inroads It s Bridgestone or Nothing Campaign Unveiled at Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC Spring 2007 Feature

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1 Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC Spring 2007 Executive Edge BFNT Awards Drive & Learn page... 2 OE page... 5, 10, 12 page... 3 page... 4 Consumer page... 4, 8, 11 Commercial page... 4 Motorsport page... 5 Spotlight Where s Mario page... 2, 6, 7, 8, 9 page... 7 page...10 Feature It s Bridgestone or Nothing Campaign Unveiled at Chicago Auto Show There comes a time when you just have to go for the very best. That s the message from the dynamic new brand advertising campaign for Bridgestone-brand tires. For drivers who want to get the most out of their cars: It s Bridgestone or Nothing! The new commercials were unveiled during a news conference at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. We believe this new campaign will help consumers recognize Bridgestone as a world leader and as a premium tire choice for drivers with high standards, said John Gamauf, President of Consumer Tire Replacement Sales, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT). For too long the Bridgestone brand has been the best-kept tire brand secret in North America. Not anymore. The new television commercials were produced by Dallas-based The Richards Group, the largest independent advertising agency in the world. The Richards Group is known for its award-winning brand-building campaigns for such industry-leading companies as Chick-fil-A, Motel 6 and The Home Depot. The new advertising campaign grew out of feedback from the company s network of dealers who told the company Bridgestone is an incredible brand but too many consumers simply don t know it. We listened to our customers, the ones selling the tires to consumers, who really know the strength of the Bridgestone brand and believe we have a great story to tell, said Gamauf. The Bridgestone brand is clearly a leader in tire technology, and we re going to tell our story with this new campaign. We ll continue to build our brand on a simple foundation: our unwavering commitment to exceed the expectations of drivers with the highest standards. The new It s Bridgestone or Nothing ads will be seen throughout 2007 on national TV networks and in cinemas on more than 15,000 screens across the country. There will also be Bridgestone Americas booth at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show featured a mix of tradition and technology. an extensive print and online advertising campaign to complement and enhance the broadcast campaign. Additionally, the new ads will be displayed on more than 70 of BFNT s family of Customer Delivery Service vehicles. In addition to the new advertising campaign, three new tires made their public debut during a press conference at the auto show. Topping the list was the new Bridgestone Turanza with Serenity Technology. This tire is designed to give drivers a quiet, comfortable ride, outstanding wet performance and long wear. Also introduced was the company s new Bridgestone Duravis line of rugged light truck tires for application on commercial fleets, which typically service small businesses, and the Bridgestone Blizzak WS 60. The Bridgestone Blizzak set the standard for winter tires when the product was first introduced into the U.S. marketplace in Now the WS 60 will take Bridgestone s winter tire technology another step forward with its improved, patented multi-cell tread compound. As the official tire sponsor of the Chicago Auto Show for the fourth consecutive year, the Bridgestone Americas booth featured an impressive array of uniquely displayed products and technologies. The press conference showcasing Bridgestone Americas 2007 products and new advertising campaign received a great response, and media guests seemed intrigued by the company s new message and initiatives.

2 2 Spring2007 Executive Edge Each issue of gives us a chance to spotlight the good things you are doing in your communities and for the industry as a whole. In addition, we re able to showcase what Bridgestone Americas is doing in our quest to become one of the most respected companies in the Americas. From the Driver s Edge youth driving program to the Safety Scholars initiative, we are continually seeking ways to have a positive influence on young drivers and teach life saving skills to make the roads safer for everyone. We ve found that our support for driver safety resonates with the public and helps create a strong positive connection to the Bridgestone and Firestone brands We are also always working to improve our business. One new step is our creative new brand image campaign, It s Bridgestone or Nothing. This initiative takes our powerful Bridgestone-brand message to distinctive locales including movie theaters and on fleet vehicles traveling the highway coast to coast. We believe our increased visibility will translate to heightened opportunities for you and for your business. Another newfound opportunity is our Feature A Note from Mark Emkes Ishibashi and Firestone Recognized as Industry Greats The two founders of the companies that have evolved to become the Bridgestone Group of companies were recognized in 2006 as leaders of innovation and pioneers in the tire industry. The Automotive Hall of Fame welcomed Bridgestone Corporation founder Shojiro Ishibashi ( ) as an inductee last fall. Ishibashi established Bridgestone Tire Co. Ltd. in 1931 to manufacture and market tires in Japan; 75 years later, Bridgestone Corporation is the largest tire and rubber company in the world. Ishibashi had a dream in 1931 to supply his nation s then new automobile industry with tires developed and manufactured with Japanese capital and expertise. He founded Bridgestone with the cornerstone belief that companies producing quality products and providing customer service will have the most merger with Bandag, Incorporated, which is expected to close later in the second quarter. Once the transaction closes, we will be in a great position to offer total tire maintenance solutions for truck tire customers. As a company, we continue to explore innovative prospects, build new relationships and earn accolades from our business partners and the automotive industry. You will read more about these honors in this month s. We take great pride in the fact that one of our founding fathers Shojiro Ishibashi was recently inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame. Our business faces both exciting opportunities and tough challenges. But we can compete and win if we keep the focus where it belongs: on our customers. You are the reason we are in business. We know if you re successful, we ll be successful. So our team will continue to go the extra mile to serve your business needs, listen to your concerns and provide you with the