Bridgestone/Firestone debuts new tires at SEMA

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 6)—Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire L.L.C. is displaying new tires at its booth at the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas. The Nashville, Tenn.-based tire maker introduced its W- and Y-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE050, the latest addition to its performance tire family. BFS will begin offering the tire, which has been selected as original equipment for several luxury vehicles, in February. The tire maker also debuted two new, H-rated 20-inch tires from its Bridgestone Dueler H/P tire line. With auto makers increasingly choosing larger rim diameter tires, the additions give BFS the ability to meet "a significant and emerging market segment" on the replacement side, said Phil Pacsi, executive director of North American consumer tire brand marketing. BFS developed another new tire, the Fuzion Zri, for the enthusiast and tuner markets. The tire will be available in 16- to 20-inch sizes, beginning in the spring.