(Nashville, Tenn., 4-23-03) - Bridgestone has introduced a new, high-tech steer axle radial incorporating innovative technologies to fight irregular wear. Called the R280, the new tire is designed primarily for long distance and long regional hauling, two segments of trucking where steer radials tend to be removed from service for irregular wear rather than because they are worn out.

The R280’s footprint shape automatically optimizes itself during early stages of wear to increase the effectiveness of Bridgestone’s patented Equalizer Rib™ design. The Equalizer Rib structure is just one of several features employed by R280 radials to prevent the initiation and spread of irregular wear.

Among these are stress relief siping along every rib to combat river wear, special sipe contouring to resist block wear, straight-sided ribs and Bridgestone’s Defense Groove™ design to fight wavy and shoulder edge wear.

All of these innovations are combined with an exceptionally wide tread that delivers slow, even wear. In addition, the R280’s ultra-wide tread face can be retreaded with a wide drive tread, a configuration preferred by many fleets and their drivers.

To improve retreadability, the R280 radial’s groove bottoms have platforms designed to prevent retention of casing-damaging stones.

The R280 radial is being introduced in 22.5 and 24.5-inch low profile sizes with a “G” load rating. Standard profile versions will be available later this year.

More information on the new Bridgestone R280 radial is available from Bridgestone dealers, by calling 1-800-543-7522, or by visiting the company’s web site, www.trucktires.com.

Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, agriculture and other tires to its customers in the Americas.

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