worldclass products and services you need to achieve success. Working together there s no limit to what we can achieve. My door is open to you. Along the way let s remember to enjoy the journey. success. In fact, his motto was serving society with superior quality. Today, that ideal still resonates through the actions of Bridgestone s teammates, its products and the company s corporate philosophy. Meanwhile in the United States, Harvey Firestone ( ), a buggy salesman in Detroit in the early 1900s, had an idea to make the horse and buggy carriage more comfortable for customers: rubber tires. By turning this idea and his many others that followed into a reality, Firestone s love of technology and innovative spirit helped usher America into the 20th century. Because of this, Harvey Firestone was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006 as a historical inductee. He was recognized for the use of pneumatic rubber tires with automobiles. A Family Work Environment Literally Denny Bucher (l) and his son Dave point to each other to acknowledge that the family is the reason behind their store s success, aptly named: Family Tire & Auto Service. The Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC Affiliated, located in New Bern, N.C., celebrated its first anniversary and it s been quite the family affair. Denny Bucher, his wife Diann, son Dave and daughter Stephanie are all responsible for running the store. Shojiro Ishibashi Harvey Firestone

3 Spring BFNT Awards BFNT is Great Dane Valued Vendor With company letterhead that states Quality Is Our Product, Great Dane Trailers has set high expectations for its vendors. That makes the received honors even more meaningful for Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT). BFNT was recognized with Great Dane s 2005 Valued Vendor Award. In addition each year Great Dane s Wayne, Neb., plant recognizes a small and large vendor it considers the best of the best. In 2006, BFNT was recognized as the top large vendor. Great Dane s Wayne, Neb., Plant Manager Terry Hanson explained why BFNT deserved the large vendor award in a letter to the company: As one of our 32 major vendors, your service and responsiveness to the Wayne plant, especially in a year of confusion and disruption within the tire industry, has been remarkable and is very much appreciated.... While many scrambled to get tires on their trailers, Bridgestone Firestone s support and service to Wayne continued, uninterrupted at its traditional high level. Great Dane Award Getting an Education with Bridgestone Firestone Feature For years, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC has provided educational programs and tools to dealers, teens, media and retail teammates to give them the chance to get behind the wheel and learn by the seat of their pants was no different as two successful programs, The Classroom Behind the Wheel Drive & Learn (Drive & Learn) and Driver s Edge, traveled across the country giving participants a one-of-a-kind hands-on driving and learning experience. Nearly 3,000 participants took part in BFNT s Drive & Learn program last year. The program offers the ultimate tire education experience, instructing participants on tire technology, tire performance and proper tire maintenance. Participants, in turn, can share the lessons learned at Drive & Learn events to help make the roads safer for everyone. The Drive & Learn program earned a 2006 Automotive Communications Award from the Car Care Council Women s Board and the Automotive Communications Council for the Best PR Effort-Business to Business. The 2006 Communications Award recognizes companies that provide outstanding automotive information to consumers and trade professionals. Each year, the Drive & Learn program typically visits 15 to 20 cities across the nation was no exception with stops that included Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago and Detroit. BFNT will expand the 2007 Drive & Learn schedule to give even more dealers the opportunity to participate. To learn how you can attend a Drive & Learn session, please contact your area sales manager. Another program, Driver s Edge, has been described as MTV meets driver s education. The program teaches safety and defensive driving techniques to teens in a way that s both fun and extremely effective by emphasizing hands-on driving experiences taught by expert instructors. The goal is simple: to reduce the unacceptably high number of youth-related tragedies occurring on the roads every year. Driver s Edge was started in 2002 by Jeff Payne, an accomplished racer and driving instructor. Since its inception, nearly 30,000 young drivers and their parents have attended Driver s Edge, and in 2006 Driver s Edge visited 14 cities, giving more than 3,000 additional students the opportunity to learn what they need to stay safe on the road. Drive & Learn and Driver s Edge have received tremendous feedback from participants. The Driver s Edge program has received significant positive national media attention for the unique way it s successfully teaching young drivers about safety. Through the support of these programs, Bridgestone Americas, its company-owned stores and Family Channel s are displaying an unwavering commitment to safety and investing significant resources to make the roads safer for everyone. That s something of which everyone can be proud. Driver s Edge participants prepare to get behind the wheel during the program s visit to Richmond, Va Driver s Edge Schedule* Event City Date San Diego, Calif. April 14 Santa Anita, Calif. April 21 Salt Lake City, Utah May 5 Dallas, Texas May Nashville, Tenn. June 9-10 Atlanta, Ga. June 23 Richmond, Va. July Detroit, Mich. July Cincinnati, Ohio August14 Chicago, Ill. Sept Pittsburgh, Penn. Sept. 22 Tampa, Fla. Sept. 29 *All dates and cities are subject to change. For an updated schedule, please visit

4 4 Spring2007 Drive & Learn New Tire Advocates and Business Relationships Grow from Bridgestone Firestone Drive & Learn Events When journalists get to Drive & Learn along with dealers and retail teammates, they often become valuable advocates and educators on tires and tire technology. Knowledge is power and these reporters often use what they learn at a Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC event to write about tires in a way that helps educate consumers. And in some cases journalists do more than just write about tires. In Houston, Michael Herzing with The Automotive Reporter learned so much at The Classroom Behind the Wheel Drive & Learn (Drive & Learn) event that he decided to offer his own automotive educational classes to those in his home community. My knowledge about tires, tire technology, tire maintenance and vehicle care was greatly enhanced at the BFNT Drive & Learn, said Herzing. Since he also owns an automotive repair shop in the Houston area, Herzing used his facility to host the events and offer materials provided by BFNT, including tire gauges, Inflate, Rotate, Evaluate brochures and Mario Andretti s Real Information On Safety (M.A.R.I.O.S.) curriculum. Automotive journalist Larry Mason was also inspired after attending the Los Angeles-area Drive & Learn. Mason, who works as a racing instructor, left the Drive & Learn event determined to deliver messages on proper tire and vehicle maintenance to his audience. Commercial Jerry Bacon, Technical Service Manager, BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC, lends a hand to participants in educating them about tire and vehicle care during The Automotive Reporter educational seminar hosted by Michael Herzing. He even took his reporting to the next level by asking drivers to take a quiz on vehicle maintenance posted on his Web site ( Three winners received gifts from BFNT. And for Mason, driving on Bridgestone tires made him a believer. He was so impressed with Bridgestonebrand tires performance in the comparison against competitive tires he posted a glowing review on his Web site. The Bridgestone tires came out on top again, Mason stated in the event recap posted on his Web site. This time I noticed that the (Bridgestone) Potenzas had greater overall grip while providing good predictability. BFNT s Drive & Learn events are also helping build alliances between the media and tire dealers. For example, automotive journalist David Finkelstein of St. Louis met Mark Lukefahr at the Detroit Drive & Learn. They became fast friends and have forged a business relationship. Lukefahr s St. Louis-based Community Tire Company is now a sponsor of Finkelstein s radio program, and the two are at work developing marketing plans. So, BFNT s Drive & Learn events are more than just a showcase for Bridgestone and Firestone products. They are also resources for dealers to meet influential new friends. The events are helping many automotive reporters learn about tire technology and they, in turn, are educating their readers. It s more than just a phrase: Participants really are driving and learning. Bridgestone Firestone Named Standard Tire Supplier for Volvo and Mack More and more truckers are riding on tires manufactured by Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC while hauling their loads across the United States. That s because Bridgestone-brand truck radials are now standard original equipment on Volvo and Mack trucks. We are very pleased to work together with Volvo Trucks North America and Mack Trucks, Inc., said Singh Ahluwalia, President, Truck and Bus Tires, BFNT. The outstanding quality and innovation in all of our brands make them a natural fit. We look forward to helping Volvo and Mack customers get the job done and done well on Bridgestone-brand tires. Consumer Concept Tire Debuts in Detroit The ultra high performance Bridgestone-brand Potenza concept tire got a special place at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). It was fitted on the Lexus LF-A sports car concept displayed at the Detroit show. Bridgestone Corporation, parent company of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH), unveiled the ultra high performance tire. The concept tire represents a dynamic new expression of the Potenza brand, recognized worldwide by sports car and premium vehicle enthusiasts for outstanding performance, sporty good looks and race-inspired technologies. Bridgestone is a long-standing original equipment tire supplier to Lexus. Many Lexus luxury vehicles including the LS, GS, ES, and IS sedans, SC coupe, LX and GX utility vehicles and GS hybrid feature Bridgestonebrand tires as original equipment.

5 Spring Motorsport 2007 IndyCar Schedule** April 1 St. Petersburg April 21 Motegi April 29 Kansas May 27 91st Indianapolis 500 June 3 Milwaukee June 9* Texas June 24 Iowa Speedway June 30* Richmond July 8 Watkins Glen July 14* Nashville July 22 Mid-Ohio Aug. 5 Michigan Aug. 11* Kentucky Aug. 26 Infineon Sept. 2 Belle Isle Sept. 9 Chicagoland * night race 2007 Champ Car World Series Schedule** April 8 April 15 April 22 May 20 June 10 June 24 July 1 July 8 July 22 July 29 Aug. 12 Aug. 19 Oct. 21 Nov. 11 Dec. 2 Las Vegas Long Beach Houston China Portland Cleveland St. Joviete, Canada Toronto, Canada Edmonton, Canada San Jose Road America Denver Surfers Paradise Mexico City Phoenix Note: **Schedules subject to change Motorsport Bridgestone Lives Fast in the Champ Car World Series Marketing initiatives highlight thriving partnership During the 2006 Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford season, Bridgestone Motorsport participated in two unique promotional and market research activities that demonstrated Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC s successful relationship with Champ Car and BFNT s connection with its fans. In the Live Fast Sweepstakes Presented by Bridgestone, fans were given a chance to win a set of Bridgestone tires and a trip to a Champ Car event by watching the broadcast and entering a code word displayed during the race at a designated Web site. One grand prize winner received not just Bridgestone tires, but a trip to the Champ Car season finale in Mexico City and a 2006 Ford Mustang. For those lucky individuals who attended Champ Car races during 2006, Bridgestone sponsored the Live Fast Victory Podium Photo Booth. This concept gave fans the opportunity to have their photo taken atop a replica race podium, complete with race models. The fans could then download their photos online for free. OE 2007 Chrysler Sebring Sports Bridgestone and Firestone Tires Tires from Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC were the only ones invited to the party when the allnew, redesigned 2007 Chrysler Sebring rolled into U.S. showrooms in fall BFNT supplied the Chrysler Group s Sebring sedan with Firestone FR690 tires in size P215/65R16 96T, while the Chrysler Sebring Touring and Chrysler Sebring Limited ride on Bridgestonebrand Turanza EL tires in sizes P215/60R17 95T and P215/55R18 94T, respectively. The Bridgestone Turanza EL in size P215/60R17 95T is also optional equipment on the Chrysler Sebring sedan. The Bridgestone Turanza EL in size P215/55R18 94T is optional equipment Participants in these two programs were invited to complete a survey measuring their opinions of the Bridgestone brand and their loyalty to it. The results were eye-opening, to say the least. Below are some key findings: An average of 50 percent of the participants in the television sweepstakes survey planned to purchase tires in the next 12 months, and 81 percent of the participants indicated that the Bridgestone brand s sponsorship of Champ Car would influence their decision to purchase Bridgestone-brand tires. 