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Bridgestone to Increase Production Capacity of Radial Passenger Tires at its Tianjin Plant in China

Tokyo (August 8, 2011) - Bridgestone Corporation announced today that it will increase the production capacity of its Chinese radial passenger tire plant in Tianjin, Bridgestone (Tianjin) Tire Co., Ltd. ("Tianjin Plant" hereafter) to meet the demand for tires in China, which is expected to grow in the medium- to long-term.

Under the current schedule, the Tianjin Plant will begin production at its increased capacity in July 2012. The Tianjin Plant will make a total investment of approximately 1,054 million yuan (approximately ¥15.5 billion), which will boost the plant's production capacity by 8,800 tires per day, enabling it to produce a total of 25,300 tires per day.

The Bridgestone Group particularly plans to expand the production capacity of eco-friendly tires, such as "ECOPIA" brand tires, as well as to start the local production of winter tires in its Chinese tire plant.

The expansion in production capacity at the Tianjin Plant is part of the Bridgestone Group's strategy to bolster its ability to meet the growing demand for radial passenger tires in China. At the same time, the Group is developing systems to enhance its "speed to market" which will improve its ability to quickly meet the product needs of its customers in the Chinese market.

<Outline the Tianjin Plant>
1. Location: Tianjin, China
2. Company name: Bridgestone (Tianjin) Tire Co., Ltd.
3. Representative: Koki Kinoshita
4. Ownership: Bridgestone Corporation-94.5% (including indirect investment)
5. Plant Site: Approximately 250,000 square meters
6. Products: Radial tires for passenger vehicles
7. Start of Production: April 1997 (Date of Acquisition : January 2000)
8. Number of Employees: 1,391 (as of end of June 2011)

About Bridgestone Corporation:
Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.