Bridgestone Holds launch event & test drive for new studless tires (video available)

At the outset, Managing Executive Officer Tatsuya Ueda addressed the environmental challenges and issues facing today's automotive society, stating, "Our goal is to realize safe and secure winter driving. We believe communicating why studless tires are crucial to drivers unfamiliar with freezing and snowy conditions is key to achieving that safety and security."

He further introduced the results of a survey asking, "What performance do you seek in studless tires?" Consumers, whether in heavy snowfall areas or non-snowfall areas, most frequently desired "performance on ice." Detailed analysis revealed a specific demand for "sustained braking effectiveness." In response, the company prioritized safety on frozen roads and made the pursuit of ice performance its mission in developing this new product.

The new product achieves significant performance improvements compared to previous models: "10% shorter braking distance on ice," "22% longer wear life," and "31% quieter operation." Utilizing newly developed proprietary technology, it actively removes the water film that causes slippage, ensuring firm contact with icy surfaces to create a tire that resists slipping more effectively than ever before.

Executive Officer Keita Ide stated, "We developed this tire with the goal of enhancing ice performance while supporting everyone's driving life with excellent overall performance. It also offers reassuring handling performance on regular roads compared to summer tires."

Team Bridgestone's women's national ice hockey team, Smile Japan, appeared in a video segment.

Actress Haruka Ayase, who appears in the company's commercials, made an appearance at the venue. Appropriate for a studless tire launch, she took the stage wearing a light blue yukata featuring an ice crystal design, bringing a refreshing coolness to the venue. During the talk segment, when asked to compare choosing replacement tires based on performance to "buying wisely," she smiled and replied, "In summer, air conditioners cool rooms and hallways. Since I'm sensitive to the cold, I carefully evaluate the performance of slippers before buying them."

　
After the presentation, attendees moved to the Shin-Yokohama Skating Center for a test drive event to experience the new product. General users drove vehicles equipped with "BLIZZAK VRX2" tires and vehicles with summer tires on the skating rink, experiencing the overall performance improvement. On-road test drives also confirmed performance comparable to summer tires.
Official website: http://tire.bridgestone.co.jp/blizzak/