Bridgestone/Firestone's Lavergne Plant Honored for Quality and Delivery by NUMMI NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- (May 7, 2002) -- Bridgestone/Firestone's LaVergne plant was recently honored by New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., (NUMMI) for outstanding quality and delivery at NUMMI's annual supplier meeting. NUMMI began production in 1984 and is the first joint venture between an American car company (GM) and a Japanese automaker (Toyota Motor Corp.) Bridgestone/Firestone's LaVergne Plant received the 2001 Excellence Award for both Quality and Delivery by exceeding NUMMI's annual goal of less than 15 PPM (parts per million) defective parts and as a result of the plant's 100% on-time delivery of 357,000 Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Prizm tires. "This is an accolade for which everyone on the LaVergne team should be commended," said Mike Martini, Bridgestone/Firestone's Vice President of North American Consumer Tire O.E. Sales. "Recognition by NUMMI for quality and delivery is further testimony to the fine caliber of products produced by Bridgestone/Firestone and to the dedication of the company's employees." Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire was the only tire supplier recognized at this level for the NUMMI awards. Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC is a subsidiary of Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, agriculture and other tires to its customers in the Americas.