Bridgestone's headquarters in Tokyo Square Garden, Tokyo | |
株式会社ブリヂストン | |
Public (K.K) | |
Traded as |
|
---|---|
Industry | Auto and Truck parts |
Founded | 1 January 1931; 88 years ago Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan |
Founder | Shojiro Ishibashi |
Headquarters | , Japan |
Worldwide | |
Key people | Masaaki Tsuya (Chairman and CEO) |
Products | Motor vehicle tires |
Revenue | ¥3.337 trillion (2016[1]) |
¥449.5 billion (2016[1]) | |
¥265.55 billion (2016[1]) | |
Total assets | ¥3.716 trillion (2016[1]) |
Total equity | ¥2.287 trillion (2016[1]) |
143,616 (2017) | |
Subsidiaries | Firestone Tire and Rubber Company |
Website | www.bridgestone.com |
Bridgestone Corporation (株式会社ブリヂストンKabushiki-gaisha Burijisuton) (TYO: 5108) is a multinational auto and truck parts manufacturer founded in 1931 by Shojiro Ishibashi (石橋正二郎Ishibashi Shōjirō) in the city of Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan. The name Bridgestone comes from a calque translation and transposition of ishibashi, meaning 'stone bridge' in Japanese.
As of 2017, the company is the largest manufacturer of tyres in the world, followed by Michelin (France), Goodyear (United States), Continental (Germany) and Pirelli (Italy).[2]
Bridgestone Group had 181 production facilities in 24 countries as of July 2018.
- 1History
- 2Bridgestone's global locations
- 3Sports sponsorships
- 4Diversified products
History[edit]
Origins[edit]
The history of Bridgestone America dates back to the two separate companies that merged to form Bridgestone Tire company. The first one is Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, that was founded in August 1900 by Harvey Firestone and was headquartered in Akron, Ohio. The second one is Bridgestone Tire Company Ltd., founded in 1931 by Shojiro Ishibashi in Japan.[3] The first Bridgestone tyre was produced on 9 April 1930, by the Japanese 'Tabi' Socks Tyre Division (actually made jika-tabi). One year later on 1 March 1931, the founder, Shojiro Ishibashi, made the 'Tabi' Socks Tyre Division independent and established the Bridgestone Tyre Co., Ltd. in the city of Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture. 'Bridgestone' was named after the name of the founder, Shojiro Ishibashi (Ishi = Stone, Bashi = Bridge).[4]
Foregoing dependence on European and North American technology, the Bridgestone Tyre Co., Ltd. set its eyes on manufacturing tyres based largely on Japanese technology. The fledgling company experienced many difficulties in the areas of technology, production, and sales in the early days. Eventually, improvements were achieved in quality and manufacturing processes which led to the business rapidly expanding in domestic and overseas markets.
Challenges during and after World War II[edit]
Wartime regulations were in effect throughout Japan, and tyres also came under the jurisdiction of these regulations. This resulted in nearly all of the company's output being used to satisfy military demand. 1945 saw the end of armed conflict, but the company was devastated by the war. The Tokyo headquarters was destroyed during an aerial bombing raid, and all overseas assets were lost. The plants in Kurume and Yokohama escaped unscathed, and production was able to resume immediately after the war ended. Brushing aside the problems caused by a labour union strike that lasted for forty-six days, the foundations of the company were further reinforced after this.
After World War II Bridgestone started manufacturing motorcycles, but its main income was from supplying tyres to its rival motorcycle makers such as Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha and it was later decided to cease motorcycle manufacturing.
Technological innovation[edit]
Cross section of a tyre
In 1951, Bridgestone was the first company in Japan to begin selling rayon cord tyres, and a five-year project to modernize production facilities was started. This year also saw another Bridgestone building opened in Kyōbashi, Tokyo, which contained the Bridgestone Museum. Sales surpassed ten billion yen in 1953, placing Bridgestone at the top of the tyre industry in Japan, and celebrations were held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the company's foundation in Kurume.
The sale of nylon tyres was started in 1959, and work forged ahead with the construction of the new Tokyo plant, which was opened in 1960, in order to cope with the fast-expanding market for motorization.
Radial tires and overseas expansion[edit]
The company issued stock shares and was listed on the stock exchange in 1961. A new system of administration was ushered in by Shojiro Ishibashi as the chairman, and Kanichiro Ishibashi as the president. As part of the transition across to administrative reform, the Deming Plan in honour of W. Edwards Deming, which involves overall quality control activities, was adopted, and the company was awarded the prestigious Deming Prize in 1968.[5] Also, additions were built onto the Tokyo plant in 1962 to house the new Technical Centre, and a progressive system of research and development was established. On the product front, 1967 saw the sale of the company's first ever radial tire, the RD10.
Bridgestone's first overseas plant since the end of the war was opened in Singapore in 1965, and production was also commenced in Thailand in 1969. The 1960s for Bridgestone was an era of overseas expansion that also included the establishment of Bridgestone America in the United States in 1967 to act as Bridgestone's USA representative sales branch.
At the start of the period of Japan's economic stagnation, brought about by the first oil shock, the company was placing even more emphasis on establishing its own technology for the manufacture of radial tires, and it was also at this time that further domestic plants were constructed and fitted out. Its Super Filler Radial was placed on the market in 1978, and in 1979 the company introduced the high-performance POTENZA radial tire, from an Italian word for power.[citation needed]
The company was actively engaged in overseas expansion activities at this time. In addition to starting up production in Indonesia and Iran in 1976, it also invested in a Taiwan tire manufacturer and purchased a tire plant and a plant for diversified products in Australia in 1980. The founder, Shojiro Ishibashi, died on 11 September 1976.
