Bridgestone Firestone and Bandag will continue to service Ryder

April 16, 2007

Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC (BFNT) and Ryder System Inc. have renewed their long-term agreement that began in 1990.

Under the new agreement, BFNT will supply Ryder's new tire needs, while Bandag Inc. will provide Ryder with retreading services. Bridgestone Firestone and Bandag dealers provide local Ryder facilities with just-in-time inventory, tire maintenance, wheel maintenance, retreading and emergency road services.

"The renewal of our agreement reflects our commitment to continue optimizing fleet efficiencies," says Tony Tegnelia, president of U.S. Fleet Management Solutions for Ryder.

"Bridgestone Firestone and Bandag continue to be valued partners in our commitment to providing our customers with best-in-class value and service.”

On December 5, 2006, Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc., parent company of BFNT, and Bandag announced that they had entered into an agreement pursuant to which Bridgestone will acquire the outstanding shares of Bandag. This transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2007, subject to the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.