel Bridgestone Battlax BT015 tires Turner, representatives from Bridgestone Tuesday." 6 inRoads Spring2006

Corvettes Conquering Cancer News Ben Labaree is a man on a Ben, and the American Cancer Society. mission. A pursuit that began Ben's journey continues today with the with his wife Sandy's love for Corvettes and help of many supporters, including her battle with cancer has continued as a Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, tour across America. After traveling close to LLC. In all of his travels, Ben has come to 200,000 miles, the need for continued appreciate the importance of durable, reliable cancer awareness keeps Labaree on the road. equipment needed to hold up on the long Sandy Labaree was between trips. Which is why chemotherapy treatments for a recurring he turned to BFNT. fight with breast cancer when, in 1997, she In 2001, he formulated a plan to take her battle with the approached BFNT disease and the work of the American about exchanging Cancer Society on the road. So began the his then current Corvettes Conquer Cancer Tour in the tires for the Labarees' 1997 torch red C5 Corvette. Firestone® Sandy and Ben's adventures took them to Firehawk™ SZ50™ 43 states and across 50,000 miles of Run-Flat tires. For America as they visited Corvette shows to Ben, the change in speak about the importance of early cancer tire was detection, awareness and prevention. All the "immediate and while they raised funds for the American amazing," and ever since, he has been an Ben Labaree works at a stop on the Cancer Society. ardent supporter of BFNT's products. Corvettes Conquer Cancer Tour. Sadly, in March of 2000, Sandy lost her BFNT is proud to be a sponsor of such an fight with breast cancer. In memory of her extraordinary cause and looks forward to courage and charity, the Tour has continued many more years of service to Sandy and Ben under the guidance of her loving husband, Labaree's Corvettes Conquer Cancer Tour.

High Profile Fitment is Original Equipment for OE the Young and the Young at Heart When looking for a new long-standing relationship with , and , Bridgestone®-brand tire we look forward to continuing our role as a aficionados will have one more option as primary original equipment supplier to the the 2007 Toyota FJ now has automaker's line of vehicles." Bridgestone-brand Dueler™ H/T 840™ tires The Bridgestone Dueler H/T 840 tire, part as its original equipment fitment. of the extensive Dueler light truck tire line, Bridgestone Corporation will supply Dueler is designed for SUV and light truck owners H/T 840 tires in size P265/70R17 113S for who want the best of both the Toyota vehicle. worlds—a powerful grip on The all-new FJ Cruiser is a modern, youth- the most rugged routes and aimed sport utility vehicle based on nearly a a civilized ride on the half-century tradition of rugged Toyota highway. The tire features a performance provided by the legendary FJ computer designed all- 40, the original 4Runner and 4x4 compact season tread for outstanding pickups. wet weather traction and "We're honored to be part of this exciting quiet ride, an extra deep reincarnation of the FJ line of Toyota tread for extended tire life, vehicles," said Michael Martini, president, and a rounded casing profile original equipment consumer tire division, to deliver a smooth ride. Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, The Bridgestone Dueler LLC. “Bridgestone Corporation worked hard H/T 840 tire in size P265/70R17 113S carries to develop a tire specifically engineered for an ‘S’ speed rating and a UTQG rating of the needs of this new generation SUV. This 300 for treadwear, ‘B’ for traction and ‘B’ for fitment is a result of our global company's temperature. Spring2006 inRoads 7

