Bridgestone posts record OE fitments in 2018

Brussels – Bridgestone Corp. was selected for 120 new original equipment fitments in the year 2018 in the EMEA region.

Registering a 30% growth compared to the year before, the figure has been described by Bridgestone as its "best OEM results".

The fitments were spread across 40 different models from 15 different manufacturers such as Toyota, Mercedes and Porsche, Bridgestone said in a 7 Jan statement.

In addition, Bridgestone has taken a strong position with BMW, having been selected for the BMW 3-Series, the BMW 7-Series, BMW X5/X7 and BMW Z4.

More than 85% of the fitments are now for tires with a diameter of 17” or greater, Bridgestone added.

The Japanese tiremaker has cited its “tailored” approach towards 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,” said Mark Tejedor, vice president of original equipment at Bridgestone EMEA.

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