Bridgestone Europe OE fitments up 30% over 2017

BRUSSELS — Bridgestone Corp. garnered 120 new original equipment fitments with 15 vehicle makers in Europe in 2018, a total that represents 30-percent growth versus 2017, the company said.

The fitments were spread across 40 different models from 15 different manufacturers such as Toyota Motor Corp., Mercedes A.G. and Porsche A.G., Bridgestone said.

The company said it also remained "the primary supplier" for Volkswagen Group's Audi, SEAT and Skoda brands, including a doubling of fitments on Audi vehicles over the past five years.

In addition, Bridgestone has taken a strong position with BMW A.G., with fitments on the Munich-based car maker's 3-Series, 7-Series, X5/X7 SUV models and BMW Z4 sports car.

More than 85 percent of the fitments are now for tires with rim diameters of 17 inches or greater, Bridgestone added, without disclosing its overall OE sales or market-share position in Europe.

The Japanese tire maker cited its "tailored" approach toward OE tire development as the reason for its success.

"The tires we are developing today are aimed at meeting needs for the next two to five years," Mark Tejedor, vice president, OE, EMEA, said.

According to Mr. Tejedor, the tailored approach allows Bridgestone to optimize "the unique character" of vehicles, which he said are becoming increasingly "connected, autonomous, shared and electric."

Mr. Tejedor also pointed to Bridgestone's work in "cutting-edge" technologies such as run-flats, noise reduction and tires for electric vehicles as reasons for its OE successes.