Bridgestone forecasts $9.5 billion in sales for 2005

Feb. 18, 2005

Bridgestone Corp. officials say the company will concentrate on improving the capabilities and flexibility of its tire production plants, boosting operating efficiencies and achieving sales volume growth this year as it strives for $9.5 billion in sales.

Bridgestone subsidiary Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. is predicting gains in passenger, light truck, truck and bus unit sales, plus growth in its retail and diversified products businesses and its Latin American operations.

Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC "remained unprofitable in 2004," according to Bridgestone officials. However, they believe the unit will achieve a pre-tax profit in 2005.

This afternoon, Bridgestone Corp. reported consolidated net income of $1.1 billion on sales of $23.2 billion in 2004.