BRIDGESTONE BRAND CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF TIRE PROMOTION IN SUPPORT OF CAR CARE MONTH AND BE TIRE SMART WEEK

Mississauga (Ontario), April 4, 2006 - It's spring cleaning time. Before you consider the garage and closets as the only areas that need refreshing, perhaps you should think again. You may need new tires.

"Tires take a beating during the winter and should be thoroughly examined as the seasons change. Not only are tires one of the most overlooked parts of a vehicle but they are also one of the most critical since they are the only part of the car that keeps you in contact with the road," said Phil Pacsi, executive director consumer tire marketing, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC. "That's why we are offering this rebate and spring promotion as an incentive to take care of your needs and to encourage driver safety."

The Bridgestone promotion is aimed at those who need new tires (or for those who want better tires) and will begin in April. From April 6 through May 6, 2006 the "Need New Tires^TM- Bridgestone $100 Rebate" promotion offers a rebate of up to $100 with the purchase of four select Bridgestone brand tires.

The "Need New Tires" campaign begins as the automotive aftermarket industry prepares for Car Care Month in May with its annual focus on building consumer car care awareness. Car Care Canada, which is the brand and messaging source for the Automotive Industries Association of Canada, spearheads the effort through a consumer education campaign, "Be Car Care Aware," to promote the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.

For more information on the Need New Tires campaign, please visit www.bridgestonetire.com, your local Bridgestone or Firestone retailer or call 1-877-TIRE-872 for additional details.

The "Need New Tires" campaign also comes on the heels of Bridgestone Firestone Canada's recently announced "Buy & Try 30-Day Guarantee" which puts consumers in the driver's seat when buying tires. Bridgestone Firestone backs its products with a guarantee: if after 30 days or less a consumer is not satisfied with the performance of their Bridgestone- or Firestone-branded tires, the company will refund the purchase price.

"We know that tires are a necessity and not a commodity," Pacsi continued. " 'Need New Tires' and the "Buy & Try 30-Day Guarantee" are evidence that as a tire company, BFCA is not just trying to attract consumers. We are committed to the integrity of our brands and their performance in the real world."

The Buy & Try 30-Day Guarantee does not apply to tires supplied as original equipment on new vehicles or a select number of performance or Run-Flat specialty tires.

In addition, the Rubber Association of Canada highlights tire maintenance and safety issues during Be Tire Smart Week, May 14-21, 2006. More than 1,200 tire and auto service outlets participate in the RAC's initiative through the distribution of educational brochures and other efforts to promote tire and auto safety. Bridgestone Firestone participates in tire maintenance and safety efforts through its network of retailers, including GCR, and its independent dealer locations and its Web site www.tiresafety.com.

About Bridgestone Firestone Canada Inc.:
Mississauga-based Bridgestone Firestone Canada Inc. (BFCA) is an affiliate of Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT). BFCA and Nashville, Tennessee-based BFNT are subsidiaries of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. BFCA and BFNT develop, manufacture and market Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. They are focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, motorcycle, agricultural and other tires to their customers in Canada and the United States respectively.

For downloadable information, please visit:
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