On 1 March 1981, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary. At the same time, the company initiated activities to strengthen its home base that supported overseas expansion strategy with the aim of being ranked as one of the world's top three manufacturers of rubber products. New production facilities were also established in Thailand, India, Poland, China, the United States and other countries. The company changed the name from Bridgestone Tyre Co., Ltd. to Bridgestone Corporation in 1984.
Firestone purchase[edit]
In 1988, Bridgestone purchased the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio. Placing considerable financial and personnel resources into rebuilding Firestone after the purchase, Bridgestone achieved surplus annual profits for the year 1992 with BFE (Bridgestone Firestone Europe) and again in 1993 with BFS (Bridgestone Firestone USA). The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company and Bridgestone Tire Company Ltd. USA were amalgamated in 1990 and became 'Bridgestone Firestone North American Holdings Ltd'.The North American subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation is now named Bridgestone Americas, Inc. The tire division is Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC. Bridgestone Americas opened a $100 million technical center in Akron in 2012.
Fined $425 million for price fixing[edit]
In February 2014 Bridgestone agreed to a $425 million fine imposed by the United States Department of Justice for price fixing and bid rigging in the automotive parts industry. The company said it regretted the actions that led to the plea deal and said it would take disciplinary action against certain employees.[6]
Bridgestone's global locations[edit]
Bridgestone has major manufacturing plants in many countries around the world. As of 1 April 2011, Bridgestone has 47 tyre plants, 29 tyre-related plants, 19 raw materials plants, 89 diversified product plants, 4 technical centers, and 11 proving grounds globally.[7] Some of the major plants are located in:
Europe | Americas | Asia/Oceania | Middle East/Africa |
---|---|---|---|
Belgium | Argentina | Australia | South Africa |
France | Brazil | China (until 2019) | Cameroon (from 2020) |
Hungary | Canada | India | Kenya (from 2023) |
Italy | Costa Rica | Indonesia | |
Poland | Mexico | Japan | |
Portugal | United States | Taiwan | |
Spain | Venezuela | Thailand | |
Turkey | Colombia | Vietnam | |
Belarus (from 2026) | Bolivia (from 2027) | Myanmar (from 2021) | |
Estonia (from 2024) | Puerto Rico (from 2025) | South Korea (from 2022) |
Australia[edit]
Bridgestone Australia began as the SA Rubber Mills in 1939. In 1980 Bridgestone took over the Australian plants which were at that time operated by the Uniroyal Tyre Company. Bridgestone Australia[8] had a major manufacturing tyre factory in Australia: located in Salisbury, South Australia (this plant was eventually decommissioned in April 2011). Bridgestone has State Offices in all states of Australia, and has a large number of retail outlets across the country.
In 2000 Bridgestone Australia Ltd. purchased the BANDAG Retreading plant and its operations in Australia. Bandag Manufacturing Pty Limited[9] has 35 franchised dealers across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Nouméa. Bandag Manufacturing Pty Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Australia Limited, and operates under license to Bandag Incorporated.[10] In 2006 Bridgestone purchased Bandag Incorporated, which is now a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation.
From the purchase in 1981, the Australian operations of Bridgestone have been run as a publicly listed company on the Australian Stock exchange. Bridgestone Corporation has maintained a majority share holding. As of mid-2007 the Australian operation was delisted from the Australian Stock exchange and became a solely owned Division of Bridgestone Corporation (pending minority shareholder approval as per Australian Corporate Law).
Following the cancellation on Friday, 11 May 2007, of all shares held by minority shareholders, Bridgestone Australia Ltd. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation of Japan. The selective capital reduction and subsequent privatisation which cost $49 million was approved and completed. Bridgestone Australia Ltd. was delisted from the ASX on 30 May 2007.
Europe[edit]
Bridgestone EU has its head office in Brussels, Belgium, and was set up in 1990 as Bridgestone/Firestone Europe SA. Before that, a representative office in Belgium set up in 1972 and sales subsidiary companies and importers in each countries were selling products imported from Japan. There are 7 production plants in the region and a 32 hectare research and development centre near Rome, Italy. The company distributes more than 25 million tyres a year through 17 national sales subsidiaries and 2 distributors. They directly employ over 12,000 people with Mr. Tsuda as the CEO.
At present there are national headquarters in the following locations: Vienna, Austria; Prague, Czech Republic; Hinnerup, Denmark; Vantaa, Finland; Fresnes, France; Bad Homburg, Germany; Athens, Greece; Budapest, Hungary; Dublin, Ireland; Milan, Italy; Moerdijk, Netherlands; Oslo, Norway; Warsaw, Poland; Alcochete, Portugal; Madrid, Spain; Sundsvall, Sweden; Spreitenbach, Switzerland; and Warwick, UK.
Bridgestone EU runs a continent-wide scheme called Truckpoint wherein fleets can take their vehicles to any Bridgestone approved garage throughout Europe and get Bridgestone specialist work carried out on their tyres.
There are no Bridgestone factories in the UK but there is a technical bay at which tyres returned by dissatisfied customers are inspected in Coventry.
North America[edit]
As part of reinforcement plans, the company purchased a plant in Tennessee from the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, its first manufacturing plant in North America, and started the production of radial tyres for trucks and buses in 1983. Bridgestone also has a steel cord plant in Clarksville, Tenn., named Bridgestone Metalpha. Metalpha is currently ranked as the top provider in the global steel cord market.
In May 1988, a takeover bid of America's No. 2 tyre manufacturer, Akron, Ohio-based Firestone, was successful, and Firestone was placed under the Bridgestone umbrella as a subsidiary company. This purchase brought a large number of Firestone global production sites into the Bridgestone organization. These sites included North America, Central and South America, Europe, New Zealand and other locations. Bridgestone also commenced production in Turkey.
Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSA) is the U.S. subsidiary of the Bridgestone Corporation. BSA and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market Bridgestone, Firestone, and associate brand tyres for consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies also produce air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber and industrial fibres and textiles and operate the world's largest chain of automotive tyre and service centers.[citation needed]
In 2014 Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) unveiled its newly rebranded GCR Tires & Service division. With one of the largest network of commercial stores across the country, GCR’s reach extends nationwide. The letters of GCR reflect the last names of the original company founders Balie Griffith, Harold Crawford and Perry Rose.[11]
In 2015, Bridgestone Americas Inc. signed a deal giving its dealers the option to install digital air calibration machines from Excel Tire Gauge Inc. in their stores. The digital air calibration machines streamline the tyre inflation process by automatically inflating or deflating tyres.[12]
In 2017, Bridgestone Americas consolidated many of their business units into a single building in downtown Nashville, Bridgestone Tower. Nearly 2,000 employees work in the new skyscraper, nestled between the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.[13]
Sports sponsorships[edit]
Formula racing[edit]
Bridgestone started to invest in motorsport in the 1980s by developing race tyres for feeder series like Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula Ford, Formula Opel Lotus and karting.
In order to increase the Firestone subsidiary's brand awareness, Bridgestone Firestone NAH Ltd, re-entered the Firestone brand into CART IndyCar open-wheel racing in 1995 to challenge Goodyear. The tyres proved better and Goodyear retired for 2000. Since then, Firestone has been the single tyre provider for the renamed and disappeared Champ Car, the IndyCar Series and its feeder series Firestone Indy Lights until 2013.
Michael Schumacher in practice at the 2005 United States Grand Prix. Note the Bridgestone branding on the rear wing endplate, the Bridgestone's 'B' logo on the front wing, just under the nosecone and on the side winglet just before the rear wheel.
Bridgestone has supplied tyres in Formula One since 1997, although the company one-off produced Formula One tyres at the 1976 and 1977 Japanese Grand Prix for Japanese entrants such as Kazuyoshi Hoshino's Heros Racing and Kojima.
Bridgestone used a Ligier JS41 as test bed during 1996.
The Japanese company decided to supply tyres for Formula One in 1995, backed-up by the CEO Yoichiro Kaizaki, aiming to improve Bridgestone's name value in the European market which was greatly inferior compared with their archrivals, Michelin. Though it was scheduled to enter the championship in the 1998 season at first, this was brought forward to 1997 because the engineering section led by Hirohide Hamashima had quickly advanced development. Thus, Hiroshi Yasukawa, the general manager of Motorsport Department, also made the best use of the experience and networks in Europe since the Bridgestone's European F2 era (1981–1984) and constructed logistics for Formula One at once.
The first title was acquired right away in the second year, 1998 by Mika Häkkinen and McLaren-Mercedes. And Bridgestone users took five Drivers' Championship titles and five Constructors' Championship titles (1998, 2001–2004) for the period that competed with Goodyear (1997–1998) and Michelin (2001–2006). Especially, cooperation with Scuderia Ferrari and Michael Schumacher functioned well in this period.
From 2008 to 2010 Bridgestone was due to be the sole tyre supplier to the FIA Formula One World Championship.[14] However, because Michelin chose to conclude its Formula One tyre programme at the end of the 2006 season, all teams used Bridgestone tyres from the 2007 season to the 2010 Formula One season.
On 2 November 2009 Bridgestone announced that they will not be renewing their contract to supply tyres to Formula One teams after 2010. The company said it was 'addressing the impact of the continuing evolution of the business environment'.[15]Pirelli announced in June 2010 that it would serve as sole supplier for tyres in the 2011 season.[16]
Pos | Tyre | Seasons | Starts | Wins | Only supplier | WC Drivers | WC Constr. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | Bridgestone | 1976[17] – 2010 | 244 | 175 | 116 | 11 | 11 |
5 | Firestone | 1950–1975 | 121 | 49 | 11 | 3 | 3 |
Sports car and touring car racing[edit]
In the 1980s and 1990s, Bridgestone provided tyres to the Le Mans sport prototypes of teams Nismo and TOM's, backed by Japanese automobile manufacturers Nissan and Toyota respectively. In the early 1990s, Bridgestone expanded to Mercedes-AMG, which entered the DTM and later Le Mans and the FIA GT Championship. The brand left international sports car racing in 2000, but remains as one of the main suppliers in the Japanese Super GT championship.
Motorcycling[edit]
In 2002, Bridgestone entered the Grand Prix motorcycle racing's main class MotoGP. From 2009 to 2015, it was the exclusive tyre supplier of the championship and reached the milestone of 100 MotoGP victories in 2012. Nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi was 'Bridgestone Tyre Adviser'[18] having won two MotoGP titles on Bridgestone tyres in 2008 and 2009.
In May 2014, Bridgestone announced they would leave Moto GP at the end of the 2015 season.[19]
Other sports[edit]
Bridgestone is the official tyre of the National Football League, National Hockey League and the Olympic Games. In addition, it is the title sponsor of the NHL's flagship event, the Winter Classic outdoor game. In 2010, Bridgestone acquired the naming rights to the home venue of the NHL's Nashville Predators calling it Bridgestone Arena. They are also the title sponsor of the Copa Libertadores, the top competition for South American club football.
Diversified products[edit]
The predecessors of Bridgestone began making diversified products[20] in the 1930s, soon after they started making tyres. Today, Bridgestone diversified operations encompass automotive components, industrial products, polyurethane foam products, construction materials, parts and materials for electronic equipment, bicycles and sporting goods. Diversified business generates about one-fourth of total sales in the Bridgestone Group.
