Bridgestone/Firestone's Green Efforts Earn Honda Environmental Award Bridgestone/Firestone is only tire company ever to win prestigious award LaVergne, Tenn. - (May 17, 2002) -- In a ceremony at the company's LaVergne, Tenn. tire plant, Bridgestone/Firestone today received its second consecutive Environmental Recognition Award from Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc. "Bridgestone/Firestone is honored that a world-class automotive manufacturer such as Honda, with a proven track record of environmental commitment, has recognized Bridgestone/Firestone for our efforts to work toward a better environment and care for the communities in which we live and work," said Tim Bent, Bridgestone/Firestone's director of environmental affairs. "This award is yet another testament to our company's efforts to meet our customers' demands while operating in an environmentally responsible manner." Carl Coe, staff engineer of Honda of America Manufacturing, presented the Honda Environmental Recognition Award, which acknowledges excellence in environmental management, to representatives of the four BFNT facilities that manufacture tires Honda uses as original equipment on its vehicles. Along with the LaVergne tire facility, the company's Oklahoma City, Okla.; Wilson, N.C.; and Joliette, Quebec, Canada plants also received the environmental recognition award. Each of these plants is certified under QS 9000 and ISO 14001, which are international standards requiring continuous improvement in quality and environmental management. This isn't the first time Honda has recognized Bridgestone/Firestone for its environmental accomplishments. Bridgestone/Firestone - the only tire company ever to receive this award - also earned Honda's Environmental Recognition Award last year, the inaugural year for the automotive manufacturer's award. "We're proud to present this award to Bridgestone/Firestone again," Coe said. "Bridgestone/Firestone exemplifies a company that values and emphasizes operating in an environmentally responsible manner. We look forward to continuing to work with Bridgestone/Firestone to find ways to improve the communities where we work and live." Bridgestone/Firestone has received recognition from many other well-known and respected conservation and environmental groups for its environmental programs and commitments throughout the Americas, including pollution prevention, recycling and land restoration. The Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the company's environmental leadership as a charter member of EPA's National Environmental Performance Track. In addition, the Conservation Fund, the Environmental Federation of Oklahoma, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the National Geographic/Eastman Kodak Company/Conservation Fund, have recently given their environmental awards to Bridgestone/Firestone in recognition of the company's environmental stewardship activities. Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding, Inc. is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. Bridgestone/Firestone, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton, and associate and private brand tires. The companies also produce Firestone air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles.