Bridgestone and Continental share run-flat tire technology

Bridgestone Corp. and Continental AG will join forces to create global standards for run-flat tire systems.

The two companies signed an agreement in Tokyo yesterday to provide vehicle manufacturers and consumers with advanced run-flat tire systems for passenger cars and light trucks. Under the agreement, Bridgestone and Continental will supply each other with their run-flat technology, but will continue to develop and market those systems independently.

Bridgestone will furnish its Self Supporting Run-flat Tire (SSR) technology, which has earned multiple fitments from some global auto makers. Continental will share its innovative Conti Safety Ring run-flat system (CSR).

"By combining each company’s strengths, the availability of these (run-flat) systems will increase and with it, customer choice," says John Lampe, chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding Inc.

Details of the cooperation, together with products of the run-flat tire systems developed by the two companies, will be presented in early March 2002 at the Geneva Auto Show.