inRoads Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC O Spring 2005

Executive Need New Tires? Promotional Campaign Launches page ...... 2 Edge Feature in Tandem with National Tire Safety Week Bridgestone Firestone awareness issues during National Tire Safety Where’s North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) is offering Week, April 24-30. More than 10,000 tire and page ...... 2 Mario an enticing promotion for those who need auto service outlets participate in the RMA's new tires (or for those who want better tires) beginning in early April. From April 7 Motorsport page ...... 3,5 through May 7 the "Need New Tires™" promotion will offer a rebate of up to $100 with the purchase of four select Bridgestone brand tires. initiative through the distribution of TireStarz page ...... 3,8,11 "At Bridgestone Firestone we understand educational brochures and other efforts to the difference between wants and needs," promote tire and auto safety. Bridgestone said Phil Pacsi, executive director of consumer Firestone participates in efforts through its tire marketing, BFNT. "Tires are certainly a retailers and its Web site www.tiresafety.com. Awards page ...... 4,8,12 necessity: they support the load of your For more information on the Need New Tires vehicle; they offer fuel savings when properly campaign please visit inflated; and tires offer peace of mind when www.bridgestonetire.com, your local Commercial page ...... 6 selected with key attributes such as wet Bridgestone retailer or call 1-877-TIRE-USA traction design for additional details. or Run-Flat technology. Tire Safety Facts OE page ...... 6,7,10 "We also • Each month three out of four drivers recognize that wash their cars while only one out of tires can be a seven correctly checks tire pressure. Ag page ...... 7 want: to offer • Only 15% of drivers properly check their better tire inflation pressure. handling, • More than half of drivers wrongly believe better that the correct inflation pressure is Driver’s page ...... 8,9 Edge performance or as a matter of style," added printed on the tire sidewall. Pacsi. "The concept of the 'Need New Tires' • 30% of drivers wrongly believe that promotion was born out of the fact that tires the best time to check their tires is are often critically overlooked and should when they are warm after being driven Canada page ...... 9 not be taken for granted." a few miles. The Need New Tires campaign begins just • Nearly 1/3 of drivers wrongly believe that as the automotive aftermarket industry when taking a trip with a fully loaded Environment page ...... 11 celebrates National Car Care Month with a vehicle, they are better off if their tires renewed focus on building consumer car are a little bit underinflated. care awareness. The Car Care Council • Two out of three drivers do not know spearheads the effort through a consumer how to tell if their tires are bald. education campaign, "Be Car Care Aware," • 71% of drivers do not check the tire which promotes the benefits of regular pressure in their spare tire. vehicle care, maintenance and repair. • 40% of drivers have not rotated their In addition, the Rubber Manufacturers tires within the recommended interval Association highlights tire maintenance and of at least 8,000 miles. -Rubber Manufacturers Association 2 inRoads Spring2005

A Note from Mark Emkes Executive Edge Spring is As you know, there are many challenges upon us and for the tire industry today; however, out of with it changing climates, such challenges come unique opportunities. changing scenery, and at I challenge you to seize the opportunity to Bridgestone Firestone North educate every consumer about the fuel American Tire a new savings gained by properly maintained tires. approach to how we According to the Department of Energy, one market and sell our tires. pound of under inflation costs consumers We’ve put a lot of emphasis in recent two to three miles of gas per gallon. This years in trying to change the way people wastes four million gallons of gas daily think about their tires. In our marketing and nationwide! consumer education initiatives we continue As the motoring public gets in gear for to educate consumers about how the the heavy driving season, we look to you to technology in their tires is a key factor in the be the community leader in educating performance and handling of their vehicle customers about tires. and is crucial to safety when out on the Our Family Channel is the best dealer road. We consistently preach our message network in the tire business. I encourage regarding the importance of proper tire you to embrace the challenges in the inflation and tire maintenance, and we’ll marketplace as an opportunity to champion continue to keep reminding consumers to your business, your relationship with your inflate, rotate and evaluate their tires. customer and to make your business the To take our efforts to the next level, we undisputed leader for customer service and are launching a new and innovative spring education in your community. campaign. From April 7 through May 7, the I believe if you treat your customers with Need New Tires™ initiative encourages respect and become a trusted leader, they people to evaluate their tires and offers will pay you back in repeat business again consumers incentives for the purchase of and again. select Bridgestone brand tires. The campaign Very Truly Yours, complements National Tire Safety Week which the Rubber Manufacturers Association has slated for April 20-25. Mark A. Emkes

