|
| New Technologies |
We are a technology-intensive company that invests heavily in research and development programs. Those programs are highly productive, yielding important improvements and completely new products in automotive and nonautomotive applications.
Recent advances in tire technology at Bridgestone include improvements in runflat tires. Those tires continue to function safely for a specified distance at up to a specified maximum speed after a loss of air pressure. In another tire-related advance, we are developing integrated suspension modules with two leading manufacturers of brakes and shock absorbers.
A high priority for us in diversified products is developing energy- and information-related technologies. Energy storage was an early emphasis for us in diversified technologies, and we recently achieved a breakthrough in lithium batteries: an additive that renders the electrolyte solution nonflammable without affecting battery performance. That additive, Phoslyte, could make the power of lithium batteries viable in large applications, such as hybrid cars and electric cars.
In information technologies, we are developing electronic display technologies. Our engineers recently created the high-fluidity Electro Liquid Powder for reflection-type displays. Meanwhile, we supply ceramic components of ultrapure silicon carbide for semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Future advances in all product categories will depend increasingly on progress at the leading edge of scientific understanding. We are nurturing capabilities in nanotechnology and other pertinent disciplines with an eye to developing new materials for tires and for diversified products. |
|
|
 Runflat tires allow a vehicle to continue to travel safely for a specified distance at up to a specified speed after a sudden loss of tire pressure. Bridgestone and Germany's Continental AG each have developed runflat systems that work with conventional wheels, and our two companies have agreed to share the technologies for both of our runflat systems. That sharing will make the benefits of runflat systems available to a wider range of users. Runflat tires based on rubber-reinforced sidewalls, developed at Bridgestone (left) and Support Ring runflat system based on internal rings of rubber and steel, as developed by Continental (right). |
|
|
 Another runflat technology that we have developed is for our GREATEC line of extrawide tires for trucks and buses. We equip GREATEC tires with air-filled AIRCEPT units, which fit flush against the rim inside the tires. If the tire pressure drops suddenly, an AIRCEPT unit expands instantaneously to maintain the tire shape and allow the driver to stop the vehicle safely. |
|
|
 In pursuit of safer and more-comfortable motoring, we have continued to raise the standards for performance in tires and in vibration-isolating components for automobiles. And we are working with Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd., and the shock absorber manufacturer Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd. to convey tire performance more optimally to the road. Our companies are jointly developing integrated suspension modules. |
|
|
