inRoadsBridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC Spring 2007

Commercial page .............................. 4

Consumer page .................... 4, 8, 11

Drive &Learn

page .............................. 4

BFNTAwards

page .............................. 3

OE page .................. 5, 10, 12

ExecutiveEdge

page .............................. 2“It’s BBridgestone oor NNothing” CCampaign UUnveiled aatChicago AAuto SShowThere comes a time when

you just have to go for the very best. That’sthe message from the dynamic new brandadvertising campaign for Bridgestone-brandtires. For drivers who want to get the mostout of their cars: “It’s Bridgestone or Nothing!”

The new commercials were unveiledduring a news conference at the 2007Chicago Auto Show.

“We believe this new campaign will helpconsumers recognize Bridgestone as a worldleader and as a premium tire choice for driverswith high standards,” said John Gamauf,President of Consumer Tire Replacement Sales,Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC(BFNT). “For too long the Bridgestone brandhas been the best-kept tire brand secret inNorth America. Not anymore.”

The new television commercials wereproduced by Dallas-based The Richards Group,the largest independent advertising agency inthe world. The Richards Group is known for itsaward-winning brand-building campaigns forsuch industry-leading companies as Chick-fil-A,Motel 6 and The Home Depot.

The new advertising campaign grew out offeedback from the company’s network ofdealers who told the company Bridgestone isan incredible brand but too many consumerssimply don’t know it.

“We listened to our customers, the onesselling the tires to consumers, who reallyknow the strength of the Bridgestone brandand believe we have a great story to tell,”said Gamauf. “The Bridgestone brand isclearly a leader in tire technology, and we’regoing to tell our story with this newcampaign. We’ll continue to build our brandon a simple foundation: our unwaveringcommitment to exceed the expectations ofdrivers with the highest standards.”

The new “It’s Bridgestone or Nothing” adswill be seen throughout 2007 on national TVnetworks and in cinemas on more than 15,000screens across the country. There will also be

an extensive print and online advertisingcampaign to complement and enhance thebroadcast campaign. Additionally, the new adswill be displayed on more than 70 of BFNT’sfamily of Customer Delivery Service vehicles.

In addition to the new advertisingcampaign, three new tires made their publicdebut during a press conference at the autoshow. Topping the list was the newBridgestone Turanza with SerenityTechnology™. This tire is designed to givedrivers a quiet, comfortable ride, outstandingwet performance and long wear. Alsointroduced was the company’s newBridgestone Duravis™ line of rugged lighttruck tires for application on commercialfleets, which typically service smallbusinesses, and the Bridgestone Blizzak™WS 60™. The Bridgestone Blizzak set thestandard for winter tires when the productwas first introduced into the U.S. marketplacein 1993. Now the WS 60 will takeBridgestone’s winter tire technology anotherstep forward with its improved, patentedmulti-cell tread compound.

As the official tire sponsor of the ChicagoAuto Show for the fourth consecutive year,the Bridgestone Americas booth featured animpressive array of uniquely displayedproducts and technologies. The pressconference showcasing Bridgestone Americas’2007 products and new advertisingcampaign received a great response, andmedia guests seemed intrigued by thecompany’s new message and initiatives.

Feature

Bridgestone Americas booth at the 2007 Chicago AutoShow featured a mix of tradition and technology.

page .............. 2, 6, 7, 8, 9

Motorsport page .............................. 5

Dealer

page .............................. 7Dealer

Spotlight

page ..............................10Where’sMario

2 inRoads Spring2007

Each issue ofinRoads

gives us a chance tospotlight the good thingsyou are doing in yourcommunities and for theindustry as a whole. In

addition, we’re able to showcase whatBridgestone Americas is doing in our questto become “one of the most respectedcompanies in the Americas.”

From the Driver’s Edge youth drivingprogram to the Safety Scholars initiative, weare continually seeking ways to have apositive influence on young drivers andteach life saving skills to make the roadssafer for everyone. We’ve found that oursupport for driver safety resonates with thepublic and helps create a strong positiveconnection to the Bridgestone and Firestonebrands

We are also always working to improveour business. One new step is our creativenew brand image campaign, “It’s Bridgestoneor Nothing.” This initiative takes ourpowerful Bridgestone-brand message todistinctive locales—including movie theatersand on fleet vehicles traveling the highwaycoast to coast. We believe our increasedvisibility will translate to heightenedopportunities for you and for your business.

Another newfound opportunity is our

merger with Bandag, Incorporated, which isexpected to close later in the secondquarter. Once the transaction closes, we willbe in a great position to offer total tiremaintenance solutions for truck tirecustomers.

As a company, we continue to exploreinnovative prospects, build newrelationships and earn accolades from ourbusiness partners and the automotiveindustry. You will read more about thesehonors in this month’s inRoads. We takegreat pride in the fact that one of ourfounding fathers Shojiro Ishibashi wasrecently inducted into the Automotive Hallof Fame.

Our business faces both excitingopportunities and tough challenges. But wecan compete and win if we keep the focuswhere it belongs: on our customers. You arethe reason we are in business. We know ifyou’re successful, we’ll be successful. So ourteam will continue to go the extra mile toserve your business needs, listen to yourconcerns and provide you with the world-class products and services you need toachieve success. Working together there’s nolimit to what we can achieve. My door isopen to you. Along the way…let’sremember to enjoy the journey.

A NNote ffrom MMark EEmkesExecutive

Edge

Ishibashi aand FFirestone Recognized aas IIndustry GGreatsThe two founders of the

companies that have evolved to becomethe Bridgestone Group of companies wererecognized in 2006 as leaders of innovationand pioneers in the tire industry.

The Automotive Hall of Fame welcomedBridgestone Corporation founder ShojiroIshibashi (1889-1976) as an inductee last fall.Ishibashi established Bridgestone Tire Co.Ltd. in 1931 to manufacture and market tiresin Japan; 75 years later, BridgestoneCorporation is the largest tire and rubbercompany in the world.

Ishibashi had a dream in 1931 to supplyhis nation’s then new automobile industrywith tires developed and manufactured withJapanese capital and expertise. He foundedBridgestone with the cornerstone belief thatcompanies producing quality products andproviding customer service will have the most

success. In fact, his motto was “serving societywith superior quality.” Today, that ideal stillresonates through the actions of Bridgestone’steammates, its products and the company’scorporate philosophy.