Where’s Mario Where’s Mario

On a recent trip to Calgary, took a ride down Canada Olympic Park’s bobsleigh track in a four-man sleigh with a professional pilot, brakeman and John Gamauf, president, consumer tire replacement sales, BFNT. Andretti was in town to visit with Bridgestone Firestone dealers and to promote the company’s brand, but his adventurous spirit simply couldn’t turn down a chance to experience the Olympic sport. Spring2005 inRoads 3

IRL Owner Visits Bridgestone Motorsport Firestone’s Akron Technical Center Former Indy Racing League tires used in IRL competition. (IRL) driver and current team co-owner Speyer presented a trophy to ATW Robbie Buhl recently visited Bridgestone employees to commemorate their hard work Firestone’s Akron Technical and dedication in making the Firestone Center, which is responsible Racing program a success. for the manufacture of tires “Our racing program has a lot of moving used in IRL competition, to parts and requires a lot of coordination participate in a ceremony between many Firestone teammates,” said honoring employees of the Speyer. “But the foundation of everything center’s Advanced we do is the ATW employees. They are the Technology Workshop (ATW). ones who put together each IRL tire and Buhl was joined by Al their attention to detail and commitment to Speyer, executive director of excellence has made our program the motorsports for Bridgestone Firestone North success it is today.” American Tire, LLC, and by Hank Hara, Off the track, Buhl has spent thousands of executive vice president, tire development hours as the national spokesperson for and technology. “Racing for Kids,” a national youth charitable Firestone is now in its 10th season as a foundation. On behalf of “Racing for Kids,” tire supplier to the Indy Racing League. Buhl has visited more than 14,000 children Since 2000, Firestone has been the league’s in over 240 hospitals worldwide, and raised sole tire supplier and in 2002 was named more than $3 million for local children’s official tire of the IRL and the Indianapolis health initiatives. 500 Mile Race. Throughout that time, the In honor of Buhl’s longtime support of employees of the Akron Technical Center the Firestone Racing program, a and the Advanced Technology Workshop contribution to “Racing for Kids” was have been tasked with the research, design presented to him on behalf of ATW and manufacturing process for Firestone employees during the ceremony.

Tire Mart Recognized for TireStarz Success TireStarz In January, Tire Mart in Lake Tire Mart also doubled its nine-bay store City, Fla., was named the Tire into an 18-bay super center during the six- Wholesale Warehouse Florida TireStarz Dealer month construction phase. The store now has of the Year. Tire Mart joined the TireStarz an extended bay for motor home access. Two program just three years ago and express bays are used for oil changes or to has been enjoying success ever mount and balance a complete set of four since. tires in less than 25 minutes. After opening In the past three years, the extra nine bays, Tire Mart’s business business has grown more than increased an astounding 30 percent over 90 20 percent each year. In October days and gross profit is up almost 50 percent 2004, owner Jim Burke decided for the same time period. it was time to take his business Tire Mart’s second location in Chiefland, to a new level. Burke built a Fla., has been successfully operating for more 9,000-square-foot warehouse to than four years, and Burke is currently looking hold his increased inventory of for other growth opportunities in the north Bridgestone, Firestone, Fuzion and Dayton Florida market. tires. The warehouse has plenty of room for Burke gives credit to TireStarz for his wheels, trailer hitches, lift kits and other high success: “TireStarz was the partner we needed profit items that were not stocked in the past to become the success story we are today.” due to room constraints. 4 inRoads Spring2005

Bridgestone Firestone Aiken County Plant Recertified Awards in Elite Safety Award Teammates at Bridgestone company’s and our teammates’ Firestone North American Tire, LLC’s (BFNT) commitment to safety and quality,” said Aiken County, S.C., facility have one more Michael Rose, BFNT’s Aiken County plant reason to celebrate. manager. “We are proud and honored to be The Occupational Safety & Health recognized again for our commitment.” Administration (OSHA) has recertified BFNT’s The Aiken County facility originally Aiken County facility as a Voluntary received its certification in 2000 and is one Protection Program (VPP) Safety Through of only two tire plants in the United States Achievement and Recognition (STAR) site. to attain VPP STAR status in OSHA’s 34-year The official recognition is awarded to those history. The other is BFNT’s Warren County, outstanding employers and their employees Tenn., truck and bus tire manufacturing who have demonstrated an exemplary facility. As VPP STAR participants, both commitment to occupational health and facilities are among a very select group that safety in the plant environment. have designed and implemented “This recertification is affirmation of our outstanding safety and health processes.