Automotive parts are an especially large line of business for Bridgestone in diversified operations. Bridgestone supplies automakers with vibration-isolating components, such as engine mounts. Bridgestone also supplies air springs for trucks, automobiles and train carriages. Bridgestone market aluminium wheels and other automotive accessories, too.
Industrial products[edit]
Bridgestone's industrial products span a vast range, including polyurethane foam for automotive seats and interiors, for bedding and furniture and for insulation and sealing in appliances and buildings; water hoses; marine hoses for loading and unloading oil tankers; specialty precision hose products, such as wire-blade hose for construction equipment and machine tools; conveyor belts; and rubber tracks for crawler tractors. Additionally, they make retreaded tyres for aircraft. Their corporate headquarters for the Bridgestone Aircraft tyre division is located in Miami in the United States.
The Bridgestone product line in construction and civil engineering materials is similarly broad. Bridgestone supply Multi-Rubber Bearings for installing in foundations to protect buildings from earthquakes, inflatable rubber dams for managing waterways (no longer manufactured – 2008), marine fenders for protecting wharves, additives for pavement, waterproofing sheet, rubberized ceiling and roofing materials, panel tanks for storing water, bath fixtures and residential flooring, air and water systems.
Bridgestone's line of products for electronic equipment includes precision rollers for office machines and functional films for solar cells and plasma displays. In sporting goods, Bridgestone market golf balls and clubs and tennis balls and rackets. Bridgestone's line of bicycles is Japan's most extensive – see above information re. Anchor Cycles.
Bridgestone Commercial Services Group (Bandag)[edit]
Logo of Bandag.
On 5 December 2006, Bridgestone Americas and Bandag Inc. announced a merger agreement whereby Bridgestone would acquire Muscatine, Iowa-based Bandag, Inc., a leading truck tyre re-treader that was founded in 1957 and had over 900 franchised dealers worldwide at the time. In announcing the merger, Bridgestone's president in Tokyo explained:
“ | Higher fuel prices are prompting customers to cut costs [by using retreads]. It takes time and costs to develop this size of business. We were able to get that all at once. | ” |
The transaction was valued at approximately US$1.05 billion.[21] On 31 May 2007, the agreement was consummated and Bridgestone Americas acquired the outstanding shares of Bandag stock for US$50.75 per share. The unit was renamed Bridgestone Bandag, LLC and Saul Solomon was appointed to the position of chairman, CEO and President. Previously, Solomon served as Vice President and General Counsel of BSAH. In the four years following the acquisition, Bandag's headquarters remained in Muscatine, although some processes and functions were consolidated and/or transferred to other facilities. In November 2010, corporate headquarters were moved to Nashville. In May 2011, the unit was renamed Bridgestone Commercial Services Group, eliminating the name 'Bandag.'
Bicycles[edit]
Kabuki head badge.
The Bridgestone Cycle Co Ltd[22] originated in 1949. It offers bicycles under its own brand and under the Anchor brand.[23]
At one time, Bridgestone marketed bicycles under the name Kabuki.[24]
The U.S. marketing director of the Bicycle division, Grant Petersen, developed a reputation for resisting popular trends in the bicycle industry and instead followed his own personal philosophy of building dependable and comfortable bicycles. Peterson applied this approach to Rivendell Bicycle Works after Bridgestone stopped marketing bicycles in the U.S.[25]
The company was an innovator in the nascent mountain bike scene, designing mountain bikes with shorter chain-stays and steeper frame angles than then popular. This made it more nimble and a better climber.
Until 1986, Bridgestone models were numbered in multiples of 100, with the higher numbers indicating a higher end bike. The entry level road bike in 1986, for example, may have been the Bridgestone 100, while the Bridgestone 700 would have been a competition level race bike. Beginning in 1987 there was a change, with model designations consisting of two letters followed by a numeral. The letters indicated the type of bike, and the number indicated the position in the product lineup. The numbering was also reversed, with the smaller numbers indicating a higher position in the product line. For example, the RB-1 would have been the top of the line road bike, followed by the RB-2, RB-3, etc.[26]
Anchor brand bicycle in a Japanese store
Bridgestone is currently building frames in Japan for keirin track racing under Nihon Jitensha Shinkokai approved standards. It is currently producing non-NJS frames for the Japanese market as well.
In Japan, it is known as a manufacturer of utility, mountain and (under the brand name Anchor) road racing bikes.
Bridgestone has also collaborated with Dr. Alex Moulton to produce the Bridgestone Moulton Bicycle and marketed its own folding bicycle, the Bridgestone Picnica.
Bridgestone also released a range of BMX Bicycles in 1981–1982 known as the MKI & MKII.
Bridgestone Aircraft Tyre[edit]
Bridgestone Aircraft Tyre (USA) is a manufacturer of aircraft tyres as well as retread servicing. Bridgestone America's Holdings announced in May 2006 that it would be moving its Miami, Florida aviation operation to its new 160,000-square-foot (15,000 m2) facility located in Mayodan, North Carolina, this move is expected to be completed by mid-2007 and will create approximately 95 new jobs. CEO and President of Bridgestone Aircraft Tyre (USA) Joe Rayna is quoted as saying; 'This move allows us to continue to prepare for a changing market, both in demand and in product mix, New modern aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A380, arrive fitted with new Bridgestone technology aircraft tyres, and this new facility will complement that technology'.[27] Bridgestone Aircraft Tyre (USA) has been a major supplier of aircraft tyres and retreads to the aircraft industry for over 70 years and has sister aviation facilities in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Belgium.
Golf Products[edit]
Bridgestone Golf is a division of Bridgestone,[28] and is the brand name under which Bridgestone's Golfing Products are marketed.Bridgestone has been producing golf-related products since 1935. The Golf division of Bridgestone currently produces both clubs, balls and accessories.[29]Along with technical developments in tyre technology came breakthroughs in golf ball technology[citation needed] that have led Bridgestone to be the number one golf ball producer in Japan.