28 percent of the survey participants at the racetrack said they currently drive on Bridgestone tires (compared to approximately 8 percent of the general population), and a full 86 percent would recommend Bridgestone tires to friends and family. What does this mean to BFNT and its dealers? Based on these results, more customers will be buying Bridgestone products from BFNT s dealers. In today s challenging economic environment, BFNT s partnership with Champ Car plays a key role as the company makes every effort to Live Faster and stay ahead of the competition. on the Chrysler Sebring Touring edition. The Firestone FR690 is a T-speed rated, original equipment all-season tire. Bridgestone s Turanza EL is a T-speed rated, all-season, luxury, touring original equipment tire. The 2007 Chrysler Sebring mid-size sedan follows Chrysler s creed of delivering stunning design and craftsmanship with high-levels of performance and safety at an affordable price. Chrysler Sebring vehicles designated for export will ride on Bridgestone-brand Turanza ER300 tires in size 215/60R17 96H. Bridgestone s Turanza ER300 is an H-speed rated, luxury, touring original equipment tire. The Bridgestone Turanza ER300 is the standard tire for Chrysler Sebring vehicles designated for export.

6 6 Spring2007 Bridgestone Americas to Acquire Bandag for $1.05 Billion in Cash Merger Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH) and Bandag, Incorporated [NYSE: BDG and BDGA] (Bandag) jointly announced on Dec. 5, 2006, that they have entered into a merger agreement pursuant to which Bridgestone Americas will acquire the outstanding shares of each class of stock of Bandag for US$50.75 per share in cash. The transaction is valued at approximately US$1.05 billion. The Board of Directors of Bandag has unanimously approved the agreement. The transaction is expected to close late in the second quarter of 2007, subject to the receipt of shareholder and regulatory approvals, as well as the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Bandag is a leading manufacturer of tire retreading materials and equipment. Based in Muscatine, Iowa, Bandag has a global network of more than 900 franchised dealers that produce and market retread tires and provide tire management services. In addition, Bandag owns and operates Tire Distribution Systems, Inc. ( TDS ), a commercial retail operation that sells and services new and retread tires, and it holds an 87.5 percent interest in Speedco, Inc., a provider of on-highway truck lubrication and routine tire services to commercial truck owner-operators and fleets. In 2005, Bandag had worldwide sales of US$921 million. Following completion of the transaction, Bandag will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of BSAH. Bandag is a leader in the retreading business, with a strong global reputation for quality, service and technology, as well as an extensive worldwide dealer network, said Mark A. Emkes, Chairman and CEO, BSAH. The joining of Bridgestone Americas and Bandag will allow the two companies to better service their customers by offering a comprehensive tire maintenance solution, backed by a complete line of new and retread truck tire offerings. According to Martin G. Carver, Bandag s Chairman and CEO, The combination of Bridgestone Americas and Bandag will benefit our dealers and enhance their business futures. The transaction combines the strength of two well-run and respected companies, and will allow our dealers to go to market with an even more complete product offering. Transportation companies actively seek tire management programs that start with premium new tires and take them through the retread process, which can ultimately conserve natural resources. The joining of the world s largest tire and rubber company with the premier global brand in retreading is aimed at providing customers with a total tire offering, a streamlined way to manage their needs throughout a tire s life cycle. Bandag and Bridgestone Americas have a decades-long business relationship. TDS stores have been authorized dealers of Bridgestone Americas tires, and many of BFS Retail & Commercial Operations GCR Tire Centers are Bandag dealers. Retreads and new Bridgestone tires are complementary, servicing different customer needs. Retreading enables customers to get the full value of a new tire by reusing the tire s casing again and again. As such, it is an integral part of a successful total tire management system. According to Emkes, the combination of the two companies makes good business and economic sense. Bandag s history of success in the retread market and the similarities in the companies business models, distribution networks, customer base and respect for employees make this a perfect fit. Use of Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forwardlooking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and any such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the following cautionary statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and are based on current expectations and involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from such forwardlooking statements. Such factors include, among others, unanticipated issues associated with obtaining approvals to complete the transaction or other unexpected issues that could impact the closing of the deal. Readers are strongly encouraged to read the full cautionary statements contained in Bandag s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Both Bridgestone Americas Holdings, Inc. and Bandag disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking statements. Additional Information In connection with the proposed combination described above (the Merger ), Bandag will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC ), and will furnish to its shareholders, a proxy statement. Bandag shareholders are advised to read the proxy statement when it is finalized and distributed, because it will contain important information about the proposed Merger. Shareholders will be able to obtain, free of charge, a copy of the proxy statement (when available) and other relevant documents filed with the SEC from the SEC s website at Shareholders will also be able to obtain a free copy of the proxy statement and other relevant documents (when available) by directing a request by mail or telephone to Bandag, 2905 N. Hwy. 61 Muscatine, IA 52761, Attention: Corporate Secretary, telephone (563) , or from Bandag s website, Bandag and certain of its directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders of Bandag in favor of the proposed Merger. Information regarding the persons who may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies will be set forth in Bandag s proxy statement. Information regarding certain of these persons and their beneficial ownership of Bandag common stock as of January 31, 2006, is also set forth in the Schedule 14A filed by Bandag with the SEC on April 17, 2006.

