Bridgestone/Firestone Pledges to Help Keep America Beautiful  Firestone Company-Owned Stores Nationwide to Participate in The Great American Clean Up NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 28, 2002)- The Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund will partner with Keep America Beautiful, Inc. (KAB) as a national sponsor of the Great American Cleanup 2002. To foster a cleaner and healthier environment and in support of the Trust Fund's participation, Bridgestone/Firestone company-owned stores across the country will participate in locally organized clean up, beautification and community improvement programs. "We're committed to promoting a healthier environment and to being a good corporate neighbor, and this program allows us to do both," said John Lampe, chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BFAH). "I'm proud that the Trust Fund and Bridgestone/Firestone will be participating in this year's Great American Cleanup." The Great American Cleanup, which runs from March through May, is the nation's largest organized cleanup, beautification and community improvement program. Each year more than two million volunteers from across the country pitch in to make their neighborhoods safer, healthier and more beautiful places to live. More than 30,000 different events in 12,000 communities are organized each year, including activities such as litter cleanup, planting, recycling, painting and renewal programs, and other beautification and refurbishing projects. Bridgestone/Firestone company-owned stores will be announcing local Great American Cleanup events in their stores via point of purchase displays to direct volunteers to the Keep America Beautiful Web site (www.kab.org). Individual stores may participate in tree, shrub and flower planting activities. The company is also encouraging all Bridgestone/Firestone tire dealers to become involved in the effort by directing volunteers to the Keep America Beautiful Web site or by joining in beautification efforts in their local communities. "Our stores are ready and eager to help promote and implement improvement events nationwide," said Larry Magee, chairman, CEO and president of BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC. "We believe that dedication to environmental issues is more than just desirable, it is essential. We participate in ongoing environmental efforts because it is important to us. After all, your neighborhood is our neighborhood. We not only work in the communities where tire and service center stores are located, we live there too." Bridgestone/Firestone embraces a wide variety of environmental programs and commitments around the world such as recycling scrap tires, land rehabilitation and pollution prevention. The company has also been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as a charter member of the National Environmental Performance Track. More information about Bridgestone/Firestone's role in the Great American Cleanup is available online at www.MasterCareUSA.com. Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding, Inc.'s parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. BFAH, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies also produce Firestone air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles. Through BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC, it operates the world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Keep America Beautiful, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose network of more than 500 local, statewide and international affiliate programs educates individuals about litter prevention and ways to reduce, reuse and recycle and properly manage waste materials. Through partnerships and strategic alliances with citizens, businesses and government, KAB's programs motivate millions of volunteers annually to clean up, beautify and improve their neighborhoods, creating healthier, safer and more livable community environments.