Bridgestone Brand Focus of Innovative Ad Campaign News What do pop diva Beyoncé Bridgestone or Firestone commercials, includ- and Bridgestone® Potenza ing new retail-focused promotional spots, for performance tires have in common? a total of 91 versions Hollywood director Matthew Rolston. of all 2005 Bridgestone Rolston has produced videos for Beyoncé and Firestone commer- and has just completed a highly-stylized tele- cials — truly a massive vision spot for Bridgestone Firestone North effort in broadcast con- American Tire’s racing-inspired Potenza tire, sumer reach,” Gamauf along with four other non-traditional com- concluded. In addition, mercials. For the first time since the 1980s, the Bridgestone prod- Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, uct family “music LLC (BFNT) is launching its most extensive video” spots will be mass-reach advertising campaign featuring seen throughout 2005 the Bridgestone brand. on national cable net- “We are enthusiastic about conveying the works: VH1, Spike TV, essence of the Bridgestone brand — innova- MTV, The History tive, sophisticated and dynamic — in the Channel, TNT, TLC, form of unique ‘music videos,’ a television HGTV, ESPN, ESPN2, advertising approach truly new to our indus- FOX Sports, FX, try,” explained John Gamauf, president of Comedy Central, tbs, consumer tire replacement sales. In addition, Discovery Channel, SCI BFNT will launch a full television campaign FI and USA Network. for each product family under the On the print side of Bridgestone umbrella, Potenza™, Turanza™, the ad coin, BFNT will Dueler™ and Blizzak™, along with a final also convey the brand image spot that will combine the four Bridgestone brand product families. message in 2005 “We also have customized this massive through mass print television advertising effort to include 20 outlets such as USA taggable versions of the five product family Today, People, Playboy, image spots, and we’re making them avail- Rolling Stone, able in three languages for dealers to directly AutoWeek, Car & Driver, Motor Trend, Road & target their local consumers,” Gamauf said. Track and in diversity publications including “In addition to the 42 versions of the Jet, Ebony, People en Español, Motor Trend en product family spots, there are 49 other Español, Out and The Advocate. Spring2005 inRoads 5

Bridgestone and Firestone Brands Sponsor Motorsport Upcoming Motorsport Events The Firestone Racing and its fourth season as the league’s official tire. Bridgestone Motorsport 2005 seasons are The FIA World well underway. Championship also began on March 6, with The Indy Racing League schedule kicked the Australian Grand Prix. This year the off on March 6 with both the IndyCar Series Formula One schedule will feature 18 races, and the Menards Pro Series (MIPS) including a new event in Turkey. competing at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The began its This year’s IRL schedule includes 17 IndyCar season on April 10 with the 31st Annual Series events and 14 MIPS events, including Toyota . This is the the addition of road and street courses to fourth year of competition for Bridgestone the schedule. This year Firestone is in its in Champ Car and the third season as the 10th season of competition in the IRL and series’ presenting sponsor.

INDYCAR SERIES 2005 SCHEDULE* MIPS 2005 SCHEDULE*

April 30 Motegi, Japan May 27 Indianapolis May 29 June 10 Texas June 11 Texas June 18/19 Indianapolis June 25 Richmond July 16 Nashville July 3 Kansas July 24 Milwaukee July 16 Nashville Aug. 13 Kentucky July 24 Milwaukee Aug. 21 Pikes Peak July 31 Michigan Aug. 28 Sonoma Aug. 14 Kentucky Sept. 11 Chicagoland Aug. 21 Pikes Peak Sept. 25 Watkins Glen Aug. 28 Sonoma Oct. 16 California Sept. 11 Chicagoland Sept. 25 Watkins Glen Oct. 16 California

CHAMP CAR 2005 SCHEDULE* F1 2005 SCHEDULE*

Illustrations by Wellspring Design May 22 Monterrey, Mexico April 24 Imola, Italy June 4 West Allis, Wis. May 8 Barcelona, Spain June 19 Portland, Ore. May 22 Monte Carlo, Monaco June 26 Cleveland May 29 Nürburg, Germany July 10 Toronto June 12 Montreal July 17 Edmonton, Alberta June 19 Indianapolis July 31 San Jose, Calif. July 3 Nevers, France Aug. 14 Denver July 10 Northants, England Aug. 28 Montreal July 24 Hockenheim, Germany Sept. 24 Las Vegas July 31 Budapest, Hungary Oct. 16 Ansan, South Korea Aug. 21 Istanbul, Turkey Oct. 23 Surfers Paradise, Australia Sept. 4 Monza, Italy Nov. 6 Mexico City Sept. 11 Spa, Belgium

Please cut out and display this guide for the remaining 2005 Motorsport events. the remaining Please cut out and display this guide for Sept. 25 Sao Paulo, Brazil Oct. 9 Suzuka, Japan * Indicates remaining race dates. Oct. 16 Shanghai, China 6 inRoads Spring2005

