NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 1, 2005)—Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire L.L.C. and Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc. are increasing tire prices by as much as 8 percent.
The companies said the hikes affect Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton, associate and private brand passenger and light truck, truck and bus, and agricultural and off-the-road tires. The increases cover tires destined for the aftermarket, original equipment customers and export channels.
BFS said the changes will take place May 1 for truck and bus tires and June 1 for all other tire lines and channels.
Escalating raw material costs, especially for commodities such as petroleum, rubber chemicals, polymers, steel and utilities, are behind the increases, according to Mark Emkes, CEO and chairman of Bridgestone Holding Inc., parent of the two firms.
“Unfortunately, these cost increases simply can not be offset by the enhanced efficiencies and increased productivity that we have implemented at all levels of our company,” Mr. Emkes said. “The action we announced today is a necessary step in addressing these extraordinary cost increases.”