Design and production of golf clubs followed in 1972.
Bridgestone has global coverage of its golfing products with major divisions in USA (Bridgestone Golf USA),[30] Australia (Bridgestone Golf Australia)[31] and Korea (Sokio Corporation).[32]
Bridgestone e-Reporter[edit]
Bridgestone e-reporter is a pan-European competition for aspiring young sports journalists, open to all students aged 18–30, who are in full-time education.
Now in its fifth year, Bridgestone e-reporter[33] continues to provide up-and-coming writers with first hand experience, interviewing GP2 drivers and issuing race reports from a European GP2 race weekend.
The 2008 competition was officially launched on 1 February 2008 with the deadline for entries at 12.00 GMT on 31 March 2008. As of 2009, Bridgestone has not held further editions of the eReporter competition. However it may return in a different form in the future.
Bridgestone was the sole tyre supplier for the GP2 series, an open-wheeled racing championship that is widely regarded as the feeder series for Formula One.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ abcde'Bridgestone Financial'.
- ^'Leading tyre manufacturers'. Tyrepress. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
- ^'History Bridgestone'. Bridgestone Corporation. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
- ^Takahashi, Kosuke (29 August 2009). 'Japan on the brink of a new era'. Asia Times. Retrieved 31 August 2009.
- ^[1]Archived 22 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine
- ^'US fines Bridgestone $425mn for price fixing'. The Japan News. Archived from the original on 14 February 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^Bridgestone (1 April 2011), Bridgestone Locations, retrieved 9 May 2011
- ^'Car, 4x4 & Truck Tyres - Bridgestone Australia'. Bridgestone Tyres. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^'Bandag Australia'. Bandag.com.au. 18 May 2010. Archived from the original on 15 November 2015. Retrieved 2015-11-04.
- ^'Long Live Tires | Retread & Retake the Road'. Bandag. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^'Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Announces GCR Tires & Service Brand Relaunch'. Bridgestone Americas, Inc. Retrieved 2 November 2018.
- ^'Bridgestone Signs Deal for Digital Tire Inflation Machines - Suppliers - Modern Tire Dealer'. www.moderntiredealer.com. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
- ^'Bridgestone Americas moves to downtown Nashville'. WKRN.com. 19 January 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2018.
- ^'Latest'. Formula1.com. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
- ^'News | Corporate | Bridgestone Corporation'. Bridgestone.com. 2 November 2009. Archived from the original on 4 November 2009. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
- ^'Formula1.com'. Formula1.com. 23 June 2010. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
- ^'Japanese Grand Prix 1976'. Research-racing.de. 15 June 1993. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^'Motorsport News 2015 - KART - AMA MX - AMA SX - Bridgestone Motorsport'. Bridgestonemotorsport.com. Archived from the original on 3 June 2015. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
- ^'Bridgestone to pull out of MotoGP at the end of 2015'. AUTOSPORT.com. 1 May 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
- ^[2]Archived 3 February 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- ^'Bridgestone and Bandag to Merge, Shares Burn Rubber'. 6 December 2006. Archived from the original on 15 July 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
- ^'BICYCLE ONLINE'. Bscycle.co.jp. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
- ^'ブリヂストンのスポーツバイク アンカー|anchor'. Anchor-bikes.com. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^'Japanese Bicycles in the U.S. Market'. Sheldonbrown.com. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^'Bridgestone: Beyond the Dream'. www.ebykr.com. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
- ^[3]Archived 22 September 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- ^[4]Archived 3 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine
- ^'Bridgestone Golf'. Archived from the original on 22 February 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
- ^[5]Archived 5 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ^'Bridgestone Golf'. Bridgestone Golf. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^'Bridgestone Golf Australia'. Bridgestonegolf.com.au. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^[6]Archived 18 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine
- ^[7][dead link]
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bridgestone. |
- ‹See Tfd›(in English)Bridgestone Corporation English homepage
- ‹See Tfd›(in English)Bridgestone Motorsport English homepage
- ‹See Tfd›(in English)Bridgestone e-reporter homepage[permanent dead link]
- 'Company history books (Shashi)'. Shashi Interest Group. April 2016. — Wiki collection of bibliographic works on Bridgestone.