Firestone Transforce Tire Line Welcomes Commercial New Addition There’s a new addition to the Phil Pacsi, executive director, North Firestone® Transforce™ family. Bridgestone American Consumer Tire Brand Marketing, Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) BFNT. “Our latest entry in the Transforce has expanded its Firestone Transforce line of line also utilizes UNI-T technologies for light truck and SUV tires to include the new long life as well as a comfortable ride.” Firestone Transforce™ AT with UNI-T® The introduction of the Firestone technology. Transforce AT follows the fall 2004 The Firestone Transforce AT is engineered introduction of the Firestone Transforce HT. to give commercial service vehicles all-terrain The Firestone Transforce AT is now wet and dry performance with the available in the seven popular 15- and 16- advantage of the company’s exclusive UNI-T inch Load Range C, D and E sizes listed technology. The result: a chip-and-tear below. Additional sizes will be added to resistant tire with an aggressive tread design broaden the Transforce AT lineup and rugged, all-terrain appearance. throughout 2005. Constructed with a two-ply polyester body, steel belts and a full, spiral-wrap nylon cap LT215/85R16 115/112R E ply, the M & S rated Firestone Transforce AT LT235/85R16 120/116R E also features continuous shoulder ribs with LT235/75R15 104/101R C deep shoulder slots. LT225/75R16 110/107R D “The Firestone Transforce AT was designed LT225/75R16 115/112R E to satisfy the rugged, off-road demands that LT245/75R16 120/116R E hard-working service vehicles require while LT265/75R16 123/120R E still providing on-road performance,” said

Ferrari Chooses Bridgestone Potenza RE050 for OE Ferrari Superamerica Exclusive fitment is latest step in successful partnership Bridgestone Corporation recently surface performance and the outer tread for announced that it will supply Potenza optimal dry-surface handling. The Potenza RE050 tires for the Ferrari Superamerica. In tires will be size 255/35ZR19 on the front January, the company began delivering tires wheels and 305/30ZR19 on the rear. for factory installation on the newest Ferrari Comfort was also a big emphasis in convertible. creating the tires, resulting in a quiet, The Superamerica, a brand-new pleasant touring experience combined with convertible to be produced as a limited excellent wet and dry handling. Potenza edition, is derived from the 575M Maranello RE050 tires, similar to those destined for the and powered with a 12-cylinder engine. It Ferrari Superamerica, have also earned features an innovative rotating roof in factory fitments on high-performance cars combination with electrochromic from Porsche, Mercedes-Benz AMG, BMW technology, which allows the driver to and Aston Martin. adjust the amount of sunlight that shines This latest factory fitment for Bridgestone into the cockpit. brand tires on the new Ferrari Superamerica Bridgestone has adopted a non-directional, marks another step in an extremely asymmetric tread pattern in the Potenza productive relationship. The legendary RE050 tires that will appear on the Ferrari manufacturer of ultra high-performance cars Superamerica. Wet-weather handling is an has ridden Bridgestone tires to six especially important consideration in Europe, consecutive constructors’ championships in so Bridgestone’s engineers have designed the Formula One racing. Ferrari has also tires to provide excellent performance on installed Bridgestone tires on a series of both wet and dry surfaces. They have production models, including its present designed the inner tread to optimize wet- flagship model, the Enzo. Spring2005 inRoads 7

FSAG Recognized for 60 Years of Support of FFA Ag At its recent convention, the just a commitment to the FFA; it was really National Future Farmers of an investment in integrity, honesty, America (FFA) Foundation recognized responsibility and accountability. These are Firestone Agricultural Tire Company (FSAG) not words but values that are instilled and for 60 years of sustained support of FFA and developed early in a young farmer’s life. The agricultural education. The FFA is an investment in farming National FFA Foundation annually and in America’s future. recognizes those individuals and Burchfield closed his organizations that are committed passionate address by stating to furthering agricultural that after 60 years, the education. Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund Ralph Burchfield, president of is proud to continue supporting FSAG, accepted the award during the Future Farmers of America. a presentation made during the 77th “The agricultural industry continues to National FFA Convention last fall. need qualified professionals,” said Kent Burchfield told the packed arena of blue- Scheske, division director for the National jacketed FFA members and honored guests FFA Foundation. “Because of the support that it was Harvey Firestone, the person from Firestone Agricultural Tire and the credited with putting the farm on rubber, Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund, FFA is who had the foresight and vision to invest better positioned to be the premier source in the youth organization. Burchfield said of young people ready to ensure the future that he felt the investment was more than of agriculture through successful careers.”

