Bridgestone/Firestone introduces H-rated broad-line tire

Feb. 7, 2002

Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire LLC (BFNT) is introducing what it calls a premium mass-market tire, the Firestone Affinity LH30.

The H-rated tire comes with a 70,000-mile limited treadwear warranty and will be available in 20 sizes. But it will not be priced as a premium tire, according to the company.

“We have watched the demand for speed-rated tires continue to increase," said Shu Ishibashi, president of the North American Consumer Tire Sales Group and executive vice president of BFNT. "H-rated tires are being requested 12% more frequently as original equipment on vehicles by the automotive manufacturers.

"Bridgestone/Firestone wanted to establish a new class of tire to provide the H-rated performance while maintaining the benefits of a premium mass market tire -- the ride and mileage -- with the level of confidence normally associated with an H-rated tire. We believe the Firestone Affinity LH30 will prove to be one of the best values in the tire marketplace today.”

The Affinity LH30 features Bridgestone/Firestone's exclusive UNI-T technology, which the company says enhances wear, reduces noise and provides better grip in wet conditions.