Meanwhile in the United States, HarveyFirestone (1868-1938), a buggy salesman inDetroit in the early 1900s, had an idea tomake the horse and buggy carriage morecomfortable for customers: rubber tires. Byturning this idea—and his many others thatfollowed—into a reality, Firestone’s love oftechnology and innovative spirit helped usherAmerica into the 20th century. Because ofthis, Harvey Firestone was inducted into theNational Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006 as ahistorical inductee. He was recognized for theuse of pneumatic rubber tires withautomobiles.

Feature

A FFamilyWorkEnvironment— LLiterally

Denny Bucher (l) and his sonDave point to each other toacknowledge that the family isthe reason behind their store’ssuccess, aptly named: Family Tire& Auto Service. The BridgestoneFirestone North American Tire,LLC Affiliated Dealer, located inNew Bern, N.C., celebrated itsfirst anniversary—and it’s beenquite the family affair. DennyBucher, his wife Diann, son Daveand daughter Stephanie are allresponsible for running the store.

Dealer

Harvey Firestone

Shojiro Ishibashi

3Spring2007 inRoads

Getting aan EEducation wwith BBridgestone FFirestoneFor years, BridgestoneFirestone North American

Tire, LLC has provided educational programsand tools to dealers, teens, media and retailteammates to give them the chance to getbehind the wheel and learn by the “seat oftheir pants.”

2006 was no different as two successfulprograms, “The Classroom Behind theWheel” Drive & Learn (Drive & Learn) andDriver’s Edge, traveled across the countrygiving participants a one-of-a-kind hands-ondriving and learning experience.

Nearly 3,000 participants took part inBFNT’s Drive & Learn program last year. Theprogram offers the ultimate tire educationexperience, instructing participants on tiretechnology, tire performance and proper tiremaintenance. Participants, in turn, can sharethe lessons learned at Drive & Learn events tohelp make the roads safer for everyone.

The Drive & Learn program earned a 2006Automotive Communications Award from theCar Care Council Women’s Board and theAutomotive Communications Council for the“Best PR Effort-Business to Business.” The2006 Communications Award recognizescompanies that provide outstandingautomotive information to consumers andtrade professionals.

Each year, the Drive & Learn programtypically visits 15 to 20 cities across thenation. 2006 was no exception with stopsthat included Miami, Atlanta, Boston, LosAngeles, Chicago and Detroit. BFNT willexpand the 2007 Drive & Learn schedule togive even more dealers the opportunity toparticipate. To learn how you can attend aDrive & Learn session, please contact yourarea sales manager.

Another program, Driver’s Edge, has beendescribed as “MTV meets driver’s education.”The program teaches safety and defensivedriving techniques to teens in a way that’sboth fun and extremely effective byemphasizing hands-on driving experiencestaught by expert instructors. The goal issimple: to reduce the unacceptably highnumber of youth-related tragedies occurringon the roads every year.

Driver’s Edge was started in 2002 by JeffPayne, an accomplished racer and drivinginstructor. Since its inception, nearly 30,000

young drivers and their parents haveattended Driver’s Edge, and in 2006 Driver’sEdge visited 14 cities, giving more than 3,000additional students the opportunity to learnwhat they need to stay safe on the road.

Drive & Learn and Driver’s Edge havereceived tremendous feedback fromparticipants. The Driver’s Edge program hasreceived significant positive national mediaattention for the unique way it’s successfullyteaching young drivers about safety.

Through the support of these programs,Bridgestone Americas, its company-ownedstores and Family Channel Dealers aredisplaying an unwavering commitment tosafety and investing significant resources tomake the roads safer for everyone. That’ssomething of which everyone can be proud.

Feature

Driver’s Edge participants prepare to get behind thewheel during the program’s visit to Richmond, Va.

BFNT iisGreat DDaneValued Vendor

BFNTAwards

With company letterhead thatstates “Quality Is Our Product,”Great Dane Trailers has set highexpectations for its vendors. Thatmakes the received honors evenmore meaningful for BridgestoneFirestone North American Tire,LLC (BFNT). BFNT was recognizedwith Great Dane’s 2005 ValuedVendor Award.

In addition each year GreatDane’s Wayne, Neb., plantrecognizes a small and largevendor it considers the “best ofthe best.” In 2006, BFNT wasrecognized as the top largevendor. Great Dane’s Wayne,Neb., Plant Manager TerryHanson explained why BFNTdeserved the large vendor awardin a letter to the company:

“As one of our 32 majorvendors, your service andresponsiveness to the Wayneplant, especially in a year ofconfusion and disruption withinthe tire industry, has beenremarkable and is very muchappreciated. ... While manyscrambled to get tires on theirtrailers, Bridgestone Firestone’ssupport and service to Waynecontinued, uninterrupted at itstraditional high level.”

Great Dane Award

2007 Driver’s Edge Schedule*Event City DateSan Diego, Calif. April 14Santa Anita, Calif. April 21Salt Lake City, Utah May 5Dallas, Texas May 12-13Nashville, Tenn. June 9-10Atlanta, Ga. June 23Richmond, Va. July 14-15Detroit, Mich. July 28-29Cincinnati, Ohio August14Chicago, Ill. Sept. 18-19Pittsburgh, Penn. Sept. 22Tampa, Fla. Sept. 29

*All dates and cities are subject to change.For an updated schedule, please visitwww.driversedge.org.

4 inRoads Spring2007

New TTire AAdvocates aand BBusiness RRelationships GGrowfrom BBridgestone FFirestone DDrive && LLearn EEventsWhen journalists get to “Drive

& Learn” along with dealers and retailteammates, they often become valuableadvocates and educators on tires and tiretechnology. Knowledge is power and thesereporters often use what they learn at aBridgestone Firestone NorthAmerican Tire, LLC event towrite about tires in a way thathelps educate consumers.

And in some casesjournalists do more than justwrite about tires. In Houston,Michael Herzing with TheAutomotive Reporter learnedso much at “The ClassroomBehind the Wheel” Drive &Learn (Drive & Learn) eventthat he decided to offer hisown automotive educationalclasses to those in his homecommunity.

