Concept vehicle represents a Bright future

Bridgestone tires will be original equipment on the IDEA -- a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle designed to achieve 100 mpg. The vehicle is being designed by Bright Automotive Inc.

Bright Automotive is a new automotive manufacturer focused on producing clean energy vehicles in the United States (see http://brightautomotive.com).

A "green" concept version of the IDEA -- -- was unveiled at a brief ceremony on Capitol Hill on April 21. Members of Congress and representatives from companies involved with this unique vehicle attended the high-profile event.

The IDEA is the first of a series of vehicles Bright Automotive plans to roll out. Its production goal is 50,000 units in 2013. It will be fitted with Bridgestone Ecopia tires.

Bridgestone is targeting fuel efficient vehicles, including hybrids and electric vehicles, with the Ecopia.

"We know it is possible to achieve dramatic, breakthrough fuel efficiency and deliver tremendous customer value," says John Waters, CEO and president of Bright Automotive.