Bridgestone Introduces the Third Generation of Run-flat Tyres

For a Safer, More Environmentally Friendly Automotive Society

Tokyo (March 3, 2009) - Bridgestone Corporation today announced it has successfully developed new technologies and related it's practical applications that improve the riding comfort of run-flat tyres(*1) Bridgestone will begin marketing this “third generation” of run-flat tyres in 2009, focusing on sales to original equipment manufacturers for installation in new passenger vehicles.

As environmental awareness grows worldwide, automakers are accelerating the introduction of lighter, smaller vehicles. In response to that trend, Bridgestone is confident that its third-generation run-flat tyres will significantly advance the use of run-flat tyres by original equipment manufacturers, thereby accelerating the elimination of spare tyres (emergency-use tyres) in passenger vehicles. The company believes that further popularising the safe and environment-friendly run-flat tyres can make a major contribution to society.

According to Bridgestone, while there are various ways to eliminate spare tyres the company believes that run-flat tyres are the best way of eliminating spare tyres because of significant advantages offered by them, including:

1.   Improved driving stability when the tyre punctures

2.   Greater peace of mind as it avoids the need to change tyres in dangerous places, such as on highways

3.   Continued mobility not only when punctures damage the tyre tread in contact with the road surface, but even when punctures damage the tyre sidewalls

Eliminating spare tyres from all vehicles would help save resources by reducing the approximately 59 million (*2) spare tyres annually. Furthermore, CO2 emissions over the spare tyre lifecycle - from raw material procurement to disposal - could be lowered by approximately 2 millions tons of CO2 per year.(*3) Additional CO2 emissions can be reduced by the elimination of wheels for the spare tyres.

By providing third-generation run-flat tyres that realise such benefits, Bridgestone, as a company involved in the automotive industry, can contribute significantly to the creation of a car society that is safer and more environment-friendly.

1*.   Run-flat tyres are tyres that can be driven on with zero inflation pressure for limited distance at reduced speeds. When used normally at 0kPa inflation pressure, they can be driven for up to 80km at 80km/h (ISO technical standard). The run-flat (when inflation pressure is 0kPa) distance drivable of 80km is the distance drivable under test conditions based on ISO technical standard for technology. For the actual distance drivable, please refer to the owner's manual.

2*.   Bridgestone investigation

3*.   Tyre CO2 emissions are calculated in accordance with the Japan Rubber Manufacturers Association's “Tyre Inventory Analysis Trail” (1998 version). During the usage stage, emissions are considered to be zero.