“My knowledge about tires,tire technology, tiremaintenance and vehicle carewas greatly enhanced at the BFNT Drive &Learn,” said Herzing. Since he also owns anautomotive repair shop in the Houston area,Herzing used his facility to host the eventsand offer materials provided by BFNT,including tire gauges, “Inflate, Rotate,Evaluate” brochures and Mario Andretti’s RealInformation On Safety (M.A.R.I.O.S.)curriculum.

Automotive journalist Larry Mason was alsoinspired after attending the Los Angeles-areaDrive & Learn. Mason, who works as a racinginstructor, left the Drive & Learn eventdetermined to deliver messages on propertire and vehicle maintenance to his audience.

He even took his reporting to the next levelby asking drivers to take a quiz on vehiclemaintenance posted on his Web site(www.lmrusa.com). Three winners receivedgifts from BFNT.

And for Mason, driving on Bridgestonetires made him a believer. He wasso impressed with Bridgestone-brand tires’ performance in thecomparison against competitivetires he posted a glowing reviewon his Web site.

“The Bridgestone tires came outon top again,” Mason stated in theevent recap posted on his Website. “This time I noticed that the(Bridgestone) Potenzas hadgreater overall grip while providinggood predictability.”

BFNT’s Drive & Learn events arealso helping build alliancesbetween the media and tiredealers. For example, automotivejournalist David Finkelstein of St.Louis met Mark Lukefahr at the

Detroit Drive & Learn. They became fast friendsand have forged a business relationship.Lukefahr’s St. Louis-based Community TireCompany is now a sponsor of Finkelstein’sradio program, and the two are at workdeveloping marketing plans.

So, BFNT’s Drive & Learn events are morethan just a showcase for Bridgestone andFirestone products. They are also resourcesfor dealers to meet influential new friends.The events are helping many automotivereporters learn about tire technology andthey, in turn, are educating their readers. It’smore than just a phrase: Participants reallyare driving and learning.

Drive &Learn

ConceptTire DDebutsin DDetroit

Consumer

The ultra high performanceBridgestone-brand Potenza™concept tire got a special placeat the 2007 North AmericanInternational Auto Show (NAIAS).It was fitted on the Lexus LF-Asports car concept displayed atthe Detroit show.

Bridgestone Corporation,parent company of BridgestoneAmericas Holding, Inc. (BSAH),unveiled the ultra highperformance tire. The concepttire represents a dynamic newexpression of the Potenza brand,recognized worldwide by sportscar and premium vehicleenthusiasts for outstandingperformance, sporty good looksand race-inspired technologies.

Bridgestone is a long-standingoriginal equipment tire supplierto Lexus. Many Lexus luxuryvehicles—including the LS, GS,ES, and IS sedans, SC coupe, LXand GX utility vehicles and GShybrid—feature Bridgestone-brand tires as originalequipment.

Jerry Bacon, Technical ServiceManager, BFS Retail &Commercial Operations, LLC,lends a hand to participantsin educating them about tireand vehicle care during TheAutomotive Reportereducational seminar hostedby Michael Herzing.

More and more truckers areriding on tires manufactured by BridgestoneFirestone North American Tire, LLC whilehauling their loads across the United States.

That’s because Bridgestone-brand truckradials are now standard original equipmenton Volvo and Mack trucks.

“We are very pleased to work togetherwith Volvo Trucks North America and MackTrucks, Inc.,” said Singh Ahluwalia, President,

Truck and Bus Tires,BFNT. “The outstandingquality and innovationin all of our brandsmake them a natural fit.We look forward tohelping Volvo and Mackcustomers get the jobdone—and done well—onBridgestone-brand tires.”

Bridgestone FFirestone NNamed SStandard Tire SSupplier ffor VVolvo aand MMackCommercial

5Spring2007 inRoads

Bridgestone ““Lives FFast” iin the CChamp CCar WWorld SSeriesMarketing initiatives highlight thriving partnership

During the 2006 Bridgestone Presents TheChamp Car World Series Powered by Fordseason, Bridgestone Motorsport participatedin two unique promotional and marketresearch activities that demonstratedBridgestone Firestone North American Tire,LLC’s successful relationship with Champ Carand BFNT’s connection with its fans.

In the “Live Fast Sweepstakes Presented byBridgestone,” fans were given a chance to wina set of Bridgestone tires and a trip to aChamp Car event by watching the broadcastand entering a code word displayed duringthe race at a designated Web site. One grandprize winner received not just Bridgestonetires, but a trip to the Champ Car season finalein Mexico City and a 2006 Ford Mustang.

For those lucky individuals who attendedChamp Car races during 2006, Bridgestonesponsored the “Live Fast Victory PodiumPhoto Booth.” This concept gave fans theopportunity to have their photo taken atop areplica race podium, complete with racemodels. The fans could then download theirphotos online for free.

Participants in these two programs wereinvited to complete a survey measuring theiropinions of the Bridgestone brand and theirloyalty to it. The results were eye-opening, tosay the least. Below are some key findings:

• An average of 50 percent of theparticipants in the television sweepstakessurvey planned to purchase tires in thenext 12 months, and 81 percent of theparticipants indicated that theBridgestone brand’s sponsorship ofChamp Car would influence theirdecision to purchase Bridgestone-brandtires.

• 28 percent of the survey participants atthe racetrack said they currently drive onBridgestone tires (compared toapproximately 8 percent of the generalpopulation), and a full 86 percentwould recommend Bridgestone tires tofriends and family.

What does this mean to BFNT and itsdealers? Based on these results, morecustomers will be buying Bridgestoneproducts from BFNT’s dealers. In today’schallenging economic environment, BFNT’spartnership with Champ Car plays a key roleas the company makes every effort to “LiveFaster” and stay ahead of the competition.