7 Spring Finds New Uses for Old Tires Spotlight Let us hear from you. If you would like to highlight a dealer or yourself for a Spotlight in a future issue of, please contact Susan Sizemore at (615) With millions of scrap tires being generated each year, most people in the tire industry would agree that it s important to find economical and environmentally friendly ways to dispose of tires that are no longer in use. One Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC dealer not only thinks reusing tires is important, he s doing it. He helped build a crumb rubber processing facility to give those scrap tires new life as asphalt, track and turf. Jerry Woosley, owner of Quality Truck Tires II, Inc. in Denver City, Texas, got the idea of opening a scrap tire processing plant nearly eight years ago after meeting a Canadian couple at a tire conference who started their own crumb rubber processing plant. As a 20-plus year tire dealer and retreader, I was attending the conference to see what options were available to me for the scrap tires I was generating, Woosley said. After the conference, I visited the Canadian crumb rubber facility and was intrigued enough to come back to Denver City and talk it over with a group that I felt would seriously consider a crumb plant here. That started things rolling. And what it started was State Rubber & Environmental Solutions, LLC, a crumb rubber processing facility located among the cotton farms and oil fields that cover much of the West Texas landscape. State Rubber opened in May of 2004, and to date has processed more than 34 million pounds of tires. State Rubber s facility is designed to take in passenger, truck, farm implement and offthe-road tires from a 250-mile radius. The tires are turned into high-quality crumb rubber materials in a range of sizes. The crumb rubber is shipped to companies and organizations to be used as an asphalt additive in roadbed repair and construction. State Rubber has also reached out to companies that are looking for materials for 50 Years and Counting As one of the oldest Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC Affiliated s in the Chicago-land Pictured are (l-r) are: Wayne Wolter, Senior Area Sales Manager, BFNT; Mark Polke, North Region Marketing Manager, BFNT; Mike Kulpaka, President, Elmhurst Firestone; Rollie Roesslein, Head Technician, Elmhurst Firestone; Ted Kulpaka, Owner, Elmhurst Firestone; Bill Kulpaka, Vice President, Elmhurst Firestone; Bill Pransky, North Region General Manager, BFNT; and Jon Drake, North Region Affiliate Manager, BFNT. use in running and walking tracks, equestrian arenas, athletic surfaces, roping arenas, colorized landscape and mulch material, molded rubber products and more. More than 53 investors have a stake in the company today. Woosley is still actively involved in State Rubber s operations in addition to handling his responsibilities as a tire dealership owner. In its state-of-the-art facility, State Rubber has processed more than 34 million pounds of tires, which have been turned into an asphalt additive in roadbed repair and construction. We re looking forward to continuing to develop new uses for recycled tire material and growing this business, and we re proud that we re helping the environment, as well, Woosley said. BFNT supports many initiatives and individuals that seek to improve the environment, and State Rubber is no exception. Crumb rubber processing is among the leading developments of scrap tire recycling, said Tim Bent, Environmental Director for Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., BFNT s parent company. It s impressive that one of our dealers has taken the initiative to be involved with the full life cycle of a tire from selling a new tire to recycling it for new uses. area, Elmhurst Firestone recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Owner Ted Kulpaka took over the Firestone dealership in 1956 after working for three years as an area sales manager for the former Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. Ted is still very active in the business but has given management of day-to-day operations to his two sons, Mike and Bill.