Bridgestone Potenza RE050 Selected as Original OE Equipment for Aston Martin DB9 The Aston Martin DB9, the offers excellent performance and ride successor to the popular DB7, has been comfort and also enhances the DB9’s introduced with Bridgestone Potenza RE050 handling at high speeds and improved tires as original equipment. performance in the wet and dry. Powered by a 450 bhp six-litre V12 Like other high-performance tires in the engine, the car has Potenza family, the RE050 utilizes a racing car exceptional handling nose-shaped tread pattern, giving it a sporty and cornering and stylish look that not only complements characteristics. This the look of the Aston Martin, but also reduces excellent handling is the possibility of hydroplaning. manifested through a With an outer pattern featuring large variety of technologies blocks, the RE050 provides superb handling including a stability and road holding, while its larger contact control system, ABS, area dramatically improves cornering electronic braking performance. distribution, traction As well as offering exceptional cornering, control and dynamic the Potenza RE050 tread pattern promotes stability control, not to rapid water evacuation. Even at high speeds mention the 19-inch the contact patch remains clear, so there is Bridgestone Potenza less chance of hydroplaning and more grip RE050 tires. on the road. Already proven on top cars such as the The Aston Martin DB9 will be fitted with Ferrari Enzo and F430, Porsche 911 and the Bridgestone Potenza RE050 in sizes Mercedes SL55 AMG, the Potenza RE050 235/40 ZR19 (front) and 275/35 ZR19 (rear). 8 inRoads Spring2005

Driver’s Edge Educates Record Number in 2004 All American Driver’s Edge Driver’s Edge, the non-profit hosting 22 sessions over six program TireStarz Lube Raises youth driver’s education weekends. The demand to attend the Money for program founded by race car driver Jeff Payne, program in Nevada continues to be celebrated another successful tour in 2004. overwhelming, and as a result, Driver’s Edge Cancer Research With Bridgestone Firestone as the presenting will expand the Nevada schedule for 2005 to All American Lube, a TireStarz sponsor, Driver’s Edge programs in Nevada include almost 40 sessions over ten program dealer in Boca Raton, Fla., and on the national tour were attended by a weekends and recently held a charity event to record 4,304 students and parents. another eight raise money for cancer research. Taught by professional race car drivers, sessions over two The dealer sold die-cast cars, Driver’s Edge empowers young drivers program had NASCAR driver Donnie through a unique combination of classroom weekends in Reno. Neuenberger’s #77 BG Ford race discussions and behind-the-wheel driving The incredibly car available for photos and exercises. generous folks at gave away raffle prizes. The 2004 tour opened in Chandler, Ariz., at the Las Vegas Neuenberger, who has been the Firebird International Raceway and Motor Speedway have again committed to diagnosed with Follicular non- wrapped up in Alameda, Calif., at Alameda donate the site facilities for 2005. Hodgkins Lymphoma, wants to Point. Other stops along the way were Provo, The 2004 program garnered impressive help others, especially children, Utah; Washington, D.C./Baltimore; Boston; media coverage during the national tour. win the fight against cancer. “If I Toronto; Cincinnati; and Nashville, Tenn. Driver’s Edge was featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, am able to provide one day of The national tour hosted 2,183 program FOX, UPN and WB in local markets. Major NASCAR fun and give children attendees (1,339 students and 844 parents) in newspapers featuring the program included: diagnosed with terminally ill 2004. The Driver’s Edge program encourages The Boston Herald, The Chicago Tribune, The diseases and cancer the parents to attend with their teens and is Cincinnati Enquirer, The Kentucky Post, The opportunity to not focus on their pleased at the number of parents who took an Toronto Star, The Washington Times and The illness and treatments, then I feel interest in their child’s driving safety (and their Washington Post. Program founder Jeff Payne I have contributed to those who own). The Nevada programs educated 2,121 made his second appearance on Good share this difficult journey,” said attendees (1,271 students and 850 parents). Morning America and has been asked to be Neuenberger, who has been The was the available as a “teen driving expert” for racing for more than 15 years. home location for the program in 2004, upcoming feature stories. “I grew up loving cars. I took automotive classes in school, and Wildlife Habitat Council and EPA Recognize I did a lot of drag racing as a teen. When I got the opportunity Awards Bridgestone Americas Holding to get involved in NASCAR racing The Wildlife Habitat Council WHC continues to work with its members I never looked back.” (WHC) and U.S. Environmental Protection to address the challenge issued by EPA for The fight against cancer is also Agency’s Office of Solid Waste and America’s corporations to engage themselves close to the heart of All American Emergency Response (OWSER) recently more directly and actively in the business of Lube General Manager Doug presented a special certificate of recognition habitat restoration. The challenge was more Eden. “I had cancer ten years to Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH) specifically to look for corporate properties ago, and many of my family The certificate recognizes the commitment of where ecological reuse is possible, and then members have been diagnosed Bridgestone Americas to New Beginnings — to actively pursue it. The Woodlawn Wildlife with the disease,” said Eden. “To The Woodlawn Wildlife Area, located in Port Area is one of the first demonstration sites to me, anything to help kids is Deposit, Md., for its continued wildlife habitat be recognized for exemplary efforts. important. Unfortunately, cancer efforts, use of recycled materials, strong Since 1997, WHC, BSAH, and several Cecil has become such a common community involvement and innovative County residents and organizations have disease,” said Eden, who added clean-up technology. The honor was made significant efforts in restoring New that he thinks Neuenberger is a presented during WHC’s 2004 Restoring Beginnings to a viable wildlife habitat. In role model for many. Greenspace conference in Philadelphia. addition to this restoration, New Beginnings “He is such a young driver “EPA is looking for ways to recognize has been utilized as an educational site for fighting cancer himself, and he contaminated sites that are sending down local students and nature groups. BSAH has wants to give back to others,” new roots and finding new beginnings for assumed responsibility for the remediation of said Eden, “It was exciting for wildlife habitat,” said Barry N. Breen, principal the site and, as part of its management the kids because he’s a real race deputy assistant administrator, U.S. EPA, approach, is implementing a habitat car driver, and they were able to OSWER, who presented the honor to Tim enhancement program in association with see the car he drives.” Bent, director, Environmental Affairs, BSAH. WHC and the community. Spring2005 inRoads 9