Motorsport2007IndyCarSchedule**

Motorsport

2007 CChamp CCarWorld SSeriesSchedule**April 8 Las VegasApril 15 Long BeachApril 22 HoustonMay 20 ChinaJune 10 PortlandJune 24 ClevelandJuly 1 St. Joviete, CanadaJuly 8 Toronto, CanadaJuly 22 Edmonton, CanadaJuly 29 San JoseAug. 12 Road AmericaAug. 19 DenverOct. 21 Surfers ParadiseNov. 11 Mexico CityDec. 2 Phoenix

Note: **Schedules subject to change

April 1 St. PetersburgApril 21 MotegiApril 29 KansasMay 27 91st Indianapolis 500June 3 MilwaukeeJune 9* Texas June 24 Iowa SpeedwayJune 30* Richmond July 8 Watkins Glen July 14* Nashville July 22 Mid-Ohio Aug. 5 Michigan Aug. 11* KentuckyAug. 26 Infineon Sept. 2 Belle IsleSept. 9 Chicagoland* night race

2007 CChrysler SSebring SSports Bridgestone aand FFirestone TTiresTires from Bridgestone

Firestone North American Tire, LLC were theonly ones invited to the party when the all-new, redesigned 2007 Chrysler Sebringrolled into U.S. showrooms in fall 2006.

BFNT supplied the Chrysler Group’sSebring sedan with Firestone FR690™ tiresin size P215/65R16 96T, while the ChryslerSebring Touring and Chrysler Sebring

Limited ride on Bridgestone-brand Turanza™ EL40002™ tiresin sizes P215/60R17 95T andP215/55R18 94T, respectively.

The Bridgestone TuranzaEL40002 in size P215/60R17 95Tis also optional equipment onthe Chrysler Sebring sedan. TheBridgestone Turanza EL40002 in

size P215/55R18 94T is optional equipment

on the Chrysler Sebring Touring edition.The Firestone FR690 is a T-speed rated,

original equipment all-season tire.Bridgestone’s Turanza EL40002 is a T-speedrated, all-season, luxury, touring originalequipment tire.

The 2007 Chrysler Sebring mid-size sedanfollows Chrysler’s creed of deliveringstunning design and craftsmanship withhigh-levels of performance and safety at anaffordable price.

Chrysler Sebring vehicles designated forexport will ride on Bridgestone-brandTuranza™ ER300™ tires in size 215/60R1796H. Bridgestone’s Turanza ER300 is anH-speed rated, luxury, touring originalequipment tire. The Bridgestone TuranzaER300 is the standard tire for ChryslerSebring vehicles designated for export.

OE

6 inRoads Spring2007

Use of Forward-LookingStatements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the U.S.Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of1995. Readers are cautioned not to placeundue reliance on these forward-lookingstatements and any such forward-lookingstatements are qualified in their entirety byreference to the following cautionarystatements. All forward-looking statementsspeak only as of the date of this news releaseand are based on current expectations andinvolve a number of assumptions, risks anduncertainties that could cause the actualresults to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Such factors include,among others, unanticipated issues associatedwith obtaining approvals to complete thetransaction or other unexpected issues thatcould impact the closing of the deal. Readersare strongly encouraged to read the fullcautionary statements contained in Bandag’sfilings with the Securities and ExchangeCommission. Both Bridgestone AmericasHoldings, Inc. and Bandag disclaim anyobligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Additional InformationIn connection with the proposed

combination described above (the “Merger”),Bandag will file with the Securities andExchange Commission (the “SEC”), and willfurnish to its shareholders, a proxy statement.Bandag shareholders are advised to read theproxy statement when it is finalized anddistributed, because it will contain importantinformation about the proposed Merger.Shareholders will be able to obtain, free ofcharge, a copy of the proxy statement (whenavailable) and other relevant documents filedwith the SEC from the SEC’s website atwww.sec.gov. Shareholders will also be ableto obtain a free copy of the proxy statementand other relevant documents (whenavailable) by directing a request by mail ortelephone to Bandag, 2905 N. Hwy. 61Muscatine, IA 52761, Attention: CorporateSecretary, telephone (563) 262-1260, or fromBandag’s website, www.bandag.com.

Bandag and certain of its directors,executive officers and other members ofmanagement and employees may, under therules of the SEC, be deemed to be“participants” in the solicitation of proxiesfrom shareholders of Bandag in favor of theproposed Merger. Information regarding thepersons who may be considered“participants” in the solicitation of proxieswill be set forth in Bandag’s proxy statement.Information regarding certain of thesepersons and their beneficial ownership ofBandag common stock as of January 31,2006, is also set forth in the Schedule 14Afiled by Bandag with the SEC on April 17,2006.

Bridgestone AmericasHolding, Inc. (BSAH) and Bandag,Incorporated [NYSE: BDG and BDGA](Bandag) jointly announced on Dec. 5, 2006,that they have entered into a mergeragreement pursuant to which BridgestoneAmericas will acquire the outstanding sharesof each class of stock of Bandag forUS$50.75 per share in cash. The transactionis valued at approximately US$1.05 billion.

The Board ofDirectors of Bandaghas unanimouslyapproved theagreement. Thetransaction is expectedto close late in thesecond quarter of2007, subject to thereceipt of shareholderand regulatoryapprovals, as well asthe satisfaction ofother customary closing conditions.

Bandag is a leading manufacturer of tireretreading materials and equipment. Basedin Muscatine, Iowa, Bandag has a globalnetwork of more than 900 franchiseddealers that produce and market retreadtires and provide tire management services.In addition, Bandag owns and operates TireDistribution Systems, Inc. (“TDS”), acommercial retail operation that sells andservices new and retread tires, and it holdsan 87.5 percent interest in Speedco, Inc., aprovider of on-highway truck lubricationand routine tire services to commercial truckowner-operators and fleets. In 2005, Bandaghad worldwide sales of US$921 million.Following completion of the transaction,Bandag will operate as a wholly ownedsubsidiary of BSAH.

“Bandag is a leader in the retreadingbusiness, with a strong global reputation forquality, service and technology, as well asan extensive worldwide dealer network,”said Mark A. Emkes, Chairman and CEO,BSAH. “The joining of Bridgestone Americasand Bandag will allow the two companies tobetter service their customers by offering acomprehensive tire maintenance solution,backed by a complete line of new andretread truck tire offerings.”

According to Martin G. Carver, Bandag’sChairman and CEO, “The combination ofBridgestone Americas and Bandag willbenefit our dealers and enhance theirbusiness futures. The transaction combinesthe strength of two well-run and respectedcompanies, and will allow our dealers to goto market with an even more completeproduct offering.”

