TOKYO (Sept. 15, 2005) — Bridgestone Corp. will build a proving ground in Yixing, Jiangsu Province, China, at a cost of about $25 million over the next two years. It will be tire maker's 11th proving ground worldwide.
Bridgestone said it has acquired a 900-acre plot of ground for the facility, which will feature a 0.56-mile straight track for high-speed performance tests and a curved track for handling and stability tests.
Bridgestone said the facility will allow it to test tires specifically for the Chinese original equipment and replacement markets, while enhancing the speed and efficiency of development assessment and performance verification. The firm also will use it for local sales promotion activities and training exercises.
Bridgestone said this investment is in line with its aims to strengthen its local research and development capabilities in light of the rapid growth of motorization in China.
Bridgestone announced the investment after being granted permission from Chinese authorities to build the proving ground. Yixing is due west of Shanghai and about 120 miles inland.