Feb 11, 2009 13:25 ET
Bridgestone Brand Ecopia EP100 Debuts at Chicago Auto Show
CHICAGO --(Business Wire)-- Feb 11, 2009
The Chicago Auto Show, North America’s largest consumer auto show, set
the stage today for the Bridgestone brand’s official launch of its new
environmentally friendly tire, the Ecopia EP100, which provides drivers
with improved fuel economy without sacrificing wet handling performance.
“We know consumers are concerned about fuel economy and getting the most
out of their tires,” said John Baratta, President, Consumer Replacement
Tire, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO). “The Bridgestone
Ecopia EP100 is a natural fit for the consumer and a well-timed option
considering the challenges in today’s marketplace. This tire offers our
lowest rolling resistance technology which improves fuel efficiency, a
direct benefit to consumers.”
The Ecopia tire line incorporates Bridgestone’s latest and best low
rolling resistance technology. Ecopia targets fuel efficient vehicles,
including hybrids and electric vehicles, and will be used in original
equipment and replacement applications.
The new Bridgestone Ecopia EP100 is the first aftermarket product in the
Ecopia tire line for the North American market. The Ecopia EP100 is a
summer replacement tire fitment for popular fuel efficient, hybrid and
electric vehicles including the Mini Cooper, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic
Hybrid, Nissan Versa, Toyota Corolla and a selection of other
conventional vehicles. Available in H- and V-speed ratings, the
Bridgestone Ecopia EP100 has a UTQG of 400AB and will be offered in six
different sizes ranging from 14-16 inch. The tire will be available in
March in the first phase of a two-phase rollout in 2009.
“With the Ecopia EP100 we have integrated proprietary Bridgestone
technologies to provide low rolling resistance, a smooth, quiet ride,
and reliable wet handling and braking. All of these performance
characteristics are in response to what the customer has been telling us
they want and need,” Baratta added.
The Ecopia EP100 incorporates Bridgestone’s cutting-edge NanoPro Tech
Technology which offers consumers improved performance by controlling
the interaction between polymers, filler materials and other rubber
chemicals used in the manufacture of the tire.
Design elements in the Ecopia EP100 include 3D Cut Circumferential Ribs
to help reduce irregular wear and lessen road noise. Consistent Surface
Contact, through a special tread block design, improves wet and dry
handling and reduces irregular wear. Interconnected Rib Blocks enhance
wet performance and help reduce energy loss. High Angle Lateral Grooves
are incorporated into the Ecopia EP100 to help avoid hydroplaning.
The Bridgestone Ecopia EP100 comes with the Platinum Pact 3-Year Limited
Warranty, which provides replacement at no charge (excluding taxes and
disposal fees) if the tire should become unusable for any reason within
the manufacturer’s control for up to three years from date of purchase
or four years from date of manufacture.
The tire also comes with the Buy & Try 30-day Guarantee, which allows a
consumer to receive a full refund or exchange if he or she is not
pleased with the tire for any reason within 30 days of purchase (proof
of purchase date is required). Certain restrictions and limitations may
apply, so consumers should check with their retailers for complete
details and conditions.
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations plans to develop technologies
incorporated in the Ecopia EP100 into future product lines to address
drivers’ demands for low rolling resistance tires and improved fuel
economy.
About Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) is a
business unit of Bridgestone Americas, Inc., whose parent company,
Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company.
Reporting into the BATO business unit are the company's Latin American
tire operations, the U.S. and Canadian consumer tire businesses and the
U.S. and Canadian commercial tire businesses. BATO develops,
manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand
tires. The business unit is focused on retail, wholesale and original
equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle,
off road, motorcycle, agricultural and other tires to its customers in
the Americas. In addition, through its Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions
unit, retreading customers have access to industry-leading research and
development, manufacturing, marketing and sales expertise, providing
them with a total tire solution.
A complete listing of available sizes as well as features and benefits
of this tire and other Bridgestone and Firestone tires is available at www.bridgestonetire.com.
Visit www.tiresafety.com
for news and information about the importance of proper tire inflation
and safety.
For a downloadable image of this product, please visit: http://www.bridgestoneamericas.com/images/news/2009/BridgestoneEcopiaEP100.jpg.
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations
Media Center
Dan
MacDonald, 877-201-2373