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bridgestone&oldid=902365345'
Company | Country | Found. | Brands |
---|---|---|---|
Alliance Tire Company | Israel | 1950 | Alliance[1] |
Apollo Tyres | India | 1972 | Apollo,[2]Apollo Tyres South Africa[a], Kaizen, Maloya, Regal, Vredestein |
Birla Tyres | India | 1991 | Birla Tyre[3] |
Balkrishna Industries | India | 1987 | BKT Tires |
Belshina | Belarus | 1965 | Belshina[4] |
Bridgestone | Japan | 1931 | Bridgestone,[5][6][7]Firestone, Fuzion, Seiberling (Latin America), Uniroyal (Australia), Dayton, Supercat (Australia and New Zealand), Fireforce (South Africa) |
Bridgestone Sabanci[8] | Turkey | 1974 | Bridgestone (Europe and Middle East), Lassa |
Carlisle | USA | 1917 | Carlisle Transportation Products[9][b] |
Casumina | Vietnam | 1976 | Casumina,[11] Euromina |
CEAT Ltd | India | 1958 | CEAT[12] |
Cheng Shin Rubber | Taiwan | 1967 | Cheng Shin, Maxxis,[13] CST,Presa |
Continental AG | Germany | 1871 | Continental,[14][15]Barum, Euzkadi, General Tire, Gislaved, Mabor, Matador, Point S,[16]Semperit, Sime Tyres, Viking, Uniroyal (Europe), Sportiva, Ameri*Steel, ContiRe, ContiTread, Hoosier Racing Tire |
Cooper Tires[17][18] | USA | 1914 | Avon, Cooper, Dean, Eldorado, Mastercraft, Mentor[c], Starfire, Definity, Roadmaster, Mickey Thompson, Dick Cepek, Chengshan, Austone, Fortune, Hercules[d], Ironman |
Danang Rubber | Vietnam | 1993 | DRC[19] |
Deestone | Thailand | 1977 | Deestone,[20] Thunderer |
DMACK | UK | 2008 | DMACK[21] |
Federal Corporation | Taiwan | 1954 | Federal,[22]Hero |
General Tyre Pakistan | Pakistan | 1963 | General[23] |
Giti[24] | Singapore | 1951 | Giti Tire,[25] GT Radial,[26] Primewell,[27] Runway, Dextero, Hualin, Greatwall, Roadpro |
Goodyear[28] | USA | 1898 | Dębica (Poland),[29]Douglas, Dunlop (North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand), Fierce, Fulda, Goodyear, Kelly, Sava (Slovenia), Pneumant Tires (Pneumant Reifen GmbH)[30] |
Hangzhou Zhongce | China | 1958 | Chaoyang, CYT, Goodride, Westlake, Yartu |
Hankook Tire[31][32][33] | South Korea | 1941 | Aurora, Hankook, Kingstar, Laufenn |
Hoosier Racing Tire[34] | USA | 1957 | Hoosier |
Hutchinson SNC[35] | France | 1957 | Hutchinson Tires |
Inoue Rubber Co., Ltd.[36] | Japan | 1926 | IRC Tires |
J. K. Organisation[37] | India | 1888 | JK Tyres, Tornel |
Kenda Rubber[38] | Taiwan | 1962 | Kenda, Kenda radial |
Kesoram[39] | India | 1919 | Birla, KRM, Springfield, AFFINITY |
Kumho Tires[40][41] | South Korea | 1960 | Admiral, Marshal, Kumho, Zetum |
Michelin Group[42] | France | 1889 | BFGoodrich,[43]Kleber,[44]Kormoran (Poland), Michelin, Orium, Riken,[45]Taurus, Uniroyal (North America), Tigar Tyres, Strial, Sebring, Stomil Olsztyn (Poland) |
Madras Rubber Factory[46] | India | 1946 | MRF Tyres |
Multistrada Arah Sarana[e][47] | Indonesia | 1988 | Achilles, Corsa |
Nankang Rubber[48][49] | Taiwan | 1959 | Nankang, Sonar, Star Performer TNG |
Nexen Tire[50][51] | South Korea | 1942 | Nexen, Roadstone, Capitol |
Nokian Tyres[52] | Finland | 1898 | Nokian, Nordman |
Omni United[53] | Singapore | 2003 | Radar Tires, Goodride(tires), Corsa (tires), RoadLux (tires), Patriot (tires) |
Panasonic | Japan | 1953 | Panaracer |
Pirelli[54][55] | Italy | 1872 | Agom, Courier, Metzeler, Pirelli, Formula[56] |
Pro-Line | USA | 1982 | Pro-Line |
Shandong Linglong Tire Co., Ltd.[57] | China | 1975 | Linglong, GREEN MAX, LEAO, ATLAS, INFINITY |
Saovang Rubber Company | Vietnam | 1960 | Saovang |
Servis Tyres | Pakistan | 1970 | Servis |
Shanghai Huayi[58] | China | 1996[59] | Double Coin (Warrior) |
Starco[60] | Denmark | 1962 | Tusker |
Sumitomo Rubber[61][62] | Japan | 1909 | Dunlop (Japan, Latin America, Asia and Africa), Falken,[63]Goodyear (Japan), Sumitomo, Multi-Mile, Sigma, Cordovan, Vanderbilt, Ohtsu, Solar |
Titan Tire Corporation[64] | USA | 1890 | Continental (farm tires), Goodyear (farm tires), Titan |
Toyo Tire & Rubber[65] | Japan | 1943 | Nitto, Silverstone, Toyo |
Trelleborg AB[66] | Sweden | 1905 | Trelleborg |
Triangle Group[67] | China | 1976 | Triangle Group, Diamond back |
Viking[68] | Norway | 1931 | |
Vittoria | Italy | 1953 | Vittoria, Geax |
Vogue Tyre and Rubber | USA | 1914 | |
Yokohama Rubber[69] | Japan | 1910 | Yokohama |
Zenises[70] | UK | 2014 | Z Tyres, T Tyres, Westlake, Triangle, iLink, Kapsen, Ardent |
- ^formerly Dunlop South Africa
- ^Lawn and garden, ATV, golf car, trailer, skid steer, agriculture, industrial, styled steel wheels and related replacement markets.[10]
- ^ brand introduced in spring 2012
- ^Cooper is the contract manufacturer
- ^Formerly known as PT Oroban Perkasa
References[edit]
- ^'Alliance'.
- ^'Apollo - Corporate - Our Company - At a Glance'.
- ^'BirlaTyres'.
- ^'Enterprise history'.
- ^'Bridgestone Corporation - Corporate History'.
- ^'Bridgestone Americas, Inc'.
- ^'History of Bridgestone Australia 1980–1984'.
- ^'Brisa'.
- ^'Company History'. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
- ^'Carlisle Tire & Wheel'. Retrieved 2016-11-12.
- ^'Welcome to Casumina website'. Retrieved 2010-01-06.
- ^'Company Overview'. Retrieved 2010-12-18.
- ^'Maxxis Corporate Profile and Brand Management'(PDF). Retrieved 2010-06-23.