Driver’s Edge Announces National Tour Dates and Driver’s Edge Locations for Youth Driver Education Program Automobile collisions they account for 18 percent of all collisions,” continue to be the number one killer of said Mark A. Emkes, chairman and CEO, America’s youth, according to the National Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., which is Highway Traffic Safety Administration sponsoring Driver’s Edge for the third The remaining dates and (NHTSA). In fact, the agency’s Traffic Safety consecutive year. locations for the Facts 2003, Young Drivers report found that To date, more than 10,000 young drivers there were 7,884 young drivers aged 15 to 20 and their parents have attended a free, half- 2005 Driver’s Edge tour are: involved in fatal motor vehicle collisions in day Driver’s Edge program. “Although a Dates: Event City: 2003. Driver’s Edge, a non-profit organization, comparable instructional driving program April 23-24 Las Vegas is working to combat these statistics head on would cost approximately $450, Driver’s Edge April 30-May 1 Syracuse, N.Y. by offering free classroom and behind-the- is offered for free in order to provide this May 21-22 Nashville, Tenn. wheel driving instruction in select cities opportunity to all young drivers, regardless of June 4 across the United States. social or economic background,” said Steven June 25 Chicago “According to the follow-up we conduct Tepper, chief operating officer of Driver’s Edge. July 9 Minneapolis with our students, Driver’s Edge is making a The program is typically offered twice a July 16-17 Reno, Nev. difference and helping save the lives of day, with each session educating August 6 Denver America’s youth,” said Jeff Payne, president, approximately 75 to 100 students. The August 27 Seattle CEO and founder of Driver’s Edge. “It’s students’ parents are encouraged to attend October 8 Dallas/Fort Worth unfortunate that we live in a country where and observe as well. After attending a people are not really taught how to drive. program, Driver’s Edge contacts each Learning the basic fundamentals of how to student at six-, 12- and 24-month intervals To register, or for more operate a vehicle is not going to prepare a to monitor driving experience following information on the Driver’s young driver for the real world driving course completion. Edge program, please visit hazards they will face every day.” The program includes the following www.driversedge.org. Driver’s Edge was specifically developed to elements: help address the unacceptably high number • written tests designed to measure of youth-related automobile collisions and students’ driving knowledge before and fatalities that occur annually throughout the after they get behind the wheel; United States. The nationally • classroom and behind-the-wheel recognized program, taught defensive driving instruction on skid by professional racecar control, evasive lane change maneuvers, anti-lock braking skills and panic- drivers and performance braking techniques; driving instructors, will travel to 13 U.S. cities in 2005, • local law enforcement interaction, including impaired driving awareness including first-time visits to and seat belt safety; and Denver and Seattle. “The NHTSA report • proper car maintenance session, based on Firestone Complete Auto Care’s Car highlights a staggering Care Academies, an award-winning statistic: while young instructional program that has been drivers make up only 6.4 offered throughout the United States for percent of total drivers, more than 30 years. Bridgestone Firestone Employees Present Car Canada Safety to High School Students Jim Hunt and Naida Richards, similar presentation that Hunt had given at employees of Bridgestone/Firestone Canada, nearby Assumption College School, and the recently went back to school — but on the feedback from parents and students was so other side of the desks. Hunt and Richards positive that Burrough invited Hunt to speak were asked to educate students at Holy at his school! The half-day presentation gave Trinity High School in Simcoe, Ontario, 90 high school students the opportunity to Canada, about car safety. The principal at learn about the importance of car and tire Holy Trinity, John Burrough, heard about a maintenance. 10 inRoads Spring2005

