Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. (BSAH) will showcase its vehicle systems, tire design and motorsports involvement in its exhibit at this year’s Chicago Auto Show.
Bridgestone Americas is the exclusive tire company of the show, which opens to the public Feb. 6-15. This marks the first of a three-year commitment by the company to participate in North America’s largest consumer automotive show, the company says.
John Lampe, BSAH chairman, CEO and president, said, "Our participation is a great way to showcase our advancements in technology with a broad range of products. Our exhibit is a reflection of the company's diverse businesses in the Americas, and it also builds on the strong foundation of technological leadership by Bridgestone Corp. and its subsidiaries worldwide."
Bridgestone Americas' exhibit (Booth #10) will feature appearances by several celebrities and company executives and will include a variety of hands-on activities and product displays.
Here's a schedule:
Feb. 5 -- 12:45 p.m. Press conference/lunch
visit with BSAH executives John Lampe, Mark Emkes, Mike Gorey and John Vincent as the company announces the latest news for Praxis, its aftermarket advanced suspension system.
Feb. 7 -- 1-1:45 p.m. Q&A with Mario Andretti and Chicago radio personality Paul Brian.
Feb. 7 -- 2-4 p.m. Mario Andretti autograph session.
Feb. 8 -- 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Bobby Rahal autograph session.
Feb. 8 -- 2-4 p.m. Andrew Firestone autograph session.
Consumers also will see an "in-wheel" drive system display for electric vehicles that includes drive motors inside each wheel.
This system, first exhibited in Japan in October 2003, uses an original damping system to offset vibration to improve handling, safety and comfort. In addition, the company will be showcasing its latest run-flat systems.
Three feature vehicles will be in the display area, including the Firestone Firehawk show car
which typifies an IRL race car; Michael Schumacher's Formula One show car, equipped with
Bridgestone Potenza race tires; and a special Subaru STi -– fitted with Fuzion ZRi tires -– the company's newest tire line targeting the sport compact car and tuner market.
The Subaru STi is also fitted with Praxis, the aftermarket suspension system developed by Bridgestone/Firestone Vehicle Systems.
Tires ranging from passenger and light truck tires from the Bridgestone- and Firestone-brand lines, as well as from BFNT's emerging new brand, Fuzion, will be featured.
On the commercial side of the business, the company will also showcase the Greatec tire and AirCept technology.
