TOKYO (Oct. 1, 2001)—Bridgestone Corp. plans to increase annual production of its Potenza run-flat tires seventy-fivefold to 1.5 million units by 2005. The tire maker makes 20,000 run-flats a year now at its plant in Saga Prefecture, Japan.
Following its first commercial fitment on the BMW Z8 two years ago, Bridgestone's Potenza run-flat also is being fitted to the Lexus SC430, and as an option by Toyota Motor Corp. on its new Soarer model and Nissan Motor Co. on its new Infiniti model in the U.S.
If punctured, the Potenza run-flat tires can be driven at speeds of up to 55 mph for 50 miles, according to Bridgestone.