Independent Bridgestone Potenza Concept Tires News Tire Dealers News Featured at Detroit Auto Show Continue to Two concept vehicles that The two concept vehicles were: were displayed in January at the 2006 North • Mazda KABURA Compact Sports Dominate Tire Sales American International Auto Show in Detroit Concept. This dynamically in United States were equipped with custom-made styled coupe has the practicality and affordability that youth Independent tire dealers in Bridgestone® Potenza™ can yearn for and afford. the United States account for tires. The rear-wheel drive 59.5 percent of domestic The unique Bridgestone- vehicle was fitted with passenger tire retail sales, brand tires were built in 19" front and 20" rear according to Modern Tire Dealer's cooperation with Mazda Bridgestone Potenza high-performance tires 2006 Facts Issue. In 2004, and , respectively, each of which designed the that feature Run-Flat independent dealers represented technology. Working 59 percent of the market. Auto featured vehicles. closely with Mazda's dealerships also increased their "We're honored to showcase our design design team in California, the market share from 3 percent in capabilities in tandem with the original asymmetrical concept tires were 2004 to 3.5 percent in 2005. equipment manufacturers' best and designed at the company's Akron Retail sales of large tire dealers, brightest vehicle ideas at this premiere Technical Center in Akron, Ohio, and were made in . defined as independent tire automotive show," said Michael Martini, dealers with 30 or more retail president, original equipment consumer tire • Infiniti Coupe Concept. This concept outlets, make up 36.7 percent of division, Bridgestone vehicle was fitted with the 59.5 percent, or 21.9 percent Firestone North American Bridgestone Potenza Tire, LLC. "Concept tires are tires in size 255/35R20 of the $16-billion replacement front and 275/35R20 passenger tire market in the U.S. similar to an artist's blank rear. These sophisticated That compares to 34.9 percent canvas, allowing us a tires with an and 20.6 percent, respectively, in platform to feature ideas asymmetrical tread 2004. that go beyond current pattern were designed (Modern Tire Dealer—Akron, thinking." and made in Japan. Ohio - Jan. 20, 2006)

2006 Upcoming 2006 Driver’s Edge Program Education Driver’s Edge Events* Driver's Edge may be coming taught by professional racecar drivers and City Date to a city near you. In 2006, performance driving instructors and offers a Atlanta April 29 Driver's Edge will travel to 16 U.S. cities to fun, interactive and educational day for Charlotte, N.C. May 13, 14 teach classroom and behind-the-wheel young drivers and parents as well. Syracuse, N.Y. June 3 accident avoidance instruction to teen Drivers, aged 15 to 21 possessing a valid Richmond, Va. June 17 drivers. To date, nearly 20,000 young drivers learner's permit or license, must register in Nashville, Tenn. July 8, 9 and their parents have attended the free, advance for the program either by phone at Philadelphia July 29 half-day Driver's Edge program sponsored 1-877-633-EDGE (3343), or online at Columbus, Ohio August 5 by Bridgestone Americas. The program is www.driversedge.org. Chicago August 26 Denver September 23 Sacramento, Calif. October 7 Talking Tires Dallas October 28 Education to Students T.J. Tennent, engineering *Subject to change product manager for motorcycle, ATV, Kart and Fuzion for Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC, talks to students at the Powersports Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, during a recent presentation. Tennent spoke to an enthusiastic group of 60 students about motorsports tire safety, maintenance and tire construction. 8 inRoads Spring2006

