Bridgestone Corp. posted around $7.3 billion in global revenue during the first three months of 2025, up versus the same period in 2024.
The Tokyo, Japan-based company recorded around $767 million in adjusted operating profit during 1Q 2025, slightly down on a year-over-year basis.
In North America, Bridgestone generated revenue of $3 billion, around 98% of its North American sales during the first three months of 2024.
Bridgestone achieved an adjusted operating profit increase in North America during 1Q 2025.
Regional snapshots
Bridgestone officials report that the company enjoyed an increase in profitability in “the premium (PLT) tire business” in North America during the first quarter of 2025, while expanding sales of new TBR tires in the region.
The company’s retreading business in North America also maintained “high market share and profitability.”
In Europe, Bridgestone generated nearly $1.2 billion in sales, slightly up versus last year, while its operating profit grew on a year-over-year basis to $42.8 million.
The company is continuing its “thorough focus on premium” in Europe and “the restructuring and rebuilding from 2024 has started to contribute to profit.”
In Latin America, Bridgestone achieved $509 million in revenue and adjusted operating profit of $13.1 million. Both numbers represented year-over-year declines. “Despite (being) in the recovering phase in Argentina, business deterioration in Brazil continues,” say Bridgestone officials.
Focus on premium
Bridgestone continued its global focus on premium passenger car tires during the first three months of 2025 and plans to “further accelerate (its) premium focus, including expansion of ‘ultra-HRD (high rim diameter) tires” of 20 inches and above.
During 1Q 2025 in North America and Europe, 20-inch and above tires made up 13% of the company’s sales mix in the replacement channel and 32% of its sales in the original equipment (OE) arena.
Bridgestone also intends to expand its OE fitment base “on value creation through ultimate customization enabled by (Bridgestone’s) ENLITEN technology,” according to Bridgestone officials.
Production plans
“While maintaining local production for local sales structures,” Bridgestone is “leveraging the competencies as a global company” in pursuit of “global optimization to respond to challenges and geopolitical risks.”
In the United States, Bridgestone intends to “maximize utilization of existing buildings and equipment,” increasing output by approximately two million units “gradually from the start of 2025 and build structure by the end of 2027.”
The company plans to increase productivity and production in the form of “a small investment” at its plant in Aiken, S.C., while boosting productivity at its Wilson, N.C., plant.
Bridgestone will close its TBR tire plant in LaVerge, Tenn., in July 2025. The decision to shutter the factory “is part of the company’s strategic initiatives to optimize its business footprint, strengthen its competitiveness and enhance the quality of the company’s U.S. operations,” according to Bridgestone officials.
