Bridgestone's net sales increase 6%

Bridgestone Corp., aided by a weakening yen, reported net sales of $17.5 billion in 2001, a 6% increase over 2000.

The company's consolidated net profit decreased by 27%, however. Bridgestone recorded net profits of $967.4 million in 2001, compared to

$1.32 billion in 2000. Net earnings fell 2%.

Bridgestone says it is anticipating demand for replacement and original equipment tires in Japan to remain level this year compared to last year.