Bridgestone Reaches Double Century of Run-Flat Specialists
Michelin Man Speaks for First Time in 100 Years
Continental Improves Sales and Earnings
Bridgestone Establishes Technical Centre in China
Continental OE on new Ford Focus ST

Bridgestone Reaches Double Century of Run-Flat Specialists

More than 200 dealerships across the country are now certified to replace run-flat tyres, as part of Bridgestone's Run-Flat Certificate Programme. The scheme comprises free training for tyre dealers and fitters - to date, 203 dealerships comprising in excess of 600 UK fitters and store managers have attained certification, and more than 400 machines have already been inspected and accredited by Bridgestone.

Paul Turner, Bridgestone UK's technical training manager, said: "With the increased number of run-flat tyres being fitted as original equipment, it is important that tyre technicians get clued-up about the technology. "The scheme is designed to ensure that every time a run-flat tyre is fitted, it is done so correctly. Some media reports have highlighted instances where a customer has requested RFT tyres, even though their car is not set up for them.

This course will enable the dealers to ensure the correct advice is always given," he said. Specialist trainers from Bridgestone attend the delegates' site and lead training sessions at the individual depot or dealership. The sessions involve both practical demonstrations and tests to ensure proficiency at fitting RFT tyres, combined with an assessment of the equipment on site and its suitability for fitting the tyres, as well as the delegate's skill at doing so. Technicians attending the scheme are also given theoretical advice on the technology itself, and are taught important lessons such as to never fit run-flat tyres to cars that don't have tyre pressure monitoring systems as drivers will have no way of knowing when they have a puncture.

The 200th dealership to be certified under the scheme was STS, in Hitchin. Noel Day, who manages the depot, said: "The Bridgestone RFT training scheme was of real benefit to both me and my technicians. "It's vital that tyre dealerships become better acquainted with this new technology in order to properly advise customers when they come in for new tyres. We were given some invaluable knowledge in a way we could all understand.

"I certainly feel better equipped to advise my customers on the correct fitting of run-flat tyres," added Noel. Like all dealerships completing the programme, STS was presented with a plaque highlighting the fact it is an approved Bridgestone run-flat centre, and all accredited technicians received badges stating they are RFT specialists.

Michelin Man Speaks for First Time in 100 Years

Bibendum, the iconic Michelin man, has spoken officially for the first time since he was created over 100 years ago. And his first words? "I'm letting off fireworks" - the title of a 30 second radio advert airing this week on 59 British radio stations and in 10 other countries around the world.

Bibendum is celebrating Michelin's unique collection of World Championship motorsport titles. In 2005 Michelin tyres have won gold with Fernando Alonso and Renault in Formula 1 Grand Prix, with Sebastien Loeb and Citroen in the World Rally Championship, with Valentino Rossi and Yamaha in MotoGP and with Audi, an 8th successive Le Mans 24 hour race.

Bibendum, Michelin's world famous mascot and trademark was actually conceived in 1894 when the founders, Edouard and André Michelin exhibited their newly invented pneumatic tyres at the Universal and Colonial Exhibition in Lyon. Observing a tall stack of different size tyres on the stand Edouard remarked to his brother, "With arms and legs added, that pile of tyres would look just like a man". Within weeks artist and cartoonist Marius Rossillon, who worked under the pseudonym of O'Galop, produced the first poster featuring the rotund, pneumatic personality.

"Over the past 100 years Bibendum has evolved into one of the top ten best recognised symbols in the world", says Peter Snelling, Head of Communications at Michelin UK. "There have been strict rules about his appearance and behaviour and he has never officially spoken before. But the celebration of this unique series of Championship wins, coming as the climax of our own centenary celebrations of business in the UK, has called for a very special message".

Continental Improves Sales and Earnings

Continental has increased sales and earnings for the first nine months of the year, with sales rising considerably by a two-digit figure thanks to the successful integration of Phoenix AG. "In the first three quarters, we have already outperformed the full-year figures for 2004 - for net income before taxes and interest as well as profit. In addition to the excellent operational performance, this is also a result of one-off effects," said Executive Board chairman Manfred Wennemer. "There is no indication that this trend will change in the fourth quarter, so we will top our record figures from last year, even when the one-off effects are not taken into consideration."

Consolidated sales for the first nine months of 2005 rose by 11.1 percent to EUR10,240.9 million (PY: EUR9,214.5 million). Phoenix contributed EUR734.2 million in sales. Before consolidation changes and exchange rate effects, consolidated sales increased by 4.2 percent. The consolidated operating result (EBIT) was up 35.9 percent to EUR1,138.2 million (PY: EUR837.4 million) with a return on sales of 11.1 percent (PY: 9.1 percent), or 11.9 percent without the consolidation of Phoenix. Consolidated earnings jumped 54.9 percent to EUR734.6 million (PY: EUR474.1 million). Earnings per share rose to EUR5.05 (PY: EUR3.49).

Bridgestone Establishes Technical Centre in China

Bridgestone Corporation has announced that it is to construct a new technical centre in China. The centre will be built next to Bridgestone's Wuxi Plant, with operations expected to begin in July 2006. It will be capitalized with US$7.25 million while a total of US$14 million has been earmarked for further investment in the project.

The project will be Bridgestone's fourth technical centre worldwide following on from ones in Tokyo (Japan), Akron (USA) and Rome (Italy). At the new technical centre in China, Bridgestone will evaluate the raw materials being supplied to the group's tyre plants in China, with the aim of quickly boosting the applicability and quality of China's raw materials used in tyres.

Continental OE on new Ford Focus ST

The new Ford Focus ST comes with Continental sports tyres, enabling Germany's leading tyre manufacturer to add another Original Equipment approval to its list. ContiSportContact 2 tyres ensure that the 220 hp (166 kW) engine power produced by Cologne-based Ford's new sporty model is transmitted forcefully and firmly to the road.

The new Ford Focus ST is the top model in the Ford compact car range. Developed by specialists from TeamRS, the car offers excellent road holding and impressive acceleration. Its chassis was designed specifically to meet the expectations of enthusiast drivers.

The ContiSportContact 2 size 225/40 R 18 W tyres from Continental provide the necessary grip to ensure safety, even during sporty driving. Ford approved the high-performance sports tyre, because it offers exceptionally balanced driving characteristics on dry and wet roads, thereby meeting high, safety-relevant requirements.