Bridgestone Firestone Rebrands Drive & Learn The remaining dates and Program, Announces 2005 Schedule locations* for the News 2005 Drive & Learn events are: “The Classroom Behind the Wheel” provides dealers and store team members excellent educational tool April 14-15 New York City Bridgestone Firestone North American Six Flags Great Tire, LLC (BFNT) is kicking off 2005 with a Adventure Park revamped Drive & April 27-28 Boston Gillette Field Learn program May 18-19 Montreal and a schedule of Hippodrome 24 regional Drive May 25-26 Toronto & Learn events. International Center Drive & Learn June 2-3 Detroit “The Classroom Silver Dome Behind the Wheel” June 8-9 Cleveland will feature new IX Center products from the June 22-23 Kansas City, Kan. Royals Stadium Bridgestone® and and take the information they learn directly Firestone® tire July 7-8 Minneapolis back to consumers. The rebranding of the National Sports Center lines: the Drive & Learn program as ‘The Classroom July 21-22 Chicago Bridgestone Behind the Wheel’ certainly suits the vision The Odium Turanza™ EL 400, Bridgestone Dueler™ H/L for the program. Bridgestone Firestone North Aug. 4-5 Denver Alenza and Firestone Firehawk™ Wide Oval. American Tire is continually looking for ways Pepsi Center Dealers and store team members will be to educate our retailers, dealers and our team Aug. 11-12 Calgary, Alberta guided through a series of performance members, and this program does this so well Spruce Meadows evaluations by professional driving instructors by offering valuable hands-on driving Aug. 17-18 Vancouver, British on both Bridgestone and Firestone tires and experience.” Columbia competitive products. This will allow dealers The new event tagline, “The Classroom Tadex Expo Center and store members to evaluate competitive Behind the Wheel,” will be showcased on Sept. 15-16 San Francisco tires side-by-side. newly Monster Park “We’ve had enormous success with our designed Sept. 28-29 Houston Drive & Learn program, and we’re excited Sam Houston transporters Raceway Park about another great year,” said Phil Pacsi, and T-shirts Oct. 6-7 Dallas executive director, North American Consumer listing cities Tire Brand Marketing, BFNT. “It’s a win-win and dates of situation for everyone — retailers receive the 2005 *Dates and locations are subject to change. ‘hands-on’ training from professional drivers tour.

Bridgestone brand Dueler A/T tires to be OE original equipment on 2006 HUMMER H3 Bridgestone brand Dueler exposure and prestigious vehicle model. This A/T RH-S light truck tires have been selected represents an expansion of our original as original equipment on the 2006 HUMMER equipment business with General Motors to H3. Bridgestone Firestone North American include the HUMMER badge. The innovative Tire, LLC will supply its Bridgestone Dueler Bridgestone Dueler A/T light truck product A/T tires in size LT285/75R16, load range C, complements the performance specifications for the new mid-sized HUMMER SUV. of this new vehicle.” “The Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S is a The tire features a robust three-body ply result of more than two years of construction for tremendous off-road development collaboration between General performance as well as an over-the-sidewall Motors and Bridgestone Firestone,” said tread design with integrated noise treatment Michael Martini, president, original technology for reduced driving noise. A rim equipment consumer tire, BFNT. “We are protector reduces debris from getting very pleased to have been named as between the wheel and the tire. original equipment supplier for this high- Spring2005 inRoads 11

Pictured below (l-r) are Fred Hamill, Peter Hamill’s Firestone Celebrates 50th Anniversary Hamill, Dick Hamill, and Steve Rammer, TireStarz Fred and Dick Hamill, owners commented Dick. “We’re grateful for the Southern Region general manager, BFNT. of Hamill’s Firestone, a support the people of Ft. Lauderdale have TireStarz dealer in Ft. Lauderdale, shown us over the years.” Fla., recently celebrated 50 years as When asked why customers return to a Firestone dealer in the Hamill’s Firestone year after year, Fred said, automotive repair business. “It’s simple, really. Our customers trust us to The business was opened by be honest and fair, provide good value, and Alvin Hamill, Fred and Dick’s father. stay current with technical developments so Fred joined the business in 1971; that our products and services are first rate. Dick in 1976. Peter Hamill, Fred’s We value their trust and work hard to keep it.” son, joined the family business as a Peter added, “We’ve made a lot of friends service technician in 2004. in Ft. Lauderdale over the past 50 years, and “It’s an important milestone for all we’re looking forward to serving them for of us here at Hamill’s Firestone,” another 50.”

