Bridgestone and Continental Cooperate in Run-Flat Tire Systems

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 22, 2002) - Bridgestone Corporation, the parent company of Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BFAH), today announced that it would work with Continental AG, Germany in the creation of global standards for run-flat tire systems. The two companies, which signed the agreement January 21 in Tokyo, will join forces to provide vehicle manufacturers and consumers with advanced run-flat tire systems for passenger cars and light trucks.

Under the agreement, Bridgestone and Continental will supply each other with their run-flat technology, but will continue to develop and market those systems independently. Bridgestone will furnish its Self Supporting Run-flat Tire (SSR) technology, which has earned high regard and multiple fitments from leading automakers globally, and Continental will share its innovative Conti Safety Ring run-flat system (CSR).

"Bridgestone and Continental are industry leaders in run-flat technology. By combining each company's strengths, the availability of these systems will increase and with it, customer choice. This will be a significant benefit to drivers around the globe," said John T. Lampe, CEO, Chairman and President BFAH. "Bridgestone's commitment to customer safety and comfort is reflected not only in its run-flat innovations, but also in its decision to partner with Continental."

Details of the cooperation together with products of the run flat tire systems developed by the two companies will be presented in early March 2002 at the Geneva Auto Show.