Bridgestone Americas Showcases Six New Tires Consumer at the Chicago Auto Show Proving that a great tire Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R company can roll with the world's premier automobile makers, Bridgestone Americas If you have a need for speed, this created one of the must-see attractions at extreme, max ultra-high performance the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. The exclusive summer tire is the tire that truly brings the tire company of the Chicago Auto Show for technology from the racetrack to your the third consecutive year, BSA’s exhibit vehicle. reflected the company’s core values of trust, • Handling Response. A semi-slick innovation and safety. shoulder block provides lateral stiffness In addition to appearances by racing for advanced cornering force and grip Bridgestone Americas creates a buzz at legend Mario Andretti and current Indy on dry surfaces as well as a wide center the Chicago Auto Show with an exhibit 500® Champion , the rib for outstanding initial handling full of history, technology and company's exhibit featured technologically response. breakthroughs. advanced products, interactive tire displays • Tread pattern. Cooling slits engineered and one of the most important pieces of in the tread help dissipate heat and motorsports history—the 1911 Marmon make the tire more durable under high- Wasp which Ray Harroun drove to victory speed, high-temperature conditions. on Firestone®-brand tires in the very first • Cornering. Racing slits allocated to the ® Mile Race. Also making an shoulder block for flexibility enable the appearance were former University of Illinois tire to distribute uniform pressure to All American Brad Hopkins, a two-time Pro- the contact patch when cornering. Bowler for the Tennessee Titans, and Susan • Wet performance. Hydro Evacuation Robertson, the fastest woman on a Surface™ technology with wide lateral motorcycle. grooves on either side of the center rib The company's successes in racing, as and F1 Nose™ slots enhance water well as its commitment to driver safety and evacuation. UNI-T AQII Technology and education, have led to a steady stream of a high silica content also enhance wet new products that incorporate the latest performance. During First Look for Charity, 2005 Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon (l), here technology for superior performance, looks The Bridgestone Potenza™ RE-01R carries joined by BFNT’s Mike Sigillito, was on and safety. The Bridgestone Americas booth a UTQG rating of 140 for treadwear, ‘A’ for hand to showcase Wheldon’s Indy 500- served as a stage for launching the traction and ‘A’ for temperature. The V- and winning race car as well as his new following new products during the show: W-speed rated tires will be available 2006 vehicle. Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport beginning April 2006. For drivers who want the thrill and Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Position handling of a sports car and the comfort This is the perfect tire for the ultra-high and presence of their SUV or light truck, this performance enthusiast on a summer is what you've been looking for. Features drive…across town or across the finish line. and benefits of the all new Bridgestone® Features and benefits of the Bridgestone Dueler™ H/P Sport include: Potenza RE050A Pole Position include: • Wet performance. UNI-T® AQII™ • Wet performance. In addition to the Technology provides superior wet superior dry performance, UNI-T AQII performance when the tire is new and Technology and a high silica content as it wears. enhance wet performance. • Improved premium tire appearance. • Tread pattern. The asymmetrical tread Fans get a rare glimpse of the 1911 Marmon Wasp—the first car to win the Pairing non-vent and Ever-Black™ pattern increases surface contact to technologies, the Bridgestone Dueler Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and the first enhance acceleration and cornering. of many to do so on Firestone tires. H/P Sport complements the premium SUV or light truck. The Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport has a UTQG rating of 300 for treadwear, ‘A’ for traction and ‘A’ for temperature. Spring2006 inRoads 9

Potenza RE960AS Pole Position Fuzion XTi With the advantages of all-season Drivers who love to personalize their capability in an ultra-high performance tire, vehicles with the hippest after-market this tire provides the features you need with products now the style you crave. Features and benefits of have the ability the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole to transform a Position include: vehicle's entire • Premium appearance. Non-vent look with the technology improves tire's appearance. turn of a “tattooed” tire. • Wet performance. UNI-T AQII The Fuzion™ Technology provides superior wet performance when the tire is new and XTi offers dual as it wears. sidewall options giving • Snow and dry performance. Advanced enthusiasts the ability to reflect their siping and arc shape leading edge provides superior handling in summer personal style by simply flipping sides to and winter weather. expose an alternative image. One side of the Fuzion XTi • Handling response. 3D shape features a tribal improves handling response. rendering which Susan Robertson, the fastest woman on The Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole closely resembles a motorcycle and one of only two Position has a UTQG rating of 400 for tattoos popular women to exceed the 200-mph land speed mark, was at the Bridgestone treadwear, ‘AA’ for traction and ‘A’ for with members of Americas’ booth to sign autographs. The temperature and provides coverage for a Generation X and Bridgestone tire-equipped motorcycle wide range of traditional performance Y. While the flip she revved into the history books was vehicles as well as including 19" and 20" side of the displayed throughout the Chicago Auto sizes for the latest sports cars and Fuzion XTi Show at the Bridgestone Americas’ booth. performance sedans. reveals a blazing ring of flames. Firestone FR710 Visitors to www.TheFuzionZone.com can Larger sizes and wider footprints are in find product and size information on the high demand for today's tire market, and new Fuzion XTi, Fuzion ZRi and Fuzion HRi the newest extension of the Firestone family tires, a store locator, downloadable logos, of tires ensures that consumers can be on warranty information and project vehicle the cutting edge of that trend. Features and photos including the newest member of the benefits of the Firestone FR710 include: Fuzion family, the 2006 Jeep "Con-Fuzion" • Wider footprint. Improves Rubicon. performance. • Expanded rim diameters. For the sleek Indy 500® and Indianapolis 500® Mile Race are registered look consumers demand. While working at Bridgestone Americas’ trademarks of Brickyard Trademarks, Inc. Chicago Auto Show booth this year, Mario • UNI-T Technology. Provides improved Andretti takes a moment to do a wet handling and a quiet, comfortable television interview. Andretti was at this ride. year’s booth providing his personal insight about Firestone tires—both on and off The Firestone FR710 has a UTQG rating of the racetrack. 560 for treadwear, ‘A’ for traction and ‘B’ for temperature. 10 inRoads Spring2006