8 8 Spring2007 Spreading Holiday Joy with Toys With shopping carts and a U.S. Marine Corps vehicle brimming with toys, five East Tennessee Bridgestone Firestone Affiliate s brought some much needed joy to hundreds of area children during the 2006 holiday season. Together with a donation from Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) and a local Toys R Us store, the five dealers donated more than $4,000 worth of new toys as part of the 2006 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots annual program. We were excited to support such a worthy charity, said Andy Pace, BFNT Area Sales Manager, who helped coordinate the program with the dealers. We have an obligation as a good corporate citizen to participate in activities that support not only the places where we live but where we work too. Plus, everyone wants kids to have toys for Christmas. Pace got the idea to ask several dealers to participate in the 2006 campaign after working with Matt McClellan of Stidham Tire and Service in Bristol, Tenn., to support the 2005 Toys for Tots program. Pace and McClellan were so pleased with the experience that they decided to make it bigger and better for 2006 by inviting four Members of the local U.S. Marine Corps Reserve unit in East Tennessee help collect more than $4,000 worth of toys collected by the East Tennessee Bridgestone Firestone Affiliated s to support the annual Toys for Tots program. other area tire dealers to join the cause. The other Tennessee-based dealers Greene County Tire in Greeneville, Miller s Tire in Johnson City, Colonial Heights Firestone in Colonial Heights and Gray Tire and Automotive in Gray all eagerly and immediately agreed to participate. Christmas is for kids in the first place, McClellan said. We want children to know that we care about them, and we want them to have something to look forward to on Christmas morning. The group of five, self-dubbed the East Tennessee Bridgestone Firestone Affiliated s, advertising jointly, encouraged people in the community to bring toys or a monetary donation to their stores during the month of November. Each dealer also contributed $200 with BFNT matching their donations for a total of $2,000. With money in their pockets, the dealers visited a local Toys R Us store in Johnson City, Tenn., in early December to buy as many toys as possible to donate. In support of their efforts, the Toys R Us store matched the $2,000, allowing the dealers to purchase $4,000 worth of toys for area children. The local U.S. Marine Corps Reserve unit arrived at the Toys R Us store with two mini-hummers and collected the gifts, which completely filled one vehicle and partially filled the second. In addition to supporting a worthy cause, the dealers also garnered positive media coverage, which will help drive even more customers to their businesses in the future. For Pace, this is just the beginning of an annual event he hopes will include even more BFNT dealers in the future. I ve already had other dealers expressing their interest in participating, Pace said. We are definitely going to do this again next year, and make it bigger and better. Consumer Kids Get Rolling on New Bikes What child wouldn t love to pedal away on a shiny new bike? That s exactly what happened when more than 300 Roanoke, Va.-area kids rode off into the sunset on new wheels thanks in part to Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC dealer White Tire, LLC, which housed 325 bikes at its warehouse as part of the Roanoke community s annual Bike Caravan. Deserving children were then given the bikes during the 2006 holiday season. White Tire President Larry DeHaven, in support of the Bike Caravan since its inception four years ago, says, This is a good cause and these bikes go to the families that truly need them. I m proud to support it. Pictured below are White Tire employees alongside the anticipated wheels. Changes Abound These Days at CFNA News CFNA is very excited to announce plans to scrap its old credit limit policies and implement new and improved ones. What does this mean to its partners in the field? Higher credit limits can only mean one thing: bigger sales! Watch for more news to come in the next edition of. Good selling!

9 Spring BIGFOOT Visits Ohio River Valley Nearly 1,500 visitors descended upon Koehler Tire in Madison, Ind., as part of the tire dealership s BIGFOOT promotional event. Owner Dave Ungru (far right) distributed flyers, advertised in a local newspaper and held a radio remote at the dealership with help from Simms Wholesale. Surpassing all expectations, the event generated additional business and raised almost $1,000 for the local Boys & Girls Club through food donations and donations from Ungru. Want to make a big impression at your next event? Then get BIGFOOT or one of several other Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC mobile marketing tools to make an appearance at your location. For a minimal cost, a BIGFOOT truck, the Brand Enhancement Show Trailers (B.E.S.T.) and over-sized inflatables are available for upcoming events. To schedule a BIGFOOT truck or a B.E.S.T. trailer, contact John Robinson, Brand Marketing Sponsorship/Events Manager, BFNT, at (615) or robinsonjohn@bfusa.com. To reserve an inflatable, contact your local area sales manager. In The News News Look at what others are saying about Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC and its products! Major Broadcast Bridgestone Winter Driving School made appearances on CNN, The Today Show, The Early Show and others as winter weather struck across the United States. In addition to providing sound tips for winter driving, the media coverage also helped showcase the Blizzak tires. C16 AutoStyle Jan Morgan took the seat of a Reynard F2000 race car at the Bridgestone Racing Academy and wrote this about the experience: The F2000 steering is quick, while communicating loads of track information from the new Bridgestone RE- 01R tires, the latest in high performance street rubber. The RE-01Rs produce race tirelike grip. Morgan added, Throughout the course, the RE-01Rs remained perfectly stable and predictable. (Issue 118, 2006) 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords Two Bridgestone-brand products received positive exposure in this Mustang enthusiast publication. The Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R s many features are highlighted, including a semi-slick shoulder block that provides lateral stiffness for advanced cornering force and grip on dry surfaces; cooling slits engineered in the tread that help dissipate heat and make the tire more durable under high-speed, high-temperature conditions; and tread that is engineered with Bridgestone s Hydro Evacuation Surface technology that consists of wide lateral grooves on either side of the center rib, and nose slots that enhance water evacuation and achieve outstanding wet performance. The publication also writes that another BFNT product, the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A PP has an asymmetrical tread pattern and smooth shape that can keep a Stang stable as it builds speed on straights or