Transportation companies actively seektire managementprograms that startwith premium newtires and take themthrough the retreadprocess, which canultimately conservenatural resources. Thejoining of the world’slargest tire and rubbercompany with thepremier global brandin retreading is aimed

at providing customers with a total tireoffering, a streamlined way to manage theirneeds throughout a tire’s life cycle.

Bandag and Bridgestone Americas have adecades-long business relationship. TDSstores have been authorized dealers ofBridgestone Americas’ tires, and many ofBFS Retail & Commercial Operations’ GCRTire Centers are Bandag dealers.

Retreads and new Bridgestone tires arecomplementary, servicing different customerneeds. Retreading enables customers to getthe full value of a new tire by reusing thetire’s casing again and again. As such, it isan integral part of a successful total tiremanagement system.

According to Emkes, the combination ofthe two companies makes good businessand economic sense. “Bandag’s history ofsuccess in the retread market and thesimilarities in the companies’ businessmodels, distribution networks, customerbase and respect for employees make this aperfect fit.”

Bridgestone AAmericas tto AAcquire BBandag ffor $$1.05Billion iin CCash MMerger Dealer

7Spring2007 inRoads

Dealer FFinds NNew UUses ffor OOld TTiresWith millions of scrap tires being generatedeach year, most people in the tire industrywould agree that it’s important to findeconomical and environmentally friendlyways to dispose of tires that are no longerin use.

One Bridgestone Firestone NorthAmerican Tire, LLC dealer not only thinksreusing tires is important, he’s doing it. Hehelped build a crumb rubber processingfacility to give those scrap tires new life asasphalt, track and turf.

Jerry Woosley, owner of Quality Truck Tires II,Inc. in Denver City, Texas, got the idea ofopening a scrap tire processing plant nearlyeight years ago after meeting a Canadiancouple at a tire conference who started theirown crumb rubber processing plant.

“As a 20-plus year tire dealer andretreader, I was attending the conference tosee what options were available to me forthe scrap tires I was generating,” Woosleysaid. “After the conference, I visited theCanadian crumb rubber facility and wasintrigued enough to come back to DenverCity and talk it over with a group that I feltwould seriously consider a crumb planthere. That started things rolling.”

And what it started was State Rubber &Environmental Solutions, LLC, a crumb rubberprocessing facility located among the cottonfarms and oil fields that cover much of theWest Texas landscape. State Rubber openedin May of 2004, and to date has processedmore than 34 million pounds of tires.

State Rubber’s facility is designed to takein passenger, truck, farm implement and off-the-road tires from a 250-mile radius. Thetires are turned into high-quality crumbrubber materials in a range of sizes. Thecrumb rubber is shipped to companies andorganizations to be used as an asphaltadditive in roadbed repair and construction.State Rubber has also reached out tocompanies that are looking for materials for

use in running and walking tracks, equestrianarenas, athletic surfaces, roping arenas,colorized landscape and mulch material,molded rubber products and more.

More than 53 investors have a stake inthe company today. Woosley is still activelyinvolved in State Rubber’s operations inaddition to handling his responsibilities as atire dealership owner.

“We’re looking forward to continuing todevelop new uses for recycled tire materialand growing this business, and we’re proudthat we’re helping the environment, aswell,” Woosley said.

BFNT supports many initiatives andindividuals that seek to improve theenvironment, and State Rubber is noexception.

“Crumb rubber processing is among theleading developments of scrap tirerecycling,” said Tim Bent, EnvironmentalDirector for Bridgestone Americas Holding,Inc., BFNT’s parent company. “It’s impressivethat one of our dealers has taken theinitiative to be involved with the full lifecycle of a tire—from selling a new tire torecycling it for new uses.”

50 YYears aand CCounting

In its state-of-the-art facility, State Rubber hasprocessed more than 34 million pounds of tires, whichhave been turned into an asphalt additive in roadbedrepair and construction.

As one of the oldestBridgestone Firestone NorthAmerican Tire, LLC AffiliatedDealers in the Chicago-land

area, Elmhurst Firestone recently celebratedits 50th anniversary. Owner Ted Kulpakatook over the Firestone dealership in 1956after working for three years as an area

sales manager for the formerFirestone Tire & Rubber Co.Ted is still very active in thebusiness but has givenmanagement of day-to-dayoperations to his two sons,Mike and Bill.

Dealer

Pictured are (l-r) are: Wayne Wolter, Senior Area SalesManager, BFNT; Mark Polke, North Region MarketingManager, BFNT; Mike Kulpaka, President, ElmhurstFirestone; Rollie Roesslein, Head Technician, ElmhurstFirestone; Ted Kulpaka, Owner, Elmhurst Firestone; BillKulpaka, Vice President, Elmhurst Firestone; Bill Pransky,North Region General Manager, BFNT; and Jon Drake,North Region Affiliate Dealer Manager, BFNT.

Dealer Spotlight

Let us hear from you. If you would like tohighlight a dealer or yourself for a DealerSpotlight in a future issue of inRoads, pleasecontact Susan Sizemore at (615) 937-1417.

8 inRoads Spring2007

With shopping carts and aU.S. Marine Corps vehicle

brimming with toys, five East TennesseeBridgestone Firestone Affiliate Dealers broughtsome much needed joy to hundreds of areachildren during the 2006 holiday season.

Together with a donation fromBridgestone Firestone North American Tire,LLC (BFNT) and a local Toys “R” Us store, thefive dealers donated more than $4,000 worthof new toys as part of the 2006 U.S. MarineCorps Reserve Toys for Tots annual program.

“We were excited to support such aworthy charity,” said Andy Pace, BFNT AreaSales Manager, who helped coordinate theprogram with the dealers. “We have anobligation as a good corporate citizen toparticipate in activities that support not onlythe places where we live but where we worktoo. Plus, everyone wants kids to have toysfor Christmas.”

Pace got the idea to ask several dealers toparticipate in the 2006 campaign afterworking with Matt McClellan of Stidham Tireand Service in Bristol, Tenn., to support the2005 Toys for Tots program. Pace andMcClellan were so pleased with theexperience that they decided to make itbigger and better for 2006 by inviting four

other area tire dealers to join the cause.The other Tennessee-based dealers—

Greene County Tire in Greeneville, Miller’sTire in Johnson City, Colonial HeightsFirestone in Colonial Heights and Gray Tireand Automotive in Gray—all eagerly andimmediately agreed to participate.

