LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 21, 2013) — Bridgestone Commercial Solutions, a unit of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, is launching its new Firestone campaign, "Those With Drive, Drive a Firestone," at the Mid America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville.
The new campaign coincides with a major launch of new tires, Bridgestone said, featuring technological advancements that specifically address the needs of drivers and small fleet owners who seek fuel savings, long wear and casing durability.
The new tires — FS591 steer, FD691 drive, and FT491 all-position radials — meet Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay and California's Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements for fuel efficiency without sacrificing removal miles, Bridgestone said. The Firestone FS820, an all-position tire designed for the rigors of on/off-highway service, features strong traction, long wear life and responsive handling, according to the Nashville-based tire maker.
"Becoming a trusted advisor to and exceeding the needs of small business owners is at the center of our campaign and its featured products," said Matthew Stevenson, the newly named vice president of marketing, Bridgestone Commercial Solutions.
"Thanks to customer feedback, our new products specifically cater to the needs of these owners—a lower cost-per-mile through long wear, fuel savings with our Firestone eco-Products, and excellent retreadability, which extends the life of the casing.
"These new Firestone tires also reflect a marked improvement in our product development cycle, bringing new and exciting products to market faster with a robust focus on innovation."
Bridgestone said the Firestone "F-shield" serves as the cornerstone for the campaign, promoting iconic reflection on the past while looking forward to new Firestone innovation available today.
The company added that the "Those With Drive, Drive a Firestone" campaign speaks to the values of small business owners and captures the essence of tires that help move business forward with customer-focused attributes that promote a lower cost per mile. These include:
- Longer-wearing compounds;
- Fuel-saving sidewall designs; and
- Fuel efficient tread patterns.
Bridgestone noted that in 1918 the former Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. introduced its "Ship by Truck" campaign "and the freight industry took off. For more than 100 years, Firestone and trucking have been united in the business of moving products and services."
The MATS is taking place March 21-23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.