rockets through turns. (December 2006) Corvette Enthusiast In Hib Halverson s technical piece on tires and Corvettes, he writes, Admittedly, few Corvetters drive their cars in snow, but their ideal snow tire is one that is the same size as stock, such as the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50, which is available in base C5 sizes. Interestingly, if you have a car with Active Handling (along with the standard limited-slip differential and ABS) and put Blizzaks on all four corners, you ll have a pretty darn good snow car. (December 2006) Road & Track Dennis Simanaitis and Jonathan Elfalan examine tire options for the Mazda MX-5 Miata and write this about the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position tires: It used to be that all-season tires were real mom-and-pop compromises. But the Bridgestone Potenza Pole Position are rightly categorized as ultra-highperformance all-seasons. although such tires are labeled all-season, we see their real forte as all-temperature. That is, their compound can withstand an August trip across wet Texas yet retain its pliability in January North Dakota. (December 2006) Tire Review Mary Aichlmayr also recently took a spin around the track at the Bridgestone Racing Academy and writes, [The Academy] helps showcase the tiremaker s ultra-high performance tires. (November 2006) Chevy High Performance John Nelson writes about the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position, In our experience schlepping our Potenza-clad Pontiac G6 test mules through the cones, the new tire provides what it promises. Grip is good, even in the wet. Turn-in is predictable, even in slippery conditions. The RE960AS displayed excellent response through the twists and turns, and exhibited good grip during braking. In short, we were able to push the pace without significant loss of road feel, even in an inch of rainwater. (October 2006) AutoWeek In Dutch Mandel s column, he promotes AutoWeek s special teen driving issue and also praises Bridgestone Firestone s commitment to sponsoring Driver s Edge, the hands-on teen driving program. He writes, This mobile driver s training center for kids is sponsored by Bridgestone Firestone, Red Bull and other intelligent corporate do-gooders who, for more than one reason, value not killing off future consumers. (Aug. 21, 2006) (The Sept. 4, 2006, issue is downloadable free at: tion?category=teenoffer)

10 10 Spring2007 Where s Mario Where s Mario...? Italy Celebrates Extraordinary Career of Native Son Mario Andretti recipient of Commendatore Honor from the Republic of Italy When legendary race car driver and long-time Firestone-brand ambassador Mario Andretti was a boy, he lived in Istria, a region of Italy ceded to the former Yugoslavia following World War II. To escape the communist rule of Josip Tito, his family fled to a refugee camp in Tuscany, Italy, where they lived for seven years. There Andretti discovered racing. He loved it so much, when his parents wanted to seek a better life in America, he didn t want to go. At first we didn t want to go to the States first of all, we thought there was no car racing here, Andretti said. Luckily for racing fans, he was able to find car racing on this side of the Atlantic. In honor of Andretti s achievements that began across the Atlantic Ocean, the Republic of Italy recently awarded Andretti the Commendatore dell Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana. The Commendatore, as it is less formally known, was presented by Italy s General Consult to New York, Antonio Bandini, on behalf of Italian President Giorgio Napolitano during a ceremony at the Columbus Citizens Foundation in New York. Throughout his career, Mario Andretti built up a reputation for being able to race in any kind of race car successfully, Bandini said. He also gained the respect and the appreciation of fellow professionals and the public as well, by behaving like a true gentleman, both on and off the track. In a career that spanned an unprecedented five decades, Mario Andretti achieved prominence in almost every category of motor racing. His achievements include being a Formula One World Champion, Indy 500 winner, Daytona 500 winner, four-time Indy Car National Champion, USAC National Dirt Track Champion and three-time winner of 12 Hours Three generations of race car-driving Andretti men (pictured, l-r) Michael, Mario and Marco celebrate at the New York ceremony in which Mario received the Commendatore, the highest honor granted a civilian by the Italian government. Similar to being knighted in Great Britain, the Commendatore is an honor that has been given to only a handful of Italian Americans. of Sebring. He has also been named by the Associated Press as the Driver of the Century. He is certainly one of the all-time greats of motor racing, the only driver to win races in five decades and to be named Driver of the Year in three different decades, Bandini said. Many members of the Andretti family were present to see a beaming Mario receive the honor, including his son Michael, former race car driver and current Andretti Green Racing team owner; his grandson Marco, also a race car driver; his wife; his sister; and his twin brother. It is a great honor that the Italian government has bestowed this honor on me, said Andretti. And not just for me but for my family and for my profession. Andretti retired from racing in He is now a businessman whose interests include the Andretti Winery in Napa Valley, a petroleum business in California, several car dealerships, the Mario Andretti Racing School in Las Vegas, and the Andretti Indoor Karting and Games facility near Atlanta. He also makes several appearances each year as a Firestone-brand ambassador. The first thing that came to my mind when I officially heard that I would receive this award was about my father, Gigi [Alvise], and the pride he would have felt and my mother, Rina, Andretti said. I know that tonight they invited St. Peter to join them for a cup of grappa. Bridgestone OE Dueler H/L 400 Tires are Original Equipment on 2007 Mazda CX-9 Mazda s all-new sevenpassenger CX-9 sport utility vehicle (SUV) will ride on Bridgestone-brand Dueler H/L 400 tires. The 2007 Mazda CX-9, available in three models Sport, Touring and Grand Touring will be fitted exclusively with Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400 tires in sizes P245/60R18 104H and P245/50R20 102V. The Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400 is a luxury, touring, original equipment tire that gives CX-9 owners command of the road with easy-going comfort. It features an all-season tread pattern for wet and dry traction. The Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400 tire was designed for SUVs but delivers the ride and handling qualities of a passenger car tire, said Michael Martini, President, Original Equipment Consumer Tire Division, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC. It is a perfect match to the Mazda CX- 9, which offers the seating and cargo space of an SUV, but drives like a sedan. The new Mazda CX-9 will be available in dealer showrooms in early 2007.

