Bridgestone Brand To Be Exclusive Tire Fitment On New Nissan 350Z NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 31, 2002) -- Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) announced today that the Bridgestone brand has been named as the exclusive original equipment tire for the redesigned 2003 Nissan 350Z, due in showrooms August 1, 2002. The tiremaker will provide Nissan with its Bridgestone Potenza RE040 ultra-high performance tires in both 17- and 18-inch fitments: a combination of 225/50R17 94W for the front, and 235/50R17 96W in the rear; and a 225/45R18 91W in front and 245/45R18 96W in the rear. “We are thrilled to be named the sole tire supplier for this very important performance car relaunch. Nissan and the Bridgestone brand share a long history, which dates all the way back to Nissan’s inception. We’re glad to bring the relationship full-circle,” said Michael Martini, vice president, North American Consumer Tire OE Sales. “Nissan’s popular Z-car line has such a rich heritage. Based upon all of the favorable publicity it’s already received, we’re confident automotive enthusiasts will embrace this latest design.” Martini added that the company worked closely with Nissan’s technical engineering department for two to three years in an effort to meet and exceed all of the company’s performance targets. The vehicle is manufactured in Japan. The Bridgestone Potenza RE040, manufactured in Japan, features a five-rib unidirectional tread design for premium sporty performance. Extra hard bead fillers and a rayon ply construction provide high lateral stiffness for maximum cornering capabilities. The tread compound ensures excellent wet and dry braking. The tire also features a rim protector, raised serrated block lettering and a black sidewall. Both the 17- and 18-inch Potenza RE040 also will be available as replacement tires at Bridgestone/Firestone dealers nationwide starting in mid-July, Martini added. Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) 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.