MUSCATINE, Iowa (May 17, 2010) - Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions (BBTS), a division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, is introducing the new Bridgestonebrand R197 low rolling resistance radial for superior fuel efficiency and long, even tread wear. The R197 is approved for use on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWaySM-certified equipment and is ideal for fleets running California Air Resources Board (CARB)-compliant vehicles. The new tire is suitable for all-position use but is designed for single and tandem axle trailer and dolly applications in long haul and regional haul service.

“The R197 is the next generation trailer tire for fleets who demand exceptional fuel efficiency without sacrificing mileage,” said Chris Hoffman, Manager, TBR & Retread Product Marketing, BBTS. “Its innovative casing and tread compounding promote lower rolling resistance for improved fuel economy, both when R197 is new and when it’s retreaded, which reduces total life cycle costs.”

Building on an energy-efficient casing and adding low rolling resistance tread and sidewall compounding, R197 combines fuel-efficient tread designs and a shallow 11/32˝ tread depth to further increase fuel economy, offering fleet owners exceptional cost per mile.

For long, even tread wear, R197 incorporates the Defense GrooveTM design that helps create uniform pressure across the shoulder to minimize edge wear and cupping. Stress relief siping along the rib edges promote even wear for higher mileage.

A classic straight-rib tread design evacuates water from the footprint for outstanding wet traction, while cross-rib sipes provide solid grip on wet roads.

To enhance durability, the R197 incorporates tough shoulder protector ribs on both sidewalls to fight damage from cuts and abrasion from curbing. When one set of ribs is worn away, the tires can be reversed to expose a fresh set of ribs for continued protection.

The R197 low rolling resistance radial is being introduced in the 295/75R22.5 size with a “G” load rating. For more information on the R197, ask your BBTS sales representative, your dealer or truckstop operator or visit BridgestoneTrucktires.com. For information on becoming a SmartWay fleet, go to www.epa.gov/smartway.

SmartWay is an innovative, voluntary partnership of the EPA that reduces greenhouse gases and improves fuel efficiency in the nation’s trucks and railroads. This voluntary program helps fleets make the right choices when specifying for optimum fuel efficiency – including recommendations for original equipment and replacement tires.

The EPA verifies low rolling resistance tires achieving at least three percent better fuel economy than the average, “best selling” new tire. Fleets participating in the SmartWay partnership must use tires approved by the EPA to maintain their SmartWay status.

About Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions: Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions (BBTS), a division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC, manufactures, markets and sells medium and heavy duty truck tires for the original equipment and replacement markets in the United States, and in Canada, through Bridgestone Canada Inc. Bridgestone, Firestone and Dayton brand truck tires are available through more than 2,500 dealers and truck stops across the U.S. and Canada. In addition, through its Bandag brand, Bandag retreading dealers have access to industry-leading research and development, manufacturing, marketing and sales expertise. This combination of new and retread product offering provides trucking customers with total tire solutions

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