11 Spring Jeep Consumer Wrangler Sahara Dons Bridgestone Dueler 18-Inch Tire Bridgestone-brand Dueler A/T RH-S tires in size P255/70R18 112S are fitted on the next generation 2007 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. Touted by Jeep as the most capable off-road vehicle in the world and more, the new Wrangler is available in three versions: the Wrangler X, Wrangler Sahara and Wrangler Rubicon. We re honored to be part of this exciting, iconic vehicle, said Michael Martini, President, Original Equipment Consumer Tire Division, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC. The Bridgestone Dueler A/T s on-road manners and offroad capabilities are a perfect match to the new Jeep Wrangler. The Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S, a member of the Bridgestone Dueler light truck tire family, is designed for light truck owners who want the best of both worlds a powerful grip on the most rugged routes and a civilized ride on the highway. Evolving from Jeep s 65-year history, the new Jeep Wrangler is designed to deliver enhanced off-road capability, on-road refinement, power and fun. Feature Safety Scholar Brings Mario Andretti to Town Bridgestone Firestone essay contest winner presented with college scholarship Sometimes a simple idea can make a big difference by saving a life, sending a scholar to school and even bringing a legend to town. Just ask Konrad Hughes, a senior at Kickapoo High School in Springfield, Mo. Hughes essay on youth driver safety earned him a college scholarship as one of three grand prize winners out of nearly 22,000 entrants in the Safety Scholars national essay contest sponsored by Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT). Hughes winning essay centered around using the Internet, and he suggests giving rewards to motivate young drivers to learn about safety and practice safe habits on the road. Hughes suggested that the company create a new Web site called where students could go and watch videos about safety and then take short quizzes. Students would get a free music download for every safety quiz they successfully completed. Legendary racer Mario Andretti traveled to Springfield to personally present Hughes with a $2,500 college scholarship. Now, Hughes just hopes his idea ends up making our roads safer for everyone. I was really excited when I found out that I was chosen as a winner, and completely thrilled that Mr. Andretti is the one who made the presentation, Hughes said. I have always admired him, and this award means even more to me coming from such a racing legend and from someone who has made such a difference by traveling the country talking to kids about tire and driving safety. BFNT and Andretti officially launched the Safety Scholars program and SafetyScholars.com Web site in April 2006 as part of the company s ongoing commitment to safety education. Andretti has a long history with the company and together they developed the comprehensive Mario Andretti s Real Information On Safety (M.A.R.I.O.S.) program to teach young drivers about the importance of tire and driver safety. Bridgestone Firestone strives to educate drivers on how essential tire safety is because tires are the only things connecting your vehicle to the road, said John Gamauf, President of Consumer Tire Replacement Sales, BFNT. We congratulate Konrad along Mario Andretti congratulates contest winner Konrad Hughes following the award presentation ceremony. with all of our winners on their creative ideas about how to keep young drivers safer on the roads at all times. Along with Hughes, the other 10 winners are: Erica Franklin - Troy, N.Y. Sandra Garcia - Woodbridge, Va. Ricardo Hernandez - Merrillville, Ind. Nathaniel Nakashima - San Jose, Calif. Brittany Norman - Alpharetta, Ga. Shawn de Salazar - Davie, Fla. - grand prize winner Barcleigh Sandvall - Arlington, Texas Adam Strom - San Antonio, Texas Tom Wangard - Madison, Wis. - grand prize winner Bethan Watson - Helena, Ala. Each winner received a set of Bridgestoneor Firestone-brand tires and a $500 gas card. The three grand prize winners each additionally received a $2,500 college scholarship and a new laptop computer. Everyone who entered the contest should be commended for taking the time to offer their ideas on how to keep young people safe on the roads, said Andretti. Car accidents are the leading killer of teens in this country, and there s no one better to deliver the message of safe driving to teens than teens themselves. Together, teens and BFNT can help new drivers learn good, safe habits from the very beginning. All of the winning essays can be accessed through the SafetyScholars.com Web site.

12 12 Spring2007 Aston Martin Chooses the Bridgestone Brand OE In his adventures in Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Tomorrow Never Dies and Casino Royale, British Secret Service Agent James Bond turned to Aston Martin to get him where he needed to go. Now Aston Martin has turned to the Bridgestone brand. Aston Martin has teamed up with the Bridgestone brand once again, choosing Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires for its stunning new V8 Vantage, having previously fitted the ultra high performance tires on the vehicle manufacturer s highly popular DB9. The car is the most affordable Aston Martin vehicle launched to date and fuses traditional style with everyday usability. And like all Aston Martins, it offers electrifying performance and outstanding agility. Powered by a 4.3 liter engine, the V8 Vantage can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under five seconds and boasts a top speed of 175 mph. The car s impressive performance is not only due to its powerful engine, but also its unique lightweight aluminum structure, which gives it excellent strength and stability. Perfect weight distribution results in excellent agility, balance and handling, which is further enhanced by the Bridgestone Potenza tires. The Potenza RE050A is the Bridgestone brand s flagship ultra high performance tire and is the perfect choice for cars that combine style and comfort with blistering pace and responsive handling capabilities. With an outer pattern featuring large blocks, the tire provides superior handling and road holding, while its larger footprint dramatically improves cornering performance. As well as offering exceptional cornering, the Potenza RE050A s pattern provides rapid water evacuation. The tire s contact patch remains clear, so there is less chance of hydroplaning. Nothing is too good for Bond. Bridgestone Firestone 535 Marriott Drive Nashville, TN Spring 2007 is a publication produced by the North American Consumer Tire and North American Truck & Bus Tire Groups of Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC for the benefit of our customers. We welcome and encourage comments about or Bridgestone Firestone and the industry in general. Comments, suggestions and requests for information should be sent to: Susan Sizemore Public Affairs Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. 535 Marriott Dr. Nashville, TN sizemoresusa@bfusa.com (615) Bridgestone Firestone