Bridgestone/Firestone Announces Step Toward Rebuilding Consumer Confidence Las Vegas, NV (November 2, 2000) - Calling it a major step toward rebuilding consumer confidence in the Firestone brand, Bridgestone/Firestone yesterday said it is significantly broadening the availability of its tire warranty and money-back programs. The company is increasing the number of tire lines covered by its Firestone Gold Pledge and Bridgestone Platinum Pact limited warranty programs and 30-day money-back guarantee - from 53 tire lines to 97. The programs will now cover almost all Bridgestone and Firestone passenger and light truck tires sold in the replacement market. The announcement came at the company's 2000 Consumer Dealer Meeting in Las Vegas, attended this year by nearly 4,000 independent Bridgestone/Firestone dealers, and is part of new CEO John Lampe's commitment to rebuild the Firestone Brand. The announcement was made by Shu Ishibashi, Executive Vice President of Bridgestone/Firestone and President of the U.S. Consumer Tire Group, who said the move is also intended to enhance the Bridgestone brand. "The steps we took yesterday are a clear demonstration of the confidence we have in the quality and safety of our products," he said. "These changes also emphasize one of the industry's strongest and most comprehensive customer satisfaction programs. The expansion of the 30-day test drive to include nearly all our consumer tires is unprecedented." These limited warranty programs promise to replace covered tires that become unusable for any reason attributed to workmanship or factory defect: For the first three years of original ownership or The four years from the date of manufacture or Until the tires are worn down to 2/32nds of an inch of remaining tread depth - whichever comes first. The 30-day test drive allows customers to take their new tires out of the dealer showroom and onto the road. If not completely satisfied, customers may return their tires within 30 days for a quick, no-hassle refund. "Customers want to know their tire investment is protected," said John Gamauf, Vice President of Consumer Dealer Tire Sales. "The extended Bridgestone/Firestone warranty and the money-back guarantee provide that protection, so our customers can drive with confidence." Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. Bridgestone/Firestone manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton, associate and private brand tires. The company also produces Firestone air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber and industrial products. For further information, please visit our Web site at: http://www.bridgestone-firestone.com.