“Christmas is for kids in the first place,”McClellan said. “We want children to knowthat we care about them, and we want themto have something to look forward to onChristmas morning.”

The group of five, self-dubbed the EastTennessee Bridgestone Firestone AffiliatedDealers, advertising jointly, encouragedpeople in the community to bring toys or amonetary donation to their stores during themonth of November. Each dealer alsocontributed $200 with BFNT matching theirdonations for a total of $2,000.

With money in their pockets, the dealersvisited a local Toys “R” Us store in JohnsonCity, Tenn., in early December to buy as manytoys as possible to donate. In support of theirefforts, 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 Reserveunit arrived at the Toys “R” Us store withtwo mini-Hummers and collected thegifts, which completely filled one vehicleand partially filled the second.

In addition to supporting a worthycause, the dealers also garnered positivemedia coverage, which will help driveeven more customers to their businessesin the future.

For Pace, this is just the beginning ofan annual event he hopes will includeeven more BFNT dealers in the future.

“I’ve already had other dealersexpressing their interest in participating,”Pace said. “We are definitely going to dothis again next year, and make it biggerand better.”

Spreading HHoliday JJoy wwith TToysDealer

Members of the local U.S. Marine Corps Reserve unitin East Tennessee help collect more than $4,000 worthof toys collected by the East Tennessee BridgestoneFirestone Affiliated Dealers to support the annual Toysfor Tots program.

What child wouldn’t love topedal away on a shiny new bike?That’s exactly what happenedwhen more than 300 Roanoke,Va.-area kids rode off into thesunset on new wheels thanks inpart to Bridgestone FirestoneNorth American Tire, LLC dealerWhite Tire, LLC, which housed325 bikes at its warehouse aspart of the Roanoke community’sannual Bike Caravan. Deservingchildren were then given thebikes during the 2006 holidayseason. White Tire PresidentLarry DeHaven, in support of theBike Caravan since its inceptionfour years ago, says, “This is agood cause and these bikes goto the families that truly needthem. I’m proud to support it.”Pictured below are White Tireemployees alongside theanticipated wheels.

Kids GGetRolling oonNew BBikes

Consumer

Changes AAbound TThese DDays aat CCFNACFNA is very excitedto announce plans to

scrap its old credit limit policies andimplement new and improved ones.What does this mean to its partners

in the field? Higher credit limits canonly mean one thing: bigger sales!Watch for more news to come inthe next edition of inRoads. Goodselling!

News

9Spring2007 inRoads

Look at what others aresaying about Bridgestone

Firestone North American Tire, LLC and itsproducts!

Major Broadcast—Bridgestone WinterDriving School made appearances on CNN,The Today Show, The Early Show and othersas winter weather struck across the UnitedStates. In addition to providing sound tipsfor winter driving, the media coverage alsohelped showcase the Blizzak tires.

C16 AutoStyle—Jan Morgan took theseat of a Reynard F2000 race car at theBridgestone Racing Academy and wrote thisabout the experience: “The F2000 steering isquick, while communicating loads of trackinformation from the new Bridgestone RE-01R tires, the latest in high performancestreet rubber. The RE-01Rs produce race tire-like grip.” Morgan added, “Throughout thecourse, the RE-01Rs remained perfectlystable and predictable.” (Issue 118, 2006)

5.0 Mustang & Super Fords—TwoBridgestone-brand products receivedpositive exposure in this Mustang enthusiastpublication.

The Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R’s manyfeatures are highlighted, including “…asemi-slick shoulder block that provideslateral stiffness for advanced cornering forceand grip on dry surfaces; cooling slitsengineered in the tread that help dissipateheat and make the tire more durable underhigh-speed, high-temperature conditions;”and tread that is “engineered withBridgestone’s Hydro Evacuation Surfacetechnology that consists of wide lateralgrooves on either side of the center rib, andnose slots that enhance water evacuationand achieve outstanding wet performance.”

The publication also writes that anotherBFNT product, the Bridgestone PotenzaRE050A PP has an asymmetrical treadpattern and smooth shape that “can keep a‘Stang stable as it builds speed on straightsor rockets through turns.” (December 2006)

Corvette Enthusiast—In Hib Halverson’stechnical piece on tires and Corvettes, hewrites, “Admittedly, few Corvetters drive theircars in snow, but their ideal snow tire is onethat is the same size as stock, such as theBridgestone Blizzak WS-50, which is available

in base C5 sizes. Interestingly, if you have acar with Active Handling (along with thestandard limited-slip differential and ABS)and put Blizzaks on all four corners, you’llhave a pretty darn good snow car.”(December 2006)

Road & Track—Dennis Simanaitis andJonathan Elfalan examine tire options for theMazda MX-5 Miata and write this about theBridgestone Potenza™ RE960AS™ PolePosition tires: “It used to be that all-seasontires were real mom-and-pop compromises.But the Bridgestone Potenza Pole Positionare rightly categorized as ultra-high-performance all-seasons. … although suchtires are labeled ‘all-season,’ we see theirreal forte as ‘all-temperature.’ That is, theircompound can withstand an August tripacross wet Texas yet retain its pliability inJanuary North Dakota.” (December 2006)

Tire Review—Mary Aichlmayr alsorecently took a spin around the track at theBridgestone Racing Academy and writes,“[The Academy] helps showcase thetiremaker’s ultra-high performance tires.”(November 2006)

Chevy High Performance—John Nelsonwrites about the Bridgestone PotenzaRE960AS Pole Position, “In our experienceschlepping our Potenza-clad Pontiac G6 testmules through the cones, the new tireprovides what it promises. Grip is good,even in the wet. Turn-in is predictable, evenin slippery conditions. The RE960ASdisplayed excellent response through thetwists and turns, and exhibited good gripduring braking. In short, we were able topush the pace without significant loss ofroad feel, even in an inch of rainwater.”(October 2006)

AutoWeek—In Dutch Mandel’s column,he promotes AutoWeek’s special teen drivingissue and also praises BridgestoneFirestone’s commitment to sponsoringDriver’s Edge, the hands-on teen drivingprogram. He writes, “This mobile driver’straining center for kids is sponsored byBridgestone Firestone, Red Bull and otherintelligent corporate do-gooders who, formore than one reason, value not killing offfuture consumers.” (Aug. 21, 2006) (The Sept.4, 2006, issue is downloadable free at:http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=TEENoffer)

News

Want to make a ‘big’impression at your next event?Then get BIGFOOT or one ofseveral other BridgestoneFirestone North American Tire,LLC mobile marketing tools tomake an appearance at yourlocation. For a minimal cost, aBIGFOOT truck, the BrandEnhancement Show Trailers(B.E.S.T.) and over-sizedinflatables are available forupcoming events.