- ^'Continental Corporation -Division Passenger and Light Truck Tires'. Retrieved 2009-12-24.
- ^'Continental Corporation -Division Commercial Vehicle Tires'. Retrieved 2009-12-24.
- ^'Summer tyres and Winter tyres Point S by Continental Europe'. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
- ^'Cooper Tires - Sustainability'. Retrieved 2010-06-23.
- ^'Cooper Tires - Associate Brands'. Archived from the original on 2010-05-29. Retrieved 2010-06-23.
- ^'Vietnam Source - DA NANG RUBBER JSC'. Retrieved 2010-06-23.
- ^'Deestone Group - About Deestone'. Retrieved 2017-11-08.
- ^'DMACK - About'. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
- ^'Federal Group'. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
- ^'General Tyre Profile'. Retrieved 2014-10-06.
- ^'Giti - a global tire company'. Retrieved 2012-11-03.
- ^'Giti Tire Product'.
- ^'GT Radial website'.
- ^'Primewell'.
- ^'Goodyear – History by Year'. Retrieved 2010-12-13.
- ^'Dębica'.
- ^'Pneumant Production Base Fürstenwalde in Danger'. Retrieved 2015-12-07.
- ^'Hankook Tires'. Retrieved 2010-12-15.
- ^'History - Hankook'. Retrieved 2010-12-15.
- ^'Kingstar home'. Retrieved 2010-12-15.
- ^'Hoosier Tire'. Retrieved 2010-12-15.
- ^'Hutchinson Tire'. Retrieved 2011-03-20.
- ^'IRC Tire'. Retrieved 2018-10-11.
- ^'Group Profile'. Retrieved 2012-10-24.
- ^'Tires Supplier - Kenda Rubber Ind. Co., Ltd. - Taiwan, Asia, Automotive'. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
- ^'Company'. Retrieved 2012-11-03.
- ^'About Kumho Tires > History'. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
- ^'PASSENGER CAR'(PDF). Retrieved 2010-12-16.
- ^'History of the Michelin Company'. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
- ^'BFGoodrich'. Retrieved 2010-12-18.
- ^'contact Kleber'. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
- ^'Riken Tyres'. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
- ^'MRF Tyres - HISTORY : 1946–1966'. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
- ^'Company Profile - PT Multistrada Arah Sarana, Tbk'. PT Multistrada Arah Sarana, Tbk. Retrieved 2016-10-21.
- ^'NANKANG'. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
- ^'SONAR Rubber Tire'. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
- ^'About Nexen Tire : Nexen Tires'. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
- ^'Roadstone Tire : Driving beyond Imagination'. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
- ^'About Us'. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
- ^'About Us'. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
- ^'PIRELLI - History'. Retrieved 2015-08-21.
- ^'Annual Report 2003'(PDF). Retrieved 2010-12-17.
- ^'Formula tyres'. Retrieved 2014-06-16.
- ^'Home_Linglong tire official website (Stock Code: 601966)'. en.linglong.cn. Retrieved 2019-05-08.
- ^'Company'. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
- ^'Company Overview of Shanghai Huayi (Group) Company'. Bloomberg.
- ^'STARCO website'. Retrieved 2012-05-28.
- ^'About Sumitomo'. Retrieved 2010-12-18.
- ^'History'. Retrieved 2010-12-18.
- ^'Company - Falken Tire'. Retrieved 2010-12-18.
- ^'Titan International'. Archived from the original on 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2010-12-18.
- ^'HISTORY'. Retrieved 2010-12-18.
- ^'HISTORY'. Retrieved 2012-10-20.
- ^'About Us - Triangle Group Co., Ltd'. Retrieved 2010-12-18.
- ^'Viking Tyres'. Retrieved 2016-11-11.
- ^'Company History'. Retrieved 2010-12-18.
- ^'www.zenises.com'. Zenises.
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_tire_companies&oldid=901531332'
Auto Parts and Repairs/American Cars/Brakes and Tires
I've used both and not found much difference. Both makeexcellent tires and the price is the only thing that would sway mebetween them.
Does Bridgestone make falken tires?
Are bridgestone tires better than Mastercraft tires?
Who makes bridgestone tires?
The Bridgestone Corporation of Japan makes Bridgestone tires
Are falken tires made in Thailand?
I have falken tires and they say made in Thailand .
Where are Falken tires made?
Falken tires are made in Japan by Sumitomo Ohtsu Rubber company
Is primewell tires owned by bridgestone?
Bridgestone Tires Thailand
Primewell tires are manufactured in Asia for sale in North America by Bridgestone/Firestone. This is not the same as 'Primewell tires are built by Bridgestone in the same plants as the flagship Bridgestone models'.
Where can one purchase Falken Azenis tires?
Falken Azenis tires can be bought on the official website of Falken, where one can use an built-in function to locate a store that sells the tires. Alternatively one can also buy the tires from many other websites that sell tires.
Who manufactures bridgestone tires?
Where can someone purchase Bridgestone tires in India?
Bridgestone has a division in India, making it easy to purchase Bridgestone tires in India. For locations in India, visit the Bridgestone India website.
Which company makes tires with the model number p235 70r16?
There are multiple companies that manufacture tires with model number P235 70R16. These include: BF Goodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Definity, Falken, Firestone, Futura, and Goodyear, to name a few.
How many kilometers can bridgestone tires run?
Are Bridgestone tires made by Michelin?
Where can one purchase Bridgestone Blizzak tires?
There are plenty of places in order for one to purchase Bridgestone Blizzak tires. However, it is strongly suggested that one should check out from the main website of Bridgestone Tires.
Does Bridgestone make Firestone tires?
Yes, Bridgestone makes Firestone tires. The company is now based in Japan.
Are Falken tires Radial tires and are they good for high speed driving?