Sixth Bridgestone Firestone Plant Accepted into Environment Environmental Leadership Program BFNT’s LaVergne, Tenn., The EPA created the voluntary NEPT facility was recently accepted into the U.S. program to reward companies that show a Environmental Protection Agency’s National commitment to environmental performance. Environmental Performance The program recognizes those Track (NEPT) program. companies that go above and “Gaining acceptance into beyond current requirements and NEPT is a testament to the that have a proven track record LaVergne plant’s ongoing commitment to of improving environmental performance. environmental excellence,” said Greer Tidwell, The LaVergne plant is the sixth BFNT director of environmental management for facility to be accepted into this prestigious BFNT. In 2000, BFNT was the first tire company program. Four facilities (Des Moines, Iowa; to be accepted into the program. Warren County, Tenn.; Aiken County, S.C., “Seeing the LaVergne plant join this group is and Oklahoma City) joined the highly a source of pride for our entire family, and selective program as charter members in demonstrates to all of our teammates that BFNT 2000. BFNT’s Bloomington, Ill., facility joined cares about its communities,” Tidwell added. the program in 2003.

EPA Representatives Tour Bridgestone Firestone Environment Truck Tire Plant When the Environmental seeing it in person.” Protection Agency wanted to learn more Last year, BFNT partnered with the EPA as about how tires contribute to semi-truck a founding partner in its SmartWay program, fuel economy, the agency called on the a long-term initiative to reduce emissions experience of Bridgestone Firestone North and increase fuel efficiency in the trucking American Tire, LLC. industry. In October, BFNT hosted two EPA officials “The EPA is currently focusing on vehicle for a meeting and tour of the Warren component performance as a way to County, Tenn., tire plant. There, they learned improve air quality and fuel economy in first-hand about the engineering, innovation transportation,” said Greer Tidwell, director, and complexity of the modern truck tire. environmental management for BFNT. “The “I was fascinated. Tire building is an agency is exploring the effect tire intriguing combination of art and science,” performance has on fuel consumption and said Cheryl Bynum, specialist, EPA SmartWay tailpipe emissions in the trucking industry, Transport Partnership. “I’ve seen a video and we are pleased to share our knowledge on making tires, but it was nothing like with the EPA in this important effort.” 12 inRoads Spring2005

Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire Receives Awards International Habitat Conservation Award Employees at Bridgestone Team members at the plant are involved Firestone North American Tire, LLC’s Warren in activities that promote native wildlife and County, Tenn., facility received international discourage aggressive non-native wildlife. To recognition for their contributions to wildlife provide habitat for native species, team habitat conservation at the Wildlife Habitat members installed bluebird and wood duck Council’s (WHC) 16th Annual Symposium, nest boxes. They removed non-native “Beyond Borders: Reconciling Wildlife Needs overgrown nursery stock in a portion of the & Human Activity.” BFNT has demonstrated wildlife area and prepared the site for its commitment to environmental growing American chestnut trees. As part of stewardship and increasing native their efforts in environmental education biodiversity by achieving habitat certification outreach, employees created a nature trail at its Warren County plant. through the southern portion of the wildlife BFNT’s Warren County facility, a area. They also hosted wildlife events with a manufacturer of steel-belted radial tires for group known as “Kids of the Community” truck and bus applications, is located in and local Boy Scouts to teach them about central Tennessee. Proposed habitat wildlife. enhancement areas consist of approximately Future enhancement plans include 660 acres. The site’s wildlife management establishing butterfly and wildflower plan involves plant employees and local gardens and planting a nut orchard. They community volunteers in completing also plan to eradicate Fescue/Bermuda grass projects and learning about wildlife with prescribed burns, and to plant, conservation. promote and nurture native grasses.

Bridgestone Firestone 535 Marriott Drive Nashville, TN 37214

Spring 2005

inRoads a publication produced by the North American Consumer Tire and North American Commercial 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

© 2005 Bridgestone Firestone