30 Years of Dedication! Dealers Jason Cone of Washington Road Also present for the celebration, (back row, l-r) are Tire & Auto proudly displays his Ray Cloud of Washington Road Tire & Auto, David plaque in McBride of celebration of his 30 years as a American Tire Bridgestone Firestone dealer. In Distributors the front row, Ken East (l) and and Robert Alan Hutto (r), retail Thompson of Bridgestone Firestone area sales American Tire managers, presented Cone with Distributors. a plaque and a Bridgestone Thank you, wrist watch in honor of this Jason, for 30 special anniversary. Cone’s years of loyalty career in the tire business began and hard at a Bridgestone Firestone work! company-owned store.

Party at the Pagoda with Firestone at News the 2007 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race Is racing in your customers' highlights the brand's strong connection to blood? Does experiencing the spirit of the the Brickyard, as well as its role in the Indianapolis 500® Mile Race and attending history of the famed track." "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," top their In fact, Firestone has won more races at list of dreams? Do they want to party in the Indy than all of the other tire manufacturers shadow of the combined. world-famous "Firestone has Bombardier been a longtime Pagoda, which partner of the stands alongside Speedway, and the legendary 2.5 our relationship mile oval at the continues to Indianapolis be very Motor Speedway®? Your customers might successful on and off the track," said get a chance to do just that. Terry Angstadt, vice president, marketing, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "We thank LLC is launching a promotion this spring in Firestone for creating the Firestone Indy support of the Firestone® Firehawk™, the tire 500 Pagoda Party Sweepstakes as a that was "Born at Indy® and Performs salute to both the 90th running of the Everywhere™." Consumers can register to win Indianapolis 500 and to the fans who the grand prize, a trip for 10 to attend the have watched Firestone tires carry 2007 Indy 500® Mile Race, simply by visiting driving legends to victory at Indianapolis any participating Firestone retailer from May for nearly a century." 1 to June 25, 2006. On July 15, 2006, at the Additional sweepstakes prizes Firestone Indy 200 in Nashville, Tenn., include a first place prize of a winners will be randomly selected from collectible Tag Heuer Indy 500 watch, entries submitted at participating retailers. five second place prizes of a set of four "The Firestone Indy 500 Pagoda Party Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires and 10 Sweepstakes is a chance of a lifetime to third place prizes of a framed, limited attend 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing'," edition Indy 500 90th Anniversary said Phil Pacsi, executive director, North commemorative art piece which includes American consumer tire marketing, BFNT. images from the legendary venue as well as "This year marks the 90th running of the a piece of the historic Brickyard. Indianapolis 500, so we wanted to do Consumers should see their participating something special to help commemorate Bridgestone Firestone retailer for official this milestone, as well as salute the rules and entry. Firestone brand's rich history, which spans Indy®, Indy 500®, Indianapolis 500® Mile Race and Indianapolis Motor Speedway® are registered trademarks of Brickyard more than a century. This sweepstakes Trademarks, Inc. Spring2006 inRoads 11

