Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) will supply solar car tires using its fuel-efficient tire technology to 32 teams participating in the 2019 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC), for which Bridgestone is the naming rights sponsors.

Held in Australia once every two years, the BWSC is the world’s foremost solar car race. The 2019 race event will begin on October 13, 2019, and racers will compete on a course spanning 3,000 km from Darwin on the northern edge of Australia to Adelaide on the southern edge over a period of approximately five days.

The solar car tires “ECOPIA with ologic” to be supplied to teams competing in this race are fuel-efficient tires designed specifically for solar cars using Bridgestone’s fuel-efficient tire technology “ologic.” “ECOPIA with ologic” tires ensure the necessary durability while featuring reduced rolling resistance. Tires using ologic technology are narrower than standard tires with a wider diameter, making for a shape that realizes high levels of fuel efficiency and safety. The wider diameter limits changes in the shape of the contact patch to yield lower rolling resistance, which improves fuel efficiency. In addition, the narrower shape reduces air resistance while driving.

This event partnership seamlessly aligns with the three priority areas of Bridgestone’s global corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment, Our Way to Serve: mobility, people and environment. The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge embodies that philosophy with their purpose to contribute to the development of solar cars, support young engineers, and contribute to the environment while using a new power source: solar light. The Bridgestone Group employs innovation and technology to improve the way people move, live, work, and play.

Overview of BWSC:

1. Official Name: 2019 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
2. Date: October 13-20, 2019
3. Host Country: Australia (Start: Darwin; Goal: Adelaide)
4. Host: South Australian Tourism Commission
5. Race Classes
(1) Challenger Class
A race to reach the goal the quickest in vehicles designed for speed; vehicles require four wheels and one driver.
(2) Cruiser Class
A race testing vehicles’ energy efficiency and practicality; vehicles must have four wheels and be able to be ridden by one driver and more than one passenger.
(3) Adventure Class
A race open to vehicles that are based on the criteria for participating in previous BWSC races or that otherwise do not meet the requirements to compete in the Challenger Class or Cruiser Class.

About Bridgestone Corporation:

Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.

Bridgestone Americas

Bridgestone Americas

Nashville, Tennessee-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world’s largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its global corporate social responsibility commitment, Our Way to Serve, the company is dedicated to improving the way people live, work, move and play in all of the communities it calls home.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Understanding that Serving Society with Superior Quality is our heritage and our mission, and embracing our responsibility to future generations as a global leader in our industries, Bridgestone and its teammates around the world employ innovation and technology to improve the way people move, live, work and play.

The best companies not only perform for their stakeholders, but also contribute to a better world.

Through innovative technology, Bridgestone is committed to providing easier, safer, smoother and more seamless mobility for its customers. Building on the enthusiasm of its employees to connect with people worldwide, the company is also focused on building safer and healthier communities, and improving access to education. With regard to the environment, Bridgestone continues to work toward a sustainable society by operating in harmony with nature, valuing natural resources, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

People

We are committed to utilizing our strengths and competencies to address health, safety and education issues in our communities.

Mobility

Through innovative technology, we are committed to easier, safer, smoother and seamless mobility for our society and customers.

Environment

We are committed to continually working toward a sustainable society with integrity and in unity with our customers, partners, communities and the world around us.

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