• To schedule a BIGFOOT truckor a B.E.S.T. trailer, contactJohn Robinson, BrandMarketingSponsorship/Events Manager,BFNT, at (615) 937-3545 orrobinsonjohn@bfusa.com.

• To reserve an inflatable,contact your local area salesmanager.

BIGFOOT®

Visits OOhioRiver VValley

Dealer

Nearly 1,500 visitorsdescended upon Koehler Tire inMadison, Ind., as part of the tiredealership’s BIGFOOTpromotional event. Owner DaveUngru (far right) distributedflyers, advertised in a localnewspaper and held a radioremote at the dealership withhelp from Simms Wholesale.Surpassing all expectations, theevent generated additionalbusiness and raised almost$1,000 for the local Boys & GirlsClub through food donationsand donations from Ungru.

In TThe NNews

10 inRoads Spring2007

Italy CCelebrates EExtraordinary CCareer oof NNative SSonMario Andretti recipient ofCommendatore Honor from the Republic of Italy

When legendary race car driverand long-time Firestone-brandambassador Mario Andretti was aboy, he lived in Istria, a region ofItaly ceded to the formerYugoslavia following World War II.To escape the communist rule ofJosip Tito, his family fled to a refugee campin Tuscany, Italy, where they lived for sevenyears.

There Andretti discovered racing. Heloved it so much, when his parents wantedto seek a better life in America, he didn’twant to go.

“At first we didn’t want to go to theStates—first of all, we thought there was nocar racing here,” Andretti said.

Luckily for racing fans, he was able to findcar racing on this side of the Atlantic.

In honor of Andretti’s achievements thatbegan across the Atlantic Ocean, theRepublic of Italy recently awarded Andrettithe Commendatore dell’Ordine al Meritodella Repubblica Italiana.

The Commendatore, as it is less formallyknown, was presented by Italy’s GeneralConsult to New York, Antonio Bandini, onbehalf of Italian President GiorgioNapolitano during a ceremony at theColumbus Citizens Foundation in New York.

“Throughout his career, Mario Andrettibuilt up a reputation for being able to racein any kind of race car successfully,” Bandinisaid. “He also gained the respect and theappreciation of fellow professionals and thepublic as well, by behaving like a truegentleman, both on and off the track.”

In a career that spanned anunprecedented five decades, Mario Andrettiachieved prominence in almost everycategory of motor racing. His achievementsinclude being a Formula One WorldChampion, Indy 500 winner, Daytona 500winner, four-time Indy Car NationalChampion, USAC National Dirt TrackChampion and three-time winner of 12 Hours

of Sebring. He has also been named by theAssociated Press as the Driver of the Century.

“He is certainly one of the all-time greats ofmotor racing, the only driver to win races infive decades and to be named Driver of theYear in three different decades,” Bandini said.

Many members of the Andretti familywere present to see a beaming Marioreceive the honor, including his son Michael,former race car driver and current AndrettiGreen Racing team owner; his grandsonMarco, also a race car driver; his wife; hissister; and his twin brother.

“It is a great honor that the Italiangovernment has bestowed this honor onme,” said Andretti. “And not just for me butfor my family and for my profession.”

Andretti retired from racing in 1994. He isnow a businessman whose interests includethe Andretti Winery in Napa Valley, apetroleum business in California, several cardealerships, the Mario Andretti RacingSchool in Las Vegas, and the Andretti IndoorKarting and Games facility near Atlanta. Healso makes several appearances each year asa Firestone-brand ambassador.

“The first thing that came to my mindwhen I officially heard that I would receivethis award was about my father, Gigi[Alvise], and the pride he would have feltand my mother, Rina,” Andretti said. “I knowthat tonight they invited St. Peter to jointhem for a cup of grappa.”

Where’s MMario...?Where’sMario

Three generations of race car-driving Andretti men—(pictured, l-r) Michael, Mario and Marco—celebrateat the New York ceremony in which Mario received theCommendatore, the highest honor granted a civilianby the Italian government. Similar to being knighted inGreat Britain, the Commendatore is an honor that hasbeen given to only a handful of Italian Americans.

BridgestoneDueler HH/L400 TTires

are OOriginal EEquipmenton 22007 MMazda CCX-99

OE

Mazda’s all-new seven-passenger CX-9 sport utilityvehicle (SUV) will ride onBridgestone-brand Dueler™ H/L400™ tires.

The 2007 Mazda CX-9,available in three models—Sport, Touring and GrandTouring—will be fittedexclusively with BridgestoneDueler H/L 400 tires in sizesP245/60R18 104H andP245/50R20 102V.

The Bridgestone Dueler H/L400 is a luxury, touring, originalequipment tire that gives CX-9owners command of the roadwith easy-going comfort. Itfeatures an all-season treadpattern for wet and dry traction.

“The Bridgestone Dueler H/L400 tire was designed for SUVsbut delivers the ride andhandling qualities of a passengercar tire,” said Michael Martini,President, Original EquipmentConsumer Tire Division,Bridgestone Firestone NorthAmerican Tire, LLC. “It is aperfect match to the Mazda CX-9, which offers the seating andcargo space of an SUV, butdrives like a sedan.”

The new Mazda CX-9 will beavailable in dealer showrooms inearly 2007.

11Spring2007 inRoads

Safety SScholar BBrings MMario AAndretti tto TTownBridgestone Firestone essay contest winner presented with college scholarship

Sometimes a simple idea can make a bigdifference by saving a life, sending a scholar toschool and even bringing a legend to town.

Just ask Konrad Hughes, a senior atKickapoo High School in Springfield, Mo.