The 2007 A Volunteer Effort OE Truck & Bus Dodge With the help of Art Caliber Schneider, senior field Finds the Perfect Fit engineer of Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire's North-Central Region, BFNT's with Firestone distribution center in Allentown, Penn., The 2007 Dodge Caliber stretched the dollars of the Fogelsville enhances its strength and stance Volunteer Fire Company by donating a set with Firestone®-brand Affinity™ of six tires for Engine 811. Pictured (l-r) in T4™ and Firestone-brand front of the engine are Mark Reardon, Firehawk™ GTA03™ tires. The Allentown distribution center manager; Bill five-door vehicle combines a Wolford, Fogelsville Volunteer Fire Company sporty coupe-like profile with the fire chief; and Grant Grim, Upper Macungie functionality of a sport utility Township fire marshal. “After only a few runs vehicle. on the new tires, my operators were pleased Bridgestone Firestone North with the improved handling,” commented American Tire, LLC will supply Wolford. DaimlerChrysler's Dodge Caliber with the Firestone Affinity T4 in size P215/60R17 95T and the Ryerson University Student Wins Bridgestone Firestone Firehawk GTA03 in size Canada Firestone Canada Photo Contest P215/55R18 94T. Andrew Marshall, student at Ryerson University in Toronto, is the winner of the fourth Bridgestone Firestone Canada Photo Contest. The annual contest charges participants to photograph a Bridgestone®-brand tire in an artistic manner, resulting in an The Firestone Affinity is a innovative way to view the black T-speed rated, all-season touring rubber circles in new context. original equipment tire and the Marshall's "Emergency Vehicles" Firestone Firehawk is a T-speed entry earned him the top prize of rated, all-season performance $2,000 for submitting the best original equipment tire. photo of all entries and $1,500 as the Ryerson winner. Marshall is a part-time student enrolled in the contest. The Bridgestone Photo Contest G. Raymond Chang School of received 255 creative photo submissions Continuing Education's Certificate from 137 photography students. in Photography Studies at Three judges, representing the disciplines Ryerson University. of automotive journalism, automotive "I am grateful to Bridgestone photography and professional photography, Firestone Canada for making this were enlisted this year to evaluate the possible and for providing the photos. They were Norris McDonald, the next wave of professional editor for the Toronto Star; Andrew photographers the opportunity to Ross, editor and publisher of the automotive display our abilities," said Marshall magazine Jobber News; and Irv Kochman, a in accepting his prize at the professional photographer and co-owner of System 4 Gallery, a Toronto fine System 4 Gallery. Bridgestone Firestone Canada arts and photography gallery, where this All winning photos, including the representative Michele Amirault, left, year's 12 winning photos were on display previous years' winners, can be viewed on presents Andrew Marshall his grand prize through February. in the fourth annual Bridgestone the Bridgestone Firestone Canada Photo Firestone Canada Photo Contest for his The competition was impressive, with 12 Contest Web site at entry, "Emergency Vehicles" at right. schools across Canada enrolled in this year's www.bridgestonephoto.com. 12 inRoads Spring2006

Where’s Mario...? Where’s Mario

It seems like www.safetyscholars.com, Mario Andretti is which will debut in everywhere right conjunction with National Tire now! From your Safety Week, April 23-29, TV screens where 2006. The site will allow he is featured in students to download safety a series of information—and just as Firestone importantly—submit their television ideas about the best way to commercials educate young drivers on tire urging everyone and driving safety. Students to "Check Your submitting the top ideas will ...at the Chicago Auto Show. Tires" to win $2,500 college promoting the new Safety Scholars program scholarships and laptop computers. ...in Hutchinson, Kan. at the Chicago Auto Show. In addition to appearing on television and Safety Scholars is an important new at the Chicago Auto Show, Andretti made a component of Firestone's comprehensive visit to Hutchinson Community College in safety education project. Students across the Kansas to present at the Dillon Lecture country are invited to visit Series to technical students.

Bridgestone Firestone 535 Marriott Drive Nashville, TN 37214

Spring 2006

inRoads is a publication produced by the North American Consumer Tire and North American Truck & Bus Tire Groups of Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC for the benefit of our customers.

We welcome and encourage comments about inRoads or Bridgestone Firestone and the industry in general. Comments, suggestions and requests for information should be sent to: Susan Sizemore Public Affairs Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. 535 Marriott Dr. Nashville, TN 37214 [email protected] 615/937-1417

© 2006 Bridgestone Firestone