Most Falken are radials and they have an excellent reputation for high speed driving.
Are falken tires a good tire?
Where are falken 4x4 tires made?
All Falken tyres are made either in Japan or Thailand.
Who manufactures falken tires?
Falken Tire Corporation, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries made in Japan.
What kind of tires do bugattis have?
How do Bridgestone tires compare to michilen tires?
Bridgestone and Michelin are the world's two leading tire manufacturers. Both have reputation for high quality.
In which country were Falken Tires originally produced from?
The country that the tire brand Falken Tires were originally produced in is the country of Japan. It is an island off of the continent of known as Asia.
Who makes cornell tires?
Cornell tires are made by Bridgestone for Pepboys.
Where are ohtsu tires made?
The company (Falken) is based in Japan, but the tires are manufactured in Indonesia.
Where are fuzion tires made?
Bridgestone/Firestone is the maker of Fuzion tires. Bridgestone/Firestone has factories all over the world, including the United States and Japan.
Where can one buy Bridgestone Tires?
You can purchase Bridgestone Tires at many tire retailers including Firestone, Walmart, Tires Plus or PepBoys. The cost can vary considerably depending on where you purchase them or the warranty they come with.
What brands are sold at Sears Tire Center?
Sears Tire Center sells RoadHandler, BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Dunlop, Falken, Fierce, Firestone, General Tire, Goodyear, Guardsman, Hankook, Kumho, Michelin, Superguard, and Uniroyal brands of tires.
Who makes Ironman tires?
Ironman Tires are made by Hercules USA, who also make Cooper, Continental and Falken tires.
What do Bridgestone Truck Tires do?
Ntfs to exfat converter drive. Bridgestone Truck Tires are pneumatic tyres specifically for trucks. There is a website of the same name run by Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations which provides useful information about tyre choices for purchase, load and inflation guides, and emergency tyre services from dealers in Bridgestone Everywhere Network.
Where can one find Bridgestone tires for sale?
One can find and purchase Bridgestone tires for sale at Walmart, TireBuyer, TireRack, and Sears. These are the most recommended and trusted sites to buy products from.
Which brand of tires is the most expensive?
Bridgestone Japan Golf
I have found that Michelin and Bridgestone tires are the most expensive of the tires that they sell at my local dealership.
Does Sears sell many varieties of tires?
Sears offers many varities form the popular brands of the world like BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Dunlop, Falken, Fierce, Firestone, General Tire, Goodyear, Guardsman, Hankook, Kumho, Michelin, Superguard, Uniroyal.
Are falken high country all terrain 10 ply tires worth buying?
What are good snow tires for Suzuki SX4 sedan?
Nokian / Hakkapeliitta tires (partially owned by Bridgestone) makes several varieties of winter tires. Some are made for slush and wet ice, others being better for colder conditions.
What are the brand name tires firestone sale?
Bridgestone is the parent company of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. Bridgestone / Firestone market the following tires in the United States and Canada: -- Bridgestone -- Firestone -- Transforce (also called Firestone Transforce - a heavy duty truck tire)
Where are fusion tires made?
Fusion tires are made by Bridgestone/Firestone Tire Company in the U.S. and Mexico.
What are some of the brands of tires that are manufactured today?
Some of the brands of tires that are manufactured today include Bridgestone Tires, Firestone Tires, Dunlop Tires, Michelin Tires, and also, Goodyear tires.
Where are inexpensive Bridgestone tires available online for purchase?
Bridgestone tires are advertised as available inexpensively through sites like Tire Team and Hot 2013 Shopping. However, the cost of shipping is likely to erase any savings. The best way to save money on Bridgestone tires is to look for a local dealer who accepts coupons or is running a promotion.
Are mastercraft tires and bridgestone tires made by the same company?
No, Mastercraft tires are manufactured by Cooper Tire Company. They also make Dean, & Starfire tires.
What company makes Firestone tires?
Firestone makes their own tires. Firestone is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Tire Company.
Are falken tires as good as michelin?
Who makes Dayton Timberline tires?
Is there a list of all Firestone tires made Where?
How expensive are tires produced by Bridgestone tire?
'Bridgestone tires vary in price based on size and vehicle. They can be under $100 for motorcycles, but increase in price as the size increases. A single higher-quality, large tire can easily be over $250.'
Are bridgestone tires good and safe?
Yes. Bridgestone is one of the world's largest tire manufacturers, and sells new tires to auto manufacturers as well as replacement tires to consumers. By the way, all new tires sold in the US and Europe must meet government safety standards. The same is probably true in many other countries.
Where can one find Bridgestone tires for sale in Michigan?
There twelve certified Bridgestone dealers located in Michigan. They are all located in the northern part of Michigan. These dealers include: Midas, Discount Tire, Boland Tire of Frankfort, and Tim's Tires and Offroad Center.
What are Best tires for Mercedes s420 1998?
The Bridgestone Protenza RE040 tires are some of the best tires for the 1998 Mercedes Benz S420. You can purchase the tires from Firestone and they average about $285 for each tire.
What are the most commercial brands of tractor tires?
'There are numerous brands of commercial tractor tires. Some of the most known commercial brands of tractor tires are Yokohama, Firestone, Fuzion, Bridgestone, and Cooper Tires.'
Where are bridgestone tires made?
Bridgestone Thailand Vs Japan Football
They are a Japanese brand but there are plants all over the world including the U.S.
Where are bridgestone turanza serenity tires made?
The country of manufacture is written on the sidewall of every tire.
What dealerships offer the best prices for a discount tire?
You would be better off looking for tires at a local garage rather than at a dealership. If you want cheap tires, look for the Bridgestone brand. Also, be sure you are going to a trustworthy mechanic who won't overcharge you.