Bridgestone/Firestone To Launch Firehawk SH30 RFT Run-Flat Tire
7 May 1998
Bridgestone/Firestone To Launch Firehawk SH30 RFT Run-Flat Tire DETROIT, May 7 -- Bridgestone/Firestone, which introduced its
first run-flat tire in the U.S. in 1992, announced today that this summer it
will launch the Firehawk SH30 RFT, a tire designed to travel with no air
pressure for up to 50 miles at 55 mph using conventional wheels.
The H speed-rated Firehawk SH30 RFT includes Bridgestone/Firestone's
exclusive UNI-T(R) technology and will initially be available in three sizes
designed to fit a wide variety of today's vehicles. The product will be sold
through Bridgestone/Firestone certified run-flat retailers beginning August 1.
Bridgestone/Firestone's previous run-flat tire, the Expedia S-01 Run-Flat,
required a special wheel. One challenge in engineering a run-flat tire for
conventional wheels is rim roll-off (when the tire's bead becomes unattached
from the wheel). Therefore, the Firehawk SH30 RFT uses a specially designed
Rim Guard, which helps support the sidewall of the run-flat tire and holds it
on the rim in a no- or low-pressure situation. In addition to Rim Guard, the
Firehawk SH30 RFT features a uniquely engineered bead cable and bead shape
which help hold the tire on the rim with little or no air pressure.
The Firehawk SH30 RFT will be installed with SmarTire(TM) sensors that
will alert the driver of a vehicle when a tire has low air pressure.
Testing has shown that the Firehawk SH30 RFT equals its conventional
counterpart, the Firehawk SH30, in mountability, treadwear and handling. The
Firestone run-flat tire's ride comfort characteristics are only slightly
reduced from the current Firehawk SH30.
In conjunction with the launch of the new tire, Bridgestone/Firestone
retailers who are selected to sell the Firehawk SH30 RFT will undergo an
extensive training course. A retail location must be certified before it can
order a run-flat tire from the company. Bridgestone/Firestone expects to have
initial retailers approved by July.
"We believe that there are a number of consumers who are interested in
run-flat tires," said Bridgestone/Firestone Vice President of Consumer Tire
Marketing Shu Ishibashi, speaking at an Automotive Press Association (APA)
luncheon/press conference today in Detroit. "Therefore, we are happy to be
able to offer those customers run-flat technology, combined with UNI-T(R)
technology."
The Firestone Firehawk SH30 RFT features Bridgestone/Firestone's core
UNI-T(R) technology -- CO*CS(R), O-Bead(R) and L.L. Carbon (R), as well as Rim
Guard.
CO*CS(R) is a Computer Optimized Component System that uses a super
computer to determine the ideal combination of tread design, casing shape,
materials and construction for specific consumer benefits.
O-Bead(R) eliminates overlapped joints in the bead assembly, affecting the
way a tire interacts with a rim by providing a rounder assembly for improved
driving on straight-aways and handling stability.
L.L. Carbon(R), or Long Link Carbon, is an advanced form of carbon black
that absorbs and spreads road stress over a larger area, producing a stronger
tire better able to resist cracking, chipping, tearing and excessive wear.
The Firestone Firehawk SH30 RFT will be available in sizes P195/60R15,
P205/60R15 and P225/60R16. Possible filaments for the tire include the Toyota
Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Contour, Saturn, Mazda 626, BMW 328i, Lincoln
Continental, Acura TL, Nissan Altima, Dodge Intrepid, Pontiac Bonneville SSE
and Cadillac Seville STS.
Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone is the largest subsidiary of
Bridgestone Corporation of Japan, the world's largest tire and rubber company.
Bridgestone/Firestone develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone,
Firestone, Dayton, associate and private brand tires. The company also
produces Firestone air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber, and
industrial fibers and textiles.
SOURCE Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.
