Bridgestone is raising tyre prices in Japan

Tokyo -- Bridgestone Corp. said it will raise prices on 1 March, 2008 for tyres, tubes and flaps sold in the replacement market in Japan. Prices for winter tyres will be increased on 1 April, 2008. Specific price increases include 5.5 percent for passenger car and light truck tyres, 7.0 percent for truck and bus tyres, 10 percent for construction vehicle tyres, 7.0~10.0 percent for industrial vehicle tyres, 10.0 percent for motorcycle cross-ply tyres, 7.0 percent for other kinds of tyres, and 10.0 percent for tubes and flaps.

The company blamed the increases on higher prices of raw materials, specifically, natural rubber