Bridgestone's Blizzak winter tire set for September 2014 launch

ERJ staff report (TP)

Brussels, Belgium − Bridgestone will launch its Blizzak LM001 on the market in September 2014.

In extensive testing, the new lamellen Blizzak LM001 is “a step above its predecessor, particularly in snow, wet and wear life”. The first stage of a two-step improvement programme for Bridgestone’s winter range was the introduction of the Blizzak LM-32s tire in August 2013 for drivers of wide-rim, high-performance cars. The “outstanding” performance of the LM-32s won it the prestigious ‘TÜV Performance Mark’.

With Blizzak LM001, Bridgestone has now deployed its latest winter tire construction and pattern technologies for the benefit of compacts, mid-sized cars and executive models.

“With the new Blizzak LM001, Bridgestone now has a complete range of lamellen tires offering drivers high levels of safety, whatever the type of car or winter conditions,” said José-Enrique Gonzalez, Director Marketing, Bridgestone Europe.

The directional pattern of the new LM001 features a “full lug” design which gives better snow traction and braking than its predecessor*, while Bridgestone’s latest sipe design provides plenty of “edge effect” on slippery surfaces. At the same time this latest sipe design helps to provide more even tire wear, giving LM001 longer wear life.

The firm said: “Drivers will feel more confident in the wet as well, thanks to new horn-shaped grooves which clear water and slush and away from the contact patch faster, and the rounded corners of the tread blocks which improve water flow, giving better road contact and grip.”

Bridgestone has also applied its weight reduction programme to LM001. Using new construction materials, the tire is now below the weight of its predecessor, promising motorists better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. Another ecological advantage is reduced noise emissions, achieved by spreading noise energy through a higher number of pitches than its predecessor.

Blizzak LM001 will be introduced in central European and Nordic markets from September 2014 in seven sizes to fit most popular compact and mid-sized models. Additional sizes will be added progressively to complete the line-up.

*Based on internal pre-testing carried out in Bridgestone’s Swedish Proving Ground in 2013.

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Press release from Bridgestone