Hughes’ essay on youth driver safetyearned him a college scholarship as one ofthree grand prize winners out of nearly22,000 entrants in the Safety Scholars nationalessay contest sponsored by BridgestoneFirestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT).

Hughes’ winning essay centered aroundusing the Internet, and he suggests givingrewards to motivate young drivers to learnabout safety and practice safe habits on theroad. Hughes suggested that the companycreate a new Web site calledwww.idrivesafe.com where students could goand watch videos about safety and then takeshort quizzes. Students would get a freemusic download for every safety quiz theysuccessfully completed.

Legendary racer Mario Andretti traveled toSpringfield to personally present Hughes witha $2,500 college scholarship. Now, Hughesjust hopes his idea ends up making our roadssafer for everyone.

“I was really excited when I found out thatI was chosen as a winner, and completelythrilled that Mr. Andretti is the one whomade the presentation,” Hughes said. “I havealways admired him, and this award meanseven more to me coming from such a racinglegend and from someone who has madesuch a difference by traveling the countrytalking to kids about tire and driving safety.”

BFNT and Andretti officially launched theSafety Scholars program andSafetyScholars.com Web site in April 2006 aspart of the company’s ongoing commitmentto safety education. Andretti has a longhistory with the company and together theydeveloped the comprehensive MarioAndretti’s Real Information On Safety(M.A.R.I.O.S.) program to teach young driversabout the importance of tire and driver safety.

“Bridgestone Firestone strives to educatedrivers on how essential tire safety is becausetires are the only things connecting yourvehicle to the road,” said John Gamauf,President of Consumer Tire ReplacementSales, BFNT. “We congratulate Konrad along

with all of our winners on their creative ideasabout how to keep young drivers safer onthe roads at all times.”

Along with Hughes, the other 10 winnersare:

• 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. - grandprize winner

• Barcleigh Sandvall - Arlington, Texas

• Adam Strom - San Antonio, Texas

• Tom Wangard - Madison, Wis. - grandprize winner

• Bethan Watson - Helena, Ala.

Each winner received a set of Bridgestone-or Firestone-brand tires and a $500 gas card.The three grand prize winners eachadditionally received a $2,500 collegescholarship and a new laptop computer.

“Everyone who entered the contest shouldbe commended for taking the time to offertheir ideas on how to keep young peoplesafe on the roads,” said Andretti. “Caraccidents are the leading killer of teens in thiscountry, and there’s no one better to deliverthe message of safe driving to teens thanteens themselves. Together, teens and BFNTcan help new drivers learn good, safe habitsfrom the very beginning.”

All of the winning essays can be accessedthrough the SafetyScholars.com Web site.

Feature

Mario Andretti congratulates contest winner KonradHughes following the award presentation ceremony.

2007 JJeep®

WranglerSahara

Dons BBridgestoneDueler 118-IInch TTire

Consumer

Bridgestone-brand Dueler™A/T RH-S™ tires in sizeP255/70R18 112S are fitted onthe next generation 2007 Jeep®Wrangler Sahara. Touted by Jeepas “the most capable off-roadvehicle in the world—and more,”the new Wrangler is available inthree versions: the Wrangler X,Wrangler Sahara and WranglerRubicon.

“We’re honored to be part ofthis exciting, iconic vehicle,” saidMichael Martini, President,Original Equipment ConsumerTire Division, BridgestoneFirestone North American Tire,LLC. “The Bridgestone DuelerA/T’s on-road manners and off-road capabilities are a perfectmatch to the new JeepWrangler.”

The Bridgestone Dueler A/TRH-S, a member of theBridgestone Dueler light trucktire family, is designed for lighttruck owners who want the bestof both worlds—a powerful gripon the most rugged routes and acivilized ride on the highway.

Evolving from Jeep’s 65-yearhistory, the new Jeep Wrangler isdesigned to deliver enhancedoff-road capability, on-roadrefinement, power and fun.

12 inRoads Spring2007

Bridgestone Firestone535 Marriott DriveNashville, TN 37214

Spring 2007

inRoads is a publication producedby the North American ConsumerTire and North American Truck & BusTire Groups of Bridgestone FirestoneNorth American Tire, LLC for thebenefit of our customers.

We welcome and encourage comments about inRoadsor Bridgestone Firestone and the industry in general. Comments,suggestions and requests forinformation should be sent to:

Susan SizemorePublic AffairsBridgestone Americas Holding, Inc.535 Marriott Dr.Nashville, TN 37214sizemoresusa@bfusa.com(615) 937-1417

© 2007 Bridgestone Firestone

In his adventures in Goldfinger,Diamonds Are Forever, Tomorrow

Never Dies and Casino Royale, British SecretService Agent James Bond turned to AstonMartin to get him where he needed to go.Now Aston Martin has turned to theBridgestone brand.

Aston Martin has teamed up with theBridgestone brand once again, choosingBridgestone Potenza™ RE050A™ tires for itsstunning new V8 Vantage, having previouslyfitted the ultra high performance tires on thevehicle manufacturer’s highly popular DB9.The car is the most affordable Aston Martinvehicle launched to date and fuses traditionalstyle with everyday usability.

And like all Aston Martins, it offerselectrifying performance and outstandingagility. Powered by a 4.3 liter engine, the V8Vantage can accelerate from zero to 60 mphin under five seconds and boasts a top speedof 175 mph. The car’s impressive

performance is not only due to its powerfulengine, but also its unique lightweightaluminum structure, which gives it excellentstrength and stability. Perfect 50-50 weightdistribution results in excellent agility,balance and handling, which is furtherenhanced by the Bridgestone Potenza tires.

The Potenza RE050A is the Bridgestonebrand’s flagship ultra high performance tireand is the perfect choice for cars that combinestyle and comfort with blistering pace andresponsive handling capabilities. With an outerpattern featuring large blocks, the tire providessuperior handling and road holding, while itslarger footprint dramatically improvescornering performance. As well as offeringexceptional cornering, the Potenza RE050A’spattern provides rapid water evacuation. Thetire’s contact patch remains clear, so there isless chance of hydroplaning.

Nothing is too good for Bond.

AAssttoonn MMaarrttiinn CChhoooosseess tthhee BBrriiddggeessttoonnee BBrraannddOE